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https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Bath-Bombs | How to Make Bath Bombs | To make your own bath bombs, first add 1 cup (180 grams) of baking soda to a medium-sized bowl. Then, add ½ cup (125 grams) of citric acid, ½ cup (120 grams) of Epsom salt, and ½ cup (75 grams) of cornstarch. Whisk the dry ingredients together until there are no clumps. In a separate bowl, combine 2 ½ tablespoons (40 milliliters) of almond or coconut oil and ¾ tablespoon (12 milliliters) of water. Add 12 to 15 drops of your favorite essential oils and 4 to 5 drops of food coloring, then stir the wet ingredients together. Next, add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) at a time so the mixture doesn't fizz. Whisk after each addition. When all the ingredients have been added, pack the mixture into bath bomb molds to shape it. Let your bath bombs dry for at least 24 hours, then remove them from the molds when they feel dry to the touch. | Gather all your ingredients. Combine the powders. In a large non-reactive mixing bowl, add your citric acid, baking soda, and corn starch. Use your hands, a whisk, or a mixer to thoroughly incorporate all these dry ingredients together. If desired, you could measure in 1/4 cup (60 ml) of Epsom salts after stirring the other ingredients together. Doing so is optional, however. Add a bit of water or oil. Use a spray bottle to lightly dampen the mixture you've just created. Add only enough water so that the dough is compactable, but avoid adding so much that it becomes fizzy and must be started over. Pour in your essential oils and food coloring. When your mixture can be easily molded in your hands, add a few drops of essential oil and food coloring to your liking. Feel free to mix multiple scents and colors to create a combination unique to you. Lavender is a popular fragrance for relaxation, and eucalyptus is popular for added energy or sinus relief. Feel free to use your favorites! Press the mixture into molds. Use dome molds or a mold with rounded edges and press the bath bomb dough into it. Use a lot of pressure to compact the mixture firmly into the molds, to prevent cracking. Silicone candy molds can be used if you want to make smaller bath bombs. Let the bombs dry. Leave the bath bombs in the molds for at least 24 hours. Place the molds in a cool, dry area away from moisture. If after 24 hours the bath bombs still feel slightly damp, remove them from the molds and allow them to air dry independently. Store the bath fizzies. When the bath bombs no longer feel damp to the touch, remove them from their drying area and store them in an airtight container. Keep the bombs away from moisture to prevent premature fizzing, and enjoy them in your next bath! Gather your ingredients. This version will soften and moisturize your skin more than the standard variety. Mix the dry ingredients. Stir together cornstarch, baking soda, and citric acid powder until well mixed. Use your hands or a whisk/beater to do this for larger batches. Add in the liquid ingredients. Pour the cocoa or shea butter, almond oil, and coconut oil into the mixture. Combine all the ingredients until a dough-like substance has been formed. Note that coconut oil is solid at room temperature. You can gently heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt it before adding it to the mixture, or you can use fractionated coconut oil that comes in liquid form at room temperature. Mix in colors and scents. To make your bath bombs extra luxurious, add in your favorite essential oil (up to 6 to 10 drops). Feel free to mix multiple scents together to create a unique combination. Add several drops of food coloring to change the color of your bath bombs, and stir the mixture well to combine thoroughly. Consider using lavender, chamomile, or lilac for a scent that's both luxurious and relaxing. You can also use pre-made or homemade oil blends of your own preference for something unique. Set the mixture in molds. Use domed molds or any mold that lacks corners, and press the bath bomb mixture into the mold. Pack the mixture firmly so that the finished bomb won't have cracks or crumble apart. Small silicone molds, like those used in candy making or for small baked goods, are another option worth considering as long as you don't plan on reusing them for food later on. Allow the bombs to dry. Set the mold with the bath bombs in a cool, dry area for at least 24 hours to ensure that all moisture has evaporated. If necessary, you can pop the bath bombs from the molds after the first 8 hours and place them in a dry towel to expedite the process. Store the bath bombs. When the bombs feel dry to the touch, remove them from their molds or drying towel and place them in an airtight container. Keep them away from moisture until they are ready to use. Enjoy your new bath bombs in a relaxing bath! Try to use or gift your new bath bombs within a few months to enjoy them before they fall apart or otherwise decrease in quality. Gather all your ingredients. This recipe will also add a moisturizing effect to the bath bombs, while simultaneously cooling and nourishing your skin. Incorporate all the dry ingredients. Mix together the baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, Epsom salts, and powdered milk in a medium glass mixing bowl. You can use a low-speed mixer, whisk, or your hands, so long as all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Your hands will usually suffice for small batches like the one detailed here, but a whisk or mixer may be required for larger batches. Add the wet ingredients. Slowly pour in the olive oil and cocoa butter, mixing gently with your hands. Use a spray bottle to add equal parts witch hazel and lukewarm water until the dough is solid enough to be compacted. Don't add too much moisture, though, as this will cause the dough to begin fizzing before it is even finished. Mix equal parts witch hazel and water in the spray bottle beforehand, then spritz the bath bomb ingredients with the mixture two or three times. Re-stir the mixture and try compressing it with your hands; if it doesn't stick together, add more moisture and repeat. Add your color and scent. Use one or more essential oils of your choice to add to the mixture. Use up to 6 to 10 drops, knowing that the scent will be a bit stronger when added to the warm bathwater. You can additionally choose to add food coloring to the mix to stray away from a traditional white bath bomb. Popular scents include lavender, rose, lilac, and eucalyptus, but feel free to use your favorite scent or experiment with scent combinations. Put the dough in molds. Pack the powdery dough down into dome or rounded molds to create a shape. Be sure to press firmly so that the dough sticks well and doesn't form cracks when dried. Silicone candy molds that you don't plan on using for food are another option worth considering. Let the bath bombs dry out. Place the dough in the molds in an area that is cool and dry for at least 24 hours. When the moisture has completely evaporated from the bath bombs and they are dry to the touch, they can be removed from the molds. Store the bath bombs. Place all of the bath bombs in a sealable container away from moisture. When you're ready to use them, simply place one in your bath and enjoy the milky fizz it creates! Use these bath bombs within a month or two for best results. Gather the ingredients. This version includes dried herbs and flowers directly in the bath bombs for a pretty, natural appearance. Measure out the citric acid and bicarbonate of soda/baking soda. Add to the bowl. You should be able to find citric acid from wine making suppliers or supermarkets. Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda can be found in a standard baking aisle. Make a well with your fingers in the middle of the bowl after mixing the two ingredients together. Pour in essential oil and other accents. You can also use old perfume. Add about 5 sprays of perfume or 5 drops of oil. Then pour in the food coloring, dried herbs or petals and cosmetic glitter, if you want them. If adding glitter, it must be cosmetic glitter. Do not use craft glitter. Place the rubber gloves on. With your fingertips, mix the mixture in the bowl, making sure there are no food coloring lumps in the mixture. Citric acid can irritate exposed skin. Spray 10 times on top of the mixture. Use a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water. This binds it all together. If the mixture doesn't hold together after spraying it, try spritzing it once or twice more. Continue until you feel it is held together perfectly. Fill the molds. After you have sprayed the mixture, it starts to harden, so you need to be quick. Pick up little handfuls of the bath bomb mixture and compress it down into large dome molds or silicone ice cube tray holes. Layer the mixture on top of the last layer. Push down hard to get the best results. Leave overnight. The next day, they should be dry. When they are, you can push out your bath bombs and use them! Use within several months. | Gather all your ingredients. Combine the powders. Add a bit of water or oil. Pour in your essential oils and food coloring. Press the mixture into molds. Let the bombs dry. Store the bath fizzies. Gather your ingredients. Mix the dry ingredients. Add in the liquid ingredients. Mix in colors and scents. Set the mixture in molds. Allow the bombs to dry. Store the bath bombs. Gather all your ingredients. Incorporate all the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients. Add your color and scent. Put the dough in molds. Let the bath bombs dry out. Store the bath bombs. Gather the ingredients. Measure out the citric acid and bicarbonate of soda/baking soda. Pour in essential oil and other accents. Place the rubber gloves on. Spray 10 times on top of the mixture. Fill the molds. Leave overnight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Report-a-Missing-Person-in-the-U.S | How to Report a Missing Person in the U.S | To report a missing person in the US, call your local police department as soon as you realize they're missing. Some departments will ask you to wait 24-72 hours before filing a report unless the circumstances are especially concerning, but it's best to call them anyway. Tell them you'd like to report a missing person and give details like their name, date of birth, when you last saw them, and a physical description of them. You should also tell the police if the person has any mental or physical issues that make them particularly vulnerable. After your initial report, keep the police updated with any new details you discover about the missing person. | Call the local police department once you notice the person is missing. If you are worried about the person or know they have physical or mental issues, contact local law enforcement right away. You should also reach out if the person is under 18 years old or 65 years or older. Time is usually of the essence in missing person cases. Search for the phone number of your local police department online. Do not touch the missing person's things, such as their room, clothing, or car, or tamper with their social media accounts, as they may be used as evidence later by the police. Ask to file a missing person’s report. Explain to the officer that you would like to report a missing person and specify how long the person has been missing, or the last time you saw them. Some police departments will ask you to wait 24-72 hours to file an official report, unless the circumstances of the missing person appear dire or concerning. You can try to get the police to file the official report if you are very worried about the person or if you think they may be missing due to foul play or suspicious circumstances. Provide personal information about the missing person. To file the missing person report, you will need to tell them the person's full name, date of birth, and residential address. The police will ask for a physical description of the person as well details about the clothing they were last seen wearing and any physical or mental issues they may be experiencing. You can also offer to send the police a scanned photograph that is current of the person or drop off the photograph in person. The police can then add the photograph to the report. Contact local law enforcement within a few days to follow up on the report. The police should keep you up to date with the status of the report within the next few days. You should also make it a priority to call them regularly to see if they have turned up any leads on the missing person. Reach out to friends, family members, and community members while you wait to hear back from the police. The more people who know the person is missing, the more likely they are to be found. Update the report with more detailed information as needed. If the missing person report stays open for several weeks, the police may ask you to provide bank records, cell phone records, and social media account information for the person to help locate them. They may also ask you to give dental records for the person, through their dentist, and DNA samples so they have them on hand in the event they need to identify the missing person. You can provide a DNA sample if you are related by blood to the missing person. You will need to provide a swab from the inside of your cheek. Report the missing person to the FBI. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) can help you locate the missing person, especially if they are missing due to foul play or suspicious circumstances. You can report the missing person to the FBI by calling them and providing personal information about the person as well as the circumstances of their disappearance. Find the FBI field office in your state here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/International-Parental-Child-Abduction/prevention/find-resources-in-your-state.html. Have the person’s name entered into the NCIC database if they are under 18 years old. The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a resource for missing persons under 18 years old, as it allows other law enforcement to access information about missing children and search for them. Ask your local law enforcement to help you enter the missing person's name into the NCIC database or contact the NCIC directly at: 1-800-843-5678. The NCIC is also a good resource if you think the missing person has been kidnapped or taken against their will. Put the person’s information up on missing person websites. You can also report the person missing by posting their information on websites set up to distribute information about missing persons, such as NamUs.com. Putting information and a current photograph of the person on these websites can help to increase your chances of finding them. Most of these websites are free to use and can help you circulate information about the person nationally and internationally. Circulate information about the missing person on social media. Another good option is to post information about the person on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to help get the word out they are missing. Include detailed information about the person, such as their full name, where they were last seen, and what they could be wearing. You should also include a contact number for your local police department so people call in if they have tips on the person's whereabouts. Make sure you also include a clear, current photo of the person in the social media posting. Be wary of tips from strangers claiming to have seen the missing person and only pay attention to tips that seem legitimate. Report any legitimate tips to the police so they can investigate. Contact the media about the missing person. Spread the word that the person is missing by contacting local news media outlets, such as your local television news station, newspapers, and local online news publications. Get in touch with the editor of the news outlet and tell them about the person who is missing. Ask them to do a story on the person on the news to help aid in the search to find the person. If you get any tips on the person's whereabouts through the media, pass them on to the police so they can look into them further. | Call the local police department once you notice the person is missing. Ask to file a missing person’s report. Provide personal information about the missing person. Contact local law enforcement within a few days to follow up on the report. Update the report with more detailed information as needed. Report the missing person to the FBI. Have the person’s name entered into the NCIC database if they are under 18 years old. Put the person’s information up on missing person websites. Circulate information about the missing person on social media. Contact the media about the missing person. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Escape-from-a-Sinking-Car | How to Escape from a Sinking Car | To escape from a sinking car, start by opening your window and taking off your seat belt. Don't try to open the door since it will speed up how quickly you're sinking and you won't be able to open it enough to get out because of the water pressure. If you can't open your window, break it open with a heavy object, your foot, or the metal inserts on your headrest. Once you've managed to break the window open, swim out of it and to the surface as quickly as possible. | Brace yourself for impact if you’re the driver. As soon as you're aware that you're going off the road and into a body of water, adopt a brace position. If you're driving the car, place both hands on the steering wheel in the "10 and 2" positions. The impact of your car hitting the water could set off the airbag system in your vehicle, and any other brace position could cause serious injury in such an event. Don't try to brace yourself if you're a passenger. Putting your head down or raising your arms could increase your chances of being injured in the crash. Try to remain calm and act quickly. Panic reduces energy, uses up precious air, and causes you to blank out. As soon as you see that you are about to head into a body of water, take a couple of deep breaths and tell yourself “I need to stay focused and act immediately.” Focus on what is happening in the moment and on the steps you will need to take to escape. Say to yourself, “I need to unbuckle my seatbelt, open a window, and get out.” You will have only about 30-60 seconds to act before your car sinks below the water and escape becomes nearly impossible. Undo your seatbelt. As soon as you hit the water, unbuckle your seatbelt. You won't be able to exit the car if you're strapped in. This is the first step in the S.W.O. (Seatbelts off, Window open or broken, Out (Children First)) protocol developed by car safety expert Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht. If there are children or other passengers in the car who may need help, don't worry about unbuckling them yet. Your first priority is to unbuckle yourself so you can open up an escape route as quickly as possible. Open a window as soon as you’ve unstrapped yourself. After unbuckling your seatbelt, act quickly to open your window before the water rises above window level. Once there is water pressing against the window, it will become nearly impossible for you to open or break it. If your car has electrical windows, they should continue to function for a few minutes after you enter the water. Don't try to escape through a door. The pressure of the water outside the door will make it nearly impossible to open within a few seconds of impact with the water. Even if you do manage to open the door, it will cause the car to flood with water and sink more quickly. Break a window if you can’t open one. If you aren't able to open the window, or if it only opens halfway, you'll need to break it. If you don't have a glass-breaking tool (such as a center punch or a glass-breaking hammer) on hand, remove a headrest from one of the seats and strike the lower corner of a window several times with the tongs on the bottom. Since the front of the car is heaviest and will likely sink first, don't try to escape through the windshield. The windshield is also designed to be more difficult to break than the other windows. Instead, break the driver's side window or a rear passenger window. If you have no tools or heavy objects to break the window with, use your feet. Kick near the front of the window or along the hinges rather than in the center. Get any children out first. If there are children in your car, unbuckle them immediately and push them out through the open window. It will be easier for you to get them out and then follow them than it would be for you to come back and rescue them after getting yourself out. If there are multiple kids in the car, start by helping the oldest one. They may be able to help the younger kids get to safety. Escape through the opened or broken window. Once the window is open and you've gotten any children out, climb out as quickly as you can. Your car may already be filling with water and sinking fast at this point, so be prepared to swim up and out through the window. If you have to swim to get out, do not kick your feet until you're clear of the car—you could injure other passengers. Use your arms to propel you upward. Try to open a door if the car is submerged. If you're not able to open a window before the car sinks, you may still be able to escape through a door. Take a few slow, deep breaths while there is still air in the car, then unlock the nearest door. Once the car is full of water, the pressure inside and outside the car will equalize, making it possible to open the door. Hold your breath and push hard against the door while pulling on the handle to open it, then swim up and out. It takes 60 to 120 seconds (1 to 2 minutes) for a car to fill up with water. Unfortunately, your chances of successfully escaping in this situation are very low unless you have an oxygen supply. Continue to breathe normally until the water is at chest level, then take a deep breath and hold your nose. Stay calm. Keep your mouth closed to preserve your breath and to prevent water from entering. If exiting via an open door, place your hand on the door latch. If you are unable to see it, use a physical reference by stretching your hand from your hip and feeling along the door until you locate the latch. Swim to the surface as quickly as possible if you’re submerged. Push off the car and swim to the surface. If you don't know which way to swim, look for light and swim toward it, or follow any bubbles you see as they will be going up. Be aware of your surroundings as you swim and surface; you may have to deal with a strong current or obstacles such as rocks, concrete bridge supports, or even passing boats. If it's ice-covered water, head for the obvious hole created by the car's impact. Do your best to avoid injuring yourself on obstacles, and use branches, supports, and other items to cling to if you're injured or exhausted. Call emergency services once you’re out. After you've successfully escaped the car and made it to the surface, call 911 or your local emergency number to report the accident. If you left your phone behind, hail a passing motorist who can call for help and provide you with warmth, comfort, and a lift to nearest hospital if necessary. The adrenaline in your bloodstream after the escape may make you unable to detect any injuries you may have sustained in the accident, so get a medical evaluation as soon as you can. Hypothermia may be a real possibility, depending on the water temperature, the level of shock passengers and drivers are experiencing, and the external temperature. Review the S. W.O. routine with your family. You will have a better chance of successfully escaping a sinking car if you already know what to do ahead of time. Talk to your family or anyone else who rides with you routinely about the correct steps to take in a water accident. Practice this escape routine mantra: S eatbelts off. W indow open or broken. O ut (children first). Keep a glass-breaking tool in your car. Breaking your window in the event of a water emergency will be much easier if you keep a specialized tool in an obvious and easily accessible place. Get a center punch, a glass-breaking hammer, or a glass breaking keychain (such as the ResQMe tool) and keep it with you any time you are in your car. You could hang the tool from your rearview mirror or attach it to your keychain for quick access. Practice unbuckling your children quickly. When you're trying to get kids out of the car in an emergency, getting their seatbelts unbuckled fast enough can be a challenge—especially if they're in car seats. Practice unbuckling your kids as quickly as possible. Once you're comfortable doing that, try unbuckling them with your eyes closed. You might also keep a seatbelt cutting tool on hand in case unbuckling the seatbelts is too difficult. | Brace yourself for impact if you’re the driver. Try to remain calm and act quickly. Undo your seatbelt. Open a window as soon as you’ve unstrapped yourself. Break a window if you can’t open one. Get any children out first. Escape through the opened or broken window. Try to open a door if the car is submerged. Swim to the surface as quickly as possible if you’re submerged. Call emergency services once you’re out. Review the S. Keep a glass-breaking tool in your car. Practice unbuckling your children quickly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Therapist | How to Become a Therapist | To become a therapist, start by deciding what field of therapy you want to pursue, such as social work, psychiatry, or family counseling. Then, get a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, and a graduate degree in your chosen specialty. You'll also need to get clinical experience by working in a clinic or private practice for at least 2 years. Afterwards, take the licensing exam required by your state to become a licensed therapist. | Know the available opportunities. Therapists share in common the will to help people by providing them with council, but there are many different jobs that fall under this umbrella. Consider the following therapy-related positions: Counselors help specific populations in places like schools and churches. A counselor does not need specific training to establish a practice, but most do take specific courses to earn credentials. Social workers have master's degrees and are typically employed by agencies to work with individuals or families requiring counseling. Some social workers specialize in counseling children. Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) often have private practices and provide couples therapy in addition to therapy for individuals and families. Psychologists have PhDs and study major approaches to therapy, including cognitive, behavioral, humanistic and psycho dynamic approaches, and work with individuals experiencing depression and other illnesses. Psychologists conduct psychological tests and provide talk therapy to their patients, but in most cases can't prescribe medications or other medical interventions. Psychiatrists are actually medical doctors who study psychiatry after finishing medical school. Psychiatrists conduct medical tests, prescribe medications and work with primary physicians and other psychotherapists to devise a course of treatment for their patients. Talk to therapists. If you're deciding which type of therapy will be the right fit for you, conduct research by talking with therapists who have chosen a variety of different career paths. Different types of therapists have different strengths and skill sets. Psychologists, for example, spend time conducting research on different types of therapy. Social workers often enter intense situations and serve as mediators between upset parties. Shadow different therapists to decide what's right for you. Ask therapists about the educational paths they took to get to their positions. Begin crafting a plan for a career in therapy. Some degrees take many years to pursue, and it takes extra time to find the right job and build a practice. As soon as you know the general area that interests you, lay out a plan for yourself. Get a college degree. No matter what type of therapy you decide to pursue, you'll need to start with a bachelor's degree. Consider majoring in psychology, and study both the sciences and the humanities, since both areas play into the work of a therapist. If you know exactly what graduate program you want to pursue, make sure you take all the prerequisite courses. Earn a graduate degree. Apply to graduate programs that will prepare you for the career you have chosen. Complete either a master's or PhD program. Most programs will include classroom work, research, fieldwork and supervised psychotherapy. Keep your career goals in mind as you pursue your degree. Choose classes that will help you learn as much as possible about the type of therapy in which you plan to specialize. Get clinical experience. The requirements for clinical experience vary according to the degree you obtain, but in most cases two years of experience working as a therapist in a clinic or private practice is mandatory before you can become a licensed. The experience must be at a postgraduate level and take place under a licensed therapist's supervision. Clinical requirements are much more rigorous for people pursuing psychology and psychiatry. Get licensed. Most states require that therapists pass a licensing exam in addition to obtaining a master's degree and at least two years of clinical experience. Research the exam requirements in your state in order to prepare for the exam and pass it. Renew your license every year according to the laws of your state. Work for an institution. Look at job listings for candidates with your education level and experience at schools, public health clinics, hospitals, and other places that hire therapists. Work as part of a group practice. Many therapists share office space in collectives, using their different areas of expertise to serve the needs of a community of clients. Research collectives in your area and contact them to find out if you might join them. Start your own practice. As you build confidence and form relationships with clients, you may want to start an independent practice. Rent office space in a building or meet with clients in your home. | Know the available opportunities. Talk to therapists. Begin crafting a plan for a career in therapy. Earn a graduate degree. Get clinical experience. Get licensed. Work for an institution. Work as part of a group practice. Start your own practice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Book-Safe | How to Make a Book Safe | To make a book safe, start by mixing 4 parts glue to 1 part water, which will create a glue sticky enough to close the book but not too sticky that it's hard to spread across the pages. Before you begin, you'll also want to wrap the book's cover and first few pages in plastic so your book isn't glued completely shut after your glue dries. When you've securely wrapped those pages, use an old paintbrush to "paint" the sides of your book with glue until they're completely covered. Then, weigh down the book and leave it to dry for at least 24 hours. Once the glue is dry, open the pages you didn't glue shut, and use a pen to mark how big you want your secret compartment to be. Finish by carving that compartment out with a sharp utility knife. | Select a hardcover book. If you don't want to damage any of your own, antique stores often sell unwanted old books for next to nothing. Make sure the book is thick and wide enough to store the objects you plan to hide. The book that makes the best hiding spot has a similar subject matter and size as the other books on the shelf. A boring title also helps deter people from picking it up. Choose a starting page for the compartment. Flip through the book and choose the page you'd like to see on the left hand side, opposite your compartment. People often choose an illustration near the front of the book. If you want a larger compartment, you can plan to start cutting at page 1 and just leave the front cover. Turn one additional page. Once you've chosen the starting page, turn the next page over to the left. You'll end up cutting this page eventually, but since it will be the top page of your compartment, it needs extra attention later on to keep it looking nice. Wrap the front section in plastic. Using plastic wrap or a plastic bag, wrap the front cover along with all the pages on the left hand side. Hold it in place with tape or a loose rubber band. This will protect these pages from glue. Wrap the back cover in plastic as well. The back cover will be the base of your compartment. Once you're sure both ends of the book are fully covered, you can shut the book. If you like, you may repeat the steps above and choose an "end page" for the compartment as well, but this often looks messy by the time the project is done. Mix a little water into a container of white glue (recommended). You can use plain white glue, but it's usually a little too thick to spread easily. Pour the glue into a cup and mix in a little water at a time, until it's slightly runny (usually around 80% glue / 20% water). Don't overdo it, as too much water may cause the pages to warp. If you want to bypass these problems, visit a hobby shop and purchase glue intended for jigsaw puzzles. This should dry clear without warping. Glue the sides of the pages together. Brush on one or two thin layers of glue along the outside pages of the book, on all three edges. Check thoroughly for drips before you continue, and wipe them away with the paintbrush. If the coat of glue is too thick, it will take longer to dry and may add bubbles and lumps to the pages. Weigh down the book until the glue is dry. Place the book on newspaper and set several heavy objects on top of it, such as paperweights or other books. This pressure will help the pages dry together with minimal warping. Retrieve the book once the pages are firmly dried together. This can take as little as one hour, or as long as 24 hours in cool, humid conditions. If the pages are not firmly stuck together by the time the glue is dry, brush on another thin coat and let dry. Good air circulation will speed up drying. Try pointing a fan so it blows across the drying paper. An air purifier is even better if you happen to have one, as it also removes some of the mold spores that attack old or wet books. Draw the secret compartment. Open the book to the first piece of plastic. On the right hand page, draw the rectangular outline of the compartment with a pencil and ruler. Work in long, straight lines, and leave a border at least ¾ inch (19 mm) on all sides to prevent tears. Extend each line past the corners of the compartment. This will help guide your cuts. Cut through the outline with a utility knife. Place the ruler along one of the lines you drew. Hold a sharp utility knife alongside the ruler, at a 90º angle from the paper. Start about ½ inch (1.25 cm) outside of the rectangle, and bring the knife down along the line pressing down hard. Repeat this cut along the same line about four times, then cut all other sides of the compartment the same way. Be patient. Don't try to cut through more than ¼ inch (6mm) at a time. Rushing will create jagged edges and increase the risk of cutting yourself. Remove loose pages and continue cutting. Carefully tug out the cut paper, slicing through any corners that are still attached. Continue cutting down along the edges of the compartment, keeping it as straight as possible. Repeat until you reach the piece of plastic at the back of the book. A typical hardcover book typically blunts three or four utility knife blades. Put in a new one each time cutting becomes difficult, or this project will take all night. Put a piece of corrugated cardboard above the plastic to prevent you from cutting through by accident. Clean up the edges. Tug or slice off any scraps of paper along the inside edges of the compartment. Cut through the corners again if you need to; they usually get pretty messy. Glue the inside of the compartment. Apply the same diluted glue to the inside edges of the compartment. Just use a thin layer, and wipe up any glue that runs to the base of the hiding spot. Glue the top page over the compartment. Remember that extra page you saved at the beginning? Take it out of the plastic and glue this page over the top of the compartment, carefully lining it up with the page beneath it. This covers up the pencil marks and cut marks. To line it up exactly, start by lowering the edge next to the spine of the book, and smooth it down with your palm. Glue the compartment to the base of the book. Unwrap the back cover and any pages you were saving. Lift the compartment and brush glue onto the underside, then press it down over the base of the book. For a fancier-looking compartment, glue something decorative to the base first. Try a square of felt, or an illustrated page from the book. Weight down and let dry. Since the wet glue is not exposed to the air this time, it may take several hours longer to dry than the outside did. Cut out the top page. You don't want your compartment covered, of course. Cut out a rectangle in that single page so it matches the pages beneath it. Now your book safe is ready to hold your treasures. Use the nail down method for paperbacks and extra thick books. Gluing the pages together before cutting keeps them steady, but this makes deep cuts awkward and still doesn't hold a paperback in place all that well. Try this method instead for these projects: Take two small pieces of fiberboard (or any similar scrap board) and sandwich the pages you plan to cut between them. Hammer four finishing nails through the top board and most of the pages, almost to the bottom board. Cut through the first layer of pages as usual and rip them out. Turn the top board and hollowed-out pages over and secure with a weight or rubber band. Repeat to cut through the rest of the book. The nails hold the pages in place, and turning the completed pages over improves your access to each fresh page. Cut with a scroll saw for intricate designs. Use the "nail down" approach described above to hold the pages steady. Trace a design on the board — as intricate as you like — and cut through from one board to the other using a scroll saw. Preferably, use a blade with a relatively low number of teeth per inch. If you reach a turn too sharp for the scroll saw, withdraw the saw and start again from an additional pilot hole. Book dust, especially from old musty books, can cause allergic reactions, breathing problems, and infections. Wear a respirator mask while cutting and work in a well-ventilated area. A dremel doesn't give you the same level of control, but it can speed up cutting the rectangle in the basic method above. Punch out paper quickly with a hole saw. Drill a hole through a piece of lumber using a hole saw. Clamp this over the pages you want to cut, with a solid piece of lumber on the other side. Drill a hole through the page, then use that hole as a guide for your hole saw. This will cut through the circle rapidly, although you do need to stop frequently to remove paper from the saw and allow it to cool down. This is the fastest option available, but you are limited by the shape of your hole saw. You can create larger patterns in different shapes by shifting the lumber to a different spot on the page and cutting additional, overlapping circles. | Select a hardcover book. Choose a starting page for the compartment. Turn one additional page. Wrap the front section in plastic. Wrap the back cover in plastic as well. Mix a little water into a container of white glue (recommended). Glue the sides of the pages together. Weigh down the book until the glue is dry. Draw the secret compartment. Cut through the outline with a utility knife. Remove loose pages and continue cutting. Clean up the edges. Glue the inside of the compartment. Glue the top page over the compartment. Glue the compartment to the base of the book. Weight down and let dry. Cut out the top page. Use the nail down method for paperbacks and extra thick books. Cut with a scroll saw for intricate designs. Punch out paper quickly with a hole saw. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Professional-Sprinter | How to Become a Professional Sprinter | To become a professional sprinter, first join the track and field team at your school, where you'll get personalized coaching and learn how to use starting blocks, which help you start races stronger. Then, create a training routine that includes both strength training, like weightlifting, and cardiovascular training, like sprint intervals on the track. Don't forget to invest in a good pair of running shoes, too, that fit your foot properly and are built for speed. | Consider your genetics. With enough dedication, anyone can become a strong, decent sprinter. To be world-class, however, you have to have a certain genetic predisposition to speed. Look at your family. How athletic are your parents or grandparents? Are any of your older family members professional level athletes? Think about yourself as a child. Were you always faster than other kids? Do you possess a certain untrained natural athleticism? Join the track and field team at your school. When you are considering becoming a professional athlete, you want to begin early. Being on a team will help give you accountability in your training. You'll be able to have personalized coaching and build a community with your team. You'll get experience running on difference tracks. On a team you'll also learn to use starting blocks , which is an important part of being a competitive sprinter, as your race will be over in less than one minute, so you have to start out strong. Create your own additional training routine. Even if you're on a team, if you want to be a professional, you'll need to train as much as you can. You'll want to incorporate basic gym strength training like squats, bench pressing and chin-ups into your workout at least every other day for an hour. Create a basic gym routine, and try to increase your reps every week. This strength training is important because start speed is largely based on your muscle mass and overall strength in both your upper and lower body. As a sprinter, extra training is the only way to significantly increase upper body mass. Train on the track. You can often use a school track whenever it's not in use. Practice your sprints in intervals with a few minutes of rest in between. Set weekly time goals for yourself. Try adding short sprints up hills to strength your fast twitch muscles, which are the leg muscles that set sprinters apart from long distance runners. Your exact routine will depend on your sprint distance. You should plan a sprint workout on the days that you aren't doing strength training, at least three days a week. An example of a sprint training workout for running 200m races is as follows: 5 sets of 20 meter sprints, 4 sets of 30, 3 sets of 40, 3 sets of 30, 3 sets of 40, 3 sets of 50, 1 set of 60, and then 5 sets of 30. After each set, you should walk back to the start for a breath. After completing this routine, you should take a two-minute walking break, and then repeat the entire routine one more time. If you are younger, showing your parents that you are dedicated to practicing on your own will make them see that you're serious about being a professional sprinter. Obtain a private coach. If you are serious about becoming a professional and have the means to do so, you should consider getting a private running coach. Certified running coaches have training that will enable them to tailor your workouts to your specific needs and help you set realistic goals. Having a coach also increases your accountability for completing extra workouts outside of team practices. Your coach will be able to watch you closely and give you performance-based corrections on your form. Eat a healthy diet. Nutrition is an important part of being a sprinter. You want to make sure that you stay at a lean, consistent weight with a high muscle mass. Your diet should provide you with the energy you need to complete your training.. Incorporate protein. For every pound that you weigh, you should eat one gram of protein. This could be in the form of protein powder in smoothies or lean meats. Eat lots of fruit and dark green leafy vegetables. As a sprinter, you don't need as many simple carbohydrates as long distance runners. Try to get your carbs from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, and drink sports drinks with electrolytes after workouts. Keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat. You'll be able to use this information to see how your nutrition is affecting your running. Perfect your technique. To become the fastest sprinter that you can be, you need to have flawless technique in addition to raw speed. Starting is important. At the start, your bodyweight should be evenly distributed between your four contact points. Push off with both legs. As the front leg straightens, and your back leg comes forward. In the acceleration phase, your lean begins to decrease. Your back becomes straighter. Legs reach higher. The body remains aligned upright. Add technique exercises, like knee raises and flicks to your every day training routine. Ask for feedback. When you are working to become an elite athlete, it's important to seek out corrections and criticism. After your school track and field meets, personally ask your coach what you could improve upon in your technique. Take this feedback, and use it to tailor your supplemental training exercises. Keep a record of your progress. In a sport like sprinting, improvements are often numerically very small. Keep a notebook or computer spreadsheet up to date with all of your times and when you ran them. Add in goals to reach by certain dates. With this, you'll be able to look back and check your progress. Invest in good shoes. In sprinting, athletes win by small increments. You want to make sure you are using proper footwear to ensure you perform your best and don't get hurt. Look for shoes built for speed. Different types of running shoes suit different types of running professionals. Get a fitting. Most local running shops will have knowledgeable staff that will help you find shoes that fit you well. Many even have treadmills and systems that enable you to find the perfect shoe for your running style and foot. Join a local club. Once you graduate from school, it can be beneficial to join a local track and field club team. This will give you continued support and accountability. If you live in the U.S., you can use the USA Track and Field club search to find one. Different clubs allow different ages to compete. Some are open to all athletes, some are youth-only, and some only allow 18 and over master adult athletes. Before you graduate, you can join a club in addition to your school's team. Once you graduate, you'll be able to intensify your involvement. Compete often. As you're becoming a professional, you want to compete as often as you can. This way you'll have evidence of your professional record, as some prestigious races or teams, such as the Olympics, have specific eligibility times that you'll need to be able to prove. Keep training. Even as you start to compete more, you want to make sure that you maintain your regular training schedule and stay healthy. Stay current on records. As an athlete, you want to know how other sprinters are competing. Make sure to keep current on record breaking times. Keeping up with top athletes will help you to set realistic goals for yourself. For example, Usain Bolt set the 100m world record in 2009 with a time of 9.58 seconds. | Consider your genetics. Join the track and field team at your school. Create your own additional training routine. Obtain a private coach. Eat a healthy diet. Perfect your technique. Ask for feedback. Keep a record of your progress. Invest in good shoes. Join a local club. Compete often. Keep training. Stay current on records. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Romance-Novels | How to Write Romance Novels | To write romance novels, create an engaging main character and develop a central conflict for your protagonist to navigate. To capture your readers' imaginations, be sure to create a strong setting and strive to write unique content that doesn't repeat typical romance novel cliches. You may want to focus on a specific type of story, like historical or paranormal, since the romance genre includes a lot of niche territory. Don't forget to wrap up your novel with a satisfying conclusion, since romance readers tend to prefer "happily ever after" endings. | Use a real life romantic experience as inspiration. Draw from your own romantic experiences in life and adapt them for your novel. Fictionalize a chance encounter you had on vacation or a special moment you experienced with your partner. Use past romantic relationships as raw material for your novel. For example, you may take a passionate but doomed relationship in your past and change around real life names to fictionalize it. You may also change the setting or small details to make the situation more dramatic. You can also use the real life romances of others around you as inspiration. Maybe you have a friend who is in a stormy romance. Or perhaps you have a sibling who had a passionate relationship in the past. Use romantic movies or television shows as inspiration. You can also reference romantic movies or tv shows that you enjoy watching. Make your own version of a romantic movie that you like. Reimagine a romance on a tv show with characters that you create or in a different setting. You can also use romantic books and songs as inspiration for your romance novel. Create an engaging main character. Have a main character that is relatable and likeable for readers. The main character, who is usually also the narrator, should be welcoming and accessible to your audience. They should feel unique and interesting to your reader. For example, you may have a main character who is a high-profile criminal lawyer by day, and a single woman struggling to meet someone on her level at night. Or you may have a main character who is left by her husband and copes by going back to her hometown. Focus on a particular type of romance novel. There are many different types of romance novels, from historical romance to young adult romance to paranormal romance. Decide which type you'd like to write. Choose a type that fits your story idea so you can cater to your audience. For example, if you are writing a romance set in 1930s West Virginia or during WWI, you are writing historical romance. If you are writing about a romance between a ghost and a woman, you are writing paranormal romance. Read examples of romance novels. Get a better sense of the genre by reading romance novels that are considered successful and well done. Go to your local library or bookstore and pick up a few romance novels, such as: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James Twilight by Stephenie Meyer Off Campus by Amy Jo Cousins The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks Put your own spin on the romance formula. In romance, there is a tried and true formula: girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl gets boy. To make your romance novels stand out, put your own spin or approach on the formula so your story feels fresh and engaging. You may have the girl meet a girl, or a boy meet a boy, which would fit in the queer romance genre. Or you may have the girl meet a boy in another universe or time period. Get creative and play around with the formula. You could also have the girl be of a certain race or background that clashes with the boy she falls for. Or the girl could be from a family that does not get along with the boy's family. Have a strong setting. Setting is a key element in a successful romance novel. The setting should be front and center throughout the story. It should dictate how the characters speak, how they interact, and how they see the world of the story. For example, you may set the novel in modern-day Savannah, Georgia, where the characters have Southern accents and the heat is unbearable in the summer. Or you may set the novel in a naval vessel in the ocean, where the characters are nauseous from seasickness and bad weather. Create a central conflict. Romance readers love a detailed, major conflict that drives the story forward. The conflict should be believable and prevent the main character and the love interest from being together. The conflict should also be clear and easy for the reader to follow. For example, you may have a central conflict where the main character has to choose between a high stakes criminal case and her budding romance with her next door neighbor. Or you may have a conflict where the main character's illness gets in the way of uniting with her true love. Consider including sex scenes. Not all romance novels need to have sex scenes. If you do decide to include sex scenes in your novel, make them emotional and vivid. Avoid graphic detail or mechanical descriptions of sex. Instead, use romantic, passionate details to describe sex between your characters. For example, you may describe the setting of the sex scenes using sensory detail, such as how it smells, feels, sounds, or looks. Providing context for the sex scene can make it more emotional for the reader. Avoid cliches. Romance writing is populated by many cliches, which are phrases that are so common they have lost meaning. If a phrase or line feels familiar to you, it's likely a cliche and to be avoided. Create unique descriptions instead that feel specific to your characters. For example, rather than write, “he was tall, dark, and handsome,” you may write, “he was good looking in a stylish professor kind of way.” Wrap up the novel with a satisfying ending. A good romance novel will end on a variation of “happily ever after.” Give the reader an ending that is satisfying and happy. Ultimately, your readers want to see your main character get the love they want. For example, maybe your main character and her love interest finally get together. Or perhaps your main character recovers from her illness long enough to see her love interest one last time. Read the novel out loud. Once you have completed a draft of the novel, read it aloud to yourself. Listen to how the novel sounds. Underline or highlight any sentences that sound awkward or unclear so you can revise them later. Check that the transitions between chapters sound smooth and fluid. You can also read the novel aloud to catch spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Try reading the novel slowly so you can check that each word is spelled correctly. Show the novel to others for feedback. Ask friends, family members, and peers to read the novel and give you feedback. Show the novel to people you know who read and enjoy romance novels. Ask them if they think the novel fits in the genre and adds something new and engaging to the genre. You can also join a writing group or start your own writing group with friends so you can workshop your novel. Be open to constructive criticism from others. It will only make your novel better. Revise the novel. Once you have received feedback on the novel, revise it until it is at its best. You may need to write multiple drafts of the novel to get it right. Keep your target audience, usually middle aged women, in mind as you revise the novel. Write for them. After you have revised the novel, you may consider sending it out to publishers so it can be read by a wider audience. | Use a real life romantic experience as inspiration. Use romantic movies or television shows as inspiration. Create an engaging main character. Focus on a particular type of romance novel. Read examples of romance novels. Put your own spin on the romance formula. Have a strong setting. Create a central conflict. Consider including sex scenes. Avoid cliches. Wrap up the novel with a satisfying ending. Read the novel out loud. Show the novel to others for feedback. Revise the novel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Tangled-Hair | How to Fix Tangled Hair | If you want to detangle your hair, you can choose from several straightforward options. Try brushing through your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Start below the knot or tangle and gently comb upwards, which will reduce the risk of breakage. If your hair is long, go through it with a soft-bristled brush 2 to 3 times a day to keep tangles at bay. You can also detangle your hair with a detangler product if you're dealing with particularly stubborn knots. These products usually help hydrate your hair so you can comb or brush it easier. Simply wet your hair with some water and spray on the product. Use your fingers to gently loosen the knots, then carefully comb the spot with your brush. | Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid using a regular brush on your tangles, since this can tear your hair and cause damage. Always work through tangles with a wide-toothed comb, especially if you're detangling wet hair. Start below the knot and gently work your way up until it is completely loosened. Go slowly and be patient. Vigorous combing can make tangles even worse. When combing tangled hair, always start at the ends and work your way up toward the roots. If you deal with tangles frequently, consider getting a detangling brush. They are specifically designed to painlessly remove knots from your hair. Detangling brushes are great for detangling dry hair, but wide-toothed combs are almost always the best option for detangling wet hair. Use a soft bristled brush 2 to 3 times per day. If you have long or tangle-prone hair, don't go all day without brushing it at all. Use a soft bristled brush 2 to 3 times throughout the day to keep your hair tangle-free. Be gentle when you brush your hair to minimize damage. Always brush your hair right before you take a shower and immediately before you go to bed. The size and shape of the brush are up to you, as long as the bristles are soft. In general, the longer your hair is, the larger the brush should be. Get a good detangling product. Detanglers are very effective products made specifically to help you remove tangles. Most of them are meant to be sprayed onto wet hair, making it much easier to get a wide-toothed comb through knotted wet locks. Most of these products offer other benefits, as well, such as hydrating the hair and making it look shiny. Different detanglers work better for different hair types. If you have straight hair, a detangling spray may be ideal for you. If you have wavy or curly hair, a detangling cream might be a better bet. Look for detangler formulas that include keratin. Also check the ingredients for moisturizing botanicals like aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, and grapefruit extract. Avoid all hair products containing alcohol. Alcohol is extremely drying to the hair. If you're prone to tangles, alcohol can make it even worse. Check the ingredients on all of your current hair products. Get rid of any that contain alcohol. Replace them with natural hair products that are alcohol and sulfate free. Most holding sprays and gels contain alcohol, so pay close attention to the labels when selecting these types of styling products. Wet your hair and apply a good detangler. Use a spray bottle filled with water to soak your tangled hair well. You can also jump in the shower to wet your hair, but do not apply shampoo. Shampoo will make the tangles even worse. Once your hair is wet, spray a good detangler product all over your hair. After an all-over application, concentrate on applying the detangler generously around the knots and tangles. Begin working through the tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Choose a tangled chunk of hair and gently begin to comb through it, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. Whenever you're working on a section, hold onto your hair near the root so that you aren't jerking your scalp as you comb. If your hair is very tangled, don't try to get the tangle out right away. Instead, work on loosening the hair around the knot first. Apply more detangler to your hair. This time, focus the spray only on the knotted areas. Be sure to spray the knots themselves, as well as all of the hair immediately surrounding the knots. Gently massage the product into the hair. Then resume working at the tangles with the wide-toothed comb. Stop occasionally and use your fingers or the end of a rat tail comb to separate some of the knotted hair, then continue trying to comb through the knots. If you're dealing with a very stubborn knot or matted hair, try using a detangling brush. In most cases you shouldn't brush wet hair, but a detangling brush can really help if you're dealing with severely matted hair. Alternate using the comb and the detangler. Continue working at the knots using the comb, your fingers and, if necessary, the detangling brush. Alternate these techniques until the tangle finally comes loose. Be gentle and patient with the tangles. Getting out stubborn knots can be time-consuming, but rushing through the process can cause a lot of damage to your hair. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Knots can happen during the night as you toss and turn on your pillow, especially if your hair texture is fine or fragile. Avoid cotton pillowcases completely. Instead, opt for pillowcases made from silk or satin. These materials are not rough on your hair and can help prevent tangles the next morning. Condition your hair after every shampoo. Apply conditioner to your hair liberally while you're in the shower. If your hair tends to get greasy, apply the conditioner only to the ends of your hair. Run a wide-toothed comb through your hair while conditioning it. This will distribute the conditioner evenly and help to keep your hair untangled. Leave the conditioner in your hair while you finish the rest of your shower. Right before you get out of the shower, rinse the conditioner from your hair. Rinse most of the conditioner out, but don't rinse it out completely. The small amount left behind will help you stay tangle-free after your shower. Avoid rubbing wet hair with a towel. This is one of the biggest culprits for tangling hair and most people are unaware of it. After your shower, squeeze your hair with a towel, blotting it gently instead of rubbing it. Another option is foregoing the towel altogether and using a t-shirt to dry your hair instead. The smoothness of the t-shirt material can help prevent frizz and tangles. Microfiber towels are also a good frizz-reducing alternative to traditional terrycloth towels. Use a deep conditioner at least once per week. Apply a deep conditioner right before you get in the shower, then put a shower cap over your hair. Get in and wash the rest of your body before moving on to washing your hair. The steam will give your hair a healthy dose of moisture while under the shower cap. Apply coconut oil to your hair before you get in the shower. This is another deep conditioning trick that can do wonders for your tangles. Simply apply the oil to your hair and then proceed with washing your hair normally. | Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Use a soft bristled brush 2 to 3 times per day. Get a good detangling product. Avoid all hair products containing alcohol. Wet your hair and apply a good detangler. Begin working through the tangles with a wide-toothed comb. Apply more detangler to your hair. Alternate using the comb and the detangler. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. Condition your hair after every shampoo. Avoid rubbing wet hair with a towel. Use a deep conditioner at least once per week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Blood-Circulation | How to Improve Blood Circulation | One way to improve your blood circulation is by increasing your daily physical activity. One easy way to do this is to stand up and stretch for a few minutes every hour throughout the day to get your heart rate up. You can try doing arm circles, touching your hands to your toes, or simply walking around. You should also try to do cardiovascular training like swimming, biking, or running a few times a week to improve your circulation. If you aren't able to exercise regularly, try taking the stairs or parking a few blocks away from your destination to get your heart rate up and improve your blood flow. | Walk regularly. Going for walks after meals can help increase circulation and aid your digestive system in doing its job. Walking at least 30 minutes each day is recommended. If you have a peripheral vascular disease, such as varicose veins, make sure that you wear supportive undergarments, such as compression hosiery, stockings, or bandages. Your doctor can recommend the best option for you. Exercise whenever you can. Anything that aids in general fitness should boost your circulation. When you work out, try both : Cardiovascular training. Swimming, biking, running, playing sports, etc. Aerobic activity will improve heart and blood vessel function. Strength training. Strength training (lifting weights) will help you build muscle, which in turn increases the effectiveness of cardiovascular and lymph circulation. Every hour, get up and try 3 to 5 minutes' worth of stretching or small exercise. This is especially handy if you're at a desk all day and barely get a chance to walk around. Try doing little arm circles, touching your hands to your toes, kicking out your feet, or performing small, slow jumping jacks (enough to get your heart rate up). Get a massage. Massage, like exercise, increases local circulation by stimulating blood flow in the soft tissue. Many studies point to the overall effectiveness of massage in stimulating healing. Read this article on how to deskercise, or exercise while sitting at your desk. It should help improve circulation if you can't find the time to do proper exercises. Put your feet up. Elevating your legs is a great way to increase your circulation and relax at the same time. It also reduces the chance of varicose veins, which are caused by high blood pressure or simply standing for extended periods of time. Vary your temperature while in the shower. Switch between hot water and cold water. This is called a contrast shower, and it helps improve your circulation by affecting how your veins expand and contract. Hot water causes your blood vessels to open up and increases your circulation, while cold water narrows your blood vessels. If you take contrast showers regularly, they can help your circulation system become more pliable, improving circulation. Eat healthy foods and avoid unhealthy foods. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (found in fish oil, olive oil, nuts, and seeds). Stay away from overly processed foods, foods with excessive sugar or salt, and foods with unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats). Drink right. Drink enough water during the day so that your organs don't have to fight to produce energy and perform their daily functions. You don't have to drink liters upon liters a day, but you should drink water when you're thirsty. Try drinking some warm water, as cold water is known to close up your veins. Cut out the caffeine. If you can't live without it, at least minimize your intake. For instance, if you usually have two cups of coffee in the morning, have one instead. Or if you buy your coffee from a cafe somewhere, try switching to decaf or taking your coffee down one size. Reduce or cut out alcohol and other sugary drinks from your diet. Sodas and overly sweet drinks do not improve your circulation and have especially deleterious health effects. If you enjoy having a drink, 1 glass of red wine may improve circulation, but more will stress your system. Try taking a hot bath or doing other heat treatments. Draw up a nice warm bath (with or without Epsom salts, which are healing mineral salts) and relax for 20 to 30 minutes. Fill up hot water bottles, cover if necessary to avoid burns and place on extremities to boost blood flow. Quit smoking, if applicable. Not only is smoking bad for your health, it also affects your circulation. Nicotine usage is among the leading causes of circulation problems. Find healthy outlets for your stress. Over time, stress can have negative effects on the body's circulation. Find manageable, healthy ways to relieve stress, such as regular exercise, meditation techniques, and psychotherapy, among others. Know if it's bad. Be able to spot when your body is having trouble pumping its blood. Signs that your circulation is less than ideal include: Varicose veins Tingling in the feet and hands Cold extremities (fingers and toes) Bluish-tinted skin Slow healing times for wounds Talk to your doctor about possibly enhancing circulation through supplements. Your doctor may be able to prescribe or point you in the direction of certain supplements that, in healthy doses, may improve blood circulation. One study suggests that a combination supplement of green tea, astralagus, goji berry extracts, Lactobacillus fermentum, antioxidant ellagic acid, and other vitamins, available OTC, helps increase overall levels of hematopoietic stem cells. | Walk regularly. Exercise whenever you can. Get a massage. Put your feet up. Vary your temperature while in the shower. Eat healthy foods and avoid unhealthy foods. Drink right. Try taking a hot bath or doing other heat treatments. Quit smoking, if applicable. Find healthy outlets for your stress. Know if it's bad. Talk to your doctor about possibly enhancing circulation through supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-a-Paper-Heart | How to Fold a Paper Heart | To fold a paper heart, first fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally and unfold it. Then, fold it in half diagonally the other way and unfold it again. Rotate the paper so one of the corners is at the top, then fold the top corner down to the horizontal middle crease. Next, fold the bottom corner up to the top edge. Take the right side of the bottom edge and fold it to the vertical middle crease. Now, do the same thing with the left side of the bottom edge. Flip the paper over, then fold in the left and right corners to hide them. Finally, do the same thing with the two top corners. Flip your paper heart back over, and you're finished! | Fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally and then unfold it. Start with the paper turned so it looks like a diamond. Then, fold the top point down so it touches the bottom point. Crease and then unfold. If you don't have a square piece of paper, cut a regular piece of paper into a square with scissors. Fold the square in half diagonally from left to right and then unfold it. You want to fold the left point over so it touches the right point. Crease and then unfold. When you're done, there should be 2 perpendicular crease marks on the paper square. Fold the top point down to the center of the paper. Keep the paper turned so it still looks like a diamond. The top point should be touching the center of the paper where the 2 perpendicular creases intersect. Crease the fold. Fold the bottom point up to the top edge of the paper. The bottom point should be touching the center of the top edge. Crease the fold. Fold the bottom left and right corners up to the top edge of the paper. The corners should touch the middle of the edge, in the same spot you folded the bottom point to in the last step. After you fold the corners, crease the folds. At this point, your paper square should be starting to look like a heart. Flip the paper over and fold the points in to hide them. First, fold the left and right points in toward the middle of the paper. Then, fold the top 2 points down toward the middle of the paper. Don't fold the bottom point. Now your paper heart is finished! Flip it over again to see how it looks. Fold a square piece of paper in half horizontally and then unfold it. Start with the paper on a flat surface in front of you. Then, fold the top edge down so it touches the bottom edge. Crease and unfold. If you don't have a square piece of paper, use scissors to cut a regular sheet of paper into a square. Fold the paper in half vertically and then unfold it. Bring the left edge of the paper over so it touches the right edge. Crease and unfold. Fold the paper in half diagonally both ways, unfolding it after each fold. First, bring the top left corner down so it touches the bottom right corner. Crease and unfold. Then, bring the top right corner down so it touches the bottom left corner. Crease and unfold. At this point, there should be 4 long creases on the piece of paper that all intersect in the center. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center and then unfold them. Fold both edges so they meet in the center along the horizontal crease. Crease both folds and then unfold them. Fold the left and right edges to the center and then unfold them. Just like you did with the top and bottom edges, bring the left and right edges together so they meet in the center of the paper. Crease both folds and then unfold them. Rotate the paper and fold the top and bottom points to the center. You want to rotate the paper so it looks like a diamond. Bring the top point on the diamond down and the bottom point up so they touch in the center along the crease. Crease the folds. Don't unfold them. At this point, the paper should have 6 points. Fold all 6 points on the paper to the center and then flatten it. Fold the left and right points to the center of the paper. At the same time, fold the top 2 points down to the center along the existing diagonal creases. Fold the bottom 2 points up to the center along the existing diagonal creases. Crease the folds and don't unfold them. To flatten the paper, fold it in half horizontally so the top and bottom edges are going away from you. The folded crease should be facing you. Once the paper is flattened, it will start to look like a heart. Valley-fold and then mountain-fold the left point. Valley folding is when you fold a point toward you, while mountain folding is when you fold a point away from you. First, valley-fold the left point in toward the middle of the paper and crease the fold. After you make the valley fold, unfold it and mountain-fold the point back behind the paper along the crease you just made. Crease again and unfold. Turn the paper so you’re facing the crease from the last fold. Hold the paper with both hands so you have a hand on each side of the crease you're looking at. Pull the sides of the paper out until you can see a square-shaped crease. The square-shaped crease should be near the center of the paper, right where you folded the left point 2 steps ago. There should be 2 perpendicular creases that intersect in the center of the square. Mountain-fold the sides of the square and then press them together. Remember, mountain folding is where you fold away from you. Once you've made 4 mountain folds — 1 along each side of the square — press the left and right sides of the square together to flatten the paper. When you press the left and right sides together, the square should fold in on itself so it's tucked inside of the flattened paper. If it doesn't, help it along by pressing down on the center of it with your finger. Turn the paper and mountain-fold the 3 points on the left side. At this point, you should be facing the front of the paper again. Mountain folding the 3 points away from you will hide them and smooth out the edges of the paper so your heart is rounded. Repeat steps 10-16 with the right side of the paper. This time, valley- and mountain-fold the right point instead of the left point. Find the square-shaped crease on the right side of the paper, tuck it in so it's hidden, and mountain fold the 3 points to round the edges of your heart. Once you finish the right side, your heart is finished! | Fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally and then unfold it. Fold the square in half diagonally from left to right and then unfold it. Fold the top point down to the center of the paper. Fold the bottom point up to the top edge of the paper. Fold the bottom left and right corners up to the top edge of the paper. Flip the paper over and fold the points in to hide them. Fold a square piece of paper in half horizontally and then unfold it. Fold the paper in half vertically and then unfold it. Fold the paper in half diagonally both ways, unfolding it after each fold. Fold the top and bottom edges to the center and then unfold them. Fold the left and right edges to the center and then unfold them. Rotate the paper and fold the top and bottom points to the center. Fold all 6 points on the paper to the center and then flatten it. Valley-fold and then mountain-fold the left point. Turn the paper so you’re facing the crease from the last fold. Pull the sides of the paper out until you can see a square-shaped crease. Mountain-fold the sides of the square and then press them together. Turn the paper and mountain-fold the 3 points on the left side. Repeat steps 10-16 with the right side of the paper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Joke | How to Make a Joke | To make a joke, you want to keep it simple and short so you don't lose the interest of your audience. Also, keep a straight face and avoid smiling during the delivery, which can ruin the punch line. After you tell the setup of your joke, wait a couple of seconds before giving the punch line so your audience has time to guess and be surprised. If you're not sure what to joke about, crack a joke about yourself since everyone loves some self-deprecating humor. | Joke about yourself. Using yourself as the butt of your own joke is a sure way to get people cracking up. There's something about self-deprecating humor that triggers schadenfreude, the act of taking pleasure in someone else's pain, and this forms the foundation of many famous comedians' jokes. Figure out what's sadly hilarious about you and offer it up for laughs. I'm really good in bed. I can sleep for like 10 straight hours without waking up once. — Jen Kirkman The depressing thing about tennis is that no matter how much I play, I'll never be as good as a wall. I played a wall once. They're relentless. — Mitch Hedburg Crack one about your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. We've all seen comedians use their SOs as funny joke fodder. So many people can relate that you're bound to get a few hearty laughs. If you don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you can make fun of boyfriends and girlfriends in general. Straight guys will never know how expensive it is to be a woman. And that's why you pay for dinner. — Livia Scott Target a group of people. Hipsters, rednecks, politicians, lawyers, rich people, kids, elderly people, men, women... the list goes on and on. Jokes about groups of people get some of the hardest laughs of all, but be careful not to go to far - you might offend people. Everyone knows hipsters are like human bedbugs. You see one, there are probably 40 more under your bed, judging your music. — Dan Soder Joke about a place or situation. At a bus stop, high school, sports dugout, airplane, office, coffee shop, bathroom, and so on are all excellent fodder for jokes. Figure out what's quirky, annoying or surprising about somewhere you've been or something you've seen. I grew up near Newark, New Jersey. If New York City's the city that never sleeps, Newark, New Jersey is the city that watches you sleep. — Dan St. Germain I will never understand why they cook on TV. I can't smell it, can't eat it, can't taste it. The end of the show they hold it up to the camera, 'Well, here it is. You can't have any. Thanks for watching. Goodbye.' — Jerry Seinfeld Home in on a specific person or current event. Talk about someone or something famous, like the president, a Hollywood celebrity, a sports figure, or someone else who's often in the news. Jokes about famous people are great, since most people will know what you're talking about and enjoy laughing at the expense of the rich and famous. I wonder if Jeremy Irons ever quietly laughs to himself while he's ironing. — Jon Friedman I've been wearing so many scarves lately that I wonder if my ancestors were part Steven Tyler mike stand. — Selena Coppock Add an element of the absurd. Create a bizarre contrast between your target and something else. This brand of humor is especially appealing to kids, teenagers, and fans of slapstick. If toast always lands butter-side down and cats always land on their feet, what happens if you strap toast to the back of a cat and drop it? — Steven Wright Say something shocking or unexpected. What hasn't already been said? What unique angle do you have? You can also get people to laugh by saying something that wouldn't normally be said about a group or person that's perceived as innocent, like kids, your grandma, nuns, kittens... you get the picture. A friend will help you move. A best friend will help you move a body. — Dave Attell If God had written the Bible, the first line should have been 'It's round.' — Eddie Izzard Fall back on an old standard. Certain types of jokes seem to consistently elicit laughs even though we've all heard them before. Think "your mama" jokes, jokes about nagging girlfriends, and jokes about messy boyfriends. Men want the same thing from their underwear that they want from women: a little bit of support, and a little bit of freedom. — Jerry Seinfeld A grasshopper walks into a bar and the bartender says, 'Hey, we have a drink named after you!' The grasshopper looks surprised and says, 'You have a drink named Steve?' Make it relatable. You're not going to get people to laugh unless they can see a bit of themselves in the joke. If they don't identify with either you as the joker or with the target, you're going to have some blank looks on your hands. When people relate to a joke, it gives them a cathartic release - and that's why people like jokes in the first place, isn't it? Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm a schizophrenic, and so am I. — Billy Connolly Ladies gotta say no to their husbands at the movies. They gotta say: 'No, we are watching back-to-back cancer movies. And then this movie about a cat.' — Tina Fey Tell a joke so stupid it's funny. Puns fall into this category, as do blond jokes, baby jokes, and knock knock jokes. I will not talk to someone who has less than 10 toes. I am LACK TOES INTOLERANT. — Gilbert Gottfried Know your audience. The target of your joke has to be funny to your audience, or you'll be facing a stone-faced crowd. Don't plan to target high school girls if you're trying to make a room full of them laugh. Tread carefully if you're targeting a political or celebrity figure in his or her hometown. A joke that would be hilarious to one group of people might cause another group to start throwing rotten vegetables. Keep it simple and short. Telling a long story that takes more than a minute or two will likely bore your audience. Practice telling shorter jokes so you can get a sense for how to best deliver them before you move on to telling full-blown stories. Remember that the best jokes aren't always the smartest, most detailed jokes; you've got to hit people in the funny bone. Watch the people you're talking to. If you see their eyes start to wander, wrap up the joke. You can tell more than one joke in a row if the first one gets some laughs. Build on the energy you created. Master the deadpan expression. If you've got a big grin on your face when you're telling a joke, people will get distracted. Plus, smiling at your own joke sort of gives away the ending before you have a chance to get there. Instead, keep a straight face, make eye contact, and deliver the joke as if you were saying something as mundane as "I'm going to the store for a gallon of milk." Your delivery is as important to the humor of your joke as the content. Get the timing down. After you deliver the setup of your joke, pause for a moment before giving the punch line. This gives people the chance to ponder and guess for a moment before you surprise them with your hilarious insight. Don't wait too long, though, or the energy of the joke will die. A man walked into the doctor's. He said, 'I've hurt my arm in several places.' The doctor said, 'Well don't go there any more.' — Tommy Cooper I don't care if you think I'm racist. I just want you to think I'm thin. — Sarah Silverman | Joke about yourself. Crack one about your spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend. Target a group of people. Joke about a place or situation. Home in on a specific person or current event. Add an element of the absurd. Say something shocking or unexpected. Fall back on an old standard. Make it relatable. Tell a joke so stupid it's funny. Know your audience. Keep it simple and short. Master the deadpan expression. Get the timing down. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Toys-for-Hamsters | How to Make Toys for Hamsters | To make a toy for your hamster, start by wrapping some non-toxic paper, like printer paper, around an empty toilet paper roll and gluing it onto the roll. Then, cut small holes out of the toilet paper roll so you can fill it with treats for your hamster. Next, put some treats inside the roll, and tie off the ends of the paper with twine so the treats don't fall out. Finally, place the toy in your hamster's cage and watch it try to get the treats out of the small holes. | Trim a toilet paper roll to the size you need. Measure out how much space you have available in your hamster's cage if you need to. Then, use scissors or a utility knife to cut the cardboard tube to size. Trim it evenly at the ends, removing any frayed or damaged portions. Toilet paper rolls are relatively short and work well as a base toy. Most of them don't need to be trimmed. If you don't have any, use a paper towel roll and trim it down to the size you need. Cut small holes in the toilet paper roll with a utility knife. Scissors work, but a utility knife is the easiest way to cut out parts of the roll without damaging it. Cut a few circles, about 4 or 5, along the length of the tube. Space them out to retain the tube's shape. The holes are like windows your hamster can use to see treats and remove them without needing to chew through the cardboard. Make the holes about the size of your hamster's head. That way, it will be able to reach the seeds easily and will not get stuck if it crawls into the tube. Making larger holes is fine but may cause the toy to break apart faster. An alternative way to make the toy is to cut the ends of the rolls into strips about ⁄ 3 in (0.85 cm). Then, fold the strips inwards to create a small toy for your hamster to play with. Wrap the tube in non-toxic paper and make holes in it. Roll the tube up tightly in plain white printer paper. Feel the tube to find where you cut holes in it. Then, use scissors or a utility knife to remove the paper covering these areas. Mark the spots and unwrap the roll if you need to lay the paper flat to cut it. Dyes in tissue, wrapping, and construction paper are toxic and often harmful to hamsters. Newspapers are generally safe to use in a pinch since the dye is toxic only in immense quantities, but stick to printer paper if you wish to avoid all dye. If you wish to use colored paper, test it first by dipping it in water. If the ink doesn't run, it is most likely safe to use. Use paper longer than the tube so you are able to close up the tube's ends. Glue the paper covering to the cardboard tube with non-toxic glue. Get a bottle of white glue meant for children or heat up a glue gun. Roll the tube up tightly in the paper, adjusting it so the holes align. Then, spread a small dab of glue along the free edge of the paper. Press it against the wrapped tube for several seconds to glue it in place. Always check the label on the glue to make sure it says non-toxic. Use as little of the glue as possible to reduce the amount your hamster may nibble by accident. Be careful when using a hot glue gun. Hold the nozzle over the paper, not against it. Move your fingers out of the way to prevent burns. Alternatively, skip the glue. Wrap the roll up tightly, then twist the ends of the paper together by hand. The toy may fall apart sooner, but your hamster will still be able to have fun with it. Let the glue cure for about 24 hours. If you're using hot glue, it will begin solidifying within a few minutes. Set the toy on a stable surface in open air. Position the glued side down so it doesn't pull apart while the glue dries. Place a paper towel or a craft mat underneath the toy as needed to protect surfaces from leaking glue. Place your hamster’s favorite treats in the roll. Hamsters love sunflower seeds, so drop a few of them through the holes in the tube. Fruits and vegetables are a great choice as well. Try adding apples, berries, lettuce, or spinach. Even cooked eggs and whole grain bread will make your hamster happy. Before you put a new treat in the tube, research it online to make sure it's safe for hamsters. Be careful with food that spoils, such as produce. Check the tube every day to remove old treats. Tie the paper around the tissue roll with twine. Scrunch the loose paper together against the ends of the tube. Wrap the paper tightly with a safe type of rope such as twine, hemp, or sisal. Your toy will look like a piece of candy ready to be unwrapped by your hamster! Choose your rope carefully. Avoid dyed yarn and strings. Also, don't use anything harmful your hamster may swallow, such as thin string or wire. Place the toy in your hamster’s cage or playpen. Set it near your hamster and watch it get curious. It will be able to detect the treats through the holes you cut. Refill the toy when you wish to give your hamster a treat and make a new toy once the old one starts to degrade. Trim the flaps off a cardboard box with scissors or a utility knife. Unfold the cardboard box and lay it flat. Peel off any tape holding the flaps in place. Then, remove the flaps so your hamster has plenty of space to move through the container. Make the toy out of plain cardboard. Avoid using tissue boxes or other types of cardboard with ink, since ink can be harmful to your hamster if it is chewed and swallowed. Measure and trim the box if needed to fit it in a cage. If you make the toy out of a big cardboard box, cut it to size with scissors or a utility knife. Choose a good spot for the toy, then use a tape measure to determine how much space you have available. Mark these measurements on the cardboard before cutting it. To reduce the amount of measuring and cutting you need to do, use smaller boxes like tissue boxes. Save bigger boxes for toys left out of a cage, such as those placed inside a playpen. Another way to make use of a bigger box is to cut it into panels. Trim the panels so they're all the same size, then stack them and glue them together to create a box-shaped house. Cut holes in the middle of the container to create entrance holes. Make a hole in the middle of each panel. Each hole needs to be at least as big as your hamster so it is able to exit and enter the cardboard box. Making the holes bigger and in a variety of shapes is a great way to customize the box. To easily make the holes, bend the container and poke a hole in the middle of the cardboard panel. Then, use the small hole to cut out the shape you desire. Decorate the box by gluing non-toxic wrapping paper to it. Before using any paper, dip it in water first. If the ink runs, it isn't safe to use. When you have the right paper, spread non-toxic white glue or hot glue in a thin layer over the cardboard. Push the paper against the cardboard to stick it in place. To avoid any risk of your hamster consuming toxic dye, leave the wrapping paper off. Instead, use non-toxic markers or paint to color the box. Glue white paper to the box and color that if you don't want to draw directly on the cardboard. Leave the glue for 24 hours to dry if you used any. The glue will begin curing within a couple of hours. Wait for it to completely solidify so the decorations don't fall off when your hamster starts climbing on its new toy. Waiting is important, especially if you used a hot glue gun. Cut holes if any of the decorations cover the holes in the box. Run your fingers over the box to find the holes you cut in the cardboard. Use scissors or a sharp knife to poke through the excess wrapping paper. Work carefully to avoid damaging the box or its decorations. For the best results, poke through the paper with a sharp tool, then finish cutting out the hole with a pair of scissors. Set the box up near your hamster and let it play. Place the box in the hamster's cage or playpen. Make sure it is able to reach the holes and that the holes are big enough for it to fit through. Then, watch your hamster have plenty of fun exploring its new toy! If the box is too tall for your hamster, take it back out of the cage or playpen. Trim the ends of the cardboard as needed. Select flat cardboard and cardboard rolls without ink marks. No matter what type of cage you have, you have the ability to install a platform in it. For an inexpensive and easy way to make a platform, use cardboard. Get a big piece of cardboard for the platform's surface and about 5 or 6 toilet paper rolls to use as supports. Wood is the best choice for building sturdy platforms. Hamsters also enjoy chewing on wood platforms to hone their teeth. For wood platforms, look for pre-cut pieces of wood at an art supply store. Alternatively, use a table saw to fashion your own wood pieces. Make sure you wear proper safety gear, such as goggles and a dust mask, if you operate a saw. Measure the cage’s dimensions to determine the platform’s size. Pick a space for the platform. Use a tape measure to note the length, width, and height of the available space where you plan on fitting the platform. Write these measurements down so you have them when you start crafting the platform. Platforms also work well outside of a cage, such as in a playpen. Take the same measurements to build the platform to the size you desire. Mark the cardboard and cut it to the size you desire with scissors. Trace the dimensions for the platform onto the piece of cardboard with a pencil. Get a strong pair of scissors or a sharp utility knife to cut the cardboard cleanly. Test the cardboard in the cage to ensure it fits properly. If you intend on putting the platform in a wire cage, leave the platform longer to rest it on the wires. Leave an extra 1 in (2.5 cm) on the ends so the cardboard overlaps the wires. Glue the toilet paper rolls to the bottom of the platform. Lay the cardboard on a flat surface with the bottom side face up. Set a cardboard tube in each corner, trimming them down as needed to make the platform low enough for your hamster to reach. Then, set another tube in the middle of each of the longer ends. Spread a non-toxic glue around the rim of each tube to glue it to the platform. If you're making a wood platform, look for wood spools for an easy way to create legs. Wood blocks also work well. Since wood platforms are sturdy, you only need 4 of them to put underneath the platform's corners. Use a non-toxic glue. White bottled glue and white glue gun sticks are generally safe. Spread the glue thinly so your hamster doesn't turn it into a snack. Dry the glue for up to 24 hours before moving the platform. Set the platform out in open air in a location where it won't be disturbed. Give the glue plenty of time to cool off and harden. When you're done, test the platform to make sure it feels stable. Place the platform in the cage and secure it to the walls as needed. Slide the platform into the cage if you plan on installing it there. For a wire cage, slip the ends of the cardboard between the wire bars. If you have a glass cage, place some transparent duct tape around the platform's edges to help hold it in place. Test the platform. If it feels wobbly, support it with tape. Also, glue more cardboard tubes or wood pieces to the bottom for extra support. Color the platform and add decorations to customize it. When your hamster gets tired of its new toy, add some new facets to it. Use non-toxic paints to give the platform color, or try making some extra platforms. For example, glue a cardboard tube or wood cylinder to the top of the platform, then top it with a second, smaller platform for your hamster to explore. Make all sorts of different projects, including ladders and staircases. For a simple staircase, cut out a long strip of cardboard. Glue white card stock to the underside to make it stable. Then, fold it in half to create the ramp. Use only non-toxic decorations. Colored paper and yarn have dye that may harm your hamster. If you use paper to decorate, such as to cover the top of the platform, test it by dipping it in water first. If the dye runs, don't use it! | Trim a toilet paper roll to the size you need. Cut small holes in the toilet paper roll with a utility knife. Wrap the tube in non-toxic paper and make holes in it. Glue the paper covering to the cardboard tube with non-toxic glue. Let the glue cure for about 24 hours. Place your hamster’s favorite treats in the roll. Tie the paper around the tissue roll with twine. Place the toy in your hamster’s cage or playpen. Trim the flaps off a cardboard box with scissors or a utility knife. Measure and trim the box if needed to fit it in a cage. Cut holes in the middle of the container to create entrance holes. Decorate the box by gluing non-toxic wrapping paper to it. Leave the glue for 24 hours to dry if you used any. Cut holes if any of the decorations cover the holes in the box. Set the box up near your hamster and let it play. Select flat cardboard and cardboard rolls without ink marks. Measure the cage’s dimensions to determine the platform’s size. Mark the cardboard and cut it to the size you desire with scissors. Glue the toilet paper rolls to the bottom of the platform. Dry the glue for up to 24 hours before moving the platform. Place the platform in the cage and secure it to the walls as needed. Color the platform and add decorations to customize it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Co-Parent-With-an-Ex | How to Co Parent With an Ex | To co-parent with an ex, start by talking with them one-on-one to work out any past issues. If you can't resolve everything, you can still be civil when you see them. To do this, try making requests rather than demands. For example, instead of saying “I need you to take the kids on Thursday nights” try saying “Would you be willing to take the kids on Thursday nights?” Once you've started co-parenting, make sure to make a schedule of all of your child's day-to-day activities so you don't miss anything important. It's also important to talk to your ex about your child at least once a week to discuss any issues they may be having. | Learn to forgive. You may have a lot of personal issues with your ex and your feelings remain valid, even after the relationship is over. However, now that you're separated, you need to take a pragmatic view that places your child above all else. Learn to forgive your ex from their transgressions, even if they haven't apologized. To thoroughly forgive them, you'll need to take a mental inventory of what makes you angry at your ex. Simply ignoring your feelings will not be a permanent solution as your anger will likely swell up again in the future when you're reminded of your differences. Do your best to see things from their perspective. Acknowledging your own faults may be difficult but can help you empathize. Considering aspects of their personality or history that may explain, if not justify, their behavior can help as well. This will make it easier to forgive. It may help to speak with them, separate from your children, to work out past issues that are still bothering you. However, forgiveness is a function that you have sole control over. If speaking with your ex will only flare up animosities, work through your anger on your own. Maintain a professional tone. You may have trouble separating your emotions from your custodial relationship with your ex. Try thinking of them as a colleague rather than a personal relationship with your 'business' being the care of your child. Speak professionally and stay focused on pragmatic goals. Make requests rather than demands or statements of fact. Include reasonable explanations with your requests. For example, instead of saying “I need you to take the kids on Thursday nights,” ask “Would you be willing to take the kids on Thursday nights? My friends asked me to join a bowling league and I would like to do so.” Practice active listening to demonstrate to your ex that you are hearing them, understanding their perspective, and respecting of their point of view. Ask clarifying questions and maintain a sincere body language when speaking with them to perform active listening. If needed, set boundaries to guide your communications, especially if you and your ex tend to argue. Communicating through text or email may keep you from getting caught up in personal emotions vs. chatting on the phone, for example. Compliment their parenting. When you notice that your ex is going out of their way to provide excellent care for your children, tell them you appreciate it. This is a great way to build on positive aspects of your relationship and keep the focus on your children. Say things like “I hear you did a great job with the bake sale last week,” or “I really appreciate you taking the kids to soccer practice.” Negotiate terms. If you are going through a legal divorce, you will have to go through negotiations to determine the provision of financial and material childcare and your scheduled share of time with the children. Whether you're going through a legal separation procedure or not, it's good to try and work out terms in an honest and pragmatic fashion. The most essential considerations are schedules for custody and the provision of money for childcare. These issues can be extremely complex and you may need to involve a mediator or your own attorney to represent your interests. However, you should at least start with a personal conversation to determine your ex's expectations on these matters and express your own. With these most important issues, don't sign any kind of legally binding agreement until you've had a lawyer look over it and advise you on the consequences. Co-parenting successfully with an ex requires compromise from both parents. Try to stay flexible to keep things working well. Consider your child’s day-to-day. You need to consider things like PTA meetings and driving the kids to afterschool activities like sports. Consider all aspects of your child's life and how the separation might affect them. You also need to consider how you'll enforce discipline and what kind of rules you'll apply to the kids. Prioritize consistency both in terms of before and after the separation and between your two households. Leave legal issues with the lawyers. If there are areas of serious disagreement or issues that a judge has ruled as requiring adjudication like alimony payments or visitation, leave these out of your personal conversations. If you can't resolve an issue, forcing a discussion about it will only cause unnecessary acrimony. Consider group counseling. Counselors are not only for couples but for anyone in a relationship, including co-parenting exes. If you're having exceptional difficulty working through your issues with your ex, you may want to bring a relationship therapist into the picture. You may also want to consider counseling for your child if you think the separation is affecting their mood or behavior. Brainstorm about the best way to approach your kids. Sit down with your ex and discuss the most ideal and least damaging ways to confront details of the separation with your child. Tailor your communications to the age of the child and their level of understanding. Break the news. While it may be tempting to protect your child from the events of your separation as much as possible, they will likely understand what is going on and failing to be forthright will only lead to confusion. This may be the most difficult part of your separation but breaking the news the right way could make things much easier going forward. Try to have the conversation with the whole family present. Make time to answer any questions they have and be patient and thorough when explaining the situation to them. Soften the initial shock of the situation. Start with something like “I don't want you to worry. There is nothing to be afraid of.” If you think your child already has some understanding of the situation, you may want to ask what they think and then go from there. Explain that you and your ex have disagreements and want to separate to be the best parents possible. Emphasize that nothing has changed in terms of your love for the child. Maintain consistency. For your separation to have as little impact as possible on your child, you'll want to maintain as much consistency in your parenting style and in their routine as you can. Consider not only the child's schedule but your general attitude and demeanor as a parent. When in doubt about how to handle a parenting situation, ask yourself what you would have done before the separation. Children need to have consistent rules and discipline before and after the separation. They also need to have consistency when they switch between households. It may be tempting to shower you child with extra affection or gifts. Of course, you should always show your child a lot of affection and consider how difficult a separation will be for them. However, going overboard can signal a lifestyle change that makes your child uncomfortable or simply result in them feeling entitled to special treatment. Minimize damage to your child during the separation by allowing them to have strong relationships with both parents, reducing their exposure to conflict when possible, and providing them with consistent parenting. Maintain communications. You should be regularly speaking with your ex to discuss issues with related to your child. Set up a regularly time to speak at least once a week, over the phone or in person. Always try to keep these discussions solely focused on your child and leave out It might help to establish one conversation that includes new relationships or step-guardians and one without them. Keep negative thought to yourself. No matter how upset you are, never involve your child in the animosity. Never assign fault to your ex for the separation. Speaking negatively about your ex will not only risk the child lashing out at them or you but will also cause the child serious tensions and a feeling of being torn between the two of you. If you learn that your ex is speaking negatively about you in front of the child, be the bigger person and don't retaliate in kind. Explain to your child that your ex is under pressure from the separation and is doing their best to get through it. Compliment your ex. Almost as important as refraining from disparaging your ex is encouraging your child to see your ex in a positive light. Say nice things about your ex whenever possible to demonstrate to your child that the end of your romantic relationship has not ended your co-parenting relationship and respect for each other. Encourage your child to appreciate the skills and parenting effort of your ex by saying things like “Isn't your father's cooking great?” or “Your mother did a great job coaching your little league team.” Encourage your child to respect your new ex’s new relationship. It can be difficult to adjust to seeing your ex with a new relationship but you'll have to accept that this person will be a significant part of your child's life. Your child is likely to take cues from your perception so showing your animosity toward them could lead your child to disrespect and resent them. This will not only cause stress for your ex and their new relationship but also for your child. Try to compliment the new relationship. Ask your child questions like “What is dad's new girlfriend like?” and seem interested and impressed. Tell them explicitly that they need to respect the new relationship as an authority figure. Say something like “Remember, mom and her new husband are the adults of the house. Show them both the respect that you would show me.” If your child dislikes the new relationship, give them the chance to vent their frustration but encourage them to adapt to the new situation. Try to relate to them by saying something like “This is hard on me too.” Communicate directly with your ex. Using them as a messenger will put your child in the middle of your conflict and force them to feel the tension of your relationship. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake for separated parents that don't want to deal directly with each other, but you don't have to make it too. Find more productive ways to communicate like email, phone, or even talking through lawyers. | Learn to forgive. Maintain a professional tone. Compliment their parenting. Negotiate terms. Consider your child’s day-to-day. Leave legal issues with the lawyers. Consider group counseling. Brainstorm about the best way to approach your kids. Break the news. Maintain consistency. Maintain communications. Keep negative thought to yourself. Compliment your ex. Encourage your child to respect your new ex’s new relationship. Communicate directly with your ex. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Feet-from-Falling-Asleep | How to Keep Feet from Falling Asleep | The best way to keep your feet from falling asleep is to get up and move around or wiggle your toes at least once every hour. Additionally, avoid sitting on your feet, which compresses your nerve and makes your foot feel like it's asleep. Instead, sit in a chair with your legs at a 90 degree angle and make sure your feet are free to move around. Alternatively, if your feet fall asleep while you're walking, make sure your shoes aren't too tight. | Move around. Feeling like your foot is "asleep" is a common sensation. It's also a feeling that most people would like to avoid. Typically, parasthesia occurs when there is a lack of movement in that body part. To keep your feet from falling asleep, make sure to move them regularly. When your nerves are compressed, they can't send normal messages to your brain. That's why you lose feeling in your feet during parasthesia. Try rotating your ankles in gentle circles to increase blood flow to your feet. You can also gently flex your feet forwards and backwards. Find a new way to sit. Sitting "cross-legged" is comfortable for many people. You might find yourself sitting with one or both feet tucked under your body, especially if you are sitting on the floor. While sitting that way may be comfortable for you, it is also one of the most common reasons that feet fall asleep. To avoid nerve compression, try not to tuck your feet underneath you when you sit. Instead, make sure your feet are free to move around, and do not let your body weight press down on them. It's a good idea to stand up at least once an hour. Walking around is good for your overall health, too. Try setting a reminder on your phone so that you make sure to get out of your seat even when you're at work. It is quite common to compress your nerves that run through the buttocks and back of the leg to the feet. Avoid sitting on a thick wallet on one side. Try to sit with your legs at a 90 degree angle. Avoid sitting in a position where the back of your thighs dig into the chair. Sit at a 90 degree angle, or use a stepper to place your feet. Wiggle your toes. One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your feet from falling asleep is to move your toes around periodically. You can do this while you're sitting or lying down. For example, if you are watching tv, get in the habit of wiggling your toes during commercials. You can also wiggle your toes while you are standing. Have you ever had your feet fall asleep while you're waiting in a long line? Next time you find yourself in that situation, try moving your toes around inside of your shoes. Often, feet fall asleep while you are riding a stationary bike or using an elliptical machine. Wiggle your toes periodically while you exercise and you can prevent the problem. Change your shoes. It is possible for your feet to fall asleep even while you are walking. Often, this happens because of an underlying problem with the nerves in your feet. You can help alleviate this issue by wearing properly fitting shoes. Make sure that your shoes are not too tight. You should be able to move your toes around in them without pain. Avoid wearing high-heels, as these types of shoes put added pressure on your feet. Focus on your breathing. Anxiety is actually a cause of feeling pins and needles. If you suffer from a general anxiety disorder, helping to manage it can help you to prevent your feet from falling asleep. Try to keep your breathing slow and steady. This promotes an overall calming effect on your mind and body. During panic attacks, many people hyperventilate. This can cause pins and needles. Focus on drawing deep, slow breaths when dealing with anxiety. Breathe in slowly for five to seven seconds, and hold each breath for two seconds before slowly exhaling. Calm down. Controlling your anxiety is important for your mental health and also in preventing your feet from falling asleep. There are several things you can do to help manage anxiety. For example, you can try adding meditation to your daily routine. Each day, make time in your schedule to sit quietly and calm your mind. You can download guided meditations to listen to on your smartphone. Do yoga. Yoga has wonderful benefits for both your mind and body, including easing anxiety. It is also excellent for circulation. Change your sleeping position. If you are a sound sleeper, it is possible that you don't move much while you are sleeping. This is due to nerve compression. If you fall asleep with your legs crossed, or one foot tucked under the other, you may wake up to paresthesia. Try sleeping on your back with your legs parallel to one another. This will help keep pressure off of your feet. If you share a bed with your partner, try sleeping a little further apart. Your feet could fall asleep if someone else puts his or her leg on top of yours. Consider the causes. Paresthesia is common, and often the result of sitting in the wrong position for too long. But pins and needles can also be an underlying cause of a more severe medical condition. For example, diabetes is one of the leading causes of parasthesia. Other issues that cause the problem are related to nerve damage, which can be caused by substance abuse or injury. Vitamin deficiency can also lead to a numbness of the feet, such as Vitamin B deficiency. It's best to check with a nutritionist, dietitian or your physician to assess any vitamin deficiency. Seizures and migraines have also been linked to parasthesia. Seek medical attention. If you regularly experience parasthesia and you are unsure of the cause, schedule an appointment with your doctor. He can run tests to figure out what is causing the issue. For example, abnormal levels of sodium and potassium in your body might be the cause. A blood test can help find answers. Keep a record of when your feet fall asleep and for how long. Share this information with your doctor. Once your doctor has determined the cause of your parasthesia, he can make a treatment plan for you. Adopt healthy habits. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent parasthesia. It can also help prevent some underlying causes, such as certain cases of diabetes. To maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats. Avoid added sugars and trans fats. Exercise frequently. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days of the week. | Move around. Find a new way to sit. Wiggle your toes. Change your shoes. Focus on your breathing. Calm down. Change your sleeping position. Consider the causes. Seek medical attention. Adopt healthy habits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dust-for-Fingerprints | How to Dust for Fingerprints | The best way to dust for prints is to sprinkle a small pinch of fine powder on the print. Blow gently to cover the whole print with powder. Dab at the print lightly with a brush to remove extra powder. Press a piece of tape over the print, keeping hold of one corner. Lift it up, and place it on a contrasting piece of paper. | Find some fine powder. Fingerprint powder is a very fine powder that is either white or black. White powder is used to dust prints on dark surfaces, and dark powder is used if the print is left on light colored surfaces. Officials use either talcum-based powders for white, or graphite-based powders for black. They also sometimes use special fluorescent powders that glow under black light, if the prints may be especially hard to dust for or are on multi-colored or multi-textured surfaces. At home, you can use either baby powder, corn starch, or cocoa powder. Get a small brush. You'll want to find a brush with very fine, very soft bristles. A makeup brush or a very small paintbrush will work well. Just be sure that the bristles are soft and not stiff from rinsed in water and reused. Find some clear tape. You can use scotch tape or any other clear tape like packaging tape. Just don't use duct tape or another colored tape. The tape is for picking up the print after it has been powdered. Gather some paper. If you are going to use white powder, get black construction paper so the print contrasts with the paper and is easy to see when you put it down. If you're using a dark powder (cocoa powder or black fingerprint powder), then plain white paper is fine. Use a smooth, flat surface. If you have microscope slides, these are perfect to use for putting a fingerprint on. If not, any smooth table, chair, appliance, wall, floor, doorknob, or faucet will do. Press your finger (or fingers) hard on the smooth surface. If you want to make sure your print is even easier to see after dusting it, apply some lotion to your hands before pressing down. Practice dusting for your own prints first, and then you can try finding ones that were left accidentally around the house. Sprinkle a small amount of powder on the print. You'll want to take just a small pinch between your thumb and forefinger and sprinkle it over the whole print, trying to get some on the whole space that you think was covered by your print. You can also blow the powder around a bit to get the print covered as well. Gently brush the excess powder off the print with the brush. You'll want to be very gentle so you leave the fingerprint intact. It's best to gently lower the brush in a circular dabbing motion than to just swipe it, because swiping may smear the print. If your print gets smeared, you may have brushed too roughly or your brush may not be soft enough. This may take some practice to get it right. You should be able to see the fingerprint clearly in the powder when you're done. Place a piece of clear tape down on the powdered print. Use a big enough piece that you can leave room on the corner of the tape to keep holding it (this will make it easier to pull up). Then very carefully pull the tape up. When you lift the tape, the powdered print should be stuck to it. Place the tape on the contrasting piece of paper. Remember, if you used white powder, use a black piece of paper to capture the print with the tape. If you used dark or black powder, use a white piece of paper. Go find other people’s prints. Once you have practiced finding your own intentional prints, you're ready to look around the house for accidental prints- some may be yours but you may find other people's too. Good places to check are doorknobs and the sides of doors, faucets, and tables. | Find some fine powder. Get a small brush. Find some clear tape. Gather some paper. Use a smooth, flat surface. Press your finger (or fingers) hard on the smooth surface. Sprinkle a small amount of powder on the print. Gently brush the excess powder off the print with the brush. Place a piece of clear tape down on the powdered print. Place the tape on the contrasting piece of paper. Go find other people’s prints. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-Repeating-Decimals-to-Fractions | How to Convert Repeating Decimals to Fractions | To convert repeating decimals to fractions, start by writing an equation where x equals your original number. For example, x = 0.4444. Then, multiply both sides of the equation by 10^1, since there's just 1 repeating digit in your original number, to get 10x = 4.4444. Next, remove the repeating decimal by subtracting x from 10x on both sides to get 9x = 4. Finally, solve for x to get 4/9. | Locate the repeating decimal. For instance, the number 0.4444 has a repeating decimal of 4. It is a basic repeating decimal in the sense that there's no non-repeating portion to the decimal number. Count how many repeating digits there are in the pattern. Once your equation is written, you will multiply it by 10^y , where y equals the number of repeating digits in the pattern. In the example of 0.4444, there is one digit that repeats, so you will multiply the equation by 10^1. For a repeating decimal of 0.4545 , there are two digits that repeat, and you would, therefore, multiply your equation by 10^2. For three repeating digits, multiply by 10^3, etc. Rewrite the decimal as an equation. Write it out so that x equals the original number. In this instance, the equation is x = 0.4444. Since there's only one digit in the repeating decimal, multiply the equation by 10^1 (which equals 10). In the example where x = 0.4444 , then 10x = 4.4444. With the example x = 0.4545 , there are two repeating digits, so you multiply both sides of the equation by 10^2 (which equals 100), giving you 100x = 45.4545. Remove the repeating decimal. You accomplish this by subtracting x from 10x. Remember that whatever you do to one side of the equation must be done to the other, so: 10x – 1x = 4.4444 – 0.4444 On the left side, you have10x - 1x = 9x. On the right side, you have 4.4444 – 0.4444 = 4 Therefore, 9x = 4 Solve for x. Once you know what 9x equals, you can determine what x equals by dividing both sides of the equation by 9: On the left side of the equation you have 9x ÷ 9 = x. On the right side of the equation you have 4/9 Therefore, x = 4/9 , and the repeating decimal 0.4444 can be written as the fraction 4/9. Reduce the fraction. Put the fraction in its simplest form (if applicable) by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor. In the example of 4/9, that is the simplest form. Determine the repeating digits. It's not uncommon for a number to have non-repeating digits before the repeating decimal, but these can still be converted into fractions. For example, take the number 6.215151. Here, 6.2 is non-repeating, and the repeating digits are 15. Again take note of how many repeating digits there are in the pattern, because you will multiply by 10^y based on that number. In this example, there are two repeating digits, so you will multiply your equation by 10^2. Write the problem as an equation and subtract the repeating decimals. Again, if x = 6.215151 , then 100x = 621.5151. To remove the repeating decimals, subtract from both sides of the equation: 100x – x (= 99x) = 621.5151 - 6.215151 (= 615.3) Therefore, 99x = 615.3 Solve for x. Since 99x = 615.3, divide both sides of the equation by 99. This gives you x = 615.3/99. Remove the decimal in the numerator. Do this by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 10^z , where z equals the number of decimal places you must move to eliminate the decimal. In 615.3, you have to move the decimal by one place, meaning you multiply the numerator and denominator by 10^1: 615.3 x 10 / 99 x 10 = 6153/990 Reduce the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by the highest common factor, which in this case is 3, giving you x = 2,051/ 330 | Locate the repeating decimal. Rewrite the decimal as an equation. Remove the repeating decimal. Solve for x. Reduce the fraction. Determine the repeating digits. Write the problem as an equation and subtract the repeating decimals. Solve for x. Remove the decimal in the numerator. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-of-Interest-for-Grad-School | How to Write a Letter of Interest for Grad School | To write a letter of interest for grad school, you will need to let your potential school know about your education and career ambitions, as well as how they relate back to your personal life. Grab the reader's attention quickly by opening with a personal anecdote that shows why you have chosen your particular field of study. If the essay has a required word count, use all of the space to make the case for why you should be chosen, but do not go over the limit or you will seem like you can't follow directions. | Set your intentions. You should know what you want to achieve by attending graduate school before you start to apply. This statement is part of your application but it is also an opportunity for you to do some serious self-evaluation about your goals and plans. While you may not know your exact dissertation topic at this point, you should have a good idea of where you'd like to go in your studies. Evaluate your goals based on what you would like to study, and think about whether your particular focus will contribute to the field you're entering. For example, your intent may be “I want to study early onset Alzheimer's disease in men.” Plan your career goals. If you are planning to attend graduate school, you should have some idea of what you want to do after graduate school. Part of your statement should address how you plan to use your graduate degree to further your career aspirations. It's okay if your career plans change over the next few years, but it's useful to have a concrete starting point. Your career goal may be “I want to obtain a PhD in History in order to become an Assistant Professor of History at a small liberal arts college.” Connect your life to your academic ambitions. This is perhaps the trickiest part of your statement of purpose, but it is important to make your goals personal. Think of this personal connection as why you have chosen graduate school and your chosen career path. This may take some reflection and thought. Too vague: “I want to become a researcher because I love science and working in a lab.” More specific: “Because I watched my beloved grandfather wither away to a shadow of his former self, I want to devote my life to researching Alzheimer's disease. No one should have to lose a loved one before he is truly gone.” Too vague: “I want to be a history professor to inspire students to love history.” More specific: “Visiting civil war battle fields with my parents helped me realize the importance of understanding and learning from our history. I want to bring that history to life to a generation of students who may not have had the travel opportunities that I had.” Select graduate programs that will meet your academic needs. Though it's tempting to select schools with the biggest names, the process of selecting a graduate school should be a bit more intensive than that. It's important to ensure that the graduate institution you choose will fulfill your academic needs and that you and the school are a good fit for each other. Be sure the school offers support for your specific field of specialization. It is helpful to work with someone who is well-respected in your specific area. For example, if you want to study East Asian history, make sure you apply to departments with several professors in that field. These professors should have publications in East Asian history. Learn about the graduate school process at each institution. Most programs follow the same general timeline: coursework, comprehensive exams, a formal thesis/dissertation proposal, and finally the thesis/dissertation writing and defense. Select a school that has a high job placement rate after graduation. The department you're applying to should keep some data; if their placement rate is high, they will likely advertise it as such. Look through the department course catalogue. If possible, look at the graduate-level course offerings in the university's course catalogue. This will help you ensure that you will have ample opportunities to take both required and elective courses. You should be able to get a sense of both the scope and depth of available courses and determine whether there are several professors who offer courses in your areas of interest. Format your statement appropriately. Your statement of purpose is often the first item in your application packet and often serves as a cover letter for the rest of your application materials. Particularly if the school calls the statement of purpose a “letter,” you should format it as such. Formal letter-writing etiquette dictates that you should include the following: The institution's mailing address Greeting addressed to appropriate person (or To Whom it May Concern: if you are not sure) Today's date The body of the letter A formal closing (such as Sincerely,) A signature at the bottom of the letter Begin with a hook. As with any essay introduction, you should try to grab the attention of the readers with a hook in the start of your essay. You may offer a vivid personal anecdote that provides the basis of your personal connection to your field of study. For example, you may say “I stood feeling helpless while my twin brother attempted to begin his presentation to the class. He sputtered a feeble “w- w- w- when…” then fell silent, shame-faced and unable to continue. In the deafening silence that ensued, I vowed that I was going to devote my life to ensuring that other kids would never face similar humiliation. My future career in speech therapy was born in that moment.” Use all your allotted words. The length of a personal statement varies, but it is important to use as many words as you are allowed. You should try to fit as much concrete, specific information about yourself into your statement as you can, so use as much space as you are allowed. If the application instructions do not give a length requirement, limit the statement to 1-2 typed pages. If you may write up to 500 words but only write 200, you risk seeming glib or, worse, lazy. If you go over the allotted length, it will seem as though you cannot follow directions or that you do not care about specific requirements. Neither is a desirable quality in a graduate student. Be specific. Remember that the committee or individual reading your application is likely reading hundreds of applications. Providing generic material will not make your essay stand out from the others. Making overly general statements may lead the admissions committee to skim or skip over your letter. Instead, aim to make concrete, specific statements about yourself as a person that will motivate the readers to want to meet and work with you. Too vague: “I wish to become a historian.” More specific: “I want to study the history and culture of indigenous persons of British Columbia to fight against their marginalization in the present day.” Summarize your academic history. It is important to communicate your academic achievements. It is not necessary to list every class you have taken or boast about every good grade you made in college. You should communicate that you have been academically successful, particularly in courses related to your field. Also demonstrate that you have the intellect and work ethic required for graduate studies, and that you have experienced academic rigor in the past. Be sure to mention all the degrees you hold, as well as honors such as summa cum laude and any other honors listed on your diploma (e.g. “research honors” or “general honors” if you participated in an undergraduate honor's program). Include academic awards such as competitive merit-based academic scholarships and GPA-based awards. Also include special scholarly achievements like undergraduate research awards. Add relevant non-academic information. Use caution when adding information that is not specifically academic. For example, the admissions committee is unlikely to care if you were president of your sorority. If you must include information that is nonacademic, tie it to your future academic achievement. In the case of being sorority president, you may want to mention that you maintained a 4.0 GPA while serving as president and overseeing two very large fundraisers. This shows that you can manage both people and time effectively, a necessary skill for a graduate student who must balance research, teaching, and scholarship. Address any inconsistencies in your academic record. If there is something in your academic history that may harm your candidacy, you need to address it head-on without sounding like you are making excuses. For example, if you suffer extreme text anxiety and thus have low GRE scores, you should make a statement explaining the scores. Then address how you plan to handle any high-stakes testing (such as comprehensive exams) the program requires. For example, if you have one undergraduate semester in which you made all Cs, explain why (ie: depression, a death in the family, substance abuse). Then explain how you overcame the adversity and went on to improve from that point forward. Maintain a formal style. This is the equivalent of an interview. At an interview, you would want to appear professional, put-together, and polished. Your letter should communicate a professional tone, effective organization, and careful proofreading. Avoid abbreviations, smiley faces, and exuberant punctuation such as explanation points! Edit thoroughly. Be completely brutal with yourself while editing. Ask yourself whether each sentence you write is completely necessary and an accurate portrayal of yourself, your history, and your future goals. If it isn't, delete or edit it. Do not make any spelling or grammar mistakes. Proofread the letter yourself, have several other people proofread it, and take it to your school's writing studio. If necessary, hire a professional proofreader. Ask someone you trust to read over your letter and give you feedback. This person should know you well and, if possible, have some familiarity with graduate school admissions (like a professor) or work in a field that you see yourself working in. Reuse most of your statement. You should be able to leave much of your statement unchanged from application to application. Your history, your goals, and the reason you have chosen your field will not need to change. You should, however, include a short section towards the end explaining how a specific university can help you meet your academic goals. You should customize this statement for each university. Read the instructions for the statement of purpose. It is important to ensure that your statement of purpose follows the guidelines for each application. Tailoring will be worth your time even if you end up rewriting most of your statement. If the admissions committee feels that you haven't answered the provided questions, they may dismiss your application. Ensure the length of your statement follows the guidelines (if it doesn't, add to or reduce appropriately). Look for any specific requests, such as “describe how your past academic history has prepared you for graduate school.” Then be sure that you have already done that; if you haven't, go back and add it. Read and follow any “tips” that the university provides for the statement of purpose. Some may provide a list of “dos” and “don'ts.” If the university provides such a list, ensure that you “do” the things they ask and “don't” do the things they specify not to do. Read the university’s website. A university's website often provides a specific mission statement or strategic plan for the institution. It may be helpful to include these in your section about why you are choosing that university. Realize that sometimes an individual department may not be wholly engaged with the exact goals of the university administration. Look for evidence in the department's page or in the work of the professors at the university that implies that they are working towards the same mission as the university. For example, if the university and department webpages specify a wish to connect learners to the community, specifically address how your research can act as a bridge between the university and the greater community. Connect your goals to the program. After you have found out about the program, connect your specific academic and career goals to the program. You should be explicit about how the program can help you achieve your goals. You may even mention specific professors that you are looking forward to working with because their research interests overlap with your own. For example, you might say something like “Dr. Smith's recent work on the influence of early intervention on later speech impediments parallels my own work. My master's thesis involved studying kindergarten students' response to early intervention. I would love to become part of her research team to continue exploring this area of study.” Avoid flattery. It is good to sound as though you admire a school and department. However, you should avoid providing empty flattery or telling them information about themselves that they already know. For example, avoid statements such as: “I want to study at XYZ University because it was recently ranked as the #1 graduate school for my subject area in Newsweek.” | Set your intentions. Plan your career goals. Connect your life to your academic ambitions. Select graduate programs that will meet your academic needs. Look through the department course catalogue. Format your statement appropriately. Begin with a hook. Use all your allotted words. Be specific. Summarize your academic history. Add relevant non-academic information. Address any inconsistencies in your academic record. Maintain a formal style. Edit thoroughly. Reuse most of your statement. Read the instructions for the statement of purpose. Read the university’s website. Connect your goals to the program. Avoid flattery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Gel-Eyeliner | How to Apply Gel Eyeliner | To apply gel eyeliner, start by dipping a thin, angled makeup brush into the eyeliner and wiping the excess off on the side of the container. Then, gently pull the skin around your eye taut with your free hand and close your eye slightly. Starting about 1/4 of the way out from the inside corner of your eye, gently sweep the eyeliner onto your upper lash line using the brush. For a bolder look, try making the line thicker or extending it past the outer corner of your eye. | Choose the right product. While it's not necessary to buy the most expensive cosmetics, read reviews about the product you're considering buying to find out whether it's worth it. Gel eyeliner typically comes in a pot, and you'll need an angled brush to apply it. A thick brush will create thick, dark lines. A thin, angled brush will give you more control and allow you to make finer lines. Look for a brush that has a bit of stiffness to it. Wash, dry, and moisturize your face. Use a gentle cleanser and your favorite moisturizer. You want to ensure your skin is free of dirt and oil so that you have a fresh canvas to work with. Don't use an overly oily moisturizer, or the eyeliner will have trouble adhering to your skin. Apply concealer or primer as a base layer. A good base layer will give the gel eyeliner something more to stick to, will help it last longer, and will make it more apparent. Avoid using a setting powder underneath your liner, though, as this could cause clumping. Opt for a matte primer that's either transparent or that has very little tint so it won't affect the color of your eye makeup. If you don't have eye primer, you can use a thin layer of concealer, instead. Dip the brush into the eyeliner. Only dip the brush bristles in, and wipe them on the sides to remove excess eyeliner. Start with less rather than more, as you can always add more eyeliner if necessary, but taking it away will be much more difficult. Gel eyeliner and liquid eyeliner have very different consistencies. In addition, liquid eyeliners typically have an applicator inside the container, while you'll likely need a separate brush to apply gel eyeliner. Using too much eyeliner at once can lead to globs and smearing. Position your head. Tilt your head to point your chin up and out, so that you can see your entire eyelid more easily. Hold the brush at an angle. Don't point the brush perpendicular to your eye so you can't see what you're doing. Instead, hold the brush at an angle so you can see the tip touching your eye and can follow as you work. Gently pull the skin around your eye taut. Using your other hand, place a finger on your face between your temple and the eye you're going to apply eyeliner to. Very gently pull the skin taut toward your temple. This will help you apply the eyeliner in a straight line. Apply a basic line. Close the eye you are going to apply eyeliner to, but not so tightly that you're squinting. You can even squint so that your eye is mostly closed, but you can still see what you're doing. On your top lid, start about 1/4 of the way out from your inside corner. Use the tip of the brush to gently and smoothly follow the lash line and trace the natural curve of your eye with the eyeliner. Try to do this in one stroke, keeping the eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible. If you find it difficult to trace the lash line smoothly, mark points along the way first with the eyeliner, and then connect the dots with a single stroke of the brush. Make your eyes bolder. For a more dramatic effect, thicken the line by retracing the original line with a thicker one. Make sure the line is thinner at the beginning and end of the eyelid, and slightly and gradually thicker toward the corner. Make your eyes look longer. Extend the basic line beyond the corner of your eye slightly, angling it gently upward with the natural curve of your eye. Make your eyes look bigger. Apply eyeliner only to the corner of your eyes. Start in the middle of your eyelid and draw a line toward the outer corner. Make the line thicker as you approach the corner. Do the same on the bottom lid, and connect the eyeliner lines in the corner of your eye. Create a wing. The wing, or cat eye look, will extend your eye and create a more dramatic effect. Create the wing by using the brush tip to draw a triangle that naturally extends the corner of your eye. The triangle should taper and come to a point that points toward the tip of your eyebrow, and should get thicker as it approaches your eye. Angle the triangle slightly upward toward your temple. The wing should follow the line that connects the bottom of your brow with your nose. Make the triangle no longer than the halfway point between the corner of your eye and your eyebrow. Fill in the triangle shape with eyeliner, and smoothly connect the triangle with the original line you drew to trace your lash line. Clean smears and mistakes immediately. Use either a cotton swab or makeup sponge wipe up any mistakes right away, before the eyeliner dries. If necessary, dip the cotton swab in baby oil or makeup remover first. Remember that if you use makeup remover, it will also wipe away your primer, foundation, and any other makeup in the area, so you may need to do some touchups. Keep your hands steady. An unsteady hand can make for a rough or uneven eyeliner line, which will make your makeup job look sloppy. If necessary, rest your elbows on a counter or table as you apply the eyeliner. Wash your brush after using it. Wash it with soap and warm water and let it air dry before your next use. This will prevent bacteria from growing, and it will keep the brush clean, which will make your makeup easier to apply. Avoid sharing beauty products. This is especially true for things like lipstick and eyeliner that can transfer bacteria into your body through your mouth or eyes. Only use new cosmetics. Applying makeup with the same brush over and over again can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to infections. Cosmetics can also degrade and go bad over time, especially once they're open. Depending on your eyeliner, you should probably use it within three to six months. Finished. | Choose the right product. Wash, dry, and moisturize your face. Apply concealer or primer as a base layer. Dip the brush into the eyeliner. Position your head. Hold the brush at an angle. Gently pull the skin around your eye taut. Apply a basic line. Make your eyes bolder. Make your eyes look longer. Make your eyes look bigger. Create a wing. Clean smears and mistakes immediately. Keep your hands steady. Wash your brush after using it. Avoid sharing beauty products. Only use new cosmetics. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Upper-Thigh-Weight | How to Lose Upper Thigh Weight | To lose weight in your upper thighs, try to eat lots of high fiber-foods, like vegetables and whole grains, to fill you up and keep you over overeating. Additionally, avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, since they are calorie-dense and will make it hard to lose weight. You can also try adding squats and pliés to your exercise routine to tone your thighs and firm up your butt and hip area. For faster results, consider taking up interval training, where you do short, intense bursts of exercise with rest breaks in between. | Keep your diet in check. Since there's no easy way to spot reduce, burning total body fat will help you reduce the fat on your upper thighs. If you're overweight, start by reducing your daily calorie intake by 250 to 500 calories per day. Cutting 500 calories a day will result in losing one pound a week (3,500 calories is one pound). But remember: That's not including the calories you'll be burning with your increased workout regimen. Limit your intake of fat. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) recommends that adults limit their total dietary fat to 20 to 35 percent of their daily calorie intake. Since one gram of fat equals nine calories, a 2,000 calorie diet should consist of 44 to 78 grams of fat per day. The DASH eating plan (for lowering cholesterol) recommends a daily dietary fat intake of 27 percent of total calories (60 grams of fat per day for a 2,000 calorie diet). Try to include healthy (unsaturated) fats when possible while limiting saturated fats. Foods that are high in unsaturated fat include vegetable oils, such as olive and canola oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Load up on fiber. Most Americans don't consume the recommended 21 to 38 grams of fiber per day. High-fiber foods are beneficial for weight loss because they are typically low in fat and calories and high in nutrients (such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes). Fiber also helps you feel more full and satisfied, for longer periods of time. Getting plenty of fiber in your diet will help you lose weight (and body fat) at a faster pace. High-fiber foods generally require more chewing time, which gives your body time to register when you're no longer hungry, so you're less likely to overeat. And high-fiber diets also tend to be less "energy dense," which means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food. Do squats. They'll not only tone your thighs, but also your butt and hip area. To do a squat: Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, keeping an even balance. Turn your toes out slightly and place your arms at your sides with your palms facing inward. Keep your shoulders down. Keeping your back straight, squat down like you're going to sit, shoulders moving toward your hips. Shift your weight onto your heels. Stabilize yourself with your abs. Keep your knees in line with your feet -- resist the urge to move them forward. Bring your thighs parallel to floor and hold steady. If your heels are coming up, return to starting position. Exhale, push through your feet, and stand up straight. For a variation to the squat, do a wall-sit (squatting against a wall and holding it) or use an exercise ball. Do pliés. There's a reason that ballerinas are so fit! We can learn from them. Stand with your feet a bit wider than shoulder-width apart and angle your toes outward. Bring your arms out in front of you. They'll help you balance yourself and keep your back straight. Then, go down into a squatting position. Remember to align your knees with your toes! Return slowly to your original position, keeping your hips tucked under your spine. Repeat these movements for about a minute. Do forward lunges. Lunging on all sides is the most beneficial -- your thighs need to be worked on all planes. Stand up straight with your feet together, all the while engaging your abdominal muscles. While keeping your back straight, lift your right foot in the air and find your balance. Once you do, slowly bring it forward and place it on the ground, heel first. Straighten your left leg as you lower your right, maintaining weight on your front foot. Lower yourself until your right thigh and left calf are parallel to the floor and balance. Return to your starting position, pushing off with your front leg and switch sides. Repeat for about thirty seconds on each side or for as long as you can manage. Do single-leg circles. These are commonly found in Pilates -- a great toning workout. Lie on the floor on top of a comfortable surface like a yoga or Pilates mat. Bring your arms to your side with your palms face down. Bring your right foot straight up, pointing to the ceiling. Rotate your leg outward a little. Keep your hips on the mat at all times. Then, inhale and move your entire leg in clockwise circles. Once you've done this five times, switch to counter-clockwise circles. Repeat this set four times, alternating legs. Keep up the resistance training and cardio. Alright, so you've got the thigh exercises down, but since there's no such thing as spot reducing, you'll need to work out your entire body, too. Cardio burns the most fat, but a combination of cardio and resistance training will lead to ultimate calorie burn. For intense results, take up interval training. It amplifies the benefits of cardio, burning even more calories. You do a short burst of exercise as hard as you can, rest for a bit, and repeat. And your workout is done much quicker! | Keep your diet in check. Limit your intake of fat. Load up on fiber. Do pliés. Do forward lunges. Do single-leg circles. Keep up the resistance training and cardio. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Accepted-Into-the-National-Honor-Society | How to Be Accepted Into the National Honor Society | To be accepted into the National Honor Society or NHS, maintain a GPA of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, and study for standardized test, like the SAT or ACT. Get involved in school activities by participating in clubs, and take on leadership positions whenever you can. Be sure to take advantage of volunteering opportunities, or take initiative and start a volunteer program at a local non-profit. When you're ready to apply for NHS, ask a teacher to nominate you for consideration and then complete the application. | Maintain your GPA. Your cumulative GPA is one of the criteria used to see if you make National Honor Society standards. If you want to be in NHS, work on maintaining a high GPA. Members of National Honor Society must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher on the 4.0 scale. On a 5.0 scale, this would be at least a 4.375 and 5.25 on a 6.0 scale. On a letter grade scale, this would be at least a B+ and 90% or higher grade average on a 100 point scale. Start working on your grades early in high school. If you start off with a low GPA you'll have to work extra hard to pull it up in the following semesters. Take your studies and homework seriously. If you're struggling with a particular subject, consider hiring a tutor or asking a friend in class to help you out. Most people do not excel equally well in all subjects. You might be an excellent chemistry student but struggle remembering dates for history class, for example. National Honors Society members are always looking for ways to earn their 25 hours of community service that they must fulfill each year in the organization, so ask them for help in these subjects. Practice good study skills. Flashcards, memorization, and practice tests and quizzes are all great means to prepare for an exam. If your teacher offers any optional after school review sessions, always attend even if you feel confident about your skill set. Do well on standardized tests. The NHS also has criteria when it comes to standardized testing. In order to be accepted into NHS, you need 1750 or higher on the SAT, a 200 or higher on the PSAT, and a 26 or higher on the ACT. Most schools offer the first PSAT test during Sophomore year. Doing well on this test will greatly increase your chances of being accepted into NHS. Start studying for the PSAT during the summer after your freshman year. Most bookstores, as well as Amazon, sell up to date study guides for most standardized tests. Many colleges and organizations like Kaplan offer prep courses, which can be taken in person or online. If you're serious about NHS membership, consider asking your parents if you can enroll in one of these courses. Remember, you can retake most standardized tests if you do not like your score the first time. Be a leader. National Honor Society values leadership. The organization seeks out student leaders who convey good problem solving skills and contribute ideas to the world around them. If you want to be an NHS member, you need some leadership experience on your resume. Get involved in your school. Join a club that speaks to your passions and go for a leadership role. You might not be able to be say, president, right away but you can always take a smaller position as a board member or treasurer. Consider running for student council. Being a representative for your class would look great on an NHS membership application. You can also get involved outside of school. If you play sports, being the captain of your hockey or soccer team can convey leadership skills. Consider volunteering to coach little league, taking on the role of coach to kids younger than yourself. If you're involved in any other type of community, you can try to be a leader there as well. Say you take art lessons at the community art center. See if they need volunteers to tutor younger students. Volunteer. NHS seeks out students who have a dedication to serving their community. If you want to be in NHS, volunteer for a cause you care about and stick to your service long term. There are many ways to volunteer. You should pick a cause you feel passionate about as you'll be more motivated to stick your service out. Love animals? Work for your local Humane Society. Interested in politics? Try doing campaign work for a cause you support. Big reader? Ask your local library if they need assistance. If you're struggling to find volunteer opportunities, go to a local community center, church, hospital, or coffee shop. People often leave flyers in these kinds of establishments trying to recruit volunteers. You can also ask the school counselor or principal of your school. He or she might be in contact with a variety of local organizations seeking out student workers. Stay out of trouble. Character is another category NHS pays attention to regarding candidates. A student with high character adheres to high standards of honesty, is courteous to others, and has a clean disciplinary record. Avoid people and situations where you might get in trouble. Things like recreational drug use and underage drinking look bad on an NHS application. Find a local chapter. If you want to join National Honor Society, you must be enrolled in a school with an active NHS chapter. You can use the National Honor Society website to find information about your school's chapter of NHS. Students cannot apply to enter the NHS at the national level, via the organization's website or any other means. All admissions to the NHS are handled at the local level - you must apply to your high school's NHS chapter and no other. That's why it's important to get information about your chapter before attempting the application process. If your school doesn't have an NHS chapter, all is not lost. Try asking your principal, academic adviser, or teacher to establish an NHS chapter at your school. Though students and parents aren't allowed to apply to establish chapters, they are encouraged to share information with receptive school faculty members. Review the criteria for your local chapter. Criteria for admissions varies from chapter to chapter. Some schools require an application and resume. Some schools merely require an essay detailing why you feel qualified to join NHS. Figure out what the specific qualifications are at your school and go from there. Find a teacher to nominate you for NHS. You cannot simply apply to NHS cold. A faculty member at your school must nominate you. Then, the educator associated with your school's chapter of NHS will make a decision regarding your application. Sometimes, a teacher will simply nominate you without your asking. However, if this does not happen and you feel qualified consider approaching a teacher and asking. Pick a teacher whose class you feel you've done well in and who is impressed by your work and dedication. Your teacher will have to print out and submit a student nomination form. You can find this form for your teacher on the NHS website. Obtain candidate status. Once your teacher submits your student application form, the person heading the NHS chapter at your school will make a decision. He or she will decide whether or not you meet NHS criteria and are eligible to apply. Remember that individual chapters differ in their precise rules. Some require you to complete an application to even be considered for membership, while others don't require you to apply until after you've been singled out as eligible. When in doubt, always consult your local chapter for precise instructions. Work hard on your application. NHS applications vary from school to school. Whatever your school requires, spend a lot of time on your application. A solid application can increase your chances of being accepted into NHS. Include all the experience you have related to NHS's core values: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Include things like work on school clubs, experience with sports, volunteer work, after school jobs, and any awards or achievements. Many chapters of NHS require an essay as part of the membership application. The essay might be a broad overview of your qualifications or it might ask a specific question, like "If you had to have dinner with anyone living or dead who would you pick?" Spend a lot of time on your essay. Write a couple of drafts and have a friend or family member look it over for you. If you are not granted membership, you have the right to appeal the council's decision. However, appeals must be made to the local chapter itself - state and national NHS agencies do not hear membership appeals. Do not be discouraged. Continue your service activities and leadership activities and maintain your good GPA. You can always apply again next year. Maintain membership. Once you're accepted to NHS, you will have to maintain your member status. This means keeping your grades up, continuing to score high on standardized tests, continuing your community involvement, and maintaining a clean disciplinary record. Continue to work hard, even after acceptance, as it is possible to be dismissed from NHS. | Maintain your GPA. National Honors Society members are always looking for ways to earn their 25 hours of community service that they must fulfill each year in the organization, so ask them for help in these subjects. Do well on standardized tests. Be a leader. Volunteer. Stay out of trouble. Find a local chapter. Review the criteria for your local chapter. Find a teacher to nominate you for NHS. Obtain candidate status. Work hard on your application. Maintain membership. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Cat-Is-in-Pain | How to Tell if a Cat Is in Pain | One easy way to tell if your cat is in pain by looking for negative changes in its behaviors, such as eating less, not greeting you, or not using the litter box. Watch as it gets up from a sitting or lying position, since a hurt cat will have difficulty standing up or might have a limp once it starts walking. When it's in the lying position, watch its breathing by staring at one spot of hairs and watching them move in and out. Normally, a cat will take 20-30 breaths a minute, but a cat in pain may take rapid, shallow breaths. | Look for changes to your cat's routine. Your cat has regular habits that it sticks to every day. This might include what time it gets up, how it greets you when you come home from work, how it asks for food, and how often it goes to the bathroom. Be alert for changes in these habits, especially when they involve the cat becoming more withdrawn. The changes are usually for the worst, such as eating less, not getting up to greet you, hiding away, or toileting outside the litter box. These changes are not specific for pain, so just because the cat hides away doesn't automatically mean they are in pain, but it does mean something is wrong and you need to look for other signs and clues as to what the problem could be. Pay attention if the cat abandons beloved activities. You should be used to what's normal for your cat, such as which toy it likes to play with and for how long, or which is its favorite sleeping spot and how long it spends there. Changes in favorite activities can be a clear sign that your cat is in pain. For example the cat in pain may find it difficult to rest and so it paces around instead of curling up to sleep. It may repeatedly settle and then get up again. Or perhaps it adopts one posture and then holds it whilst looking stiff and tense. I Look for difficulty with movement. The cat may have difficulty getting up from a sitting or lying position. Once it starts moving be alert for a limp, and look to see which leg the cat is limping on. Even lack of movement in the ears can signal a problem. The ears would normally move to catch fleeting sounds in the environment. Often a cat in pain has more fixed ears that may well be flattened against its head. Watch the cat's breathing. This is easily done by fixing on one spot of hairs on its chest and watching them move in and out. A cat usually takes 20-30 breaths a minute, whereas a cat in pain may take rapid shallow breaths. In extreme cases the cat may breath with its mouth open, which is not something cats do normally unless they are extremely hot. Pay attention to how the cat reacts when picked up. Does it cry out, wince, or scrabble to get away as if picking it up has hurt it? A change of reaction from what is normal can indicate a problem, especially if other signs are present. Determine if the cat is acting out of character. A cat that is normally sweet-tempered who becomes irritable may well be in pain. This is a giveaway that there is a problem. The placid cat that suddenly turns aggressive, hisses, and spits rather than let you pet it is probably experiencing pain. Be alert for a friendly cat, that changes character backs away, arches their back, hairs erect, dilated pupils, ears flattened back, hisses and spits. These are all signs of aggression. Alternatively, you may have a feisty cat who suddenly becomes withdrawn and starts hiding. Indeed, the cat who stops grooming may be in pain. Take a look at the cat's face and posture. The signs are subtle but a cat's facial expression can tell you a lot about whether it is stressed or not. This is important because a cat in pain is also a stressed cat, and stress signals can be a vital clue. Look for a worried or tense expression on the cat. This could include a furrowed brow or a vacant stare. The pupils are likely to be large and dilated, whereas a cat at rest in normal lighting conditions should have slit-shaped pupils. Notice changes in vocalization. Some cats may cry more and vocalize when they are in pain. However, many go the other way and become quiet and withdrawn. Be aware that purring does not always mean the cat is happy. Purring can comfort the cat and so even a distressed cat may purr to itself in order to feel reassured and a bit better. Identify where the cat's pain is coming from. Common causes of pain include dental discomfort, bite wounds, inflamed eyes, sprains, fractures, pancreatitis, cystitis, ear infections, skin infections, bone disease, cancer, and arthritis. Your veterinarian may be able to figure out why your cat is in pain if you can't. If your cat has had recent surgery, then you will want to be sure it is not in pain while healing. Make sure it is getting the necessary medication to recover without pain. Make your cat as comfortable as possible. Some cats will shy away from affection, almost as though they expect petting to cause them discomfort. However, other cats go the other way and seek extra attention, as if needing reassurance. Seek professional veterinary treatment for the pain. Ask your vet about a safe but effective pain relief medication. There are a variety of these that can be prescribed to meet your cat's pain management needs. In addition to pain management, your veterinarian should be treating the underlying cause of the pain. If your vet can't find the source, go to another vet for a second opinion. Never treat the pain at home with human drugs. Cats metabolize drugs very differently to people and the medication we have in our medicine cabinets can be toxic to cats. Stop your cat from self harming. A cat with a low grade or nagging pain, may try to distract or comfort itself by excessive licking, which results in broken hairs and a moth-eaten look to its coat. Some cats may do themselves actual harm and bite at an area that is painful, as if they perceive their is something attacking their body and they wish to get rid of it. If this is the case consult with your vet about ways to stop the cat from licking or biting itself. One solution is to put a cone on the cat until the pain is eliminated. Sometimes the cat will lick the area that is painful, for example a sore joint, other times it will lick an area that is not the source of pain but is just soothing itself. In these cases the cat may lick an easy to get to spot, such as a paw or its belly. | Look for changes to your cat's routine. Pay attention if the cat abandons beloved activities. Look for difficulty with movement. Watch the cat's breathing. Pay attention to how the cat reacts when picked up. Determine if the cat is acting out of character. Take a look at the cat's face and posture. Notice changes in vocalization. Identify where the cat's pain is coming from. Make your cat as comfortable as possible. Seek professional veterinary treatment for the pain. Stop your cat from self harming. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Prickly-Pear-Cactus | How to Eat Prickly Pear Cactus | If you want to eat the pads of a prickly pear cactus, make sure to wear heavy gloves or use tongs when you handle them, as the spines can prick you. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, remove both the large spines on the pads, as well as the tinier ones that might be hard to see. Once the spines are removed, rinse the pads in cool water. Then, slice the pads into strips, making sure to wipe your knife after each cut to remove any leftover spines. To cook the cactus pad strips, coat them generously with spices and grill them until tender and slightly browned. Consider tossing the grilled strips with fresh lime juice and a little olive oil for a tasty treat! | Buy or forage some prickly pear pads. See Warnings. There's a reason it's called the prickly pear cactus. Find pads that are bright green and firm. Small, young pads harvested in early spring are thought to be the most succulent, delicate in flavor, and have the fewest spines. The thicker a pad, the older it is. Older pads tend to be stringy and their sap will be thicker, which some people find unpleasant. Leave those for other species who use them as survival food during lean foraging seasons. The tender pads are sometimes sold as "baby nopales". If you're harvesting them yourself, wear extremely heavy gloves or use tongs. Snap the pads off the plant or cut at the stem. Cutting at the stem reduces stress on the pad, and allows the cactus to recover more quickly than snapping or tearing the pad away. This helps keep your cactus plant healthy for future harvests. Remove the spines from the pad by using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Don't take off the gloves until the pads are completely rinsed and the peeled remnants are cleared. The pads not only have large spines, but there are also tiny, invisible and far more irritating spines called glochids that are extremely difficult to remove from the skin. The spines and glochids can also be removed from the prickly pear pads by burning them off with a small torch or by placing the pad on a gas burner and turning it with tongs. See Warnings. Run the pad under cool water. Peel or cut off any discolorations or bruises. Slice or cut the pads (wipe the knife blade after each slice, as there can be small spines sticking to it), or leave them whole, depending on what you will be using the nopales for. . Cook the nopales They can be either boiled or grilled, as well as mixed with other ingredients to make unique, satisfying and healthy dishes. If you boil the nopales, you may sometimes have to drain and re-boil them once or twice, depending on how thick the sap is. The thicker the pad, the thicker the sap. Boiling them with a copper coin (an old Mexican "veinte") is a common remedy to thin the sap and make it more palatable to unaccustomed diners. The boiled nopales are then drained, washed off with cold water and served as a salad with finely diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro and jalapeños and seasoned with vinegar, salt and lime juice. If you grill the nopales, you might want to coat generously with pepper, salt, and other spices. They're ready when they're tender and slightly browned. Grilled nopalitos strips can be seasoned with fresh lime juice and a little olive oil. You can also add grilled portobello mushrooms to the mix. Try stirring the cooked nopales into soup, mixing them into a salad or omelet, pickling them, or eating them alone. A popular and traditional Mexican dish is "nopalitos en salsa verde", where the nopales are cut in strips and boiled in water (see above), and then re-cooked in the traditional sauce made of tomatillos (which are sometimes mistaken for green tomatoes , but are actually a completely different fruit that grow in a papery husk), onion, garlic, cilantro and jalapeño chiles (puree the sauce ingredients in a blender and then bring to a boil and simmer). This is usually eaten in a soft tortilla as a taco or with chips. Buy or harvest some prickly pears. The pears with the reddish-orange or purple skin and deep purple interiors are considered to be the sweetest, but the white-skinned varieties are more popular in Mexico. Store-bought prickly pears are usually spine-free and sometimes can be handled with your bare hands. Unprocessed pears still have glochids that will drive you crazy if you get some on your skin. Just to be sure, always use tongs or at least a plastic bag as a glove. If you're foraging for prickly pears, remember that while all pears are edible, only a few will actually be ripe and taste good. Get them when they are bright purple and look like rat food, just before starting to wrinkle. Remove the spines. Place the pears in a plastic colander five or six at a time under cold water. Swirl the pears around for about three or four minutes not bruising them. Doing this washes all the fine blond hairs away, now you can handle them prickly free. Skin the pears. All the hairs gone slice off the thicker skin at both ends of the prickly pear (the bottom and the top). It takes a little practice to know how much to slice off. Generally, you want to take off the skin without getting at the seed-filled center. Cut lengthwise along the pear's top-bottom centerline just through the skin. Using that slit, use the knife to lever the skin and peel it off of the rest of the pear. Cut the pear into slices, or stick onto a fork or skewer and serve. The flesh of the prickly pear can be used to make jam , jelly , sorbet , wine, and "cactus candy." The seeds can be consumed with the fruit (but be careful not to bite into them, as they're quite hard) or spit out. Some people eat the seeds in soup or dry them to be ground into flour. Finished. | Buy or forage some prickly pear pads. Remove the spines from the pad by using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Run the pad under cool water. Slice or cut the pads (wipe the knife blade after each slice, as there can be small spines sticking to it), or leave them whole, depending on what you will be using the nopales for. . Buy or harvest some prickly pears. Remove the spines. Skin the pears. Cut the pear into slices, or stick onto a fork or skewer and serve. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-when-Your-Spouse-Is-Away | How to Cope when Your Spouse Is Away | To cope with missing your spouse while they're away, keep yourself distracted by planning fun events that you can look forward to, like parties or movie nights with friends. You should try to stay connected to your family and friends, since they care about you and can help you feel less lonely. If your spouse is deployed, consider joining an online message board where you can chat with other people with military spouses who can empathize with your struggle. | Prepare yourself. It's okay to cry if you know your partner is leaving. Just remember that their departure is not the end of the world, and be sure not to procrastinate. The farewell may seem ages off, but give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Do something special before they leave. Treat them to a meal at their favorite restaurant, take them to the cinema to see the movie they've been dying to watch. Enjoy your time together and make them realize how much "they'll" miss "you"! Expressing emotion on the day of their departure is fine. However, don't make them feel guilty for leaving. If they think you're upset with them, they'll worry about you and won't be able to enjoy their trip or cope as well with their work or deployment. Distract yourself after they leave. Have a movie marathon, read webcomics, settle in with a good book. Don't let your mind linger on their departure. If practical, it's okay to contact your spouse during their time away from you. Remember that they're busy, either getting their work done or trying to relax. Constant interruption might prolong your time apart. Call or text them goodnight to show that you're thinking of them. If you call during the day, keep it short but sweet. Make a countdown. On your calendar, mark the halfway point of your spouse's trip. Work towards that first half, crossing off every day they've been gone. Once you complete that, the second part will get easier. Try to fill every day, rather than moping around the house. Make plans with family and friends, or get around to those things you've been putting off. Even if money won't allow you to do something special every day, new experiences will give you something to share with your spouse upon their return and will return happiness to your life. Stay positive. If you think happy thoughts, you will be happy. Consider that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but don't skimp! Improve yourself while your partner is away. Break those bad habits, start the diet you've been talking about. Present them with a brand new you when they return. Give yourself time to cry. It'll soothe you and allow you to be stronger since those pent-up emotions won't be weighing you down. | Prepare yourself. Do something special before they leave. Expressing emotion on the day of their departure is fine. Distract yourself after they leave. If practical, it's okay to contact your spouse during their time away from you. Make a countdown. Try to fill every day, rather than moping around the house. Stay positive. Consider that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but don't skimp! Give yourself time to cry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Consultant | How to Be a Consultant | Since a consultant helps businesses identify problem areas and ways to grow, to be a consultant you'll want to choose a field that you're experienced in and have a passion for. If you don't already have a bachelor's or master's degree, look into getting one since it can increase your chances of getting jobs. Then, once you have a degree, you can either start your own consulting business or join an existing one. | Polish your resume. This may be the first impression an employer gets of you, so don't cut corners. Now that you have the skills and requirements to make a splash in your particular field, make sure your resume explains why you're the right person for the job. Have a clearly defined goal List your employment history. Don't sell yourself short here or take anything for granted, you never know what you've done that an employer might find interesting or worthwhile. List awards or other achievements. If you don't have an extensive work history, you can lead with educational achievements, contests won, or community service/outreach you've had experience with Overall, be clear, concise and check dutifully for any spelling or grammatical errors. Line up references. Never underestimate the power of a good reference. Understanding who to use and why is a strategy that could be just as helpful as your air-tight resume. List someone you've worked with. Most employers will want to know about your work style and attitude, so choose someone with whom you've had a positive working relationship. List a professor. If you're fresh out of school and haven't had a chance to build a positive working relationship yet, you can select a professor or advisor from school that is familiar with you and your work. Select people who want to see you succeed as much as you do. Make sure they know enough about you so that they express your strengths, areas of expertise, and development. Overall, make sure that it's someone you feel good about having as a reference. Be persistent. Even with a good education, a shining resume, and a list of the world's best references, it can be difficult to land a job. This doesn't necessarily mean that you're doing something wrong. It means that there's a lot of competition out there. Don't give up if employers don't respond to your resume right away. Keep looking, learn from your experiences, and have confidence in your abilities. Decide whether to start your own practice or join an existing one. You have the experience and know you're ready to consult. Choosing whether you want to go it alone, or work with an established firm is an important decision and there are multiple things to consider. Working for yourself – some Pros: Builds your self-esteem. Any success you have is going to be based on your hard work and decision making. It can be a deeply satisfying experience. Control. You're in charge! You pick the jobs. You set the hours. You can work from home if you feel like it. Tax advantages. You may now be able to take advantage of some worthwhile tax deductions. Check with an advisor before going overboard. Great income opportunities. Your hard-work and dedication could reap huge rewards, and since you're the one at the top, you don't have to stress out about getting your cut. Working for yourself – some Cons: Long hours. Getting a business off of the ground is a lot of hard work. Just because you can sleep in and work from home, doesn't mean that you can get away with this all the time. No guaranteed salary. Whether or not you make any money is now entirely dependent on you. A lot of the perks that you may have taken for granted like sick leave and paid vacations are probably out the window, also. A lot of responsibility. All the paperwork and operational chores are now on you, but even more than that, the fate of the business is also on your shoulders. It can be a large burden to bear. Calculate business costs. If you're going into business for yourself, you're going to need to supply yourself with everything you need. This may vary from situation to situation, but some important things to consider are: Office rental Services such as internet, phone, security, etc. for your office Office supplies Travel expenses Fees for any pertinent licenses or certifications required to run your business Insurance Work out the legal stuff. You need to make sure your business is legitimate, or else you can run into some serious problems down the road. These are just a few items to consider, but you can learn more here. Taxes. You need to determine your tax obligations. The four basic types of business taxes levied by the federal government are: income tax, self-employment tax, taxes for employers, and excise taxes. You will have to select the form of your business. This will also play into the tax forms you'll need to file. These are the common forms a business can take: Sole Proprietorship Partnership Corporation S Corporation Limited Liability Company (LLC) Your state income taxes may also vary depending on the form of your business and where you'll be operating. Find an office space. Depending on how you plan to work it, you can rent an office or work from a home office. Renting an office will be more expensive, but may also have a more professional feel. Working from home can save you money, but you may also have to keep yourself motivated in that environment and not give into the urge to relax at home. Make sure you select a location that gives you the best opportunity to communicate with your customers and effectively meet their needs. Set the office up. Organization is going to be the key to your company's success, especially when you're just getting started. You'll most likely need: A thorough filing system. Keeping track of client information as well as any vital legal or tax forms for your company will be crucial to your success. Hardware. This includes phones, computers, printers, routers, and anything else you may need. Set up any services that you may need , such as phone, internet, security, etc. Give yourself a comfortable place to work. Make sure you create an environment that you can perform well in. Set goals. This will be very helpful in keeping yourself on task and will make you feel a sense of accomplishment when you start achieving what you set out to do. Here are some examples of short-term goals: Set a number of potential new clients to contact in a day, a week, or a month and then try to beat that number. Build relationships with other people who can help you. They may not be paying you, but sometimes building out your professional network can lead to opportunities that you couldn't access before. Spend a month or so analyzing the competition and piece together a new marketing strategy that differentiates you from them. For long-term goals, you may want to consider: Turning a profit. This should be first and foremost on your mind. It may take a while, but keep your eye on the prize. Double your revenue. Maybe you're profitable already, but you can always be doing more. Set a goal to double your take by the end of the next fiscal year. Plan for expansion. Think about what comes next after you've been successfully operating for at least a year. Consider taking on more office space, or possibly taking someone else on. Advertise. You need to get your name out there, and you're a one-person marketing department so be prepared to work for it. Here are some ways to spread your name and get recognition: Network. Go to industry events and make yourself visible. Engage in conversations and make contacts. Cold calling. It's not everyone's favorite thing to do, but business won't just walk up to you and hand you money. Hit the phones and try to drum up some business. Public speaking. Offer to speak at events on topics you have expertise in. This visibility and demonstration of knowledge will be very attractive to prospective clients. Publish materials. Writing a book, article, editorial piece, or even maintaining a blog can get you recognition as a noted authority in your field. Spread the word. You've probably made some contacts in your career thus far; don't be afraid to ask them to put you in contact with people they may know. Ask satisfied clients to spread the word. Don't be afraid to use a referral from a satisfied customer to help get your name out there. Ask for their permission before using their name. See if they'll give you a quote in writing that you could use in an ad or on your website. Keep up on trends. This is your life now, and you've set yourself up to be an expert, so you have to stay up to date with the most current trends, news and events in your field. Read industry news, magazines and blogs. Attend events conferences frequently. These are just as useful as learning experiences as they are networking opportunities. Keep up to date. Tax laws and business regulations can change and it's up you to stay on top of them. You could always check in with the Better Business Bureau Keep learning. Your education should never stop. Strive to be at the forefront of your field and maintain your cutting edge. Consider an advanced degree in your field if you haven't already received one. Attend seminars that are designed to teach new practices or reveal new advancements in your industry. Adapt quickly to change so that you can maintain your position as an authority in the field. Choose a consulting field. Pick a field that you're not only an expert in, make sure that it's something you're passionate about. You can consult for just about any type of business, but here are some of the most popular fields (see a longer list here ). Accounting Advertising Communications Marketing Public Relations Get the degree. In most cases, a bachelor's degree in a related field is the bare minimum for becoming a consultant. An advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) will greatly improve your chances, especially when paired with courses in the following: Strategic Management Consulting Practices Business Development Get a license. Even though you may be working for yourself, you have become a business and may need to take the proper legal steps before operating. These steps may vary depending on the state your operating within and the type of business you'll be consulting. For example, a financial consultant should have certificates for Financial Planning (FP) and the Member of the Society of Financial Advisors (MSFA). Fund-raising consultants don't need special certification, although you can become certified through the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. And in some states, you may need to register as a professional fund-raising consultant before starting your business. Take an internship. If you've just graduated, this is a terrific way to learn the ropes of a business without being too bogged down by the corporate process. You'll see a lot and most likely have an opportunity to work on multiple projects, thus expanding your knowledge of the business. | Polish your resume. Line up references. Be persistent. Decide whether to start your own practice or join an existing one. Calculate business costs. Work out the legal stuff. Find an office space. Set the office up. Set goals. Advertise. Publish materials. Spread the word. Ask satisfied clients to spread the word. Keep up on trends. Keep up to date. Keep learning. Choose a consulting field. Get the degree. Get a license. Take an internship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Hives | How to Get Rid of Hives | If you're experiencing severe symptoms from hives like trouble breathing or you feel your throat closing up, call an ambulance immediately. If your symptoms are mild, you can get rid of them by applying a cool, damp cloth to soothe your skin wherever the hives appear. Make sure your clothing is loose and breathable to reduce further irritation from sweaty skin. You can also take a bath with natural anti-itch ingredients, such as baking soda or oatmeal. If you're still not getting relief, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help. | Remove possible triggers from your diet. You may want to keep a food diary of everything you eat before and after you make any changes. This will help you to identify the problem foods. There are several foods that give some people hives: Foods with vasoactive amines. These chemicals cause the body to release histamines, which can lead to hives. Foods containing them include shellfish, fish, tomatoes, pineapple, strawberries, and chocolate. Foods with salicylates. These are compounds that are similar to aspirin. Foods that have them include tomatoes, raspberries, orange juice, spices, and tea. Other common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, cheese, and milk. Some people also find that caffeine and alcohol can trigger hives. Consider whether you are allergic to something in your environment. If so, you may be able to get rid of your hives by minimizing your contact with these triggers. Some people react with hives to the following substances: Pollen. If this is your trigger, you are most likely to experience hives during times of high pollen counts. Try to avoid going outside during these times and keep the windows to your house closed. Dust mites and animal dander. If you are allergic to dust mites, then keeping your environment extremely clean and dust-free may help. Try vacuuming, dusting, and washing regularly. Change your sheets so that you are not sleeping on dusty sheets or pet dander. Latex. Some people get hives in reaction to contact with latex. If you are a health care worker and think that latex may give you hives, try using latex-free gloves to see if your hives go away. Other chemicals (cleaning products, perfumes, etc.) can also cause hives if you are allergic. Minimize your exposure to insect bites and stings. Some people react with hives to the chemicals insects leave in your body when they bite or sting. Some people experience severe allergic reactions and carry epinephrine injectors in case they get stung. If you work outside, you can reduce your exposure to bites and stings by: Avoiding beehives and wasp nests. If you see bees or wasps, don't antagonize them. Instead, move slowly away and wait for them to fly away. Applying insect repellent to your clothes and any exposed skin you may have. Do not get these chemicals in your nose, eyes, or mouth. There are many products available, but those with DEET are generally effective. Shield your skin from harsh environmental factors. This may involve protecting yourself from extreme temperature fluctuations until your body adjusts to a new climate or using a stronger sunscreen. Some people have sensitive skin which can react with hives to any number of environmental factors including: Heat Cold Sunlight Pressure on the skin Grass, poison ivy, and poison oak Discuss your medications with your doctor. Some medications may cause people to break out in hives. If you think one of your medications is giving you hives, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor may be able to recommend a different medication that will still treat your original condition but won't give you hives. Medications that sometimes give people hives include: Penicillin Some blood pressure medications Aspirin Naproxen (Aleve) Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) Consider your overall health status. Consult with your doctor to determine whether your hives could be a symptom of another underlying health condition. A wide range of conditions can give people hives. These include: Bacterial infections Intestinal parasites Viral infections including hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and HIV Thyroid problems Immune disorders like lupus Lymphoma Reactions to blood transfusions Rare genetic disorders that influence the immune system and how blood proteins work Soothe the irritated skin with cool compresses. This will reduce the itching and help you not to scratch. You can: Wet a washcloth in cold water and lay it out over your skin. Leave it on until your skin feels less itchy. Apply an ice pack. If you use ice, wrap it in a towel so that you are not putting the ice directly onto your skin. Putting the ice directly onto your skin increases your risk of frostbite. If you don't have an ice pack handy, you can use a package of frozen vegetables. Apply the ice for about 10 minutes before giving your skin a chance to warm up. Soak in a cool bath with a natural, anti-itch remedy. This is an age-old remedy against itching. Fill a bath with water that is cool, but not uncomfortable. Then, following the manufacturer's recommended amounts, add one of the following remedies and soak for several minutes or until you get relief from the itching: Baking soda Uncooked oatmeal Colloidal oatmeal (Aveeno and others) Wear loose, 100% cotton clothing to keep your skin cool and dry. Hives can be a result of skin irritation due to clothing that is tight and holds sweat against your skin. Loose clothing will help your skin breathe and avoid hives due to overheating and irritation. Try not to wear scratchy fabrics, particularly wool or polyester. If you do wear wool, be careful not to have it lie directly on your skin. For example, if you wear a wool sweater, put a light shirt on underneath. Similar to how sweating can irritate your hives, taking hot showers or baths may also irritate them. Reduce stress. Some people break out in hives when they are under intense stress. Consider whether you have experienced any stressful events in your life such as ending or starting a new job, a death in the family, moving, or having problems in your close relationships. If this is the case, learning to manage stress may make your hives go away. You can try: Meditation. Meditation is a relaxation technique in which you clear your mind. You take a few quiet moments to close your eyes, relax, and release stress. Some people repeat a single word or phrase (a mantra) in their head while doing it. Deep breathing. During this method, you concentrate on fully inflating your lungs. This forces you to relax and avoid the shallow breaths that people make when hyperventilating. Deep breathing can also help you to clear your mind. Visualizing calming images. This is a relaxation technique in which you imagine a relaxing place. It can be a real or imaginary place. As you envision this location, you move about the landscape and think about how it feels, smells, and sounds. Exercise. Getting regular exercise can help you relax, lift your mood, and improve your physical health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that people do at least 75 minutes of physical activity per week. This can include walking, running, biking, or playing sports. It is also recommended that people do strength training, like weight lifting, twice per week. Consult your doctor before beginning any exercise. Call emergency services if you have breathing difficulties. Occasionally people may have trouble breathing or the sensation that their throat is closing when they get hives. If this occurs to you, it is a medical emergency and you should call an ambulance immediately. If this occurs, the emergency responders will likely give you an epinephrine injection. This is a form of adrenaline and it should reduce the swelling quickly. Try antihistamines. These medications are available as both over-the-counter and prescription medications. They are the first line of treatment for hives and are effective at reducing itching and swelling. Commonly used antihistamines include Cetirizine, Fexofenadine, and Loratadine. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a commonly used over-the-counter antihistamine. Antihistamines may cause you to feel sleepy so don't drive while taking them until you know how they affect you. Do not drink alcohol while taking them. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and your doctor's recommendations. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Antihistamines may not be safe for pregnant women. Ask your doctor about topical or oral steroids. These medications are usually prescribed when antihistamines don't help. They reduce the hives by lowering your immune responses. Start by applying a thin layer of topical steroid cream, such as 1% hydrocortisone, over your hives. If you have widespread hives, you may get prescribed treatment is a 3- to 5-day regimen of prednisolone. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before taking corticosteroids to make sure they are right for you: high blood pressure, glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you think you could be pregnant or you are breastfeeding. Side effects may include weight gain, mood alterations, and insomnia. Try additional medications to address hives that won’t go away. If you have hives that are resistant to treatment, your doctor will probably refer you to a skin specialist. You may also be given the option of trying additional medications. Tell the doctor if you are taking any other medications or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Menthol cream. This can be applied topically to reduce itching. Discuss light therapy with your doctor. Some rashes respond to treatments of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. This requires you to stand in a small room for a few minutes while you are exposed to light. This treatment may not be effective right away. You would do two to five sessions per week and it may take 20 sessions before you see an effect. This treatment can lead to sunburns and may increase your risk of getting skin cancer. | Remove possible triggers from your diet. Consider whether you are allergic to something in your environment. Minimize your exposure to insect bites and stings. Shield your skin from harsh environmental factors. Discuss your medications with your doctor. Consider your overall health status. Soothe the irritated skin with cool compresses. Soak in a cool bath with a natural, anti-itch remedy. Wear loose, 100% cotton clothing to keep your skin cool and dry. Reduce stress. Call emergency services if you have breathing difficulties. Try antihistamines. Ask your doctor about topical or oral steroids. Try additional medications to address hives that won’t go away. Discuss light therapy with your doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Yogurt-Face-Mask | How to Make a Yogurt Face Mask | To make a yogurt face mask, start by mixing 1 tablespoon of plain full-fat yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey in a bowl. You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to brighten your skin, or 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder for its natural anti-aging properties. Once you've thoroughly mixed the ingredients together, wash your face with warm water to help open your pores. Then, apply the mask evenly to your face with your fingers or a makeup brush, carefully avoiding your eyes. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Finally, splash some cool water into your face to help close your pores. | Drop 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt into a small bowl. Try to use full fat Greek yogurt; it will be much more moisturizing than 2% or fat-free yogurt. Avoid using any flavored yogurts, as they contain too many sweeteners and other added ingredients. Yogurt is great for the skin because is it naturally exfoliating, brightening, and hydrating. It also helps lighten dark spots and reduce blemishes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey with a fork. Keep stirring until the honey is mixed evenly throughout the yogurt. Honey is one of the best things you can put on your skin. It is naturally moisturizing and anti-bacterial. It will help hydrate your skin while managing acne. Pull your hair back and dampen your face with warm water. If you are wearing a nice shirt, it might also be a good idea to drape an old towel across your chest and shoulders. Washing your face with warm water first helps open up your pores and make the mask even more effective. Apply the mask to your face, taking care to avoid the area around the eyes. If you have any mask left over, you can also apply it to your neck. You can apply the mask using just your fingers. For a more spa-like experience, gently brush the mask on using a foundation makeup brush. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes. The mask will start to dry and before "flaking" during this time, which is fine. The mask will still be doing its "job" hydrating and moisturizing your face. Rinse the mask off using warm water, then splash your face with cool water to tighten the pores. Gently pat your face dry with a clean towel afterwards. Your skin may feel a little stiff and tight after this mask; if this is the case, apply some moisturizer afterwards. Exfoliate your skin with a honey-and-oatmeal yogurt mask. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of each of the following: honey, finely-ground oatmeal, and yogurt. Apply the mask to your face and wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off using warm water. Splash your face with cool water afterwards. Oatmeal is a natural, but gentle, exfoliant. If you can't get ground oatmeal, you can grind your own using a blender or coffee grinder. Brighten your skin by adding some strawberries to the mask. In a small bowl, mash together 2 ripe strawberries using a fork. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and1 teaspoon yogurt, then stir to combine. Apply the mask to your face, and rinse it after with warm water after 15 minutes. Splash your face with cold water to seal your pores afterwards. Strawberries are naturally brightening and lightening. For something a little more exfoliating, add ½ teaspoon of finely-ground almonds. Make an avocado-and-olive oil yogurt mask for extra moisture. In a small bowl, mash one-fourth of a ripe avocado using a fork. Stir in 1 teaspoon of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Spread the mask over your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash the mask off using warm water, then splash your face with cool water to tighten the pores. Avocados and olive oil are naturally moisturizing and hydrating. For a hydrating and antibacterial face mask, use honey instead of olive oil. Olive oil can clog pores. If you are worried about this, try jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, or sweet almond oil instead. Add some cocoa powder for anti-aging benefits. In a small bowl, briskly mix together 2 teaspoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Spread the mask onto your face, then wash it off after 15 minutes with warm water. Splash your face with cool water afterwards, and apply some moisturizer, if desired. Cocoa powder has natural anti-aging properties. It will help prevent sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Wake your skin up in the morning with a coffee-based mask. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mask to your face. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off using warm water. Splash your face with cool water when you are done. Coffee helps tighten your pores and reduce oiliness, puffiness, and swelling. Cocoa and coffee both have anti-aging and detoxifying properties. Reduce puffiness and add a healthy glow with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Combine 1 tablespoon of yogurt with 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir in a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, then spread the mask over your face. Wait 7 to 10 minutes, then was the mask off with warm water. Splash your face with cool water afterwards to seal your pores. Cinnamon is not only naturally antibacterial, but it also gives skin a healthy glow. Nutmeg will plump the skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Add some lemon juice for a brightening effect. Mix together 1 tablespoon of yogurt and 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice in a small bowl. For extra moisture and hydration, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Spread the mask over your face, and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Wash the mask off using warm water, then splash your face with cool water to tighten your pores. Lemon juice is a natural skin brightener. Some people find that it can also help reduce acne and blackheads. | Drop 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt into a small bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey with a fork. Pull your hair back and dampen your face with warm water. Apply the mask to your face, taking care to avoid the area around the eyes. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the mask off using warm water, then splash your face with cool water to tighten the pores. Exfoliate your skin with a honey-and-oatmeal yogurt mask. Brighten your skin by adding some strawberries to the mask. Make an avocado-and-olive oil yogurt mask for extra moisture. Add some cocoa powder for anti-aging benefits. Wake your skin up in the morning with a coffee-based mask. Reduce puffiness and add a healthy glow with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Add some lemon juice for a brightening effect. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-(Girls) | How to Be Hot in Middle School (Girls) | Being hot in middle school is all about exploring your personal style and keeping your cool no matter what. Look for clothes that fit you well and accentuate your best features. If you want to save some money, shop at second-hand or vintage stores to find some really unique stuff. Hot people always keep their cool, so don't get sucked into fights and drama at school. Instead, try to be charming and kind, which will give you a good reputation. While it's tempting to try to fit in all the time, you'll be hotter if you're confident in who you are as a unique person. | Get a good haircut that flatters you. Ask a hairdresser what your face shape is, then look below for some reference on what styles might look good on you. Round face : The best hairstyle for round faces definitely has to be long length, long layers, and a long fringe, hair parted down the side. If you have the length already, get to the hairdressers and add some face shaping, wispy layers - you will be surprised at how much difference this can make to your style. Oval face : There isn't "one" best hairstyle for oval shaped faces - there are many! Lucky for you, you suit almost any hairstyle, as long as it doesn't hide your features, and is styled correctly. If your hair is short at the moment, and you feel you have the willpower, then grow your hair out. Experiment with angled and long, wispy fringes or layers, while its growing, to give your style new looks. This will also stop you from getting bored and having it cut short again. Heart face : The best hairstyles that will do wonders for you heart shaped faces will include the following: Side parts, long, soft layers, a soft side sweeping fringe, highlights/low lights, long, full waves and curls minus the frizz. Just remember, you need to create volume around the bottom of your face, and make it soft and sleek at the top, to balance out your face shape and show off your features! Square face : Hairstyles that have long, soft layers towards the top of the head are an instant disguise for a square jaw. Soften your square face with waves and curls, which will also add some femininity to your style. Whether you opt for a long or short style, remember not to go too short or too long. A couple of inches below or above the chin is perfect. Add a sweeping side fringe to soften your wide forehead, and you will look fabulous. Diamond face : Most hairstyles would look complimentary on you, but hairstyles that would look great on you are ones with side parts and/or layers. Always wash your hair. All shampoos are meant to clean your hair, though some could also de-frizz hair, moisturize dry hair, protect colored/highlighted hair, or deep-clean oily hair. If your hair is greasy, try going to a salon or looking online for tips and tricks on how to get it less greasy. Also get shampoos and conditioners that suit your hair type. Try to change your hairstyle. You can do a lot of things with hair. Try straightening, curling, or crimping it, or style your hair into beachy waves, a fishtail braid, a side ponytail, a messy bun... the possibilities are endless. If your hair is frizzy or dry and you don't have any time to do anything to it, try an anti-frizz spray, mousse, or a leave-in conditioner. Then, wear it however you wish. For example, you could wear it up in a ponytail, or down naturally. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid1036223-v4-728px-Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Be hygienic. Everyone knows the basic rules of hygiene. The first step to looking good is being clean. Bathe. This is an obvious one. Take a shower or bathe at least three times a week. It depends on your hair and some people wash it every day. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so keep it white! Use deodorant before you leave the house. Wash your face. If you have problems with acne, make sure you wash your face twice a day (once when you wake up, and once before you go to bed). Of course, everyone's skin is different, but for some, what works the best is to use an oil-free cleanser, (helps with oil) an exfoliating scrub, (helps with blackheads) and an oil-free moisturizer that won't clog your pores (helps with dry skin). Remove unwanted body hair. Pluck, shave, wax, or do a hair-removal treatment to your upper lip, legs, and underarms. However, don't do any of this if you don't feel the need to. Try flirty fragrances, and choose one that is totally "you". Enhance your face with makeup: In many ways, makeup can make you look gorgeous by highlighting your features and enhancing your face. For a great everyday look, read How to Apply Makeup for a Natural Look. Use concealer. Skip out on the full face foundation. Get a concealer that matches your skin tone as close as possible. Use this to cover up small imperfections such as pimples, discoloration, white/blackheads, and dark circles. Use eyeliner. Eyeliner is great! It defines your eyes, and makes them pop! Try to stick to a brown eyeliner. Black is dramatic, but brown gives you a more subtle, natural look. Use mascara. Mascara make your eyes look awesome, but be careful, it can also become very smudgy or clumpy, and completely ruin the look. Use a clear mascara, as it clumps less, and doesn't smudge noticeably. Try an eyelash-curler beforehand to make your eyelashes more curly (so mascara is less-likely to "clump") and stand out more. Care for your lips. Don't wear lipstick, as it would make you look older than you are. Instead, try lip gloss, petroleum jelly, lip butter, lip shimmer, etc. If you use lip gloss, put on chapstick with it, so that your lips do not become chapped. Wear clothes that accentuate you. We all have something that grabs other people's attention, whether it's a proof that you will have a great figure, maybe you own great legs, maybe you tan easily, or perhaps you're just one of a few that looks good in all colors. Try clothing stores such as Abercrombie, Hollister, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Delias, Aeropostale, Dillards, Target, or Kohls. However, if none of these are your style, you don't have to wear them! In fact, it's totally cool to just wear team jerseys with jeans. It's no secret that the way a girl wears her clothes can get her far in the girl world, so make sure your clothes fit and flatter you. Wear colors that look good on you. For shoes, skip heels and Crocs. Instead, try ballet flats, canvas shoes, T-strap sandals, or Uggs. Make sure your shoes are easy to walk in and comfortable. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-9Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-9Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-9Bullet4.jpg\/aid1036223-v4-728px-Be-Hot-in-Middle-School-Step-9Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Don't feel as if you have to go to brand name stores to look pretty, as you can find plenty of really nice clothes for much cheaper. Try second-hand or vintage stores like Plato's Closet or BlueTique. They're much more affordable. You could get a brand new pair of Hollister jeans for $20, or you could get a used pair for around $10. Be humble. Don't wear skimpy clothing to be cool. In reality, it will just make people think badly about you. Instead, try wearing a fitted top along with loose bottoms, or a loose top with more fitted bottoms. Also, never stuff your bra, or choose a bra that is too big for you just to be "hot". People will see right through it. Wear one that fits you properly. Take care of your body. Eat right, exercise, and drink lots of water every day. If you care for yourself correctly, you will look fresher in return. Your body will thank you! Within a period of time, you'll notice a big difference in your skin, health, and complexion. Get your beauty sleep! Most teens should get at least nine or ten hours of sleep. You have to be awake at every moment of the day, because you never know what great things during the day await you. If you're trying to exercise to become thinner, try running, dancing to fast music that you love, using an elliptical, using a treadmill, or even taking a bike ride. If you want to look more muscular and strong, and not "skinny", consider trying knee push-ups, sit-ups, wall sits, wall push-ups, or lifting weights or your own backpack. Focus mainly on your biceps and triceps. Be mature. You can't be considered "hot" if you remind people of a stereotypical little girl by complaining constantly, over-reacting, and picking fights with others. Work on having common sense, keeping your attitude cool, and being polite to everyone you come in contact with. Be courageous. In order to be considered "hot", you have to put yourself out there. Make good first impressions, and have fun with those who lift you up. Laugh often, be charming, be inclusive, and try to talk to as many people as you can in one day, but don't overdo it, or people may think that you are annoying. Be confident, and be yourself. This one is kind of tricky. Middle school is a time in your life when you begin to define yourself as a person. You develop your own style and personality, and sometimes it can feel as if you don't fit in. Don't feel as if you have to fill some sort of mold. "Fitting in" is something that every middle schooler worries about at some point, but in the end, you'll laugh at yourself for believing in such a thing, and realize that "fitting in" isn't all that important. Stand up for yourself and others if you or the ones you care about get bullied. Laugh at your mistakes, but try to work to get better at them. Most importantly, don't let anyone else tell you how you should live your life. As Oscar Wilde said, " Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. " Read books. Reading makes you aware of many realities. It opens your mind and makes one smarter. You can read books that help you reflect and find yourself instead if being lost in a quest with a one-sided approach. Observe others. Be observant of your surroundings, your idols and all that drives you. You may learn why it fascinates you and find a ground to base your desire of being hot. Being hot may be easily achieved however continuing and balancing it with the right attitude must be achieved. | Get a good haircut that flatters you. Always wash your hair. Try to change your hairstyle. Be hygienic. Wash your face. Remove unwanted body hair. Try flirty fragrances, and choose one that is totally "you". Enhance your face with makeup: Wear clothes that accentuate you. Take care of your body. Be mature. Be courageous. Be confident, and be yourself. Read books. Observe others. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Joint-Venture | How to Create a Joint Venture | A joint venture is a strategic partnership between 2 businesses that benefits each business. For example, if a company has a new product but no way of distributing it, they could partner with someone who specializes in distribution. If you're interested in creating a joint venture, you can look for a joint venture partner by attending networking events and conferences in your business community. Once you have found a company that's a good fit, you should draft a letter of intent stating the purpose of the joint venture as well as both of your intents to negotiate final terms in an agreement. Then, you should decide if your joint venture will be a new corporation, a partnership, or a simple contractual agreement. | Determine your need for a joint venture. In your regular business operations, you may reach a point when you have the need for expertise, technology or operations that your business is lacking. One way to solve this is through a joint venture with another company that has expertise or operations in that area. For example, your company may focus on research and development of a new product, but you do not have the resources for distribution. You could form a joint venture with another company to share in the marketing and distribution of your product. Define your business objective. Once you have an idea, you need to state it clearly in objective business terms. Describe the purpose of the joint venture that you foresee and identify its goals. This will need to be a document that you can share with potential partners to generate interest. The need for the joint venture should be compelling and self-evident, in order to catch the attention of other companies. Research potential joint venture partners. Networking in the business community is a useful way to find potential partners. Shop around, meet with other business leaders, and focus on companies that provide the services or have the expertise that you need. Network with other companies. Attending conferences and networking events in the business areas in which you want to find a strategic partner will give you a better idea of who your potential partners are and what you have to offer each other. Schedule follow up meetings. Networking events allow you to informally meet and exchange business cards, which gives you the opportunity to follow up with those individuals whose companies meet your needs. After you have met a number of people by networking, schedule follow up meetings with those people that you are most interested in working with. Be prepared to discuss the needs of your business as well as what your business has to offer the other company. Determine if the two companies are a “good fit. ” A successful joint venture depends on more than just completing a task. You need to examine the operating structures of the two companies to see if they are compatible. Consider the following issues in making this decision: Are the management structures of the two companies compatible? Are the employees of each company receptive and supportive of the joint venture? Are the two companies similarly, if not equally, committed to the success of the joint venture? Are both companies financially secure enough to support the joint venture? Do the two companies trust each other enough to work well together? Prepare a nondisclosure agreement. For a joint venture to be successful, the two companies will need to deal openly with each other, and sometimes this means sharing otherwise confidential information. You may choose to prepare a nondisclosure, or confidentiality, agreement before you begin the joint venture. This is a form of a contract by which both parties agree not to disclose or take advantage of anything obtained from the other company. Draft a letter of intent. After the groundwork has been laid, a letter of intent is often the precursor to the formal joint venture agreement. A letter of intent explains the general purpose of the joint venture and indicates each party's intent to negotiate the final terms of the agreement. A letter of intent may be either a binding or a non-binding agreement. A binding letter of intent becomes a contract that sets forth certain rules that the parties will follow in negotiating the joint venture agreement. It will include all key terms to the deal and should address arbitration or some other method of resolving disputes that may arise. A non-binding letter of intent defines the expected joint venture and spells out the intentions of each party to negotiate the final agreement. Review the scope of the overall undertaking. There are different forms that a joint venture can take, depending on the size of the project that you have in mind. You and your partnering company should review the purpose of the joint venture and its expected duration and then use that information to select your future course of action. The various forms of a joint venture may be a new corporation, a partnership, or a simple contractual agreement. Create a new corporation if the project is large. If the joint venture is something that you expect will last and perhaps grow even larger, you may decide to create a stand-alone corporation, to be owned equally (or in whatever proportions you choose) by the two joint venture partners. The newly formed corporation will need its own identity, officers and employees, although there may be significant overlap with the original companies. Form a partnership if you wish to retain individual identities. A joint venture can be a partnership, whereby the two original companies each retain their original identity. The joint venture agreement becomes a partnership agreement that will define how the partners will share liabilities and responsibilities. Draft a contract for a smaller or temporary project. If the joint venture is seen as a sort of one-time deal, then it may be best just to draft a joint venture agreement. The two companies retain their individual identities and just agree to join their resources and expertise for a specific purpose. Introduce the purpose of the joint venture and the parties. Most contracts begin by naming the parties to the agreement, with a brief description of each party's operations. Then introduce the name of the new joint venture, and include a brief statement of its intended purpose. The purpose is often stated early in the joint venture agreement: "The parties to this agreement, (A) and (B), are joining together to _____." The statement does not need to be particularly exciting. Just say what you are doing. Define relevant terms. If there are particular terms of art or specific issues that are key to the joint venture, they should be clearly defined. This section may begin with a heading that actually says, “Definitions,” to set it apart from the agreement portion of the contract. Identify the business objectives of the joint venture. This term will clearly state the purpose of the joint venture, to help keep the parties focused as the project moves forward. You want to make your statement of the objective clear and defined so that the parties to the contract can identify when their task has been met. Define the structure of the joint venture. This will be the section of the contract that identifies the format you have selected. The parties to the joint venture need to discuss whether they will be creating some new business entity or remaining as independent agents working together. If you are forming a new corporation, this section will identify that new corporation, its operating structure, officers, etc. If you are forming a partnership, you need to define how the partnership will share assets and liabilities. If the parties to the joint venture are retaining their independent identities but just joining forces through this contract, you still need to say something to that effect: "Each party to this joint venture agreement will remain independently responsible for its ongoing costs and expenses. Income from the joint venture will be shared equally, and each party will retain complete independence for tax purposes." Define the management of the joint venture. For the joint venture to succeed, the parties need to agree how they will run the operation. You need to decide if you will create a separate board of directors, elect officers, or set up a team of representatives. In this section, you should address the following: the structure of the management procedures for appointing or selecting the managers compensation or fees for the managers management's decision making responsibilities or limitations frequency and purpose of meetings Address financial issues related to the joint venture. You need to explain what each party will contribute to the joint venture, in terms of cash or other resources. You also need to define how the profits will be shared. Some considerations include: when profits will be paid out how profits are to be calculated what share of profits each party will receive how tax obligations will be shared and reported Define the role of employees in the joint venture. You will need to consider which company will contribute workers to the joint venture, and in what proportions. The agreement needs to identify which employees will perform specific functions and how the work of the joint venture will get done. Agree on a procedure for resolving any controversies or disagreements. It is important in any joint venture that the parties anticipate the possibility of future disputes. The joint venture agreement needs to provide procedures that the parties will follow to resolve these problems. Good faith negotiation. The first step should always be for the two parties to try to resolve any dispute between themselves. Mediation. Mediation is a system of guided negotiation. A neutral party is brought in to meet with each side and help guide discussions to bring about a resolution. Arbitration. Arbitration may be binding or non-binding. This is a sort of trial, and can sometimes be costly, depending on the scope of the dispute. The parties agree to a set of procedures, such as the American Arbitration Association Rules, and agree to present their dispute to a neutral third party, who will make a decision. Choice of law. It is important to identify which state's laws will govern any dispute, particularly if the joint venture is large and the parties are from different states. Costs. Dispute resolution can be costly. It is important to define up front who will bear the costs, whether they will be split evenly, or paid for by the party raising the dispute. Define the duration and/or termination procedures. By its definition, a joint venture is usually temporary. You can define it either by a specified length of time, or by clearly stating the business objective so that when the objective is reached, the joint venture will be concluded. As part of this section, you may want to include the following: A clear definition of the completion of the joint venture project. For example, a joint venture agreement between a marketing firm and an architectural firm might read, "This joint venture agreement remains in full force until the _____ building project has been completed and 100% of the ownership shares have been sold." A date when the project is to end. Alternatively, the parties could set a specific target date to terminate the joint venture. This would read, "This joint venture agreement remains in full force until May 1, 2018, unless the parties, by agreement, execute an amendment for a later or earlier date." The possibility of ending the joint venture if it becomes clear that the project is not succeeding. In this case, you need to define clearly what “not succeeding” means, and whether the parties must agree or if either party may make this decision. Consider periodic reviews. You may want to define a review team that will meet periodically (weekly, monthly, annually) depending on the scope of the project, to determine whether the objectives of the joint venture are being met and whether termination should be considered. Include a confidentiality clause. If the parties executed a nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement at the outset of the joint venture, then the formal joint venture agreement may incorporate that document by reference or may repeat similar terms. Incorporation by reference would say something like, “The nondisclosure agreement, executed by the parties and dated ______, is hereby incorporated in its entirety and shall continue in effect for the duration of this joint venture agreement.” Conclude the agreement with signatures. The joint venture agreement must be signed by representatives of each party with authority to enter into the contract. Each party, or its attorney, should keep a copy of the final agreement. | Determine your need for a joint venture. Define your business objective. Research potential joint venture partners. Network with other companies. Schedule follow up meetings. Determine if the two companies are a “good fit. Prepare a nondisclosure agreement. Draft a letter of intent. Review the scope of the overall undertaking. Create a new corporation if the project is large. Form a partnership if you wish to retain individual identities. Draft a contract for a smaller or temporary project. Introduce the purpose of the joint venture and the parties. Define relevant terms. Identify the business objectives of the joint venture. Define the structure of the joint venture. Define the management of the joint venture. Address financial issues related to the joint venture. Define the role of employees in the joint venture. Agree on a procedure for resolving any controversies or disagreements. Define the duration and/or termination procedures. Include a confidentiality clause. Conclude the agreement with signatures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Frost-a-Cake | How to Frost a Cake | Before you frost a cake, make sure that you allow it to cool completely, otherwise the icing will melt. If necessary, slice off the top of the cake layers so that they are completely flat, then coat the cake in a crumb coat, or a thin layer of frosting that will seal in the crumbs so the frosting will be smooth. Chill crumb-coat for at least 30 minutes, then take the cake out and add a large dollop of frosting to the center. Use an offset spatula to spread out the frosting, then frost the sides and use your spatula to smooth out the frosting. | Let your cake cool. The biggest mistake you can make when frosting your cake is using a hot cake and cold frosting. If your cake is even slightly warm, it will melt the icing which will then run over the edges and soak into the top layer, making it soggy. Further, if you use cold frosting it won't be smooth enough to spread and will bring up a lot of crumbs. Always wait for both your cake and your frosting to reach room temperature. This may take several hours of waiting but is necessary for a completely smooth cover of frosting. If you are leaving your cake to cool on the counter, place a slice of regular sandwich bread on the top of the cake. This will keep it moist and protect it from going stale. Make the cake flat. When you baked your cake, likely the center rose into a small dome. While this is perfectly normal, it prevents your cake from having a completely smooth layer of frosting as the dome will eventually lead the frosting to slide towards the sides. To keep this from happening, use a serrated edge knife (cake knife preferably) to slice a thin layer horizontally off the top of the cake, so that the top and bottom of the cake run parallel to each other. When possible, cut the top layer of the cake off while the cake is still in the pan. This will help you to get a more level surface. If you are making a layered cake, cut the top layer off of all the layers of cake you will be using. Set up the cake. When your cake is cooled and cut to size, prepare it for frosting by placing it on a round piece of cardboard or cake bottom. Add strips of wax paper about 2” thick to the edges of the cake along the bottom. When you finish frosting the cake, the wax paper will be removed and reveal a smooth bottom. It is easiest to frost your cake on a spinning cake stand, which are available at most kitchen, craft, and cooking stores. Get your cake frosting tools, including an offset spatula and bench scraper to smooth the icing. Don't use a knife or rubber spatula, as these may be easy to use but will not give the desired smooth frosting you're looking for. If you want, you can use a piping bag with a smooth frosting attachment to add the first layer of frosting. You can also add different tips to the piping bag afterwards to add decoration to your cake as well. Add the crumb coat. The crumb coat is a rough layer of frosting that is used to seal in the crumbs so that your frosting can be smoothed easily. To add the crumb coat, use an offset spatula and spread a thick layer of your room temperature frosting to the top and sides of your cake. As you spread the frosting over the cake, move the spatula in the same direction (rather than back and forth) so that any loose crumbs are tucked under the frosting rather than brought to the surface. Keep your spatula from ever touching the cake to minimize the chance of crumbs getting stuck to it and appearing at the surface of your frosting. Place the crumb-coated cake in the fridge for at least thirty minutes before adding additional layers of frosting. Add a dollop of frosting. To make the icing easier to spread, it may be helpful to warm it slightly or add a tablespoon of corn syrup and mix well. Then, take your offset spatula and add a large dollop to the top center of the cake. Spread the icing. Use your spatula to spread the frosting outwards from the center. You can spin the cake plate to make this easier. Don't worry about getting the frosting perfectly smooth yet, just make sure that the crumb coat is completely covered. Frost the sides. Add a bit of frosting to the center of one of the sides, and work in one direction to spread it outwards. Keep your spatula parallel to the sides of the cake as your spread, adding more frosting when necessary. Smooth the frosting. Take your spatula back to the top of the cake, and work slowly back and forth across the surface to smooth it. Do the same to the sides, wiping off any excess frosting when necessary. When you are sure your cake is just right, remove the wax paper strips from the bottom and enjoy your perfectly smooth cake! Cut a cardboard bottom. Measure the size of your cake using the bottom of your cake pan and cut a piece of cardboard the same size. Tape this with a single piece of tape to your spinning cake plate. Add wax paper. Cut a large piece of wax or baking paper and place it over the cardboard and cake plate. It should completely cover the plate, and leave edges sticking out on the sides. Tape these to the bottom of the cake plate so that the paper doesn't slide around while you're frosting. Spread your top layer of frosting. Use your offset spatula to spread a thick layer ½-1” thick of frosting directly to the wax paper, Completely fill in the area of the wax paper under which the cardboard cutout is placed. If necessary, add a little extra frosting around the edges. Place your cake on the frosting. Remove your crumb-coated cake from the fridge, and flip it over onto the frosting. Make sure to place it slowly over the frosting, centering it so that the entire cake is placed on it. Frost the sides. Add a significant amount of frosting to the sides of the cake using your offset spatula. Add more than you will probably need, as you will be wiping the excess off with your bench scraper after it has been coated. Smooth the sides. Take your bench scraper and hold it steady to the sides of the cake as you slowly spin the cake plate. As extra frosting gathers on the scraper, wipe it off and dip it in warm water. Wipe off any excess that might be on the wax paper on the bottom as well. Refrigerate or freeze your cake. Without shifting or adjusting the cake at all, place the whole cake plate into your fridge or freezer and allow the frosting to set. Depending on the temperature, this could take anywhere from half an hour to several hours total. Finish your frosting. When the frosting is firm to the touch, remove your cake from the fridge. Un-tape the wax paper from the sides and slide the cake off the cake plate. remove the cardboard cutout on the bottom, and flip your cake over onto the cake plate. Then, slowly peel back the wax paper to reveal a perfectly smooth surface. If your frosting begins to peel off with the wax paper, it hasn't been cooled enough. Replace the cake with the wax paper/frosting back in the fridge for at least thirty more minutes. If there are any holes in the frosting from air bubbles, use your offset spatula to fill in the spaces with a bit of warmed frosting, and smooth over afterwards. Add your first layer of frosting. Remove your cake with the crumb coating from the fridge, and add a dollop of room-temperature frosting to the top center with your offset spatula. You could also choose to pipe a layer of frosting on with your smooth cake piping tip if you want. Frost the top of the cake working from the center out. Then, add a layer to the sides of the cake as well. Don't worry about this first layer of frosting being perfectly smooth. Try to keep it as level as possible though, smoothing out any ridges that might arise. Let the frosting dry. Leave your cake uncovered on the counter for 15-20 minutes until the frosting is dry to the touch. If you need to, you can leave it to set for longer. Smooth the tops. Take a paper towel or a piece of wax paper and place it on the top of your cake. Use your fingers to smooth the frosting, using the paper as a barrier. Move the paper to the sides and repeat the process to smooth the edges of the cake as well. For a completely smooth cake, use wax paper. If you would like a small pattern to show through, use a paper towel with the ridge-side down. Only place the paper and smooth it with your fingers a single time. Lifting and replacing the paper on the same section of cake will expose the wet underlayer, and just smear the frosting. . Create a feathered pattern Use a contrasting color of icing to pipe stripes across the top of your cake in even rows. Then, take a long toothpick and make even lines perpendicular to the ones you just piped. Make every-other line in the opposite direction. This will create a lovely marbled or feathered appearance to the top of your cake. Try piping on designs. Use your traditional cake piping bag with different tips to add pretty designs to the top of your cake. You can create a repetitive pattern, writing, or small shapes with a piping bag. If you don't have a piping bag, try using a traditional ziplock bag with the tip cut off. For example, you can decorate a camo cake by piping green, brown, and black blobs of frosting over a base layer of white frosting. Use colored fondant. Purchase or make your own colored fondant - a sugar-based dough-like frosting that can be shaped and spread for seamless application. Coat your entire cake in a layer of fondant, or use it to form small figures and details to place on top of your cake. Add fresh flowers. Once you have completely frosted your cake, add fresh flowers for a fresh appearance. Fresh flowers give the appearance of a lot of effort but are an incredibly simple addition to your cake. Add a ribbon border. You can choose to use real ribbons for a satiny look or create strips of ribbon out of fondant to add to the border. Ribbons are especially effective on a cake with several tiers, such as a wedding cake. | Let your cake cool. Make the cake flat. Set up the cake. Add the crumb coat. Add a dollop of frosting. Spread the icing. Frost the sides. Smooth the frosting. Cut a cardboard bottom. Add wax paper. Spread your top layer of frosting. Place your cake on the frosting. Frost the sides. Smooth the sides. Refrigerate or freeze your cake. Finish your frosting. Add your first layer of frosting. Let the frosting dry. Smooth the tops. . Try piping on designs. Use colored fondant. Add fresh flowers. Add a ribbon border. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Extract-Ginger-Juice | How to Extract Ginger Juice | To extract ginger juice at home without a juicer, try using either a grater or a blender. First, wash and dry your ginger to get rid of any dirt. Then, begin grating the ginger on the smallest holes of the grater. Make sure to place a bowl beneath to catch the ginger bits. Once you've grated all the ginger, dump it into a cheesecloth. Then, squeeze the cheesecloth over a bowl until you've gotten as much juice out as possible. To extract ginger juice with a blender, cut your clean ginger into ½ inch chunks. Then, blend the chunks with ½ to 1 cup of water for 2 minutes. Cover the rim of a bowl with a sheet of cheesecloth, and pour the ginger liquid on top. | Wash and dry your ginger root before juicing it. Rinse the ginger thoroughly under cold running water. Scrub the surface with your fingertips, or use a vegetable scrubbing brush to remove stubborn dirt. After washing it, pat the ginger dry with a paper towel or clean cloth. For another effective washing method, soak ginger or other produce in a bowl of cold water mixed with 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda for 15 minutes. The right amount of ginger root depends on how much juice you need. If you only need 1 or 2 teaspoons (4.9 or 9.9 mL) of juice, wash and cut off a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) piece of root. For a larger amount, 8 to 10 oz (230 to 280 g) of ginger will yield about ⁄ 2 to ⁄ 4 c (120 to 180 mL) of juice, depending on the method you use. If your ginger root is shriveled or blemished, peel it and cut off any bruises. If it's fresh and blemish-free, there's no need to peel it. Grate the ginger with a fine grater or a microplane. Use a box grater's smallest holes, or run the ginger root over a microplane. Place a bowl beneath the grater or microplane the collect the bits of ginger. A microplane is a narrow handheld grater with fine holes. It's usually used to zest citrus, but it's also great for mincing ginger. If you don't have a grater or microplane handy, you could also grate the ginger using a garlic press. Place a ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) piece of ginger root into the press, then squeeze together the handles to mince the ginger. Strain the grated ginger through cheesecloth. Dump the bowl of grated ginger into a 24 in (61 cm) by 24 in (61 cm) sheet of cheesecloth. Fold the cheesecloth into a ball, hold it over a bowl or cup, and squeeze it to extract the juice from the grated ginger. Keep squeezing the cheesecloth ball until the grated ginger is as dry as possible. Straining grated ginger is easy and doesn't require expensive equipment, such as a blender or juicer. However, it's less efficient, and you'll extract less juice than other methods. Wash and dry 5 oz (140 g) of ginger root. Rinse your ginger under cold water, and scrub any dirt off of the surface. Then dry it with a paper towel or clean cloth. The right amount of ginger root depends on how much juice you need. For this method, you'll blend 5 oz (140 g) of ginger with water to create about 1 to 1 ⁄ 2 c (240 to 350 mL) of juice. If you just need a bit of juice, blend a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) piece of ginger root with 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 mL) of water. Cut the ginger into 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) chunks. Grab a cutting board and roughly chop the ginger root. Smaller chunks will be easier on your blender. Leave your ginger root unpeeled, as long as it's fresh and free of any bruises or discoloration. Otherwise, peel it and cut off any blemishes. Blend the ginger with 1⁄2 to 1 c (120 to 240 mL) of water. Place the ginger chunks in your blender, then pour in the water. Blend the ginger and water for 1 to 2 minutes, or until it becomes a pasty pulp. You need to blend the ginger with water; however, the more water you use, the less concentrated your juice will be. Start with ⁄ 2 c (120 mL) and add more if the ginger doesn't become pulpy. To draw even more flavor out of the ginger root, blend it with a mixture of 1 part 40-proof alcohol and 4 parts water. If you're worried about the alcohol content of the final product, you can simmer the juice for 1 to 2 hours to evaporate most of the alcohol. Strain the ginger pulp through cheesecloth. Cover the rim of a jug or bowl with cheesecloth, leaving some slack in the cloth to collect the solid ginger bits. Pour the pulp into the jug or bowl, then squeeze the ginger you collected in the cheesecloth until it's as dry as possible. Since you added water to blend the ginger, the juice will be less concentrated, but it's still flavorful. Alternatively, simmer the juice to evaporate water if you need a stronger ginger flavor. Reduce the liquid to concentrate the flavor. For more concentrated ginger juice, bring it just to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Then set the heat to low and simmer the juice until it's decreased in volume by 1/3 to 1/2, or for about an hour. If you added alcohol to the water, simmering for 1 to 2 hours will also evaporate most of the alcohol content. A liquid is simmering when pockets of small bubbles erupt to the surface every 1 to 2 seconds. If you see continuous, rolling bubbles, the liquid is boiling, and you should reduce the heat. Wash 8 oz (230 g) of ginger root and pat it dry. Scrub your ginger under cold running water with your fingertips or a vegetable scrubbing brush. Dry it off with paper towels or a clean cloth after rinsing it. If you're using a juicer, 8 oz (230 g) of ginger root will yield about ⁄ 4 c (180 mL) of concentrated ginger juice. Cut the ginger into 1⁄2 to 1 in (13 to 25 mm) chunks. Leave the ginger unpeeled, unless it's shriveled or blemished. Roughly chop it into smaller pieces, which you'll insert into the juicer's feed tube. If necessary, cut off and discard any blemishes. Feed the chunks of ginger into the juicer. Place a cup or bowl under the juicer's spout. Turn on the juicer's motor, insert the chunks of ginger root into the feed tube, and gently push the ginger through the tube with the plunger. Instructions vary by model, so check your juicer's manual and use it as directed. After juicing the ginger root, turn off the juicer and unplug it. Follow the instructions in the user manual to disassemble and clean it. Juice ginger before other items if you're making a mixed juice. If you want to add ginger to an existing juice recipe, start by feeding a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) piece of ginger into the tube. Then juice ingredients with high water content, such as celery, spinach, pears, or carrots. Fruits and veggies that contain lots of water will wash out the juicer and help you extract as much ginger juice and flavor as possible. Ginger can add a kick to just about any combination of ingredients. Try juicing a piece of ginger, 3 pears, and 2 celery sticks. Or, juice a piece of ginger, 2 stalks of fennel, half of a cucumber, half of a green apple, and a handful of mint leaves. | Wash and dry your ginger root before juicing it. Grate the ginger with a fine grater or a microplane. Strain the grated ginger through cheesecloth. Wash and dry 5 oz (140 g) of ginger root. Cut the ginger into 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) chunks. Blend the ginger with 1⁄2 to 1 c (120 to 240 mL) of water. Strain the ginger pulp through cheesecloth. Reduce the liquid to concentrate the flavor. Wash 8 oz (230 g) of ginger root and pat it dry. Cut the ginger into 1⁄2 to 1 in (13 to 25 mm) chunks. Feed the chunks of ginger into the juicer. Juice ginger before other items if you're making a mixed juice. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Diagnose-a-Rash | How to Diagnose a Rash | To diagnose a rash, look at it closely and look for physical characteristics like small blisters or dry, crusty patches of skin that might indicate that it is eczema, one of the most common rashes. Also, think about how the rash may have started. Where you outside in the woods or among plants? If you were, you might have contact dermatitis, which comes from touching plants like poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak. These types of rashes are red, itchy, and spread easily, so wash anything that has been touched by the area. If you got a lot of exposure to sun and humidity recently, you may have heat rash, which shows as red, raised spots on the skin. | Learn about common rashes. A rash is a skin inflammation that causes discoloration to the affected area. There are many different types of rashes. Some cause discomfort, and some are more severe than others. Familiarize yourself with common rashes so that you will be able to knowledgeably treat your rash. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common rashes. It appears as small blisters or as dry, crusty patches of skin. Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory, itchy skin condition seen with increased frequency in people with environmental allergies. It is typically itchy and uncomfortable. The blisters may ooze fluids. Contact dermatitis, which causes inflammation after contact with certain plants (such as poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak) is another common issue. The contact can be direct or airborne in smoke. The rash can spread if not immediately washed off the skin, clothes and any object that is touched. The rash is characterized by redness, swelling, and itching. Blisters also typically appear on the area where the rash is located. Many people suffer from hives. Hives are itchy, red areas of raised skin. They can change size, shape, and location. They can appear suddenly on any area of the body. Most often, hives have an elevated raised red area, surrounded by an itchy, red rash. Heat rash is also very common and is caused by exposure to sun and hot, humid climate. Symptoms of heat rash are red, raised spots on the skin. It may also feel like there is an itch underneath your skin. Swimmer's itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as an itchy skin rash caused by certain parasites that penetrate the skin and cause a reaction. Animals and snails shed parasite eggs into fresh and salt water via their feces. The developing larvae may penetrate the skin of humans, but the resulting rash is self-limiting, as humans are not a good host for the larvae and they will soon die. Shingles is a rash caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. The first sign is a painful sensation under the skin, followed by a red, localized rash. The bumps will look like red blisters and often arranged in groups of fluid filled vesicles. Many people suffer from a skin condition called psoriasis. If you have psoriasis, you will see red scaly patches of skin surrounded by red areas. Typically, this rash occurs on the scalp, elbow, and knees. Rosacea is another chronic rash that causes persistent inflammation of the facial skin. An early symptom is a flushed appearance on your face. Recognize ordinary rashes. When dealing with a rash, it is useful to pay attention to the appearance. Notice the types of inflammation and where the bumps or redness appear. Different types of rashes will cause unique reactions in your skin. You will also want to pay attention to other symptoms that accompany the rash, such as fever. There are many kinds of ordinary rashes that you can learn to diagnose at home. Just remember to always verify with your doctor. Shingles is a rash caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. The first sign is a painful sensation under the skin, followed by a red, localized rash. The bumps will look like red blisters. Many people suffer from a skin condition called psoriasis. If you have psoriasis, you will see red scaly patches of skin surrounded by red areas. Typically, this rash occurs on the scalp, elbow, and knees. Rosacea is a chronic rash that causes persistent inflammation of the facial skin. An early symptom is a flushed appearance on your face. Consider the cause. When you have a rash that you need to diagnose, spend some time thinking about recent your activities. For example, did you spend too much time in the sun? Those red bumps might be heat rash. Did you take a hike in nature? It's possible you brushed up against some poison ivy. Think about any recent changes to your daily life. Many times, rashes are caused by allergies. Maybe you switched laundry detergents, lotion, or shampoo, and you are reacting to a new ingredient. Reflect on any changes to your diet. It is possible that your rash is caused by a food allergy that you didn't know you have. Consult your doctor. Many rashes will go away by themselves after a couple of days. Most respond well to treatments you can do at home; however, there are cases when you need to seek medical attention. If your rash continues to spread over the course of a few days, or if you are in severe pain, do not hesitate to call your doctor. Be prepared for your visit. Jot down notes about when your rash appeared, what you suspect the cause is, and any other information about your skin inflammation. If your rash appeared after trying a new medication, you need to call your doctor immediately. Allergic reactions to medication are typified by irregular, raised, or flat red sores. If you have red bumps that seem to bruise and are tender to the touch, call your doctor. These could be signs of a severe allergic reaction or an infection. Visit a dermatologist. If your rash is chronic, or your primary care physician seems mystified, it is time to consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in treating the skin. Ask your doctor for a referral. Make sure your new dermatologist has your medical history. She will have questions about your medical history and even your family history. Ask your primary physician to send over your charts. Ask your dermatologist to suggest possible treatment plans for your skin ailment. Identify diaper rash. Babies come down with a wide variety of rashes, and diaper rash is among the most common. To identify diaper rash, pay close attention to the appearance of your baby's bottom. Diaper rash looks like a red, irritated patchwork across the skin, or in isolated spots. Babies have very sensitive skin, which causes them to be very susceptible to skin irritations. Diaper rash is typically caused by wet diapers, or a diaper that has not been changed recently. To avoid diaper rash, make sure to frequently change your baby's diaper and make sure the area is clean and dry before putting on a new diaper. While diaper rash can look scary, remember that it is completely normal. It can be typically cleared up by using an over the counter cream. Air drying can sometimes cure the least severe cases. Spot cradle cap. Cradle cap, or seborrhoeic dermatitis, is another common skin ailment in babies. Cradle cap is characterized by yellow, greasy, scaly patches of skin. Typically, these patches occur on the scalp, but can also appear on the face, ears, or neck. Sometimes cradle cap will cause the infected area to become flaky, and the skin to peel off. This can also cause hair loss. Don't worry, it will grow back. Cradle cap is very common, and typically goes away by itself in a week or two. It does not cause discomfort or irritation to your baby. It looks scary, but is normal and harmless. If your baby is trying to scratch at the scaly area, this is a sign that it could be something other than cradle cap. Ask your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. Watch for impetigo. This is one of the most common skin infections that affects children and is usually caused when the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes penetrate the skin. It causes one or multiple honey-crusted lesions on the face, arms or legs. Fever is also common. Your child may be more susceptible if she has already had skin problems such as eczema, poison ivy, insect bites, and cuts or scrapes, as this can make it easier for the bacteria to penetrate the skin. Frequent washing of the face and hands can help prevent impetigo. It is contagious and can be spread by direct contact or by touching an item that was in contact with infected skin (such as clothes, towels, and bedding). Impetigo is usually treated with antibiotic ointment. If the infection has spread over the body or topical treatment doesn't seem to be working, the doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics to be taken for seven to 10 days. Consider other common causes. Because babies have such sensitive skin, they are prone to many other minor rashes when they are small. One rash is called milia, and looks like tiny white spots on the infant's face. Almost half of all newborns have milia, and it is no cause for concern. It typically disappears within four weeks. If your newborn has blotchy, red skin, it is likely a rash called erythema toxicum. This rash typically appears when the baby is two to three days old, and is completely normal. It will disappear on its own within a few days. Just like adults, babies can also suffer from acne. If your baby has what appear to be small pimples, try washing with a very mild moisturizer and warm water. Learn about reactions to medication. Children of all ages can develop what are known as drug rashes. These inflammations occur when the child has a negative reaction to a medication. Drug rashes can be tricky to diagnose because they can occur even after the child has been taking the medication for a sustained period of time. Drug rashes can take many forms, such as scaly patches, pimples, hives, and general redness. Typically, you will need your doctor to diagnose a drug rash. Take notes about the appearance of the rash and the duration. You'll want to be able to clearly answer your doctor's questions. Recognize allergic reactions. Children can be allergic to many things: foods, pollen, animals, and chemicals. If your child develops a rash after coming into contact with an allergen, that is known as contact dermatitis. The skin may be raised, red, and itchy. If the allergy is severe, the skin might blister. Contact dermatitis can occur from coming into contact with certain cleaning agents, plants, and some cosmetics. Medication allergies (for example penicillin) can manifest themselves as a rush. Food allergies are also very common in children. An allergy may appear as hives or eczema. A child can be allergic to any food, but the most common are eggs, nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. If you suspect an environmental factor, such as pollen, is the allergen, try closing your windows and keeping your child in doors for a few days. If your child has any difficulty breathing, contact your doctor immediately. Buy an over-the-counter product. Once you have figured out what type of rash you have, head to the store. Your local drugstore can often provide the easiest way to get rid of a rash. Calamine lotion can help with itching after poison ivy exposure. Also, the steroid hydrocortisone comes in a cream form and can greatly reduce inflammation. These creams can also help ease the itching. If you are dealing with something such as diaper rash, there are specific creams that you can purchase that are safe for a baby's gentle skin. Avoid using hydrocortisone cream on face or groin, axilla or under breast or thin skin areas. Do not use for more than two weeks. Ask your pharmacist for assistance. Describe (or show) the rash, any other symptoms, and ask for her recommendation on products. Try a home remedy. There are many reliable home remedies that can help relieve itchy, irritated skin. Several of them contain items that you probably already have in your home. Once you've diagnosed your rash, consider treating yourself at home if you don't require medical attention. Use apple cider vinegar to relieve itchy skin. Simply put a small amount on a cotton ball and apply to your skin. You can do this several times a day to relieve your symptoms. Aloe vera soothes sore skin and reduces swelling. If you have an aloe vera plant, remove a leave and cut it open lengthwise with a kitchen knife. Scoop out the gel inside the leaf and apply directly to your rash. Oatmeal is also known to relieve skin irritation associated with poison ivy. Try adding 2–3 cups of oatmeal to your warm bath to reduce itching. This is effective for eczema, chicken pox, and poison ivy. Ask for a prescription. There are cases where home remedies and time won't heal your rash. For example, if you have shingles, you need to get medication from your doctor. A shingles rash is typified by red, painful area in a specific area. Shingles can also come with chills, fever, and severe pain. Your doctor can provide antiviral medications and may also provide prescription pain medication. If you suspect you have shingles, you should immediately contact a health care provider. Prevent future rashes. Along with treating your current rash, there are many things you can do to avoid skin issues in the future. For example, you can get vaccinated. There is a vaccine to prevent the shingles virus. Doctors recommend that anyone over the age of 60 get the vaccination. Most insurance plans will cover the cost of vaccines, especially if your doctor recommends them. Read labels. If you know that your rash is caused by an allergy, you can take steps to avoid having future reactions. For example, many people develop a rash after coming into contact with nickel. If your skin is sensitive, make sure that you avoid wearing jewelry containing this metal. Perfumes and dyes are also common causes of rashes. Avoid using cleaning products that have added scents or dyes. Cosmetics might be the cause of your rash. Look for makeup that contains natural ingredients. Ask your dermatologist for recommended products. Be aware of your environment. Your surroundings can cause skin inflammations. For example, heat rash is very common. To prevent heat rash, avoid spending prolonged periods of time in extreme heat and sunshine. Always wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe, and remember to stay hydrated. Hives can also be triggered by extreme cold. Make sure to dress warmly in cold climates, and go inside to warm up periodically. Pollens can cause allergic reactions, too. When the seasons are changing, you might need to stay indoors on days when the pollen count is extremely high. | Learn about common rashes. Recognize ordinary rashes. Consider the cause. Consult your doctor. Visit a dermatologist. Identify diaper rash. Spot cradle cap. Watch for impetigo. Consider other common causes. Learn about reactions to medication. Recognize allergic reactions. Buy an over-the-counter product. Try a home remedy. Ask for a prescription. Prevent future rashes. Be aware of your environment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-BTU-Per-Square-Foot | How to Calculate BTU Per Square Foot | To calculate BTU per square foot, start by measuring the square footage of each room you want to heat or cool. Then, add the square footage for each room together. Once you have the total square footage, just multiply that number by 20 to find how many BTUs per hour you'd need to heat or cool the space. For example, if you're trying to heat or cool 1,000 square feet, you would multiply 1,000 by 20 and get 20,000 BTUs per hour. | Measure the square footage of your entire home. If you're installing a furnace, find the square footage of each room in your home and add them together. This will give you the total square footage of your space so you can choose a furnace that will adequately heat your home. For a rectangular room, multiply the length and width, measured in feet. For a triangular room, multiply the length and width, then divide by 2. For a circular room, measure the radius (“r” which is the distance from the center to the edge). Plug the radius into the following equation, using 3.14 for π: πr For rooms with odd shapes, divide them into regular shapes and measure each shape separately. Find out which climate zone you live in to determine the heating factor. Look for a climate zone map online and figure out which zone you live in to help you determine the heating factor, or the number of BTUs you need per square foot to adequately heat your home. In general, the further from the equator you live, the greater the number of BTUs you'll need. Multiply your square footage by the heating factor for your zone. All you have to do to find out what capacity furnace is best for your home based on its location is to multiply the square footage of the space by the heating factor. For instance, if you live in Zone 2 and have a 1,200-square-foot home, multiply 1,200 by 35-40 to get a BTU range of 42,000-48,000. Use the lower end of the range if your home is well insulated or the higher end if it’s not. Better insulated homes need fewer BTUs per hour per square foot than older homes. If your home is new or well insulated, you can use the lower of the 2 numbers for your climate zone; if it is older or poorly insulated, use the higher number of the range. Say that you live in a brand new home in Zone 1. Multiply your square footage by 30 BTUs to find out what capacity furnace you need. Alternatively, if you live in an older home in Zone 6, multiply your square footage by 60 BTUs to ensure you purchase a furnace with enough capacity to heat the space. Note that newer homes tend to be better insulated than older homes because of revisions to building codes over the years. Take the efficiency rating of the furnace into account. Furnaces are rated not by the actual BTU output you receive but by the amount of heat they generate. How much of the heat a furnace generates (input heat) that actually reaches you (output heat) is a measure of how efficient the furnace is. The efficiency is expressed in percentage as a ratio of the output to input heat. Most modern furnaces are rated as either 80 or 90% efficient. For example, a 100,000 BTU/h input furnace would not be enough to heat a home needing an output of 100,000 BTUs per hour. An 80% efficient furnace would deliver an output of only 80,000 BTU/h (100,000 x 0.8). To find an 80% efficient furnace that does provide enough power, divide the BTU/h rating you need by 0.8. So, 100,000 BTU/h ÷ 0.8 = 125,000 BTU/h, meaning you'd need a furnace rated to 125,000 BTU/h input. Measure the square footage of the space you plan to cool. If you want to install a central air-conditioning unit, measure the square footage of each room and add all of the numbers together to find the total square footage of your home. Alternatively, if you're only going to install an A/C unit to cool a single room, find the square footage of that room. Multiply the length by the width, in feet, to find the square footage of a rectangular room. Multiply the length and width of a triangular room, then divide that number by 2 for a triangular room. Measure the radius of a circular room (“r” which is the distance from the center to the edge), square the number, then multiply that by π (3.14) (the formula is: πr ). Divide rooms with odd shapes or alcoves into regular shapes and measure each shape separately. Multiply your square footage by 20 BTUs to get a general estimate. Typically, plan to purchase a heating or cooling unit with 20 BTUs for every square foot of space you have. However, keep in mind that factors such as your climate zone, sun exposure, and the number of people living in your home may require you to adjust this figure. For instance, if you live in a home that's 800 square feet, you'll need a unit with 16,000 BTUs. On the other hand, if you live in a 5,000-square-foot home, get a unit with 100,000 BTUs. Select an A/C unit with a lower capacity if you don’t have a lot of sun exposure. The position of your home also affects how many BTUs you need to properly heat or cool it. Reduce the capacity by 10% if your home or room gets a lot of shade, or increase the capacity by 10% if your home or room is usually in the sunshine. Take a look at your sun exposure during the middle of the day in the summer season to help you gauge this accurately. Increase the capacity if more than 2 people live in your home. If you have a lot of family members, you'll need an air conditioner that has a higher capacity. Add 600 BTUs per person for a family of more than 2. For instance, if there are 6 people living in your home, multiply 600 by 4 to get 2,400. Add 2,400 BTUs to the number you calculated by multiplying your square footage by 20 to ensure your unit will cool your space well. Get a system with more BTUs if it will be in the kitchen. Kitchens have lots of appliances that give off heat, including stoves and dishwashers. If you're installing an A/C unit in your kitchen, select one with 4,000 more BTUs than you need based on the square footage alone. Factor in the unit’s efficiency rating. While furnaces are rated by their effectiveness in delivering the heat they generate, air conditioners are rated by how efficiently they use electricity over the course of a typical operating year. One such rating is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, created by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, which is the ratio of the unit's cooling output in BTUs divided by the energy in watt-hours needed to run it for the entire operating year. (Note that 1 kilowatt-hour equals 1,000 watt hours.) For example, take a 4,000 BTU/hour air conditioner run for 1,000 hours during an operating year using 400,000 watt-hours of electric power. This air conditioner would have a SEER rating of 10, since 4,000 x 1,000 / 400,000 = 10. To find the average power consumption, divide the unit's power in BTUs per hour by the SEER rating. Since the SEER rating is in units of BTU per Watt-hour, your answer will be in terms of watts. In the example above, (4,000 BTU/h) / (10 BTU/Wh) = 400 W. Central air conditioners manufactured in the United States since January 2006 are required to have a SEER rating of at least 13, or 14 to be Energy Star qualified. Room air conditioners are currently exempt from this requirement; many have SEER ratings closer to 10. | Measure the square footage of your entire home. Find out which climate zone you live in to determine the heating factor. Multiply your square footage by the heating factor for your zone. Use the lower end of the range if your home is well insulated or the higher end if it’s not. Take the efficiency rating of the furnace into account. Measure the square footage of the space you plan to cool. Multiply your square footage by 20 BTUs to get a general estimate. Select an A/C unit with a lower capacity if you don’t have a lot of sun exposure. Increase the capacity if more than 2 people live in your home. Get a system with more BTUs if it will be in the kitchen. Factor in the unit’s efficiency rating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Goat | How to Care for a Goat | To care for your goat, start by setting up a pasture of at least 1 acre with bushes and grass for it to eat, and rocks for it to climb on. Next, build a fence around the pasture that is around 6 feet high and difficult to climb so your goat can't get out and predators can't get in. To keep your goat healthy, supply the goat with a large amount of fresh water in a heavy container so it can't turn it over and provide a variety of food, including oats or barley. Finally, give your goat a vet recommended salt lick to boost its vitamins and minerals. | Set aside a pasture. Your pasture should be large enough to accommodate your goat, a shelter, and entertainment features, such as large rocks for the goat to climb on. Your goat will forage for food in its pasture, so giving it more space will allow for more grazing. Goats like to eat plants, including weeds, grass, and bushes, so your goat pasture should have a lot of vegetation. Goats forage for food and will eat whatever is in their pasture. Make sure everything growing in your pasture is non-toxic. Goats love weeds, so don't pull them. Your goat will enjoy munching on them. Ideally, you should provide up to an acre of pasture or more to allow for foraging. If your lot is smaller, you will need to supplement your goat's diet with hay and pellets. If you have just 2-4 small breed goats, 20 square meters could be enough if you supplement their diet. Install a strong fence around the pasture. Your fence should not only keep the goat in, it should also keep predators out. Goats are smart and can climb, so they commonly escape from their pen. The fence should be high and difficult to climb, measuring at least 6 feet high. Some goat owners choose to install an electric fence, which provides an extra deterrent to escape. You can construct a sturdy fence by installing heavy wood posts deep into the ground. Then anchor them with concrete. Secure the fence with livestock fencing, choosing the small mesh over the large. Keep any enrichment items away from the fence so your goats don't escape. Your goat is less likely to try to escape if it has lots of space, plenty of food, a nice shelter, and entertainment. Build a shelter for the goat. At the minimum, your goat will need a 3-sided shelter that faces the south, which helps protect it from wind. The goat will rely on the shelter to protect it from the elements, especially rain and heat. The shelter should be well ventilated but free from drafts. Place straw bedding inside the shelter so that the goat is comfortable. Goats can live in a small shed or large dog house. You may choose to install a concrete floor in the shelter, which is easy to maintain. However, it's also expensive and should be covered with a soft straw bedding. Provide entertainment for your goat. Goats are very intelligent, and a bored goat will go looking for trouble. Entertainment could include large rocks, a ramp to climb on, or recycled barrels. The goat will enjoy climbing on the items, as well as butting its head against them. Make sure that whatever you place in the goat's pen is sturdy and free of things that could harm the goat, such as protruding nails. Use toys and treats to keep your goat's mind active. Provide fresh water. Your goat needs access to fresh water at all times. Use a heavy watering container, as goats can turn them over. You should check the water at least twice a day, more during extreme temperatures. During winter, you may need to provide water throughout the day if the temperature drops below freezing. You can also purchase a freeze-proof watering device from a livestock store. Provide your goat with plenty vegetation to graze. This could include grass, weeds, brush, vining plants, and other greenery. Goats can even eat prickly vegetation like briars! If your pasture doesn't have a lot of variety, you may consider spreading seeds for common weeds like dandelion. Plant shrubs along the fenceline, as goats prefer to graze there. You can also bring the goat cuttings from yummy plants. It's best to provide your goat with a mix of the following: Grasses Weeds Vining plants Ivy Thistle Brambles Nettles Keep your goat away from poisonous plants. Goats may have a reputation for being able to eat anything, but there are plants that can harm a goat. Although goats are able to sniff out dangerous plants, they're also curious and may munch on them anyway. Make sure that these plants don't grow in or near your pasture, and avoid supplying cuttings of them to your goat. Common plants that are poisonous to goats include: Rhododendrons Milkweed Azaleas Yew Oleander Delphinium Lily-of-the-valley Larkspur Wild cherry Buckthorn Lilac Daffodil Laurel Poppy Rhubarb Tomato Supplement grazing with hay and other grains. Goats don't require grains in their diet, but they will enjoy munching on them. Grains are also a great food choice during winter or if your pasture is too small to accommodate grazing alone. Feed the goat grains like hay, oats, bran, and barley. Goats normally eat 3-4% of their body weight each day. You will need to base your goat's feed supply on the weight of the goat. You only need to supplement your goat's diet if it doesn't have enough foraging material to eat. You may also want to supplement a dam before breeding or a goat that you are fattening up for slaughter. You can also find feed pellets for goats, which are nutrient dense. You can provide these as an alternative to grains. Feed them extra food during the winter, as this will help them withstand lower temperatures. For example, you may feed them up to 4% of their body weight in grains if the goat cannot forage. Hang your feeders off of the ground. Although they love to graze, goats don't like to eat their feed from off the ground. Keeping the food off the ground reduces the chance of mold, as well as prevents insects from eating or infesting it. When you are supplying them with food, such as hay, it's best to mount it on the wall of the shelter or on a fence post. Feeders used for horses are a good option. If you have more than one goat, choose a wide feeder. The goats may try to push each other out of the way, and a narrow feeder can result in injury. Get a vet recommended salt lick supplement. Goats need a variety of vitamins and minerals in their diet, but the quality of their diet can depend on soil quality and what you feed them. In many cases, they will need a supplement. Many owners choose a salt mix or salt lick that contains the needed mineral(s). This way the goat will happily eat the supplement, and they'll drink more water, as well! Your vet can tell you which blend will work best for your goat, as the quality of the soil in your region will determine which blend of minerals you need. They can also tell you how much of the salt lick supplement you should provide to your goat and how often. You can purchase your goat's salt mix or salt lick at a livestock store or online. Make sure that extra supplement is stored away from the goats, as they may eat more than they're supposed to if they can. Brush out its coat daily. First, use a hard brush to break up and remove any caked on mud and dirt. Then, run a comb through the goat's coat to remove any remaining particles. Finally, run a soft brush over the goat to create a shiny coat. As you do this, run your hands along the goat's body to make sure that you don't feel any lumps or bumps that could indicate a possible illness or injury. If you do feel anything abnormal or if your goat's demeanor has changed, call the vet immediately. Inspect your goat’s hooves daily. Keep your goat's hooves as dry as possible. During the daily brushing, check the goat's hooves for damage or items that may get stuck in them, such as rocks or dirt. Remove anything that you see and make sure that the hoof looks good. If you notice any foul odors or signs of damage, call your vet immediately. You can remove stones or dirt from a goat's hoof with a hoof pick or by hand. Foul odors can result from a condition called hoof rot, which needs treatment. In most cases, the goat will need copper sulfate foot baths. However, you should consult your vet. Cut your goat’s hooves. Your goat can't run, jump, and climb happily without healthy hooves. Unfortunately, too much cutting and too little cutting can both make your goat lame. Have a professional show you how to cut your goat's hooves, as well as the right size for the hooves. Once your goat's hooves are properly cut, you'll need to trim them every 6-8 weeks to maintain that length. If you don't feel comfortable cutting the goat's hooves, get a professional to do it. It's far better to pay the professional every time rather than risk harming your goat. Trim your goat's coat if necessary. Use a pair of electric clippers to trim the goat's coat. During cooler weather, this may include trimming around the udders, belly, tail, and thighs to keep it neat. During summer, you may choose to trim the goat's coat shorter so that it's more comfortable. If you're new to using the clippers, start with just a small area until you get the hang of it. It's also a good idea to have someone who is experienced show you how to use them. Don't clip near the goat's eyes, ears, or sensitive areas until you know how to use the clippers safely. There is no minimum length for a goat's coat, but you should consider the weather in your area. It's not a good idea to clip the goat's hair short if the weather may cool down. Remove manure and soiled bedding daily. Scoop out poop and wet, stinky bedding every day. This includes in the pasture and in the goat's shelter. Replace the bedding with fresh hay. This will prevent your goat from becoming ill since you're removing the parasites that live in the manure. Once or twice a year, you should do a deep cleaning of your goat's shelter. Remove the bedding and scrub down all surfaces. Then replace the bedding with fresh hay. Exercise your goat. Goats are active animals, so make sure your goat gets lots of exercise. Encourage your goat to climb by placing things to climb on in their pasture, such as large rocks, wooden structures, and bushes. You can also run and play with your goat. If your pasture is on the smaller side, take the goat on a walk. Goats also enjoy items like a seesaw, which allows them to run up and down it to try to balance it. Ask your vet about the "BoSe" shot. The BoSe shot contains Selenium and Vitamin E, which your goat needs to stay healthy. They're especially important for muscle, bone, and reproductive health. Since many goats are deficient in these important minerals, the shot is usually administered to goats once yearly. Since it's only available through the vet, you'll need a prescription for the shot. If you're breeding your goat(s), it's a good idea to give them the shot before breeding season. It helps the kid develop properly and protects the dam from complications. Vaccinate your goat annually. Goats should be given the CDT vaccine, which protects against Clostridium perfringens type C and D, as well as tetanus. The vaccine's effect wanes over time, so you must administer a booster yearly. If the goats are breeding, bucks should be given their booster 30 days before breeding season, while dams should get their shot 30 days before kidding. Baby goats should be first vaccinated at 5-6 weeks and then again 3-4 weeks later. You can also vaccinate the goat against rabies if your vet recommends it. Rabies vaccinations are not standard in goats. Deworm your goat only after consulting with a vet. Goats can get internal parasites, such as worms, so deworming is helpful. Since there are few dewormers formulated for goats, you'll likely need to use one made for sheep, cattle, or horses. You'll need to adjust the dosage based on the size of your goat, which is why you should talk to your vet first. If you breed your goats, deworm your dam just after she gives birth, which protects both mother and babies, as the dewormer passes through the mother's milk. Young kids should receive their first deworming between 6-8 weeks of age. You can also use this dewormer chart for goats: https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/programs/NYSCHAP/docs/GoatDewormerChart.pdf Watch for bloating. Goats can bloat for several reasons, such as overeating, eating an imbalance of foods, or eating something poisonous. In any case, it can be dangerous. If you notice that your goat's belly is bigger, rounder, and harder than it was the day before, call your vet to get it examined. You may also notice that the goat's belly is distended or that the goat is having trouble walking. The goat may also be gassy. It's best to consult your vet before trying to treat your goat. An example treatment consists of drenching a pint of mineral oil or cooking oil down the goat's throat, and then walking and massaging the goat until it releases the gas. Then mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of sodium bicarbonate into 1 cup (240 ml) of water or molasses. Feed this to the goat. Bloating can be very harmful to your goat, so get it treated immediately. | Set aside a pasture. Install a strong fence around the pasture. Build a shelter for the goat. Provide entertainment for your goat. Provide fresh water. Provide your goat with plenty vegetation to graze. Keep your goat away from poisonous plants. Supplement grazing with hay and other grains. Hang your feeders off of the ground. Get a vet recommended salt lick supplement. Brush out its coat daily. Inspect your goat’s hooves daily. Cut your goat’s hooves. Trim your goat's coat if necessary. Remove manure and soiled bedding daily. Exercise your goat. Ask your vet about the "BoSe" shot. Vaccinate your goat annually. Deworm your goat only after consulting with a vet. Watch for bloating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-a-Guy-to-Be-Your-Boyfriend | How to Ask a Guy to Be Your Boyfriend | The best way to ask a boy to be your boyfriend is to do it in person when you're both alone, relaxed, and having a good time. Start by telling him what you like about him and then explain your feelings toward him. Then, ask him to be your boyfriend, and define what that means to you. | Determine whether you’re ready to commit. The decision to commit can be a tricky one. Whether or not you are ready for a committed, steady relationship can be determined by a number of factors. Every case is different, and you might have certain expectations for a relationship. Ask yourself: How do I feel about him? Do I feel excited when we are together? Do I miss him when he is gone? Can I handle the time commitment of a serious relationship right now? What type of relationship do I want? Have we fought before? If so, how well did we handle it? Does he respect me? Are there any red flags I am concerned about? Am I uncertain about his character? Do I trust him? How do I feel about monogamy? Do I want an exclusive relationship with one person? If so, am I willing to be monogamous with this man? If not, are both parties open to a polyamorous relationship? Am I doing this because he makes me happy? Or are other people pressuring me to have a boyfriend? Take the length of your relationship into consideration. Asking your guy to be your boyfriend too soon can scare him off if the feeling isn't mutual, but waiting too long can create confusion and hurt feelings. Since all relationships are different, there's no specific amount of time you should wait before asking. Trust your instinct. If the timing feels right, it might just be. If you have just met the guy, you might want to go on a few dates before you ask him to be your boyfriend. You may not want to commit to someone you just met. Many people ask a partner to become steady or exclusive after about six dates or one month. Some people wait until they have dated for three months to have the talk. If you have a long distance relationship, you may want to establish this talk sooner rather than later. This will help both parties understand what is expected even when you are far apart. Identify whether the guy is interested. You should have some indication about how the guy feels about you. The only way to be absolutely certain about his feelings is to ask him, but you can look for certain signs that might signal his feelings. If a man refers to future plans, it might be a sign that he is planning on sticking around with you. If he brags about you to people, especially to his friends, it might show that he is proud to be around you. If he sends you texts asking how you are throughout the day, it may mean that he is thinking often about you. If you see each other several times a week and hang out every weekend, it may be a sign that he is becoming more invested in you. Prepare yourself for rejection. While you're hoping he agrees to be your boyfriend, keep in mind that he might say no. Your guy may not be ready for a serious relationship with you, or perhaps he doesn't like using titles or labels to describe your relationship. Think about how you will respond to a rejection. If you want a serious relationship with someone who will commit to you, you may have to part ways with this guy if he says no. This will allow you to find someone who wants a serious relationship as well. If you are content with your relationship, you might decide to maintain your current status until he's ready to become your boyfriend. If you have deep feelings for this guy, you might have to decide whether or not you want to hang out with him afterwards. You might decide to just stay friends, or you might decide to cut off contact until you can get over him. Plan ahead. It will be easier for you if you know when you are going to ask the question. You can practice the conversation ahead of time, or you can identify the right moment to bring the issue up. There is no one right time to ask a guy to be your boyfriend. Judge your personal circumstances carefully. Some people plan a special date and hold this conversation at the end of a date. Others find that this conversation comes most naturally when they are hanging out together alone. Either way, choose a good day ahead of time. Do not ask at a time when the guy will be stressed, upset, or busy. He may be taken aback by the question, and this could affect his answer. If you are feeling nervous, anxious, or jittery, you can practice what you will say ahead of time. In a mirror, try starting the conversation and asking the question. Meet in person. It might be tempting to text or message a guy to ask him, but these questions are best dealt with in person. Talking in person allows you to explore different options for your relationship. If there are any questions or concerns the guy has, you can deal with them together. If you're in a long distance relationship, it may not be easy to meet up in person. If you can have this conversation during a visit, you might want to wait until the end before asking, in case you receive a negative answer. If you cannot ask in person, calling him is the next best option. Determine a good place for conversation. There is no one right place to have the relationship talk, but it should be a place where you can both express your feelings and discuss your future together. Consider what is right for you and the guy. You should probably have this talk while you two are alone. You might broach the question during a walk on the beach, at the park, or in one of your homes. If there a place that is special to both of you—such as the site of your first date or a favorite monument--, you might choose to have the talk there to make it memorable. Make sure that the guy is not distracted. Do not ask him during a movie, while you are out with friends, or when he is working. If you ask him while you are in the car or eating at a restaurant, he may feel trapped. Have the conversation in a place where you are both comfortable. Introduce the question at the right moment. While hanging out on your planned day, you should focus on staying relaxed. Wait until a good moment to introduce the topic. Wait for a moment that feels “right” or “special.” If you are having difficulty with this, you can follow some basic guidelines. If he compliments you, you might compliment him back, starting a conversation on what you enjoy about each other. This is a natural segue into the relationship talk. If there a period of silence, you might bring up the issue. Say how happy you are in the moment, and see if the conversation comes up. At the end of your date or hang out, you can say, “Hey, before you go, I wanted to talk to you about something.” Consider waiting for your guy to bring it up first. If getting around to calling him your “boyfriend” isn't too high a priority, consider waiting to see if your guy mentions it first. This also helps you feel out whether your guy is comfortable with using titles or labels to define your relationship. This might be a good option if you are uncertain about your feelings or if you think that he is uncertain about the relationship. Do not wait around forever for a guy to bring up the question. Set a date for yourself before you ask him. For example, you might give him a month before asking him yourself. Start with a compliment. Tell the guy what you like about him. This flattery will relax him, and it will make the relationship question much easier to broach. A compliment about his humor, intelligence, or kindness is a good way to signal how you think about him. You might say, “You know, you are so funny. I've never met a guy like you before.” Another good compliment is, “You are very thoughtful. I'm so touched by your gestures.” If he smiles, thanks you, or compliments you back, it may be a positive sign that he feels similarly about you. Explain your feelings about him. Once you have started on a positive note, it may be easy to start explaining your feelings for him. If you received a positive reaction from your compliment, you might want to delve deeper into your feelings. Explain to him how you feel about him. You might explain that you have enjoyed your time together so far or that you are starting to develop feelings. You might say, “I've had such a good time with you so far. You're a really unique person, and I've been thinking a lot about our relationship.” You should probably avoid telling him that you love him at this point. He may become scared or worried that the relationship is moving too quickly. Instead, you might say that you are “developing feelings” or that you “really like” him. Ask your guy if he wants to be your boyfriend. It is best to ask him directly about whether or not he is ready to be your boyfriend. Depending on the situation, you can approach this question in a number of different ways. You can ask him directly by saying, “Do you want to make this official? Do you want to become my boyfriend?” If you're uncertain about the status of your relationship, you can ask, “Where do you see this relationship going?” If either of you are dating multiple people, you can ask, “Do you want to start seeing each other exclusively?” If you want to understand how he sees you, you might say, “I want to know what to tell other people when they ask what our relationship is. Would you say you're my boyfriend?” Establish your expectations. You both might have different ideas of what a steady relationship means. Perhaps he's ready to date you exclusively but not ready to meet your family. Maybe he wants to have sex but you want to wait. When you have the talk, you both should clearly state what you expect out of the situation. You might begin this conversation by asking him, “What does being a boyfriend mean to you?” Answer truthfully if he asks you about what you expect in a relationship. For example, you might say, "I expect a guy to be faithful and to be honest with me. I'm not ready for marriage yet, but I do want to explore the possibility of a more serious relationship." Give him time to respond. The guy might be feeling pressured or uncomfortable by the question. If he appears anxious, uncomfortable, or hesitant, you might want to give him a day or two to think over his answer. While it may seem as though he trying not to commit, he may just need time to consider whether or not he's ready for it. You can say, “If you need time to think about it, that's fine. Give it some time before you make your decision.” If he asks for space, give him space. You can ask, “How long do you think you need to figure this out?” Try not to bring up the question again until that time has passed. If he does not give you a time frame, you can ask again after a few days. Say, “Hey, I just wanted to know if you've given any thought to our relationship. Have you decided where we stand?” Do not obsessively text, call, or message him about this issue. If he did not give you a straight answer right away, you might text him once after you asked the question and again in a day or two. Give him some space if he needs it to decide. Handle rejection gracefully. If he states that he does not want to be your boyfriend, try to remain positive. Try to smile, and let him know that you understand. He may be content with continuing a casual relationship, or he may want to end things there. Consider your own feelings before proceeding. If he wants to end things, respect his choice. Thank him for your time together, but state that you understand. You might say, “I'm sorry to hear that, but I had fun with you. Good luck in the future.” If he wants to continue a casual relationship but you want to end things, you might say, “I think it would best if we stopped seeing each other then.” If he asks why, simply state, “It seems that we want different things.” He might state that he wants to stay friends with you. Do not agree unless you are willing to be just friends. If you feel as though this would be difficult, be honest. Say, “I'm not sure that will work out for me. You're a great guy, but I think I will need some space.” Some men may “ghost” you or stop contacting you. It is natural to feel upset about this, but it does not mean that he necessarily dislikes you. He may only feel awkward about the situation. | Determine whether you’re ready to commit. Take the length of your relationship into consideration. Identify whether the guy is interested. Prepare yourself for rejection. Plan ahead. Meet in person. Determine a good place for conversation. Introduce the question at the right moment. Consider waiting for your guy to bring it up first. Start with a compliment. Explain your feelings about him. Ask your guy if he wants to be your boyfriend. Establish your expectations. Give him time to respond. Handle rejection gracefully. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bathe-a-British-Shorthair | How to Bathe a British Shorthair | To bathe a British Shorthair, start by filling a clean sink with 6-10 inches of warm water. Next, grasp the cat gently by its scruff and slowly lower it into the water. Stay calm and speak in a soothing voice until the cat relaxes into the water. Then, drizzle water over the cat's back, shoulders, and neck until the fur is thoroughly wet and massage a small amount of cat shampoo into its coat. Finally, rinse the shampoo from the cat's fur until the water runs clear. | Prepare the sink area. A kitchen sink is an ideal spot to wash your cat because it is a good height to work at without straining your back. It also has surfaces to either side on which to put your supplies. Place a dry towel over the drain. Fill the sink with 6 to 10 inches (15.2 to 25.4 cm) of warm water. The temperature should feel pleasantly warm when you dip your elbow in. Make sure the room is also warm so your cat doesn't get cold when it gets out of the bath. Gather all the supplies you will need. Getting all your supplies together will make giving your cat a bath much easier, particularly if you have a fussy cat who doesn't enjoy bath time. The supplies you will need include: A plastic jug to pour water. A hose attachment for the faucets. Cat shampoo. Nail clippers. Several dry towels. Hairdryer (optional). Brush. Cotton balls. Extend your cat’s claws to make them easier to trim. It is a good idea to cut your cat's claws before your commence bath time. Not only might you forget to do this later, but if she does panic during the bath you are less likely to get scratched. Use cat claw nail clippers, which can be purchased at your local pet store. To extend your cat's nails: Place your cat on your knee, or on a work surface at a comfortable working height. Lift a paw. To extend a retracted claw, simply press gently on the last joint of the toe – this has the effect of extending the nail. Do not cut the nail too far back. It is easiest to trim clear nails because you can see the living part of the quick (nail) through the translucent keratin. Clip away the sharp hook only; doing this will leave the chunky, triangular part of the nail still attached to the toe. Do not attempt to trim back as far as the toe or you will cut into the sensitive tissue of the quick that contains nerves and blood vessels. Trim each nail in turn. Most cats have five toes on each front paw and four toes on each back foot. Speak reassuringly as you lower your cat into the water. If she starts to panic, grasping her scruff may help to reassure her since doing this has a naturally subduing effect on cats. Stay calm and speak softly at all times because you cat will take her cues from you and if you are stressed, she'll be stressed too. Let your cat settle into the bathtub before you begin washing her. Allow her to settle and become used to the feel of warm water against her legs and belly. You may need to gently restrain her by holding her shoulders, to stop her jumping straight out of the tub. Rinse her fur with water. Once she relaxes, use your hand to drizzle water over her back and shoulders. As she starts to accept this, you can pick up the jug and use this as a scoop to thoroughly wet her coat. Don't forget to soak her neck and brisket areas. Take care not to get water in her ears or eyes. In theory, putting cotton wool in her ears should work to stop water from entering her ear canals, but cats are likely to shake the cotton straight out so doing this is likely to be a waste of time. Decide whether or not you are going to shampoo your cat. With an indoor cat, it is not always necessary to use a shampoo since her coat is unlikely to be heavily soiled. Simply rinsing her with water should do the trick. However, for show cats or those who roam, use a shampoo specifically designed for cats. Ideally, choose a shampoo that is not perfumed (because cat skin is very sensitive) and does not contain insecticides (which are potentially irritant.) Lather the shampoo into your cat’s coat. Pour a small amount of shampoo into your palm. Dip the fingers of the opposite hand into the shampoo in order to apply small volumes evenly all over your cat. Once you have applied all the shampoo, use your fingertips to massage it into the wet coat and raise a lather. Once again, don't forget to work around your cat's neck, throat and brisket areas, but avoiding getting shampoo into her ears or eyes. Rinse the shampoo out of your cat’s fur. Scoop up water from the sink with the jug you have been using. Hold the jug close to your cat and pour a steady stream over her skin and fur. Repeat this multiple times until your cat's coat appears lather free. Give your cat’s hair a final rinse with the sink faucet. Move the cat to one side of the sink. Remove the plug to let the soiled water drain away. Pick up the shower attachment and turn on the faucets to a low to moderate flow of water. The water's temperature should be pleasantly warm. Run the water over your cat's fur until the water coming out of her fur is clear. Towel-dry your cat. Using both hands, lift your cat from the sink and place her on a towel so that she doesn't drip everywhere. Cover her with another towel, making sure not to cover her head. Gently rub the towel against her wet fur to remove excess moisture. If the towel gets too wet and isn't really drying her anymore, use a new towel to continue the drying process. Use a hairdryer to speed dry your cat if you are in a rush. If you decide to use a hair dryer, set it to the lowest air speed and on the first heat seating. If the air is blasted too fast, your cat is more likely to flee, and high heat settings can inadvertently burn your cat's delicate skin. Hold the dryer at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) away, and dry small sections of fur at a time. For added volume in show cats, brush both with, and against, the direction of the lie of the coat in order to 'fluff' it up. Continue in this way until the coat is dried to your satisfaction. Keep in mind that hair dryers can have an effect on your cat's coat. The plus side is that you can add volume to the coat, but the minus is that it sometimes makes for more fluff and less gloss. Clean your cat’s eyes and ears with a cotton pad. Place your cat on a clean, dry surface. Pour some cooled, boiled (boiling sterilizes the water) water onto a cotton pad and wipe her face. Start with the eyes and wipe outwards, removing any dried discharges or sleep from the corners of her eyes and nose. Use a clean piece of cotton for each eye, to avoid transfer of any bacteria. Using more dry cotton pads, wipe out any moisture that might have accidentally splashed into your cat's ears. Give your cat’s coat a final brush when she is all dry. Go over your cat's fur with a wide-toothed comb. Follow the direction of your cat's fur to make it smooth and shiny. Finish with a final groom with a bristle brush, again following the lie of the coat. Doing this will help to add that final gloss that will wow the judges at any cat show. | Prepare the sink area. Gather all the supplies you will need. Extend your cat’s claws to make them easier to trim. Do not cut the nail too far back. Speak reassuringly as you lower your cat into the water. Let your cat settle into the bathtub before you begin washing her. Rinse her fur with water. Decide whether or not you are going to shampoo your cat. Lather the shampoo into your cat’s coat. Rinse the shampoo out of your cat’s fur. Give your cat’s hair a final rinse with the sink faucet. Towel-dry your cat. Use a hairdryer to speed dry your cat if you are in a rush. Clean your cat’s eyes and ears with a cotton pad. Give your cat’s coat a final brush when she is all dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repel-Monkeys-from-Residential-Areas | How to Repel Monkeys from Residential Areas | To repel monkeys from residential areas, secure your garbage lids with elastic straps or bungee cords and tie all garbage bags with double knots to make sure the monkeys can't get any food scraps. Additionally, don't feed monkeys or else they'll continue to come back to the area. If you have fruit trees around your house, harvest them as soon as possible so the monkeys can't find and eat the fruit. You'll also want to secure house windows with mesh coverings or locks so monkeys don't enter looking for food. | Use fully secured bins. It is most likely that monkeys will be attracted to residential areas if they think they can access food easily. Before you think about installing any alarms or security devices to repel moneys you should make sure you are not encouraging them to enter your neighbourhood. The first thing to do is check that there are no open or inadequately secured bins which monkeys can gain easy access to. Use monkey-proof bins which can be properly secured and will not attract monkeys. You can secure bin lids with an elastic strap or bungee cord. Tie all refuse bags with a double-knot and make sure that no food waste is left lying around, or spilling out of the bins. Having easily accessible food in rubbish areas will encourage monkeys to move further into residential areas and even enter houses. Don't feed monkeys. As well as ensuring that food waste and rubbish areas are closed off and monkey-proofed, it is essential that you and your neighbours do not feed monkeys in the area. If the monkeys get fed they will come back looking for more food. You can try to cut off their access to human sources of food so they continue to forage in their natural habitat not in urban areas. Do not feed monkeys or any other wild animals or you will attract them to where you live and make repelling them much harder. Preventing and discouraging the monkeys from entering human settlements is the most important first step. Once monkeys know there is a food source they are likely to visit every day. Pick the fruit from your trees. If you have fruit trees around your house or in your neighbourhood don't forget that these are a potential food source that could attract monkeys. You should harvest any fruit trees as soon as possible in order to reduce the chances of monkeys finding the fruit. If this is a consistent problem, consider whether you should continue to cultivate fruit trees. If you are growing vegetables in the ground, be sure to cover them with a strong wire mesh that is designed to resist primates. Monkey-proof all the houses. As well as securing all the bins, it is also important not to make it easy for monkeys to enter your house to look for food. To do this, ensure that all windows are secured. You can simply close the windows, or monkey-proof them with a mesh covering. Meshing a window and keeping food out of sight will discourage curious monkeys. Avoid the use of plastic bags. If you have monkeys in the area you should avoid using plastic bags as much as possible when you are walking around. Put any plastic bags inside canvas bags instead. Monkeys are curious and will snatch plastic bags which have food in and forage through rubbish bags. They can easily tear through the plastic so ensure they do not have the opportunity. Spread the word. If you live in an area that borders the edge of a forest where monkeys live, it's important that you make sure your neighbours understand what to do to discourage monkeys from entering your residential area. If you secure the bins, close windows, and don't feed the monkeys, but other people aren't so vigilant the problem won't be solved. Be sure to speak to your neighbours and explain how discouraging monkeys is the most effective way to deal with it. Education and awareness raising are essential for long-term solutions to be successful. You need everyone to buy in and take responsibility. Scare them off. If you do find a monkey has entered a residential area you shouldn't panic, but you should be prepared. Keep some big sticks, a hose, or another water spraying device handy at home. If you see a monkey you can scare if off without harming it. Monkeys will quickly learn that your neighbourhood is not a good place for them to return to. Do not approach the monkey directly, do not stare at it, and do not try to corner it. Identify an exit and encourage the monkey to leave by hitting the ground with a stick. Never hit a monkey. A strong jet of water directed toward the monkey can also encourage it towards the exit. If there are juveniles in a group of monkeys be especially cautious. Lower your head, keep your distance and move away. Build an electric fence. In extreme circumstances, it might be necessary to construct an electric fence around your settlement to stop monkeys from entering. This is not a straightforward task, and you should ensure you have taken the less dramatic steps of securing all bins and closing off any food sources before considering this. There is evidence that electric fences are effective at containing monkeys, and are unlikely to harm the animals if done correctly, but you will need expert help for this. If you think your monkey problem is this serious, contact a local government representative and ask them about electric fencing. If will not be cheap and in no circumstances should you attempt this on your own. Deploy an electronic sound repellent. Increasingly, places and institutions frequented by monkeys are turning to ultrasound repellent devices to ward off the monkeys. These devices tend to be used where there are lots of people coming and going and it is hard to ensure that no rubbish or food waste is left accessible to monkeys in the area. The sounds cause stress and discomfort for monkeys in the area, who will move away and avoid the sound. The impact on the monkey's health and well-being is uncertain, and the preventative methods should be used in the first instance. | Use fully secured bins. Don't feed monkeys. Pick the fruit from your trees. Monkey-proof all the houses. Avoid the use of plastic bags. Spread the word. Scare them off. Build an electric fence. Deploy an electronic sound repellent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Upholstery-with-a-Steam-Cleaner | How to Clean Upholstery with a Steam Cleaner | To clean upholstery with a steam cleaner, start by filling the steam cleaner with warm water and upholstery cleaner. Then, remove any pillows and cushions on your couch and use the steam cleaner to clean those first. To use the steam cleaner, simply press the button to spray the steam onto the upholstery and then vacuum up the moisture with the hose. When you're finished with the pillows and cushions, steam clean the rest of the couch and then let it air dry. | Vacuum the upholstery. The first step you need to take to clean your upholstery is to vacuum any dirt, dust, trash, allergens, pet hair, and dander that may be on the fabric. Some of these things can make your couch even dirtier if they get wet during the cleaning process. Take your time, making sure you get in every crack and inside every crevice. If the furniture has any pillows, remove them and vacuum off each side of them. Also make sure you vacuum the back of the furniture as well. You don't want any left over trash or crumbs to mess up the preparation or cleaning process of the materials. Make sure you use the attachment on the vacuum cleaner that fits the type of upholstery that you are cleaning. You want to ensure that you don't damage or stain the fabric with the wrong attachment. Pre-treat the stains. If there are any apparent stains on the upholstery, spray them with spot upholstery cleaner. Let the cleaner set so it can break up the stain. Depending on what cleaner you use, the amount of time to leave the cleaner will vary, but it should be around 3-5 minutes. Once you've waited enough time, blot the area with a soft cloth, pulling out the stain and drying up the cleaner. A lot of stains, such as food, dirt, pee, and poop, can be cleaned from the steam alone. If you have a stain that is oil based, you might need a commercial cleaner such as Oxy Clean to get out the stain. You can also try mixing vinegar and rubbing alcohol or cornstarch and baking soda with water to treat the area. Precondition the fabric. One of the main reasons to steam clean your furniture is to get out all the ground in dirt, dust, and grit. There are products called soil emulsifiers that will help loosen all of the elements that have been ground into the fabric. Spray it on all of the upholstery on the piece of furniture and the pillows. Let that sit a few minutes. Then, spray a thin layer of upholstery shampoo on the fabric as well. Brush the fabric all over, making sure to rub the shampoo into the fabric. Don't worry about getting the emulsifier and shampoo off the fabric. It will come out when you steam clean it. Before you steam clean your upholstery, make sure the fabric can handle water based cleaning methods. You can find this information on the tag of your furniture. It should list the kind of cleaning method acceptable for that particular material. If you see an X on the tag, it means that water will permanently damage the fabric, which means you cannot steam clean it. Pick the right steam cleaner. There are many kinds of steam cleaners. They are typically divided by the kinds of materials that they can steam clean. The best steam cleaners for upholstery are upholstery steam cleaners, fabric steam cleaners, and handheld steam cleaners. The upholstery steam cleaner is made specifically for the job, fabric steam cleaners are made to clean fabric, and handheld cleaners are great for small, tight surfaces. The cleaners should either be handheld or have detachable wands or hoses. Pick which one you think will work better on your particular surface. You want to avoid that large carpet steam cleaners. Those are too bulky and don't typically have fabric cleaning attachments. They will not work at all on your upholstery. If you don't want to buy a steam cleaner of your own, you can rent one from many department, hardware, and grocery stores. Prepare the steam cleaning machine. To use a steam cleaner, you need to add water and cleaner to the machine. This will vary depending on the machine you have, so follow the directions based on the model that you have. Generally, you will remove a container from the steam cleaner and fill it with warm water and upholstery cleaner. Make sure you don't fill it too full. It can cause too much water and steam to be released on your fabrics, which will over saturate them. You will also need to add the correct attachment for upholstery. This may be a stationary brush, revolving brush, or a cloth, depending on the model you have. Avoid mixing too much soap into the water. It is much easier to wash an area a few times than it is to have to wash excess soap out of the fabric. Start with the cushions. If the piece of furniture that you are steam cleaning has removable pillows, such as a couch or chair, start cleaning them. Plug up the machine and turn it on. Take the handheld steam cleaner or the hose and attachment and spray the surface with the steam. There should be a button that releases the steam onto the fabric. This will wet the fabric once the steam hits it. Promptly drag the opening of the machine over the damp areas, sucking up the excess water and cleaner from the surface of the fabric. Repeat over the surface of the pillow. You may only need to steam clean the sides of the pillow that are exposed. If you do steam clean all side, only do one side of a pillow at a time. You don't want the pillow to lay on a wet side because it will take much longer to dry and could hurt the fabric. Steam clean the rest. The upholstery on the rest of your furniture needs to be cleaned last. Clean the fabric a small section at a time, removing the water the same way as you did on the pillows. You don't want to try to add steam to a huge area at the same time. This will let the water set in the first area, which will absorb too much of the water while you apply steam to the rest of the piece. This will cause the water to soak into the material and cause it to take a much longer time to dry. Repeat until the entire surface is clean. If there is a particularly dirty spot, you can go back over it once you have cleaned it once. You don't have to wait for it to dry. Let your furniture dry. Once you have steam cleaned all of the fabric, your furniture will need some time to dry. The amount of time will vary based on how humid the steam you used was and the weather on the day you clean the furniture. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan, opening a window, using a blow dryer. It will eventually dry. If you still see some discoloration on the fabric, you may need to clean it again. This is more likely if the upholstery was extremely soiled when you started. Clean the stain with water and soap. Steam cleaning gets out a lot of different stains. If you still have lingering stains once the steam cleaning has been done, there are a few ways you can tackle them. Start first with the easiest option, which is soap and water. Take a sponge and dip it in water. Put some dish detergent on the sponge and massage it into the pad. Wring the excess water from the sponge. Blot the stain with the sponge, coating the stain in the soapy mixture. Next, clean the soap out of the sponge and put fresh water in the sponge. Take the sponge and blot the soapy area to remove the soap and the stain from the surface. Make sure you don't scrub the stain too hard with the sponge. You don't want to rip apart the fabric of the upholstery with the excessive force of the rubbing. Use vinegar. Instead of soap and water, you can try to use vinegar to remove the stains. Take white or apple cider vinegar and soak a cloth. Blot the stain on the upholstery with the fabric, saturating the fabric with the vinegar. Make sure you don't scrub too hard on the fabric so you don't make the stain set in more or harm the fabric. You can gently rub the stain with the cloth in a circular manner to help remove the stain particles with the cloth. If you don't have vinegar, you can also use vodka. The smell of either will evaporate once the fabric dries. Use heavy duty cleaner. If none of the other methods of stain cleaning work, you may need to try a heavy duty commercial cleaner such as Tuff Stuff, Resolve, or Folex. Take a cloth or sponge and wet it. Spray the cleaner directly on the fabric and use the cloth to blot the stain. You can also gently rub the spot with circular motions to help loosen the stain. Make sure you test the cleaner on a part of the upholstery that isn't normally visible. You want to make sure the cleaner won't hurt the fabric. If you have a wine or coffee stain, try Wine Away. It is made to specifically treat dark liquid stains. If the stain is still being stubborn, you may have to go through another round of cleaning until the stain is completely removed. | Vacuum the upholstery. Pre-treat the stains. Precondition the fabric. Pick the right steam cleaner. Prepare the steam cleaning machine. Start with the cushions. Steam clean the rest. Let your furniture dry. Clean the stain with water and soap. Use vinegar. Use heavy duty cleaner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cinnamon-Toothpicks | How to Make Cinnamon Toothpicks | To make cinnamon toothpicks, start by filling a glass jar with 2 ounces of cinnamon bark oil. Next, place all of your toothpicks into the jar, seal the lid tightly, and let the toothpicks soak overnight but no longer than 24 hours. Then, spread out clean towels on a flat surface and scatter the soaked toothpicks evenly on top so they can dry out. Finally, after they're completely dry, store your toothpicks in an air-tight plastic container! | Fill a glass or mason jar with 2 ounces cinnamon bark oil. The oil needs to cover the bottom of the jar, and the jar should be one that you can seal with an airtight lid. Make sure the jar is glass, not plastic. This will affect the soak. The jar should probably be 12 to 16 ounces in capacity. Cinnamon oil is usually available in a drugstore. You may need to ask for counter service to retrieve it. Place all of the toothpicks you intend to soak into the jar. You want to do as many at the same time as you can, so 100 or more per setting is recommended. Toothpicks come in many bundle-sizes, so you should be fine doing up to 500 in a setting if you are so inclined. If you are concerned about a mess, make sure the jar and area around is on a non-absorbing towel or surface you can clean later. The non-absorbing part is crucial for a later step. Seal the jar. It is important that this be an airtight cover once the toothpicks are placed in the jar coated inside with the cinnamon oil. The lid will keep the oil fresh and allow it to travel up the wood of the toothpicks to complete the soak. Let the soak remain undisturbed overnight. The longer the toothpicks soak, the spicier or "hotter" they will become. The longer the soak goes on, the more cinnamon flavor the toothpicks will absorb. Avoid soaking the toothpicks for a full day or they may become hot enough to burn the mouth of someone trying to enjoy them. Prepare a non-absorbing area to dry the toothpicks. Do this before the soak is complete. Make sure this area is not exposed to direct sunlight. If there are towels or rags laid out for the toothpicks to rest upon, make sure they will not inadvertently absorb the cinnamon oil from the toothpicks. So, avoid napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, and the like. Try plastic wrap, cookie sheets, or similar instead. Remove the toothpicks to the prepared surface. Make sure nothing on the surface will absorb the oil soaked into the toothpicks. Lay the toothpicks out flat and spread out on the surface. They will dry more quickly and evenly this way. Make sure you have re-sealed the jar with the cinnamon oil after the toothpicks are removed. This will preserve the oil. Test the sticks' dryness after a few hours. They will be ready to use once they are dry. If they are still damp after a lengthy wait, you may attempt to dry them manually. If drying is taking too long, you may want to risk using napkins to dab the toothpicks dry with gentle pat-downs. Don't risk breaking the toothpicks or rubbing off the oils prematurely. Also consider moving the toothpicks to another location in case the environment itself is perhaps too humid for drying. Store the toothpicks for later use. There are a number of containers you could use, but you may want something fairly portable. If your toothpicks originally came in a seal-able plastic container, consider using that again to transport them with you. A small plastic jar or box is usually best and easily found at most stores. Save the cinnamon oil for later use. Cinnamon has many uses as a spice and health remedy, plus you may want to make more soaks for toothpicks. Keep the oil in the airtight-sealed jar and place the jar in a cool, dark place. Make sure wherever you place the jar is away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Spice shelf life can vary quite a bit, from months to years, so check with your seller. Cinnamon oil has numerous other uses including killing bacteria (particularly in food), it's a preservative, it controls the spread of mosquitoes, it can be used as a massage oil, it can assist with digestive problems, and its often used with warm compresses. | Fill a glass or mason jar with 2 ounces cinnamon bark oil. Place all of the toothpicks you intend to soak into the jar. Seal the jar. Let the soak remain undisturbed overnight. Prepare a non-absorbing area to dry the toothpicks. Remove the toothpicks to the prepared surface. Test the sticks' dryness after a few hours. Store the toothpicks for later use. Save the cinnamon oil for later use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Junk-Removal-Business | How to Start a Junk Removal Business | To set up a junk removal business, start by purchasing a large van or truck with good fuel economy so you can easily transport trash. You'll also need hands-free calling equipment so you can take new orders while you're on the go. Then, apply for a business license according to the local requirements for waste disposal, and arrange appropriate business insurance. You'll also want to contact disposal sites to find out what junk they accept and the fee you'll have to pay them to dispose it. | Assess the market for junk removal. Research the current junk removal businesses in your area. Look for major players and the existence of smaller, competing businesses. Decide whether to focus on residential or commercial junk removal, or both, and then only look at competitors in that market. Make sure to look into their advertising strategies, prices, and service areas. In particular, look for any underserved demographics or markets in your area. If there seems to a be a dominant player in your market, try to understand why they are dominant. Think about what makes them more trustworthy or effective in the customer's eye. Then, use what you've found to influence your own business choices. Decide whether to franchise or start your own business. Franchises offer a number of benefits, including existing business models, advertising, and branding. They'll also help you set up your trucks or give you the option to purchase existing ones complete with branding. However, starting a franchise also can be expensive in the beginning, as you are paying a franchise fee to get into the business. You may also have to give a portion of your profits to the parent company once you've begun operating. Weigh these pros and cons before deciding to buy into a franchise. Some of the major junk removal franchises are College Hunks Hauling Junk, 1-800-Got-Junk, JunkLuggers, J Dog Junk Removal, and Junk King. The total cost of starting a franchise with one of these businesses can range from about $40,000 to over $200,000. Create a business plan. Your business plan spells out how you intend to start your business and make money. Start by stating your objective and explaining what exactly you will do (which market you will serve, any specialties, etc.). Then, include your market research showing that there is room in the market for your business. Go on to explain your pricing model, startup costs, marketing strategy, and how you plan to fund your business. Your pricing model should be based on both your expenses and the prices charged by your competitors. Estimate your expenses (overhead, equipment, employee wages, disposal fees, and gas) and then work from there to determine a suitable pricing schedule. Your pricing strategy is up to you. You can charge by weight (though this can be difficult or impractical), by how space in the truck is filled by the junk, or by the job in a sort of holistic, estimated way. Remember, this is just your initial plan; you can always adjust prices later as you become more experienced. One strategy is to undercut more established companies by charging less than they do. You may not make as much profit, but you will earn some of their business. Consider whether you will use employees, contract labor, or both. Regardless of which you choose, you need a thorough understanding of the laws that define the nature of the workers and the laws affecting their relationship with the company. Obtain funding to get you started. Luckily, you don't need to worry about setting up an office or leasing storage space to start a junk removal business. However, you will still need some money to get started. Your startup funding needs to cover the cost of your truck, equipment, marketing efforts, and some working capital for your first few jobs. You can cover these expenses with a loan from a bank or credit union, or money from a friend or family member. The Small Business Administration (SBA) also guarantees business loans at banks and can help you qualify for the money you need. The first few months could be hard to find enough clients to cover your expenses, so make sure your initial budget can fill the gap. You can save some money by renting a junk removal trunk when needed instead of buying one immediately. Buy a vehicle. Purchase a second-hand van or truck that you will use to transport client's junk to waste recycling or disposal facilities. Look for one with large load capacity and good fuel economy. You don't need any extras like climate control or leather seats to your vehicle that will just increase its cost. Just make sure it runs reliably; you don't want to end up spending more on repairs than you would on new truck payments. You may also need to buy a GPS system if you don't have a smartphone or are unfamiliar with your service area's layout. Buy hands-free calling equipment. The specifics of a waste removal business are such that you will not have time to sit in your home office waiting for clients to call once your company is up and running. Instead you will have to make and take business calls while you work. A Bluetooth headset or similar hands-free phone equipment will allow you to talk with clients and business partners while you are out collecting people's rubbish. Buy heavy duty work wear. Removing rubbish is a dirty and demanding job for which you will need durable work clothes and gloves. Loose-fitting trousers are suitable for both household and outdoor jobs. They are not only comfortable to wear for long hours but will prevent household and garden pests, which you will most likely encounter through your career as a waste collector, from biting you through your clothing. Other tools you should buy are a shovel and a rake. Use them to remove dirt, leaves, sand, and other similar debris. You may also need more heavy-duty protection, like dust masks and goggles, if you plan to handle more hazardous junk. That said, never agree to a job that puts your employees at risk. Acquire a business license. Register your company according to your local government requirements and guidelines for waste carriers. You may need to contact your local chamber of commerce or SBA branch to get more specifics on these requirements, as they vary between different counties and states. You will likely have to register a "doing business as" name with your local government, at minimum. There may also be special permits or licenses you need for transporting scrap metal or just transporting junk. For example, some localities require that anyone hauling large amounts o materials as a commercial activity possess a license for doing so. Failure to obtain a license before hauling may result in fines or your arrest. Other localities may have specific waste removal permits. New York City, for example, requires that junk removers register with the city and apply to obtain a specialized license. Try talking with other local business owners to see if they will help you with navigating your city's permit requirements. You will also need an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS if you plan to have employees. Getting this number is free on the IRS's website. Purchase appropriate insurance. You will also need business liability insurance before you can begin your operations. You will also need auto insurance for your vehicle(s) and workers compensation insurance if you have employees. Check the offers of several insurance companies and select the best deal. Your insurance policy should cover your van, equipment, and any damage caused to a client's property when removing junk from it. At minimum, you will need general liability insurance and property insurance. These cover legal expenses resulting from lawsuits, such as if one of your trucks damages the client's property, and damage or loss of business property, respectively. As a small business, you may be able to combine both of these into a business owner's policy. You may also want errors and omissions (E&O) insurance to cover situations like a breach of contract with your regular clients. This could result from a perceived failure on your end to collect junk according to an agreement with a customer. Finally, workers' compensation insurance covers your business if you are sued by an employee. For example, if an employee is injured on the job, your workers' comp insurance may cover their medical bills. Large insurers may be able to offer you a complete package, specialized to the junk removal industry, that contains all of these types of insurance. Promote your business. Design flyers on your computer or hire a design & print agency to make them for you. The flyers should be formatted attractively and easy to read, including a brief description and contact details of your company. Pass out your flyers to everyone in your area, businesses and homeowners, who might be interested in your services. Also, place them on utility poles and notice boards. Make sure the distribution of your flyers is according to the local laws. Also, consider placing an ad in your local newspaper to increase your brand's awareness. However, keep in mind that doing so may be expensive and will only buy you a short amount of ad time. Once all this is done, wait for the first phone call to come in. Your initial advertising plan will likely be low-budget, so make it work any way you can. For example, try parking your vehicle in an easily-visible location, cold-calling potential customers, or placing a small ad in a local magazine or newspaper. Ask your customers where they heard about your business. This will let you know which one of your advertising methods is working best. Have a plan ready for junk disposal. It's important that you dispose of the junk responsibly. You should have a plan for bringing junk to disposal sites and recycling facilities that includes a plan for driving there quickly and unloading the waste. Remember that you will have to pay a fee for disposing of waste in a landfill, so try to make better use of it by recycling it, selling it for scrap, or donating useful scrap to charities. Make sure to contact these disposal sites beforehand to see what types of junk they accept. This can help streamline your disposal process later on. You also need to understand any laws affecting the type of waste and their specific disposal rules. For example, most communities now regulate disposal of electronics due to the hazardous materials in their components. Hire workers as needed. If you find that you can no longer conduct all of your business alone, you should hire workers. Unless work is full-time, consider using contract workers. Remember that you need to comply with labor and immigration regulations. In addition, make sure to avoid just hiring your friends, as this can lead to a strained dynamic with you trying to be both a boss and a friend to the employee. Instead, try posting an ad in the newspaper or online job board with your required qualifications then interviewing suitable candidates. It may take more time than hiring friends, but you'll know you're getting good help. Train your employees. Though it may seem like junk removal is pretty self-explanatory, the most successful companies in the industry know that you have to provide exceptional service. That is, train your employees to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor when interacting with customers. In addition, make sure that they are trained in careful removal processes that don't leave junk or a mess behind when the job is done. Take it a step further by sweeping up the area after a job so that the place is once again ready for your customer's use. Work for repeat business. Work to impress individuals or organizations that might offer you repeat business. These might include local government bodies, property managers, construction companies, or other local businesses. If possible, organize your relationship with this customer into a formal agreement that includes special pricing or priority junk removal. An important metric in the junk removal business is how quickly you can respond to a request for removal. Well-run junk removal businesses can often clear up a location within a day or two of the customer's calling them. | Assess the market for junk removal. Decide whether to franchise or start your own business. Create a business plan. Obtain funding to get you started. Buy a vehicle. Buy hands-free calling equipment. Buy heavy duty work wear. Acquire a business license. Purchase appropriate insurance. Promote your business. Have a plan ready for junk disposal. Hire workers as needed. Train your employees. Work for repeat business. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Herbs-in-the-Oven | How to Dry Herbs in the Oven | To quickly dry herbs in an oven, line a cookie sheet with muslin or parchment paper and place a single layer of herbs on that tray. Then, set your oven to its lowest temperature and put the tray inside, turning the herbs every 30 minutes. To make sure the air is circulating inside the oven, leave the door of an electric oven slightly ajar. If you have a gas oven, shut the door, but open it every 5 minutes for 30 seconds at a time to let the air circulate. The herbs are dry when you can easily crumble their leaves between your fingers. | Harvest your herbs when they are tender just before flowers form. How the herbs taste will depend on when you cut them from the plant. You will get the best flavor while the herbs are still tender, which you can feel with your fingers. If the herb is flowering, this will be just before the buds open. You can still dry herbs that have flowered, but the taste will be bitter. This process works for all herbs. If your herbs have already flowered, you can deadhead the flowers. This will allow more leaves to grow, which you can harvest and dry. Choose a warm, dry morning after dew has evaporated. A sunny day is the best time to cut your crop because the herbs will be dryer. The more moisture that remains on the herbs, the harder it is to dry them. It's best to wait until mid-morning, as the dew should be gone by then. Use scissors to cut the stems just above a leaf or leaves. You can use regular sharp scissors or small pruning shears. Place the cut herbs into a jar of fresh water until you've completed the harvest. Leave at least 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of stem for the plant's regrowth. Pull large-leaf herbs from their stalks before drying. This includes herbs like sage, basil or mint. If it's easy to hold just the leaf, then it's best to remove them from the stalk before drying. You can also cut the leaves from the stalk with your sharp scissors, but this will be more time consuming. Leave small-leaf and feathery herbs on their stalks until after they dry. This includes herbs like fennel, dill, and rosemary. While these herbs will eventually be removed from their stalks in most cases, its best to wait until after they are dry as the stalks make them easier to handle. Additionally, some dishes may look better with these herbs still on the stalk. Limit your harvest to one herb at a time. It's easy to mix herbs together or ruin the flavors of the herbs by drying them together. To protect the flavor, only dry one herb at a time. Remove any damaged, soiled, or imperfect leaves or stems. Check each leaf or stalk for ruined pieces. Soiled herbs will have a bad taste, which could ruin the dish you season with your herbs. Check the herbs for insects. Insects are common in an herb garden, but you don't want them to get into your batch of dried herbs. Inspect each leaf for visible signs of insects, such as crawling bugs, webbing, or white spots that could be eggs. If you see these signs, throw that leaf or stalk away. The oven will treat the herbs for anything too small for you to see. Rinse the herbs in cold water, shaking off the excess. It's best to use running water so that any dirt and debris flows away from the herbs. Allow the water to run over them for a few seconds, then gently shake them to expel the excess water. Place the damp herbs on a dry towel. If you have larger herbs, you could rinse them in a colander. Blot the herbs dry with a clean towel. Use another dry towel, gently pressing it over the herbs. Once the herbs are dry, transfer them to another dry towel or dish. Cover a cookie sheet with muslin or parchment paper. This provides the best surface for drying the herbs, though you can dry them on a plain cookie sheet or tray. Depending on the size of the herbs, you could also try a rack with close-set bars. If you use a rack, place it over the cookie sheet to prevent bits of herbs from falling down into the bottom of the oven. Lay your herbs on the tray in a single layer row. Make sure that none of the leaves are overlapping or touching, as this could cause the herbs to dry unevenly. If this happens, then the whole batch could get ruined, as the centers of the leaves will burn if you try to finish drying the edges that are still moist. Set your oven on the lowest temperature. Oven drying can destroy the flavor, color, and oils in your herbs, so it's important that you keep the temperature low. The drying process should be slow in order to keep the herbs edible. The highest temperature you should use is 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius). Leave the oven door open if you have an electric oven. The air needs to circulate around the herbs while they dry, and leaving the door open allows for that to happen. Additionally, it lowers the risk that your oven will get too hot and burn the herbs. If you have a gas oven, do not leave the door open, as this is very hazardous. Instead, open the door every five minutes to let the air circulate. Wait about 30 seconds, then close the oven again. Turn the herbs after 30 minutes. Use an oven mitt to remove the cookie sheet. With a pair of tongs or a fork, flip the herbs over so that both sides dry evenly. Check the herbs every 15 minutes to make sure that they aren't burning. If you suspect they are, pull them early to check them for dryness. Remove the herbs after 1 hour. Most herbs will be dry within an hour. If you aren't sure, let them cool and check them for dryness. If your herbs are not dry, continue drying them for 10 minutes at a time. Test the herbs for dryness. The leaves should be dry and crispy. Pick up a leaf or stalk and see if it easily crumbles between your fingers. Gently roll the herb between your fingers to see if it falls apart. If it does, then it is dry. Crumble the entire batch of herbs. Herbs are most often crumbled before storage, which makes them easier to add to dishes. Gently rub the herbs between your fingers, breaking apart the leaves. Continue until each piece is crumbled. If the leaves were still on the stalk, don't crumble the stalk. Keep it intact and then discard it once the leaves are removed. Place your herbs in an airtight container. You can use a jar, tupperware container, or ziplock bag. Make sure that the seal is airtight, however, as moist air can ruin the herbs. Store the container in a cool, dry area. Great options include your pantry, a cabinet, or the refrigerator. Place your freshly dried herbs with the rest of your seasonings. If you use a clear jar, place it in the dark to preserve the color of your herbs. | Harvest your herbs when they are tender just before flowers form. Choose a warm, dry morning after dew has evaporated. Use scissors to cut the stems just above a leaf or leaves. Pull large-leaf herbs from their stalks before drying. Leave small-leaf and feathery herbs on their stalks until after they dry. Limit your harvest to one herb at a time. Remove any damaged, soiled, or imperfect leaves or stems. Check the herbs for insects. Rinse the herbs in cold water, shaking off the excess. Blot the herbs dry with a clean towel. Cover a cookie sheet with muslin or parchment paper. Lay your herbs on the tray in a single layer row. Set your oven on the lowest temperature. Leave the oven door open if you have an electric oven. Turn the herbs after 30 minutes. Remove the herbs after 1 hour. Test the herbs for dryness. Crumble the entire batch of herbs. Place your herbs in an airtight container. Store the container in a cool, dry area. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Publish-a-Research-Paper | How to Publish a Research Paper | To publish a research paper, ask a colleague or professor to review your paper and give you feedback. Once you've revised your work, familiarize yourself with different academic journals so that you can choose the publication that best suits your paper. Make sure to look at the "Author's Guide" so you can format your paper according to the guidelines for that publication. Then, submit your paper and don't get discouraged if it is not accepted right away. You may need to revise your paper and try again. | Ask a colleague or professor to review your research paper. They should edit your paper for grammar, spelling errors, typos, clarity, and conciseness. They should also verify your content. Research papers need to present an issue that is significant and relevant. They should be clearly written, easy to follow, and appropriate for the intended audience. Have two or three people review your paper. At least one should be a non-expert in the major topic — their “outsider's perspective” can be particularly valuable, as not all reviewers will be experts on your specific topic. Revise your paper based on your reviewers’ recommendations. It is likely you will go through several drafts before final submission of your research paper. Give a special effort to make your paper clear, engaging, and easy to follow. This will greatly increase your chances of being published. Prepare your manuscript according to your chosen journal’s requirements. Format your research paper so it fits the guidelines for that publication. Most journals provide a document called "Instruction to Authors" or "Author's Guide" that offers specific instructions about layout, type font, and length. This guide will also tell you how to submit your paper and will provide details of the review process. Journal articles in the sciences often follow a specific organizational format, such as: Abstract; Introduction; Methods; Results; Discussion; Conclusion; Acknowledgements/References. Those in the arts and humanities are usually less regimented. Submit your article when you feel it’s ready to go. Go to the Author's Guide (or similar) on the journal's website to review its submission requirements. Once you are satisfied that your paper meets all of the guidelines, submit the paper through the appropriate channels. Some journals allow online submission, while others prefer a hard copy. Submit your article to only one journal at a time. Work your way down your list, one at a time, as needed. When submitting online, use your university email account. This connects you with a scholarly institution, which adds credibility to your work. Don’t panic when you get the journal’s initial response. Very few article submissions get an immediate “Accept” reply from a peer-reviewed journal. If you do get one of these, go celebrate! Otherwise, calmly deal with the reply you get. It will likely be one of the following: Accept with Revision — only minor adjustments are needed, based on the provided feedback by the reviewers. Revise and Resubmit — more substantial changes (as described) are needed before publication can be considered, but the journal is still very interested in your work. Reject and Resubmit — the article is not currently viable for consideration, but substantial alterations and refocusing may be able to change this outcome. Reject — the paper isn't and won't be suitable for this publication, but that doesn't mean it might not work for another journal. When you're trying to publish a research paper, be patient, and be prepared to hear "no" a lot. There's a lot of vetting before a peer-reviewed article can see the light of day, because they have to be carefully scrutinized. Embrace reviewer comments as constructive criticism. Quite often, you'll be asked to revise your paper and resubmit it, based on the comments provided by several (often three) anonymous reviewers and the editor. Study their critiques carefully and make the necessary changes. Do not get over-attached to your original submission. Instead, remain flexible and rework the paper in light of the feedback you receive. Use your skills as a researcher and a writer to create a superior paper. However, you don't have to “roll over” and meekly follow reviewer comments that you feel are off the mark. Open a dialogue with the editor and explain your position, respectfully but confidently. Remember, you're an expert on this specific topic! Keep trying to get your paper published. Even if you are ultimately rejected by your preferred journal, continue to re-write your research paper and submit it to other publications. Remember, a rejected paper doesn't necessarily equal a bad paper. Numerous factors, many of them completely out of your control, go into determining which articles are accepted. Move on to your second-choice journal for submission. You might even ask for guidance on finding a better fit from the editor of the first journal. Familiarize yourself with potential publications. Be aware of the research already published and the current questions and studies in your field. Pay special attention to how other research papers in your field are written: the format, the type of articles (quantitative studies versus qualitative ones, primary research, review of existing papers), the writing style, the subject matter, and the vocabulary. Read academic journals related to your field of study. Search online for published research papers, conference papers, and journal articles. Ask a colleague or professor for a suggested reading list. Choose the publication that best suits your research paper. Each publication has its own audience and tone of writing. Decide, for instance, if your research paper would fit better in a journal that is highly technical and meant only for other scholars, or a journal that is more general in nature for a broader audience. “Fit” is critical here — the most renowned journal in your field might not be the one best suited to your specific work. At the same time, though, don't sell yourself short by assuming your paper could never be good enough for that top-shelf publication. Keep the circulation or exposure of the journal in mind. Once you've narrowed down your list of potential submission sites, do a little digging to find out how widely-read and widely-cited articles in those journals seem to be. Greater exposure for your work will be a definite benefit, especially when you're trying to make a name for yourself early in your career. However, always prioritize peer-reviewed journals — in which field scholars anonymously review submitted works. This is the basic standard for scholarly publishing. You can increase your readership dramatically by publishing in an open access journal. As such, it will be freely available as part of an online repository of peer-reviewed scholarly papers. Give your paper a clear vision. Good journal articles usually get straight to the point and remain there the whole way through. Establish what exactly your paper explores/investigates/accomplishes right from the start, and make sure that every subsequent paragraph builds on this vision. Make a strong, clear statement of this vision in your thesis statement. Compare the following weak vs. strong statements: “This paper explores how George Washington's experiences as a young officer may have shaped his views during difficult circumstances as a commanding officer.” “This paper contends that George Washington's experiences as a young officer on the 1750s Pennsylvania frontier directly impacted his relationship with his Continental Army troops during the harsh winter at Valley Forge.” Narrow your focus. Clear visions can also be grand visions, but journal articles don't lend themselves to thorough examinations of large-scale topics. Scholars who are revising content from a thesis or dissertation often struggle with this element; you need to be able to strip away (or at least significantly dial back) things like background information, literature reviews, and methodological discussions for a journal article. This is especially true for younger scholars who are breaking into the field. Leave the grand (yet still only 20-30 page) explorations to more established scholars. Write a top-notch abstract. The abstract is the first impression the reviewers will get of your work, so you need to make it count. Make sure there are absolutely no typos or unnecessary elements; you'll only have around 300 words to work with. Be bold in your claims and original in your approach, but don't over-sell what your article actually provides. Your abstract should make people eager to start reading the article, but never disappointed when they finish the article. Get as many people as you can to read over your abstract and provide feedback before you submit your paper to a journal. | Ask a colleague or professor to review your research paper. Revise your paper based on your reviewers’ recommendations. Prepare your manuscript according to your chosen journal’s requirements. Submit your article when you feel it’s ready to go. Don’t panic when you get the journal’s initial response. Embrace reviewer comments as constructive criticism. Keep trying to get your paper published. Familiarize yourself with potential publications. Choose the publication that best suits your research paper. Keep the circulation or exposure of the journal in mind. Give your paper a clear vision. Narrow your focus. Write a top-notch abstract. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-a-Diagonal-of-a-Square | How to Calculate a Diagonal of a Square | To calculate a diagonal of a square, multiply the length of one of the square's sides by the square root of 2. If you don't know the length of one side, you can find it by plugging the square's perimeter into the formula: perimeter = 4s, where s is the length of one side. If you don't know the perimeter, you can still find the length of one side by plugging the square's area into the formula: area = s^2, where s is the length of one side. | Find the length of one side of the square. This will probably be given to you. If you are working with a square in the real world, use a ruler or piece of measuring tape to find the length. Since all four sides of the square are the same length, you can use any side of the square. If you do not know the length of one side of the square, you cannot use this method. For example, you might want to find the length of the diagonal of a square that has sides 5 centimeters long. Set up the formula d=s2{\displaystyle d=s{\sqrt {2}}}. In the formula d {\displaystyle d} equals the length of the diagonal and s {\displaystyle s} equals one side of the square. This formula is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem ( a 2 + b 2 = c 2 ) {\displaystyle a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2})}. A diagonal divides a square into two congruent right triangles, thus, you can use the side lengths of the square to find the length of the diagonal (which would be the hypotenuse of the right triangle). Plug the side length of the square into the formula. Make sure you are substituting for the variable s {\displaystyle s}. For example, if the square has a side length of 5 centimeters, set up the formula like this: d = 5 2 {\displaystyle d=5{\sqrt {2}}} Multiply the length of the side by 2{\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}. This will give you the length of the diagonal. It's best to perform the calculation on a calculator, so that you can get a more precise result. If you don't have a calculator, you can round 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}} to 1.414. For example, if you are calculating the diagonal of a 5-centimeter square, your formula will look like this: d = 5 2 {\displaystyle d=5{\sqrt {2}}} d = 7.07 {\displaystyle d=7.07} So, the diagonal of the square is 7.07 centimeters long. Set up the formula for the perimeter of a square. The formula is P = 4 s {\displaystyle P=4s} , where P {\displaystyle P} equals the perimeter of the square, and s {\displaystyle s} equals the length of one side of the square. This method only works if you are given the perimeter of the square. To find the length of the diagonal, you must first find the length of one side of the square, so you need to set up the perimeter formula and solve for s {\displaystyle s}. Plug the length of the perimeter into the formula. Make sure you are substituting for the variable P {\displaystyle P}. For example, if the perimeter of the square is 20 centimeters, your formula will look like this: 20 = 4 s {\displaystyle 20=4s} Solve for s{\displaystyle s}. To do this, divide each side of the equation by 4. This will give you the length of one side of the square. For example: 20 = 4 s {\displaystyle 20=4s} 20 4 = 4 s 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {20}{4}}={\frac {4s}{4}}} 5 = s {\displaystyle 5=s} Set up the formula d=s2{\displaystyle d=s{\sqrt {2}}}. In the formula d {\displaystyle d} equals the length of the diagonal and s {\displaystyle s} equals one side of the square. This formula is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem ( a 2 + b 2 = c 2 ) {\displaystyle a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2})}. A diagonal divides a square into two congruent right triangles, thus, you can use the side lengths of the square to find the length of the diagonal (which would be the hypotenuse of the right triangle). Plug the side length of the square into the formula. Make sure you are substituting for the variable s {\displaystyle s}. For example, if the square has a side length of 5 centimeters, set up the formula like this: d = 5 2 {\displaystyle d=5{\sqrt {2}}} Multiply the length of the side by 2{\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}. This will give you the length of the diagonal. It's best to perform the calculation on a calculator, so that you can get a more precise result. If you don't have a calculator, you can round 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}} to 1.414. For example, if you are calculating the diagonal of a 5-centimeter square, your formula will look like this: d = 5 2 {\displaystyle d=5{\sqrt {2}}} d = 7.07 {\displaystyle d=7.07} So, the diagonal of the square is 7.07 centimeters long. Set up the formula for the area of a square. The formula is A = s 2 {\displaystyle A=s^{2}} , where A {\displaystyle A} equals the area of the square, and s {\displaystyle s} equals the length of one side of the square. This method only works if you are given the area of the square. To find the length of the diagonal, you have to first find the length of one side of the square, which is why you must set up the area formula and solve for s {\displaystyle s}. Plug the area measurement into the formula. Make sure you are substituting for the variable A {\displaystyle A}. For example, if the area of the square is 25 square centimeters, your formula will look like this: 25 = s 2 {\displaystyle 25=s^{2}} Solve for s{\displaystyle s}. To do this, find the square root of the area. This will give you the length of one side of the square. To find the square root, use a calculator. If you need help calculating the square root by hand, read Calculate a Square Root by Hand. For example: 25 = s 2 {\displaystyle 25=s^{2}} 25 = s 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {25}}={\sqrt {s^{2}}}} 5 = s {\displaystyle 5=s} Set up the formula d=s2{\displaystyle d=s{\sqrt {2}}}. In the formula d {\displaystyle d} equals the length of the diagonal and s {\displaystyle s} equals one side of the square. This formula is derived from the Pythagorean Theorem ( a 2 + b 2 = c 2 ) {\displaystyle a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2})}. A diagonal divides a square into two congruent right triangles, thus, you can use the side lengths of the square to find the length of the diagonal (which would be the hypotenuse of the right triangle). Plug the side length of the square into the formula. Make sure you are substituting for the variable s {\displaystyle s}. For example, if the square has a side length of 5 centimeters, set up the formula like this: d = 5 2 {\displaystyle d=5{\sqrt {2}}} Multiply the length of the side by 2{\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}. This will give you the length of the diagonal. *It's best to perform the calculation on a calculator, so that you can get a more precise result. If you don't have a calculator, you can round 2 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}} to 1.414. For example, if you are calculating the diagonal of a 5-centimeter square, your formula will look like this: d = 5 2 {\displaystyle d=5{\sqrt {2}}} d = 7.07 {\displaystyle d=7.07} So, the diagonal of the square is 7.07 centimeters long. | Find the length of one side of the square. Set up the formula d=s2{\displaystyle d=s{\sqrt {2}}}. Plug the side length of the square into the formula. Multiply the length of the side by 2{\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}. Set up the formula for the perimeter of a square. Plug the length of the perimeter into the formula. Solve for s{\displaystyle s}. Set up the formula d=s2{\displaystyle d=s{\sqrt {2}}}. Plug the side length of the square into the formula. Multiply the length of the side by 2{\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}. Set up the formula for the area of a square. Plug the area measurement into the formula. Solve for s{\displaystyle s}. Set up the formula d=s2{\displaystyle d=s{\sqrt {2}}}. Plug the side length of the square into the formula. Multiply the length of the side by 2{\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}}. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Hold-a-Pencil | How to Hold a Pencil | To hold a pencil correctly, start by sitting up straight and placing both feet flat on the floor. Pick up the pencil using the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand, keeping the pencil at a 45 degree angle. Next, position the tip of your index finger on top of the pencil and use your thumb to grip the side loosely. Let the pencil rest on your middle finger, then lightly pinch your thumb, index, and middle fingers together. Rest the pad of your hand comfortably on the page to support your hand as you write! | Sit with your feet flat on the floor and with good posture as your write. Having good posture is important when learning to hold a pencil, as you can injure your back and create bad posture habits over time. Sit in a chair with a straight back and that is short enough for you to place both feet firmly on the floor. When teaching children to hold a pencil, focusing on the child's posture is important in forming good habits. Use your thumb and index finger to pick up the pencil. The tripod hold calls for your thumb, index finger, and middle finger to create a triangle that supports the pencil. Begin the hold by placing the pencil between your thumb and index finger, keeping the pencil at a 45 degree angle. The tripod hold allows for the most accurate writing and drawing, helping you create small, detailed lines. The tripod hold is also the best for teaching children how to write, as it is the most common and easiest to learn. Place the index finger on top of the pencil. For the most control, the tip of your index finger finger should be positioned on top of the pencil, working together with your thumb. Avoid squeezing the pencil with your index finger and thumb, holding the pencil gently. Hold the pencil as close to the tip as possible. Rest the pencil on the middle finger. Holding the pencil with your thumb and index finger, rest the pencil on your middle finger for accuracy. Lightly pinch these three digits together with the pencil in between and begin writing. The middle finger is an essential part of the tripod hold. Resting the pencil on your middle finger will change the angle of the pencil, making it less straight up and more angled. Even with this angle, you should be writing with the tip of the pencil, rather than the side of the pencil. Rest the pad of your hand on the page. The pad of your pinky and ring fingers should comfortably rest on the page, supporting the rest of your hand and allowing for full mobility. Check to make sure the rest of your hand is not coming off of the page, as this may be a sign of squeezing the pencil too hard. You can place a spare piece of paper underneath your hand to avoid smudging, especially if you are left handed. Use the quadripod grip. Pick the pencil up with your index finger and thumb in the same way you do with the tripod grip. Hold the pencil with your index finger, thumb, and middle finger. Rest the pencil on your fourth finger, ultimately utilizing four fingers instead of three. Utilize this grip if it comes natural to you, as it is just as efficient as other grips. Although this grip is less common than the tripod hold, it should be encouraged when teaching children, as they should do what feels natural. Do not put any pressure on the pencil with your fourth finger, as this will lower mobility and flexibility in the hand. Simply rest the pencil on this finger and use your other fingers to write. Utilize the underhand hold for drawing. Pick up the pencil with your index finger and thumb, holding it higher than usual, toward its center. Your fourth and fifth fingers should be supporting the bottom of the pencil. Hold the pencil loosely, with your index finger and thumb on opposite sides of the pencil. Draw larger, steady lines by moving your wrist, arm, and elbow and keeping your hand still. This technique will not work well for writing, as it is not meant for detailed lines. When teaching children how to draw, this is a good technique for them to use on larger pieces of paper. Change your grip if you feel pain. There is no correct way to hold a pencil, so change your technique if you feel pain or unusually fatigued when writing or drawing. If a child complains about pain when writing, or you notice that their writing speed is not as efficient as it should be, consider changing their technique from the tripod grip to the quadripod grip, or vice versa. Children may start the learning process with immature grips, but it is important to help them grow strength in their hands through practice, allowing them to move on to more mature grips as quickly as possible. Start with using a short pencil. Practicing with a short pencil will keep you from picking up the pencil with too many fingers or holding the pencil improperly. Use a short pencil when teaching children how to hold a pencil for the first time, is it will ensure that they pick the pencil up with their index finger and thumb. Bad habits are less likely to form when using short pencils because there is less room to add fingers or hold the pencil in odd ways. You can break a pencil in half and sharpen one of the short ends, or use a broken crayon. Practice using "pinch and flip" method. When picking up the pencil, pinch the sharp end with your thumb and index finger. Flip the pencil around so that it rests on the fold of skin between your thumb and index finger. Practice this several times until it feels natural. This is a great trick to utilize when teaching children where to hold the pencil. This method ensures that the pencil rests in the correct part of your hand. The pinch and flip method prepares you for the tripod technique, which is the most common way to hold a pencil. Place a wad of paper or small ball in the palm of your hand. In order to avoid making a fist or squeezing too tightly, place a small ball in the cupped shape your hand makes. If you can not fit a small ball or wad of paper in this space, your grip may be too tight and restrictive. Make adjustments to your grip until the paper or ball fit into the space in your hand comfortably. If a child is squeezing the pencil too tight, or seems to be struggling with technique, this is a great way to help them. The ball or piece of paper should be no bigger than the size of a quarter. Practice writing on a flat surface with the tip of the pencil. Write while holding the pencil slanted or perpendicular to the table, focusing on using the tip of the pencil to write. Whether you use a 45 or 90 degree angle with your pencil is up to you and you should use whatever technique feels most comfortable. | Sit with your feet flat on the floor and with good posture as your write. Use your thumb and index finger to pick up the pencil. Place the index finger on top of the pencil. Rest the pencil on the middle finger. Rest the pad of your hand on the page. Use the quadripod grip. Utilize the underhand hold for drawing. Change your grip if you feel pain. Start with using a short pencil. Practice using "pinch and flip" method. Place a wad of paper or small ball in the palm of your hand. Practice writing on a flat surface with the tip of the pencil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Apple-Pie-Filling | How to Make Apple Pie Filling | To make fresh apple pie filling, peel and core 7 large or 12 small apples, and cut them into thin wedges. Coat the uncooked apples with the juice and zest of 1 lemon to preserve them while you make the filling. Then, mix 3/4 cup of light brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg in a separate bowl. Combine the apples with the brown sugar mixture and add the filling to a pie crust to bake immediately. | Choose your apples. The type of apple you choose dictates whether it is best to pre-cook the apples or add uncooked apples and bake them once with the pie. Use Golden, Spartan, McIntosh and Rome apples if you would prefer not to pre-bake them. These types of apples tend to break down quickly in an oven. Use Granny Smiths, Honeycrisp or Gala apples if you would prefer to pre-bake apples. They are denser and may be too crisp if they are not pre-baked before adding them to the pastry. Peel and core apples. Core the apples using an apple corer with serrated edges. Insert the corer into the center of the apple. Turn it 360 degrees, and then pull out the core. Use a vegetable peeler or an apple-peeling machine to thoroughly peel approximately 7 very large apples or 12 small apples. If you have apples in many different sizes, aim for approximately 4 cups (684g) of sliced apples. Slice the apples. Use a mandolin to thinly slice the apples, if you are not planning on pre-cooking your apples. Thinner slices will bake down more quickly. Cut slices with a knife, if you plan to pre-bake them. Pre-baked apples can be up to 1/2 inch (1.3cm) thick. Pre-cook your apples. Pre-cooked apples are slightly sweeter, but the method you use to precook them will determine their crisp texture after baking. Choose to blanch your apples. You can either drop them into boiling water for 1 minute, or the Food Lab suggests pouring boiling water into a bowl full of sliced apples and letting them sit for 10 minutes before draining. In this method, the pectin in the apples will become a heat-stable form, allowing them to retain some structure and crispiness. Choose to cook them on the stove, if you prefer apple pie filling that is less crispy. Place your apples in a Dutch oven heated to medium heat. #*Stir them occasionally while they heat for 10 minutes. If you choose not to pre-cook your apples, mix them with the juice and zest of 1 lemon immediately after slicing them. Mix your sugar and spices. Add 3/4 cup (141g) of light brown sugar, 1/4 cup (31g) of all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp. (2g) ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp. (.6g) ground nutmeg in a bowl. Add the sugar mixture to your heated apples or to fresh apples coated in lemon juice. Add the apple filling mixture to a pie crust immediately. If you want to make filling that can be refrigerated, frozen or canned, you should use the next method. Beat an egg to make an egg wash. Brush it over the top pie crust. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon and granulated sugar. Pre-heat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Cook the pie for 5 minutes. Watch the oven carefully and tent the crust, if it is starting to burn. Core, peel and slice 4 cups (684g) of apples. Use an apple corer, vegetable peeler and mandolin to save time during the preparation process. Juice 1 lemon. Pour the juice into a bowl. Toss the sliced apples with the apple juice as you slice the rest of the apples. Lemon juice keeps the apples from turning brown immediately. Blanche your apples. Stick them in boiling water for 1 minute. Alternatively, you can pour boiling water over them and let them sit for 10 minutes to keep them crisper longer. Drain them well and set them aside. Mix your thickener, sugar and spices. Add 3/4 cup (150g) of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (40g) of Clear Jel canning thickener, 1/2 tsp. (1.3g) of cinnamon and 1/8 tsp. (0.3g) of nutmeg to a large, unheated saucepan. Clear Jel canning thickener is used in place of cornstarch or flour. #*This specialty product is a modified form of cornstarch and it is safe to use for canning and storing foods. Mix these dry ingredients with a wooden spoon. Pour in 3/4 cup (177ml) of apple juice and 1/2 cup (118ml) of cold water. Stir your sugar mixture into your liquid mixture with the wooden spoon. Heat your mixture on medium high heat. Stir the mixture regularly while it heats. Add the apples. Once the liquid sugar mixture reaches a simmer, add the drained, blanched apples to the saucepan. Stir the apple mixture. Wait until the apples are heated through, approximately 5 minutes. Can the apple pie filling. Sterilize your jars before canning them. After washing them in the dishwasher, place them in a boiling hot water bath for 10 minutes. Pour the hot apple pie filling into hot canning jars using a funnel and ladle. Pour apple pie filling into plastic containers for freezing. Place sterilized jars and lids on the apple pie filling jars. Place them in a water bath for 25 to 30 minutes. Open a can of apple pie filling. Place it into a pastry crust and bake for 35 to 45 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Use cornstarch in place of flour. You can make fresh apple pie filling using a stove top, if you would rather use cornstarch than flour. Combine 1 cup (236ml) of water, 1 tbsp. (15ml) of apple juice, 1 cup (200g) of sugar and 1/4 cup (32g) of cornstarch with your spices in a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring regularly. Remove from heat when thickened and bubbly. Add 1/4 tsp. (5ml) of vanilla extract. Pour this extract over your blanched or fresh apples before you mix them with sugar. Make Dutch apple pie filling. Use these traditional apple pie fillings with a pie crust and a crumb mixture. A Dutch apple pie is covered with an oat crumb mixture, rather than a second pastry crust. Add the fresh pie filling to your bottom crust. Combine 1 cup (125g) of flour, 1/2 cup (95g) of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup (39g) of instant oats and 1/3 cup (79ml) of melted butter. Mix it together with your hands. Place the Dutch apple pie crumbs on the top of the apple pie filling before baking. Make a skillet apple pie. Pour your apple pie filling into a cast iron pan. Place a single pie crust on the top. Push the edges down and slit the top of the crust 4 times. Bake inside your oven, according to traditional pie crust temperature and time. Check it regularly to tent the crust when necessary. Mix apple pie with cheese. If you want to try a twist on a non-traditional recipe, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup (20 to 40g) of shredded aged cheddar or Comte Swiss cheese. Place the cheese over the filling, and then cover it with a pie crust or pastry lattice. Finished. | Choose your apples. Peel and core apples. Slice the apples. Pre-cook your apples. Mix your sugar and spices. Add the sugar mixture to your heated apples or to fresh apples coated in lemon juice. Add the apple filling mixture to a pie crust immediately. Core, peel and slice 4 cups (684g) of apples. Blanche your apples. Mix your thickener, sugar and spices. Pour in 3/4 cup (177ml) of apple juice and 1/2 cup (118ml) of cold water. Heat your mixture on medium high heat. Add the apples. Can the apple pie filling. Open a can of apple pie filling. Use cornstarch in place of flour. Add 1/4 tsp. Make Dutch apple pie filling. Make a skillet apple pie. Mix apple pie with cheese. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calm-Down-a-Kitten | How to Calm Down a Kitten | To calm down a hyperactive kitten, try tiring it out with play time, using toys like a feather hanging from a string. As you near the end of play time, use slower and gentler movements to help the kitten calm down after an active play session. Then, feed your kitten, since a cat's natural behavior is to eat, clean itself, and go to sleep. If your kitten is still hyperactive after playing, make it work for the food by hiding it inside cardboard boxes or toys made specifically for hiding food. | Tire your kitten out with play time. Take the time to play with your kitten every day, multiple times a day if possible. Schedule some play time a couple of hours before you plan to go to bed and use that play time to tire, or tucker out your kitten. If you finish playing with your kitten and find that she's still in the mood to play, direct her attention to a toy instead. Allow her to continue to prepare for sleep herself with a toy. Some toys to consider are: furry mice, cat balls with or without bells, feathers hanging on a string from a door knob, etc. Using a toy that is attached to a string at the end of a pole (like a fishing rod) is a great way to get your kitten to have a really active play session without requiring you to run around as well. You can stay in one place and use the pole to make your kitten run and jump all around you. Your hands are safe from harm too! Implement a cool down period at the end of play time. Near the end of play time with your kitten, use slower and gentler movements to encourage your kitten to slow down. Don't suddenly stop playing with your kitten in the middle of a really active play session. Stopping suddenly when your kitten is still really playful isn't going to stop her from playing, it may cause your kitten to start chasing after you, or attacking you, because you're still moving around. If you're playing with a specific toy during the play session, allow your kitten to catch that toy at the end of play time. Select special toys to use during play time. Play time with your kitten should be considered a special time of the day. Select certain toys that you only want to use during play time. When it's not play time, put those special toys away. After a few play periods your kitten will learn which toys are specifically for play time, and when she sees them being taken out, she'll get excited! Your kitten should always have some toys available to her to play with at all times of the day. However, you might want to hide toys that make a lot of noise (e.g. those made with hard plastic, or those that have bells or sounds) before you go to bed at night. Feed your cat right after play time. A cat's natural behaviour is to eat, then clean herself, then go to sleep. You've already tired your kitten out with play time, so feed her right afterwards. Your kitten will likely complete her natural cycle by going to clean herself up and then having a nap. Get your kitten to work for her food. Instead of leaving food out for your kitten all the time, have your kitten work for her food. There are many commercial products you can buy specifically for hiding food. Your kitten then has to work to find and remove the food from the toy in order to eat it. You can also make food puzzles for your kitten with cardboard boxes or other items. Look for specific ideas on the internet. Making your kitten work to get to her food will also help to tire her out. This is especially helpful at the end of the day when you're near bedtime. Make a startling sound to make your kitten pause. If your kitten is really hyper, or playfully attacking you, and you need to encourage her to stop, consider making a sudden noise that will startle your kitten. The purpose of the noise isn't to scare your kitten, but rather to make her pause long enough to reassess the situation. Stop playing with your kitten if she gets too rough. If your kitten starts to play too rough, either during play time or on her own, stop giving your kitten attention. Do not encourage the behaviour by continuing to give your kitten attention. Instead, by ignoring your kitten, you're sending a signal that this behaviour is inappropriate and you will not pay attention to such behaviour. Adopt kittens in pairs. The best playmate for a kitten is another kitten. Kittens adopted together, especially if they're from the same litter, can grow up to have a close relationship with each other. As kittens they'll play with each other and tire each other out. They'll also teach each other when certain behaviours are inappropriate. Provide your kitten with a tall cat tree or cat condo. Cats, in general, like to be up high where they can see everything going on. This is one of the reasons cats like to climb on top of tall shelves or the fridge. Providing your kitten with a tall cat tree or cat condo will give her a spot she can go to that makes her feel comfortable. Having a spot like this when something scary is happening can be especially helpful. For example, your kitten may prefer to sit in the cat tree when you are running the vacuum or watching a loud movie. Give your kitten a place to hide. While you don't want to have furniture that has a hiding spot where your kitten can get stuck, it is a good idea to provide your kitten with a safe spot to hide when she's feeling nervous or scared. A cat tree with a cubby, or a cat tent, are great options. Since you are probably already aware that cats love boxes, providing one or more boxes for your kitten to hide in will also work. It is also a good idea to have more than one of these hiding spots for your kitten. You might want to put one in each of the main rooms your kittens hangs out in. Keep your home quiet. A nervous kitten is likely to be scared of everything. The best thing you can do for a nervous kitten is to remove as many of the scary items as possible. This includes keeping the house (or room) as quiet as possible and slowly introducing sounds over time. Scary sounds might include the TV, radio, vacuum, washing machine, dishwasher, fans, etc. If your kitten is in her own room, try playing calming sounds or a radio at a low volume in that room to acclimatize your kitten to noises. Try herbal remedies to keep your kitten calm. There are several herbal remedies made specifically for cats that can help them keep calm and reduce anxiety. Depending on the type of remedy, you may be able to put it in your kitten's water, or in her ears. Some cats are also calmed by the scent of lavender or honeysuckle. Using either the essential oils of lavender or honeysuckle, or a spray made from the essential oils, may help keep your kitten calm. Do not put the spray or essential oil directly onto your kitten. Instead spray it on their bedding, toys, etc. Use feline pheromones to reduce your kitten’s anxiety. Feline pheromones keep cats calm and reduce their anxiety. Man-made versions of these pheromones are available in spray and plug-in formats that can be placed in your home to help keep cats and kittens calm. These pheromones are similar to the ones cats release when they rub their chins and faces against something when they're happy. Prepare your home for a new kitten. When you bring a new kitten into your home you should take the time to kitten-proof your home. Kittens are hyper and don't yet understand what they can and cannot do. Preparing your home for an inevitable disaster will protect your belongings and help teach your kitten good behaviour. Remove breakable or delicate items from tables or lower-level shelves. Tie up the strings attached to blinds and curtains. Remove or change curtains that a kitten may be tempted to climb. Rearrange furniture such that there are no spaces where a small kitten could get stuck behind or underneath things. Isolate your kitten when you first bring her home. When introducing your kitten to her new home, it is best to start by placing her in a small space, and then allowing her into more of the house as time goes on. A bedroom or a bathroom is a good place to start. As you introduce your kitten to new areas of your home, supervise her actions until she's comfortable. Do not allow your kitten in the bedroom at night. If your kitten wakes up in the middle of the night and then tries to wake you up, the most important thing you need to remember is NOT to react. If your kitten wants to play, or wants something to eat, do not give in to her demands. Giving into your kittens demands will teach her it's okay to wake you up to get what she wants. If night time disturbances are a problem, you may need to close your bedroom door and not allow your kitten inside your bedroom at night. | Tire your kitten out with play time. Implement a cool down period at the end of play time. Select special toys to use during play time. Feed your cat right after play time. Get your kitten to work for her food. Make a startling sound to make your kitten pause. Stop playing with your kitten if she gets too rough. Adopt kittens in pairs. Provide your kitten with a tall cat tree or cat condo. Give your kitten a place to hide. Keep your home quiet. Try herbal remedies to keep your kitten calm. Use feline pheromones to reduce your kitten’s anxiety. Prepare your home for a new kitten. Isolate your kitten when you first bring her home. Do not allow your kitten in the bedroom at night. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Learning | How to Enjoy Learning | One of the easiest ways to enjoy learning is to play educational games, like Trivial Pursuit, on your phone or computer. Additionally, use your phone or computer to listen to educational podcasts from stations like NPR and PBS. Alternatively, choose a topic you enjoy and sign up for a class to learn more about that topic. For example, if you like to draw and paint, consider signing up for an Art History course at your local college. You can also try joining clubs at your school or local community center so you can enjoy socializing and learning at the same time. | Find your learning style. Whether you are in junior high or college, you might be looking for ways to make learning more enjoyable. At times it can feel like your entire life revolves around classes and studying. If you are able to find your best learning style, you can make this experience more enjoyable. Everyone learns differently. Some people are visual learners, which means they learn best with images. If you think you are a visual learner, try to use that to your advantage. For example, in History class, rely heavily on the maps and timelines to help you retain and enjoy the information. You might be an aural learner. Do you enjoy listening to music and hearing people talk? Try setting the poems in your English class to a beat. If you are a verbal learner, you enjoy speaking out loud. Try practicing your Latin vocabulary by quizzing a friend. Study with your friends. Maybe you don't enjoy learning because it feels like a solitary activity. One way to make it more enjoyable is to turn it into a group activity. Ask your friends to form a study group. You and your friends can quiz each other for your mid-terms. You'll still be studying, but at least you will have company. Choose study partners who you enjoy being around. Just make sure that you will also focus on your work. Take turns choosing a location. Maybe you could ask some friends to meet you at a coffee shop for a study session. Next time, let your friend think of somewhere fun to go. Ask for help. It makes sense that you will enjoy things that you are good at. Everyone likes feeling successful. If you are struggling in school, learning might feel less fun than it could be. Ask a teacher for help. If you cannot comprehend your Chemistry class, ask your instructor for some additional materials. Once you understand the material, learning will feel less like a chore. Talk to the guidance counselor. Explain your likes and dislikes and find out if there are other classes you could be taking. Your parents can also be a great resource. Ask your mom to spend some time with you studying your Spanish homework. This might be a good way for you to bond with your family, which can be fun. Create goals. Getting an education can help you to succeed later in life. Try thinking about school as a way to help you find a career that you love. Take some time to reflect on what you would like to do when you are done with school. Write down things that you like to do. For example, do you love being around animals? Maybe you want to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Ask your counselor to help you figure out which classes will help you prepare for your future goals. You will enjoy learning more if you view it as helping you to achieve your dream job. Make small goals and large goals. For example, you could write down "Get an A in Biology" as a short-term goal. "Get a scholarship to vet school" could be a longer-term goal. Choose topics you enjoy. If you are studying information that interests you, you will naturally enjoy learning more. When you are in high school and college, you will have some flexibility in choosing which classes to take. Take advantage of this opportunity to spend time doing what you enjoy. Maybe you enjoy writing. If so, try to take some additional composition classes. Do you like art? Consider taking an Art History course. Have you always been fascinated by the Civil War? Look for a history class that focuses on that era. Participate in activities. Learning does not have to occur only in the classroom. Extracurricular activities are a great way to meet new people and learn new things. Consider joining a new club. If you enjoy writing, consider joining the staff of the school paper. This is a great way to hone your skills. Maybe you have always loved to sing. Try out for choir or the school musical. You might find that you have a knack for critical thinking. You might really enjoy being on the debate team. Joining activities will also help you meet new people. These people can then become your study partners. Find a new interest. Learning doesn't have to end once you are done with school. There are many ways that you can continue to expand your mind throughout your life. Finding a new interest can be very enjoyable. Make a list of things that you like to do. Have you always enjoyed gardening? Spend some time learning more about it. Head to the library. Ask the reference librarian to help you find some useful books. Because you enjoy gardening, you will likely enjoy learning more about it. Join a club. Contact your local community center to find out if there are any local gardening groups you can join. Take a class. There are several options to continue your learning once you are no longer officially in school. Consider taking a class on a topic you enjoy. Contact your local community college to get some ideas. Many community colleges offer a wide variety of classes. Some options might include flower arranging, cooking, and music appreciation. Ask a friend to take the class with you. You can enjoy socialization and learning at the same time. Your local community center might have some good options, too. Have you always wanted to learn to swim? Take a class! Travel. You can learn a lot by visiting a new place. To enhance your learning, take some time to travel. You will have fun and expand your knowledge base. Make a list of places you've always wanted to go. Start making plans to check items off of your list. Save your money. Create a travel fund so that you can begin your adventures. Visit a new country. You will learn new customs, see different architecture, and hear a new language. Take a road trip. Choose a museum within driving distance and head out. Love music? Head to Cleveland to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Read a book. Reading is one of the best ways to learn new information. There are books available on every imaginable subject. Choose a topic, and find a book to begin learning some new things. Fiction is a great way to learn about different cultures. Try reading To Kill a Mockingbird to learn about growing up in the South. Use your library. Go to your local branch and lose yourself in the stacks. Pick up any book that looks interesting and give it a try. Join a book club. Stop by your local independent book seller and ask if they have a club you can join. Book clubs will help you expand your book selections. You'll learn some new things and make some new friends. Use technology. Modern technology can provide you with a whole new range of learning opportunities. Take some time to explore your computer and phone. You will likely find some new possibilities to further your learning. Start listening to podcasts. NPR and PBS offer a wide variety of interesting and educational shows. Play trivia. There are many apps that you can download that will allow you to play virtual trivia. You can challenge your friends to see who can learn the most. Follow news outlets on social media. You can stay informed about current events and learn what is happening in the world around you. Keep your mind sharp. Learning is important for your mental health. If you can enjoy learning, you will be more likely to do it. So find a topic you enjoy and begin reaping the benefits. Learning stimulates your brain. Those who are life long learners are less likely to develop diseases such as Alzheimer's. Learning helps improve your memory. If you keep learning, you'll be able to remember all of your happy memories more clearly. Research shows that people who are better educated have overall better physical health. You can enjoy learning knowing that it is keeping you healthy. Advance your career. Look at learning as a great way to further your career. If you can effectively retain new information, your performance at work will improve. Try to find ways to learn new information to help you succeed at work. Attend conferences. Make it a point to attend workshops and seminars presented by experts in your field. Subscribe to professional journals. For example, if you are a teacher, you can read articles about new innovations in classroom technology. Expanding your knowledge base can help you to be more successful in your chosen career. Learning might even help you get that promotion you've been aiming for. Open your mind. Learning promotes the open exchange of ideas. When you are exposed to new ideas, you will be more likely to be an open minded person. Being open minded will inspire you to meet new people and explore new opportunities. The more you know, the more you will want to know. Learning creates a curious mind. Keeping an open mind will help you find even more topics to explore. Maybe meeting your new neighbor will inspire you to learn more about his religion. Feel more fulfilled. Learning will help you create a more multi-dimensional life. You'll feel like you've accomplished something, which will leave you feeling satisfied. | Find your learning style. Study with your friends. Ask for help. Create goals. Choose topics you enjoy. Participate in activities. Find a new interest. Take a class. Travel. Read a book. Use technology. Keep your mind sharp. Advance your career. Open your mind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Single-Serving-Cake | How to Make a Single Serving Cake | If you want to make a single-serving cake, try making a coffee cake in the microwave. Soften 1 tbsp of butter in a microwaveable mug, then stir in 2 tbsp of sugar and an egg until you have a light, fluffy mixture. Add sour cream and vanilla to the mixture and stir them in, then stir in flour and baking soda. Once everything is mixed, bake your cake for 1 minute on high heat in the microwave, then check it by sticking a fork into the center. If any batter sticks to the fork, continue microwaving in 10-second increments until it's done. | Preheat your oven to 330 degrees Fahrenheit (about 165 degrees Celsius). Make sure you know how to check to see the oven is heated properly. Some ovens make a noise, like a beep, when they're done preheating. If your oven does not indicate when it finishes preheating, use an oven thermometer to make sure the oven is heated adequately. As a single serving cake does not take long to mix, it's a good idea to wait a few minutes between turning on the oven and starting your cake. This way, you can put your cake in the oven right after you prepare the ingredients. Find an oven-safe mug. You need a standard sized mug that's safe to cook in the oven. It should say somewhere on the label if the mug can be placed in the oven. Once you've found a suitable mug, spray it down with non-stick spray. If you can't find a mug, you can use a ramekin roughly the same size as a standard sized mug instead. Add your ingredients to the mug and mix thoroughly. For this cake, you will add all the ingredients at once. Mix the ingredients together until your batter is smooth and consistent throughout. You do not need to use an electric mixer. You can use a fork or a small spoon to stir. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes. Start off baking your cake for 16 minutes. If the cake is not done after 16 minutes, cook your cake for an additional minute. Keep adding a minute onto the cooking time until your cake is done. When the cake is done, it will spring up after you press down on it. You should also be able to insert a fork or toothpick into the cake and have it come out clean. Find a microwave safe mug. You will be cooking a coffee cake in the microwave. Find a mug that's microwavable prior to mixing your ingredients. The mug should say whether it's microwavable somewhere on the label. You can also use a ramekin similar to the size of a standard sized mug. Soften the butter in the microwave, if it's chilled. You will need to soften the butter if you got it straight from the refrigerator. Butter that's at room temperature has already been softened. This recipe calls for slightly softened butter. Place your butter in the mug. Microwave it for 10 to 15 minutes. You do not want melted butter for this recipe. You want butter that is slightly softened. Start off microwaving your butter for 10 seconds and then check it. You should also keep an eye on the butter while it's microwaving. Make sure that your butter does not begin to melt. Add the sugar and egg. Stir in the sugar and egg until you have a light, fluffy mixture that's even throughout. You do not need to use an electric mixer. You can simply use a spoon or fork. As you're working with small amounts of ingredients, this shouldn't take more than 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Again, make sure to stir until the mixture is even and creamy. Use the same spoon you used to stir together the egg and sugar. Make sure to stir until you have a smooth, creamy batter. Add the dry ingredients. Dry ingredients include the flour and baking soda. Stir these into your cake. You may want to add the dry ingredients in small increments, as this can make them easier to mix into the batter. Microwave the mug until the cake is cooked. The precise baking time varies depending on your microwave. Bake your cake for 1 minute and then check on it. If it needs to cook longer, cook it for 10 more seconds. Keep checking on the cake every 10 seconds until it's cooked. Your cake will be ready when you can stick a fork in it and have it come out clean. The cake will be very hot when you remove it from the microwave, so make sure to let it cool for a few minutes before eating it. Prepare a coffee mug for cooking. Find a microwave safe mug in your kitchen. Spray the inside of the mug down with non-stick spray. Whisk together the sugar and melted butter. In a small bowl, use a small fork or wire whisk to blend the sugar and butter. Keep blending until the mixture is smooth and even throughout. Mix in the egg, milk, oil, and chocolate or vanilla extract. Use the same spoon or fork to blend these into the sugar and melted butter. Keep mixing until your batter is smooth and even. This should not take long, as you're working with a small amount of ingredients. Add the dry ingredients. The dry ingredients are the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder. Add these ingredients to your bowl and mix until they're well integrated into the batter. It can be helpful to add the dry ingredients in intervals. This will allow them to mix more smoothly into your batter. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour your chocolate chips into your mixing bowl. Then, gently fold them into the rest of your batter. To fold your ingredients, place the chocolate chips roughly in the center of the batter. Then, use a small spatula to circle around the chocolate chips. Continue circling, moving closer to the center with each circle. Eventually, the chocolate chips will be smoothly folded into your batter. Microwave your cake. Transfer your batter to your mug. Place the mug in the microwave for a minute and 30 seconds. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if your cake is not done after the initial 90 seconds. When your cake is done, you will be able to stick a fork in it and have it come out clean. This cake will look like it's overflowing when it's done cooking. Don't panic. This is normal and the cake will settle slightly once you get it out of the microwave. Finished. | Preheat your oven to 330 degrees Fahrenheit (about 165 degrees Celsius). Find an oven-safe mug. Add your ingredients to the mug and mix thoroughly. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes. Find a microwave safe mug. Soften the butter in the microwave, if it's chilled. Add the sugar and egg. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients. Microwave the mug until the cake is cooked. Prepare a coffee mug for cooking. Whisk together the sugar and melted butter. Mix in the egg, milk, oil, and chocolate or vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients. Fold in the chocolate chips. Microwave your cake. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Back-Pain | How to Relieve Back Pain | To relieve back pain, try taking a hot bath, which can help soothe strained or injured muscles. You can also add Epsom salts to the bath, which contain minerals that help with inflammation. Also, try lying down with a tennis ball underneath your back and moving side to side to work out any tight areas. If your back is still bothering you, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen. | Change your sleeping position. Lie on your side with your back straight. Lift your knees forward into a fetal position. Place a long pillow between your knees and your ankles to support your hips. Hug a pillow near your chest to relax your neck and arms. Invest in better footwear or insoles. If you are on your feet, make sure comfort is your first priority. You want to make sure that you're shoes have excellent arch support. This will help you maintain balance without putting too much strain on the base of your foot. See a podiatrist if you suffer from pronation or supination. Ditch the heavy bags. Pack pragmatically. Don't carry around things that you might need. Pack what you will need, so you can keep it light. And then purposefully switch your bag to different arms over the course of your day. Put it on your left shoulder, right shoulder, carry it on your arm or in your hand, and put it on your lap or the floor whenever you are seated. This way the strain of the bag will be displaced evenly across your body. Stretch several times per day. The following stretches can greatly reduce pain if done at least once per day: Do the knee-to-chest stretch. Lay on your back with your knees up and your head on the ground. Lift your right knee and grab it with both hands. Pull the knee lightly toward your chest for 30 seconds. Release and repeat 2 times with both legs. Do the piriformis muscle stretch. If you suffer from pain in your sciatic nerve, the piriformis muscle is most likely extremely tense. Lie on your back with your knees up. Place the outside of your right calf on the top of your left thigh. Lift your left thigh and grab it with your hands. Bring the thigh toward you until you feel a stretch in your right buttock. Hold for 30 seconds and release. Repeat twice on each side. Focus on your neck. Stiff necks often accompany stiff backs. Lean your head forward so that your chin touches your chest. You should feel the muscles in the back of your neck stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. Lift your head up and then lean your head to the right, bringing your right ear close to your right shoulder. The muscles on the side of your neck should be pulled taught. Hold for 30 seconds and then lean your head to the left, in the same way. Hold for 30 seconds. Strengthen your core with wall squats. Stand with your back against a wall. Then gradually lower yourself so that you are in a seated position. You should feel your back, abdomen, and quads start to tighten. Hold for 5-10 seconds depending on how long it takes you to feel the burn. Then slowly straighten your legs and return to a standing position. Do this 10 times or so each time you work out. Do pelvic lifts to build your core. Lie on your back and bend your knees, so that your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Then slowly lift your pelvis off of the floor until your thighs line up with your core. Do not go too far. You don't want to over arch your back. Hold for 5 seconds and then lower your pelvis back to the floor. Repeat 10 times or so each time you work out. Do leg reaches. Find an open space for this exercise. Begin on your hands and knees like you are a crawling toddler. Hold your head straight so that you're looking down at the floor. Holding your body firm, slowly extend one leg out behind you. Fully extend your leg so that it is on level with your back and then hold for 5 seconds. Now lower your leg back to the ground. Repeat 10 times with each leg. Perform Swiss ball stabilizing exercises. For this exercise, you'll need a large rubber Swiss ball. Roll onto the ball. Your stomach should rest comfortably on it. Now extend your upper body and legs out. Then slowly walk your body forward so the ball is now under your thighs. Keep your body as straight as possible. Then walk your body back so the ball is under your stomach again. Do this 10 times per trip to the gym. Add more cardio exercise to your daily workout. 30 minutes per day of low-impact aerobic exercise, such as swimming, fast walking, or cycling on a recumbent bike, will reduce back pain caused by atrophy over time. The increased blood pressure will help wake up those dormant muscles. After 30 to 40 minutes of cardio exercise, your body will kick into endorphin production, which can alleviate back pain. Do yoga. Yoga will further reinforce the above stretches and exercises as well as reduce stress which can lead to back pain. Focus on your breathing, while you complete each pose. The cobra, child's pose, and mountain pose are excellent yoga positions for strengthening your core and stretching your back muscles. There are dozens of other poses that focus on your core and back specifically. Try those that feel most comfortable to you. You don't want to push yourself too far. Over extension can lead to additional back problems, if you aren't careful. Take anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Follow the manufacturer's recommendations. NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, help decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Over-the-counter drugs such as Motrin, Aleve, or Bayer Aspirin can provide quick relief and are readily available at your local pharmacy. Common side effects include gas, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea. If symptoms persist, stop the medication and consult a doctor. Many doctors say that people under 18 shouldn't take aspirin because of its association with Reye's Syndrome - a rare, but serious liver and brain disorder. Use hot and cold compresses. Start with a warm compress for 15 minutes, followed by a cold compress. Alternate every 2 hours for 5 days. Hot and cold packs can reduce inflammation for people with acute, subacute, or chronic pain. For cold compresses, wrap a gel-based ice pad or ice pack in a shirt or towel before placing it directly on the skin. Otherwise, it can be shockingly cold. Take regular baths with epsom salts. This is particularly useful if you have back pain from manual labor or standing too much. Epsom salts contain minerals that relax inflamed muscles. Doctors call this “hydrotherapy”. Don't make the water too hot. You don't want to scald yourself. These baths get your nervous system revved up and help circulate blood to strained or injured areas. Give yourself a hot bath massage. Since your muscles will be loosened by the water, now is a good time to work out any tight areas. Take a baseball or tennis ball and put it under your lower back and move your hips from side to side. Then do the same for your upper back. Talk to a physician. Seek professional help from your doctor immediately if you feel any numbness or tingling in your groin or legs, if you lose control of your bladder or bowels, or if your walk is affected. You should also see your doctor if you are unsure of the cause of your back pain or if it is getting worse. You will need further evaluation if you develop a fever or any new symptoms. Be able to describe the exact nature of your back pain, how frequently your back hurts, what activities have become unbearable due to back pain, and any additional information that your physician might find useful. Consider a steroid injection. Depending on the severity of the back pain, a doctor may suggest a steroid injection. Some people get relief for months or years when a steroid is injected into areas of the spine that suffer from extreme inflammation. See a chiropractor. Chiropractic professionals are dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Generally, they focus on your spine and the surrounding areas. Chiropractors use manual (hands-on) treatment to focus on lower back pain and herniated disc issues. Go to a physical therapist. This trained professional will prescribe necessary exercises much like a doctor prescribes medication. Physical therapists will teach you how to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. They'll also help you prevent unnecessary strain. Egoscue practitioners specialize in posture therapy. He'll focus on your back pain and identify any posture problems you may be having. He'll examine the way you walk, sit, and sleep. Afterwards, he'll outline a series of exercises that will help reduce pressure and tension in your back. Get a massage. The two best massages for lower back pain specifically are a quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle massage and a gluteus medius massage. The QL massage focuses on the connection between your ribs and your pelvis - an area that is normally a source of lower back pain. This area becomes strained when your lower back remains mobile while your upper body sits still or when you sit slumped in a chair. Your therapist can stretch and massage this area with a QL massage. The gluteus medius massage works wonders in tandem with the QL massage. When the area between your ribs and pelvis becomes strained, it immediately causes strain in your upper buttocks region as well. See an acupuncturist. A practitioner will insert thin needles into precise points throughout your body. Most acupuncturists argue that their needles stimulate the production of endorphins, serotonin, and acetylcholine. These are powerful painkilling chemicals naturally produced in your body. While the medical community is still out on the exact scientific effects of acupuncture, on-going clinical trials are hopeful. Certainly, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence (by patients) to support acupuncture's effectiveness. Use a nerve stimulator. A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit may be used as a treatment option to help block severe nerve pain. This is not a cure. It is merely a pain management technique. It essentially blocks pain signals to the brain, so you don't notice your back pain as much or at all. Only consider this technique after consulting your doctor and if all other methods have failed. | Change your sleeping position. Invest in better footwear or insoles. Ditch the heavy bags. Stretch several times per day. Strengthen your core with wall squats. Do pelvic lifts to build your core. Do leg reaches. Perform Swiss ball stabilizing exercises. Add more cardio exercise to your daily workout. Do yoga. Take anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Use hot and cold compresses. Take regular baths with epsom salts. Talk to a physician. Consider a steroid injection. See a chiropractor. Go to a physical therapist. Get a massage. See an acupuncturist. Use a nerve stimulator. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Direct-Object | How to Find a Direct Object | If you're looking for the direct object in a sentence, find the noun or pronoun that directly follows the action verb, like "omelettes" in the sentence "Dennis and Johanna ate omelettes for breakfast." To distinguish between the direct object and the subject, ask yourself who or what is performing the action as they will be the subject. Remember that some sentences will have more than 1 direct object. On the other hand, look out for sentences with no direct object, including those with verbs such as "are" or "is." | Consider the purpose of the direct object. A direct object could be a noun or a pronoun, and always follows an action verb. An action verb is a verb that requires something or someone to receive that action. Without a direct object, a sentence that contains an action verb may not make any sense. For example, consider the sentence, “Dennis and Johanna ate omelettes for breakfast.” If you were to remove the direct object from the sentence, the verb's action no longer makes much sense (“Dennis and Johanna ate for breakfast.”) The direct object gives us information about the action that was performed by telling us for whom or for what the action was performed. In the example of Dennis and Johanna, the eating was performed for the omelettes. Find the subject of the sentence. The subject of the sentence is the person/thing doing something in a sentence. You can determine this by asking yourself “who” or “what” is performing the action in a sentence. For example, “Sam showed his mother the new museum.” Who performed an action in this sentence? Sam did. What did he do? He showed his mother the new museum. In this example, the direct object is “the new museum.” If you ask yourself, “What or whom was shown?” You can see that the museum is what was shown, and is the direct object. Look for the direct object in sentences with “transitive” action verbs. If a sentence contains an action verb (cook, hug, show) there is a greater chance that a direct object will exist to receive the action of that verb. Action verbs that require a direct object are often called “transitive verbs”, while action verbs that don't require a direct object are often referred to as “intransitive verbs.” An example of a transitive action verb: “They gave Jeremy the money.” In this sentence, the verb is “gave.” Ask yourself what the subject ("they") did. The subject “gave.” This is a transitive verb. You can tell it's transitive, because if you left the sentence at “they gave Jeremy,” the sentence would no longer make sense. This verb needs a direct object. In this case, the direct object is "money," because the money is what was given. ("Jeremy" is the indirect object, to whom the money was given.) Keep in mind that there can be more than one direct object. In some cases, a sentence may have more than one direct object, or the direct object may be a clause. Clauses can be particularly misleading, so think carefully about who or what is receiving the action of the verb. For example, “John took his backpack and books to school.” In this case, both “backpack” and “books” are direct objects. An example of a direct object clause exists in this sentence: “John loves baking cakes.” In this case, the action verb is “loves,” and the direct object is “baking cakes.” If you ask yourself, “what does John love?”, you will see that the answer is, “baking cakes.” Recognize that some sentences will not have a direct object. Not all sentences will contain a direct object. For example, if the sentence contains a “linking” verb (e.g. am, is, are), “state of being” verb (seem, remain, feel), or an intransitive action verb (e.g. sneezed, danced, cried) , then it may not contain a direct object. An example of a linking verb is included in the following sentence: “They are stubborn children.” The linking verb here (“are”) links the subject (the children) with the adjective (“stubborn”). An example of a state of being verb: “Sarah felt ill.” In this sentence, the verb “feels” simply explains the state of the subject (Sarah). An example of an intransitive action verb: “Hannah sneezed repeatedly.” The verb here is, “sneezed”, but if you ask yourself, “Who or what did Hannah sneeze?” You will find that there is no answer in the sentence which explains that. Ask yourself “whom” or “what” is receiving the action. Try to remember that the direct object in a sentence is always a thing or a person who received the action of the verb. For example, in the sentence, “Alice baked her mother a cake.” You can quickly identify the subject who performed the verb (Alice) and the verb (baked). Now ask yourself, “What or whom was baked?” Was her mother baked? No, that's not what the sentence says. The sentence says that she baked a cake. What was baked? A cake! You have now identified the direct object. Avoid mistaking the direct object for a subject complement. A subject complement is a clause that follows the action verb, and describes the subject. It can be easy to confuse these because subject complements can only follow a linking verb, but some linking verbs can also be used as action verbs. For example, “appear”, “grow”, “remain”, “smell”, and “turn.” are all examples of linking verbs that can also be used as action verbs. In the sentence, “Michelle felt sick.” The verb, “felt” is a linking verb because it does not require any explanation of whom or what. However, in the sentence, “Michelle felt her forehead.” The verb, “felt” is an action verb because it requires an explanation of whom/what was felt, in this case, her forehead. If you were to remove this information, the sentence would not make sense. Remember that direct objects are always nouns or pronouns. If you are trying to identify the direct object in a sentence, it can be helpful to remember that the direct object will either be a noun or it will be a pronoun. If the word you have identified as the direct object is a verb, adjective, or an adverb, try reading the sentence again. Ask yourself again, “To whom or what was the action done?” Hopefully, asking yourself this, and look carefully for a noun or pronoun will help you identify the direct object. Keep word order in mind. The direct object will always come after the verb in a sentence, so it can be helpful to identify the verb first. This way, you will know that the word you are looking for will be after the verb. Keep in mind, though, that if you are trying to identify a direct object in a foreign language, such as German, this may not always be the case as word order can vary dramatically among languages. | Consider the purpose of the direct object. Find the subject of the sentence. Look for the direct object in sentences with “transitive” action verbs. Keep in mind that there can be more than one direct object. Recognize that some sentences will not have a direct object. Ask yourself “whom” or “what” is receiving the action. Avoid mistaking the direct object for a subject complement. Remember that direct objects are always nouns or pronouns. Keep word order in mind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-an-Autistic-Guy-Who-Has-a-Crush-On-You | How to Deal with an Autistic Guy Who Has a Crush On You | If a guy with autism has a crush on you, try to get to know him as an individual, since every person with autism is different. If you like the guy back, try using more obvious flirting techniques, like touching his arm and complimenting him a lot. Since some autistic people have trouble starting conversations, you might have to make the first move and tell him you like him or ask him out. On the other hand, if you're not interested in the guy, try to make it clear that you don't like him, since this might not be obvious to him at first. Pull him aside and gently tell him you don't like him romantically or that you'd like him to give you some space. This might seem mean, but it'll be much nicer than letting him chase after you with false hope. | Realize that usual flirting techniques may not work. Meeting his eyes and smiling across a room won't work on a guy who feels uncomfortable with eye contact and doesn't usually notice subtle smiles. However, he'll probably pay extra attention to your face, since he has a crush on you, and spend extra energy analyzing your expressions. This means that he'll be more likely to pick up on subtle cues, but he may misinterpret them also. Be direct with him. For example, a neurotypical guy might pick up that "There's this really cute guy I like..." might mean him, but an autistic guy is less likely to realize that you aren't talking about someone else. Try to avoid signals that could be misinterpreted. You don't have to walk up to him and flat-out announce "I like you." Instead, use the more obvious flirting tactics in your repertoire, and clearly communicate through your words and body language that you're interested. Remember, not everyone likes to be touched. It's fine to err on the side of forwardness. Many autistic people are sincere and straightforward, and they enjoy it when people are clear about what they want. Ask about his special interests. Many autistic people love to talk about their special interests, and are happy to teach you or discuss back and forth. If you let him know that you're interested, he'll stay interested. Give him opportunities to help you. One of the positive traits of some autistic people is a heightened sense of social responsibility, or the desire to help others and fix problems. Open up to him and allow him to help you navigate your problems. It will bring you closer together. Admit your crush, when the time feels right. Expect him to get excited, and probably admit he likes you too. If he gets flustered, don't worry; he just needs time to put into words what he wants to say. There is a slight chance that he'll panic or overreact. If so, it's probably because he doesn't know what to do (not that he doesn't like you). Give him time. Ask him out. Autistic people often have trouble initiating conversations. Instead of gauging his interest by how much he initiates, consider how much he reciprocates. If he's happy when you ask him out, that means he's definitely into you. Do not rely completely on autism stereotypes. Autistic people are an incredibly diverse group (just like non-autistic people), and popular perceptions often aren't particularly accurate. Get to know him as an individual, and don't rely on stereotypes. Be clear about your feelings along the way. Mixed signals are confusing in general, but even more so for autistic people. If you have a schedule conflict, tell him it's a schedule conflict, and ask to reschedule the date. If you're upset, tell him that you're upset, and why. This will help him respond to you better. Love him for who he is, autism and all. That is the greatest gift you can give an autistic person. Don't take advantage of his interest in you. Since he may be honest and unabashed in his pursuit of you, it may be tempting to put off rejecting him to avoid breaking his heart. This can hurt him, by allowing him to be led on and look like a fool. It's best to "rip off the band-aid" and tell him right away. Take him aside and clearly tell him how you feel. Since mixed signals can confuse autistic people, directly explain that you're flattered but uninterested. While he'll feel a little sad, part of him will feel grateful that you were clear with him so he could stop wasting his time wooing someone who didn't want to be wooed. Speak as clearly and compassionately as you can. Then tell him if you want to be friends or if you think it's better that you go your separate ways. Don't offer to be his friend out of pity. You won't be doing him or yourself a favor. Only offer to be his friend if you truly like being with him. Continue hanging out as much as you'd like. He will probably be okay with going back to being friends. Consider giving him a little space if he seems to be having a hard time. Seeing you might be painful to him for a while, and he may be too polite to say it. If you notice that he seems a little sadder or more distant than usual, it might be time to back off for a little while. Set limits as needed. For example, if he likes to spend hours chatting in the evenings, it's okay to say "Hey, I really can't talk with you after 7 pm. I've got plans tonight." You don't have to mention that the plans involve movies and fuzzy pajamas. Tell him if he's doing something you don't like. Explain that a specific action makes you uncomfortable or is socially inappropriate. Give reasons if you can. Most likely, he will be apologetic and respectful of your feelings. For example, "It startles me and makes me feel uncomfortable when you hug me from behind. Please stop doing that. If you want a hug, you can approach me from the front, or hug somebody else." It may feel blunt, but clarity is the best way to get through to him. That way, he won't keep doing something you don't like, and then feel embarrassed or guilty about not noticing the signals later. Treat him with compassion. Remember that autistic people, while sometimes socially clueless, are good at heart. Raising your voice or making accusations will hurt him, and you may feel like a bully afterwards. | Realize that usual flirting techniques may not work. Be direct with him. Ask about his special interests. Give him opportunities to help you. Admit your crush, when the time feels right. Ask him out. Do not rely completely on autism stereotypes. Be clear about your feelings along the way. Love him for who he is, autism and all. Don't take advantage of his interest in you. Take him aside and clearly tell him how you feel. Continue hanging out as much as you'd like. Consider giving him a little space if he seems to be having a hard time. Set limits as needed. Tell him if he's doing something you don't like. Treat him with compassion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-a-Cigarette-Burn | How to Heal a Cigarette Burn | To heal a cigarette burn, start by cleaning the wound. Run the injury under cool water for 5 to 10 minutes to dull the pain and remove any ash that may be in the wound. Then, gently blot the burn with a clean towel to dry it off. Don't use cold or ice water or it could damage the wound further. Once the burn is clean, apply a thin layer of aloe vera or vitamin E gel to soothe the skin. Then, loosely wrap sterile non-stick gauze around the wound. As the burn heals, avoid touching the area or popping any blisters that form to minimize the risk of infection. | Place the burned area under cool water as soon as possible. For small areas, run the injury under cool water for 5 to 10 minutes, removing any ash and allowing the pain to dull. For larger areas, submerge the wound in a bowl or tub of water. When finished, gently blot the wound with a fresh towel to dry off. Do not run the water at extremely cold temperatures or use ice. Doing so could damage the wound further. If necessary, remove any jewelry or other tight objects from the affected area before washing. Place a cooling pack on the wound. After 5 to 10 minutes, wrap non-stick gauze or tissue over the wound and place a cooling pack or cold compress on it to reduce swelling. Keep the pack pressed onto the burn for 10 minutes at a time, or until it starts to feel uncomfortable. Do not use ice to treat the wound as doing so could cause tissue damage. Apply aloe vera or vitamin E gel. To soothe the skin without causing further irritation, apply a thin layer of aloe vera or vitamin E gel to the burn. Do not use topical butters or ointments, which can inflame the area and cause further damage. While your skin recovers, apply a small amount of either substance to the burned area twice a day, keeping it hydrated and healthy. For open wounds, apply antibacterial ointment instead to prevent infection. Apply a non-adhesive bandage to open wounds. For some burns, in particular those that have blistered over, a bandage will not be necessary. However, for burns with open wounds, cover the affected area in sterile non-stick gauze that's designed specifically for burns wounds. Make sure the material is loosely wrapped to avoid cutting off circulation to the area or further damaging the skin. If you're dealing with a large wound, or you don't have non-stick gauze, visit a doctor to have the burn professionally dressed. Take pain relievers if necessary. If your burn is causing a significant amount of pain, over-the-counter medications may be a good solution. Standard drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen should relieve pain without affecting the healing process. Avoid sprays and creams that have to be applied to the wound itself. Before taking pain relievers, read all label warnings thoroughly. If necessary, consult with your doctor prior to use. Do not touch the affected area or pop any blisters. While your burn is healing, avoid touching it, scratching it, rubbing it, or popping any blisters that form. Though it may provide short-term relief, it can delay the healing process and lead to infections or scarring. To deal with pain or discomfort, apply a soothing gel to the top of closed wounds. Don't use anti-itch creams. They can irritate burn wounds. Apply bacitracin ointment or honey over popped blisters. If a blister pops, apply bacitracin ointment or honey over the affected area immediately. Then, cover the wound with a non-adhesive bandage or gauze. This will help prevent infection. You may be able to find gauze that already has honey in it over the counter or with a prescription from your doctor. Wear clothing that compresses the skin. To prevent scarring after severe burns, medical providers often order tight, form-fitting clothes to compress the skin. For the less severe cigarette burn, general-purpose clothes can lead to similar results. Wear tight-fitting gloves, shapewear, or similar items over the affected area, serving as a top layer of skin while your body heals itself. The right kind of clothing to wear depends on how big your wound is. Talk to your doctor to find out what kind of clothing you should be wearing. Keep the burned area out of direct sunlight. When the skin over your burn initially heals, it will be a different color than the rest of your body. Until it has time to redevelop its natural pigmentation, keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid any color scarring. This is best accomplished by hiding the area behind thick, dark clothing. If exposure is unavoidable, cover the area with sunscreen ranked SPF-30 or higher. | Place the burned area under cool water as soon as possible. Place a cooling pack on the wound. Apply aloe vera or vitamin E gel. Apply a non-adhesive bandage to open wounds. Take pain relievers if necessary. Do not touch the affected area or pop any blisters. Apply bacitracin ointment or honey over popped blisters. Wear clothing that compresses the skin. Keep the burned area out of direct sunlight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Making-Careless-Mistakes | How to Stop Making Careless Mistakes | To make fewer careless mistakes, start keeping track of the kinds of mistakes you often make, such as losing car keys or missing deadlines, by writing them down. Make sure to use a calendar and to-do list to stay organized and avoid missing appointments. Once you've decluttered your schedule, declutter your physical environment too, as a clean room will help you focus on the tasks at hand. | Realize that making mistakes is normal. So you made a mistake? Don't panic. We are human and we all make mistakes sometimes. Avoid criticizing yourself or putting yourself down when you make these mistakes. Failure doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, mistakes can actually help you grow and become better at what you do. Recent psychology studies show that there are two common ways that the brain responds after you've made a mistake – one says, “Pay attention!” and is like a wake-up call where you think “what happened and why?” The second way is more like the brain shuts down, perceives the negative feedback you give yourself as a threat, and then avoids thinking about it altogether. People in the studies who responded in the first way were more likely to learn from their mistakes and change their behavior. People who responded in the second way, who shut down completely or panicked, were more likely to repeat the same types of mistakes over and over again. Keep a log of the mistakes that you make each week. Are the mistakes made at work or at school? Or are they made at home? While you're driving or running errands? Did you fail to meet a deadline at work? Did you forget to pay a bill or feed a pet? Lock your keys in your car? Run out of gas? Admitting your mistakes and understanding what types of mistakes you are making is a great start. Keeping track of patterns in the mistakes that you make can help you to figure ways to avoid making them again. Identify what made that mistake careless. Ask yourself why you might have made a certain type of mistake. Were you in a hurry because you procrastinated? Were you stressed out and thinking about something else? Next to each mistake in your log, jot down how you could have avoided making it in the first place. Example: allowed more time to do this, started this earlier, stayed more focused on what I was doing, etc. Talk with someone else about your mistakes. Many people make careless mistakes, and some people you know may have ideas on how they have overcome the habits that led to making them. Try talking with a trusted friend about what mistakes you're making; chances are, if it's a friend with whom you have things in common, he or she has made the same mistakes. If you're making mistakes at work, talking with a more experienced co-worker that you get along with could offer you some good insight about how you might avoid making them. Use a calendar. And only use one! If you don't already have one, buy one. If you do have one, be sure to use it. There are many types - the calendars or organizers in your Smartphone or on the computer, or a paper desk version. Often, a careless mistake comes out of forgetting about something we're supposed to do. Writing down or typing in our upcoming commitments, appointments, and deadlines on a calendar can be extremely helpful. Color coding your calendar can help- red for work, blue for kids, green for hobbies, etc. Look at the upcoming week and make notes of what you need to do in order to prepare for the events coming up. Clean up your physical environment. You'll be amazed at how much more clear-headed you'll feel and more able to concentrate you are when your surroundings are clean and organized. Continuously put things away at home. Don't leave a room empty-handed when there is clutter. Create a “donation station” for things you no longer need and want to give away. Create organized filing systems at work. Use checklists and to-do lists. Get a notebook and start dumping everything that you're thinking about that you need to do into there. Write down all the home improvement things, shopping trips, and other mental clutter to help get them out of you mind. Cross off items later when you've done it. These may not be the types of things that have specific dates and times that should to go onto a calendar, just general things that you need to do at some point in the future. Prioritize. Make a list of the most important things in your life, in order. Then, as you're getting ready to do something, decide how "important" it is. It might be worth it to take a closer at look at how important this action is for you, or if you could use your time more wisely doing something else. If you've made a checklist or to-do list, writing those responsibilities down in their order of importance can also help you figure out which things to do first, second, third, etc. Simplify your schedule. If you're repeatedly having difficulty managing your responsibilities without making careless mistakes, it may be because you're trying to do too much. There is a limited amount of time in each day. How many hobbies do you have and how much time do you spend on them? Having some time to relax and enjoy life is very important, but is your schedule constantly filled up with “fun” commitments that you end up feeling like you don't even have the time for? Go back to your list of priorities and make sure you are making enough time to really focus on what is at the top of the list. Break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Organize your time so that you are doing similar or nearby activities together. For example, if you are running errands, go to shops that are close to each other. Ask for help. This is otherwise known as delegating responsibilities. Make sure everyone at home does chores and contributes toward running the household. If there's a project at work too big for you to do completely on your own, ask others to help you with what they can. Stick to a regular sleeping and eating routine. It's amazing how fast lack of sleep and/or nutrition can make people forgetful and cause them to feel stressed and overwhelmed, which easily leads to careless mistakes. Try to go to bed and wake up around the same times each day, and eat regular, healthy meals around the same times each day. Make some time for exercise – a few times each week for at least 20 minutes. A healthy body is a healthy mind. Stay in the moment. Mindfulness, or being mindful, is another way of saying that you are completely paying attention, you are completely present, with what you are doing at all times. This will help you to begin a new way of thinking and new approaches to making decisions. To help yourself be more present, try a short meditation where you focus all your attention on each sense for 1 minute. What are you seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling? Noticing these sensations will help you be more in-tune with your surroundings. Often it's the smaller things in life that trip us up- the things we don't think we need to pay attention to and that we think we already know. Staying mindful will help. Filter out the unimportant information. When asking yourself how you can pay better attention to the important things in your life, ask yourself if your mind is cluttered with unimportant things – for example, gossip, social media posts, etc. Ask yourself, “What does this really mean to me? How does this affect my life?" If you don't have a good immediate answer for that, chances are it is unimportant, extra information that may be adding to your level of stress. Allow yourself some good quality relaxation time. Be mindful with all things that you do, even watching a movie or TV, eating a snack, or calling a friend. For example, with watching a movie, you may ask yourself, "Am I making a sacrifice to watch this movie? Should I be doing something else? What will/will not happen as a result of me watching this movie? Does it matter, or can the other things wait?" Relaxation is definitely important, but sometimes it can be difficult to really relax if there are other things we think we should be doing instead. Tell yourself you will do better next time. Don't let a mistake wear you down. There's no need to be a perfectionist. Don't blame your mistake on others, make excuses, or beat yourself up. Everyone makes mistakes. It's how you handle them that counts. Simply think about how you can solve the problem and move on. Get professional help if you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed. Careless mistakes are a normal part of life, and they shouldn't be causing you too much distress. If you are fixating on these mistakes or being too hard on yourself, consider going to a mental health professional. Therapy can help. Perfectionism or a desire to control everything can disrupt your life in many ways. Therapy can help you learn to let go of the little things. Too much stress can also affect your mental health. Talk to your counselor or therapist about what is bothering you. | Realize that making mistakes is normal. Keep a log of the mistakes that you make each week. Identify what made that mistake careless. Talk with someone else about your mistakes. Use a calendar. Clean up your physical environment. Use checklists and to-do lists. Prioritize. Simplify your schedule. Ask for help. Stick to a regular sleeping and eating routine. Stay in the moment. Filter out the unimportant information. Allow yourself some good quality relaxation time. Tell yourself you will do better next time. Get professional help if you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Avascular-Necrosis | How to Treat Avascular Necrosis | Avascular Necrosis is a disease that's triggered by poor blood supply to the bones, leading to the death of the bone tissue. If you have AVN, minimize your daily physical activity to help relieve your pain and slow down the damage to your bones so your body can heal. Another way to treat AVN is to limit your alcohol intake, which can worsen your condition. You'll also want to keep your cholesterol levels as low as possible, which will help strengthen your heart and blood. Acupressure therapy can also help treat AVN by pressing on certain areas of the body to help you relax. While you can do acupressure yourself, you can also see a professional for a fully relaxing experience. If possible, see a physiotherapist, who can show you certain exercises to maintain or enhance your joint movement. | Rest. Decreasing the amount of stress and weight on the affected bones will result in a huge amount of pain relief, slow the damage rate, and give your body a chance to heal. Apart from physical therapy, make efforts to minimize your daily physical activity movement as much as possible. You may need the aid of crutches or a walker if the affected joint is your hip, knee or ankle. Consider crutches an invitation to stay off your legs. However, crutches should only be used upon the advice of your physiotherapist. Exercise healthily. You should see a physiotherapist to show you certain exercises to maintain or enhance your joint movement. The physiotherapist's role is to help you using the walking aid at first and then slowly wean you off it. Improvement will lead you to some stretching exercises that you can do in the clinic or at home. The exercise bike is helpful too, as the forward and backward moves will assist the joint's overall state, increase the blood flow and keep your hip and associated muscles strong. Your motion improvement and strength will help the physiotherapist to choose the proper exercises that best suit you and guide you on how to perform them on your own. Consider acupressure therapy. This is another helpful method done by pressing certain areas/points on the body that help in relaxation. Talk to your physical therapist about acupressure. You can do it yourself regularly or you can make an appointment with a professional and turn it into a full-on day of veritable stress-blasting. Alternatively, performing simple yoga or massage therapy (especially for the buttocks, anterior/lateral hip muscles and back) is also helpful in relaxing and avoiding stress. The more relaxed you are, the better you'll feel 24/7. Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol is one of the risk factors of developing AVN. Continually drinking alcohol will worsen your case due to the elevated levels of fatty substances in your blood which tend to accumulate and block your blood vessels in the affected areas. Stick to a glass of red wine at night if need be. There are a number of reasons you should limit your alcohol intake, or consider quitting entirely. Sure, one glass of wine a day is okay, but any more of that can wreak havoc on your heart, organs, and, obviously, your bones. Take care of your body and go non-alcoholic. Maintain low cholesterol levels. Ensure a healthy, low-fat diet by avoiding hydrogenated oils, fried food, and reducing your intake of whole fat dairy products, which you can replace with low or non fat alternatives. Doing this will keep your cholesterol levels to a minimum, helping your blood and heart. When adding red meat to your diet, make sure to trim any visible fat before cooking. Consume food rich in Omega 3 fatty acids as fish, walnuts, flax seeds, soybeans, tuna and olive oil. Avoid frying the olive oil as it'll destruct the omega 3s in it and lose all the benefits. Avoid or minimize the intake of high fat condiments, such as butter and mayonnaise. Take your needed fats from healthy sources such as raw nuts, vegetable oils like olive oil and cold water fish such as salmon and mackerel. Eat a lot of green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains without butter, cheese, and cream sauces. If you're diabetic, make sure to always control your blood sugar levels within a normal state. Consult your doctor immediately if you're facing any sudden high or low sugar concentrations, as diabetes is considered one of the risk factors that may lead to AVN. Adjusting your glucose level should be one of your top priorities by paying attention to your food and medicines. Ask your doctor about medication. Here's the knowledge you should be armed with: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed for relieving pain and reducing inflammation (redness, swelling, pain). Well-known NSAIDs in the pharmacies are Ibuprofen and Diclofenac salts (“Voltaren or Cataflam”); most are available in variable dosage forms. Tablets should be taken when needed (when having pain) but a usual dose of Voltaren 50 mg twice daily after meals should be enough. Osteoporosis drugs such as Alendronate (“Fosamax”) helps in slowing the progression of AVN. Cholesterol drugs are used to decrease the fat concentration in the blood circulation caused by the intake of corticosteroids; this prevents blood vessel blockage that leads to AVN. Blood thinners such as Warfarin help patients with clotting disorders to prevent clot formation that can block the blood vessels. Talk to your doctor about electrical stimulation. This is a process that stimulates the body to grow new bones to replace the damaged area. It's performed during surgery by being applied around the bones as electromagnetic fields, putting electricity directly to the bones or by attaching electrodes to your skin. It's not surgery per se , but it is generally used in conjunction with surgery. If surgery puts your bones in line, electrical stimulation sets the ball in motion. However, it's not right for everyone, so ask your doctor if it's a feasible option. Consider surgery. More than 50% of patients with AVN will need a surgical treatment in about 3 years of diagnosis. Your doctor will determine which type of surgical therapy you may need. Here are the details: Core decompression. The surgeon removes parts of the bone's inner layer. The aim of this is to decrease the pressure inside, increase the blood flow, and let the extra space stimulate new healthy bone tissue production with new blood vessels. Bone transplant (graft). This is a transplantation process of a healthy bone section from another site of your body to support the affected area, usually done after a core decompression. Increasing the blood supply may be done by performing a vascular graft, including both an artery and a vein. Bone reshaping (osteotomy). This is where the surgeon removes a section of the affected bone above or below a weight bearing joint to change its shape in order to decrease the stress on it. This is effective for early stages/small areas and postpones the joint replacement. Joint replacement. In late stages, when totally collapsed or damaged and with medication failure, the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one, usually made from plastic or metal parts. Get physical therapy and stick to it. After surgery, it is absolutely imperative that your bones: A) heal, and B) heal correctly. Physical therapy (done regularly) will ensure that both of these things happen. Here's how it's beneficial: Your physical therapist will hook you up with crutches, a walker, or some device to reduce the weight the joint has to bear. This will greatly speed up the healing process. Your physical therapist will work on exercises with you to prevent joint deformity and improve your joint flexibility and mobility. Very important things! Know what avascular necrosis really is. Avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis is defined as the death of bone tissue due to lack and loss of blood supply to a particular bone. The affected bone will have tiny breaks which, overall, would lead to bone collapse. If AVN affects bones near a joint, the joint surface may collapse. Usually, the affected bone or joint area in AVN is the hip. AVN occurs in bones with a single terminal blood or end-artery supply (meaning there is a limited blood supply), such as the femoral (hip) and humeral (shoulder) heads, carpals (hand bones), and talus (foot bones). Closure or interruption of this single terminal blood supply will lead to death of bone tissue and, later, bone collapse. Although bone tissue regenerates or grows back again, the rate of bone destruction is faster than bone regeneration. If the bone collapses, the joint structure breaks down and leads to pain. Corticosteriods and radiation applied to the bone may further contribute to progression of AVN. Know the risk factors and causes. Some causes can increase your risk of developing AVN. Any of the following can lead to AVN: A bone fracture or joint dislocation can interrupt blood flow Radiation during cancer treatment weakens the bone and affects the blood vessels Elevated pressure inside the bone causes the blood vessels to narrow and make it difficult for fresh blood to enter leading to poor blood supply Alcohol intake in huge amounts (daily for several years) causes fats to accumulate in blood vessels and block them Medications such as corticosteroids (Prednisolone) when taken on a long basis in high doses can increase your risk of AVN. Other medication such as biphosphate (a treatment for osteoporosis), when used over long periods, can lead to a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Diseases such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia, organ transplantation, and dialysis can lead to AVN Know what the symptoms are. Often AVN is missed because, early in the course of this disorder, there are no symptoms. The first symptom present is pain in the affected bone/joint such as groin pain in AVN of the femoral head. Here are the specifics: This groin pain is worsened by weight-bearing, may be mild or worsen progressively across time. Pain may occur at rest or at night. Walking with a limp may be seen in the case of the involvement of the hip joint, and pain on pressure will be felt on or around the particularly affected bone. Joint movements may be limited and painful. The affected joint may be deformed or disfigured through time. If a nerve is compressed in the area of the affected bone or joint, the muscles supplied by that nerve may be paralyzed and deformed through time. Usually, signs and symptoms occur late in the course of the disease and patients consult doctors when the disease is more advanced than it had to be. Without treatment, the affected joint will be destroyed within five years from the start of AVN. Know how AVN gets diagnosed. During the examination, your doctor will identify your state by pressing around the pain site checking for tenderness. He may need you to perform certain moves or body positions -- that will help in knowing if any certain movement or joint position will increase or decrease the pain, or if your movement is reduced. To determine your state and if surgery is necessary, your doctor may require any of the following: X-rays. It usually appears normal in the early stages, but in later stages it reveals clear bone change Bone scan. Via an intravenous line, a safe radioactive material is slowly injected in your vein. The material flows with your blood circulation till it reaches its destination; a picture on a special device will show the affected sites as clear bright spots. This method is commonly used when the X-ray results are normal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging “MRI”. This is known as the most sensitive method for the early stages of AVN because it reveals any chemical change in the bone marrow and bone rebuilding process. This is done by radio waves and a strong magnetic field. Computerized Tomography “CT scan”. This is more clear than x-rays and bone scans; it determines the extent of bone damage by taking a three dimensional picture of the bone. Bone biopsy. This is a procedure wherein a small amount of bone tissue is taken and examined using the microscope in order to view the microscopic appearance of AVN. | Rest. Exercise healthily. Consider acupressure therapy. Limit your alcohol intake. Maintain low cholesterol levels. Avoid or minimize the intake of high fat condiments, such as butter and mayonnaise. Ask your doctor about medication. Talk to your doctor about electrical stimulation. Consider surgery. Get physical therapy and stick to it. Know what avascular necrosis really is. Know the risk factors and causes. Know what the symptoms are. Know how AVN gets diagnosed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-%27Melt-and-Pour%27-Soap | How to Make 'Melt and Pour' Soap | To make melt and pour soap, start by purchasing a melt and pour soap base from your local arts and crafts store, and melting it in your microwave in 30-second intervals until you have a smooth liquid. Then, let the soap base cool to 120°F before adding ⅛ teaspoon of dye or pigment powder per pound of soap to color it. You can also add ½ tablespoon of essential oil if you want your soap scented. Next, pour the soap base into a mold, let it sit for 12-24 hours until it's solid, then turn the mold upside down to pop the soap out. | Buy a melt and pour soap base. You can find melt and pour soap bases in arts and crafts stores and online. White or clear glycerin are the most popular choices. For a more luxurious bar of soap, try one of the following melt and pour soap bases: goat's milk, olive oil, or shea butter. Do not use a plain bar of soap for this; it is not the same thing and it will not melt easily. Cut the soap base into 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) chunks with a clean, sharp knife. The size and shapes of the chunks do not have to be exact. Cutting the soap into chunks will simply help it melt faster and smoother. Melt the soap base in the microwave. Place the soap chunks into a microwave-safe dish. Heat the chunks at 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until they are melted. The melted base should be smooth and liquid-y, with no lumps or chunks. If you don't have a microwave, then do the following: Fill a saucepan with 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water. Set a glass, heat-safe bowl on top. Place the soap into the bowl and bring the water to a simmer. Allow the soap to melt over low heat, stirring it occasionally. Allow the soap base to cool to 120°F (49°C). Once the soap has melted, set it down on the counter, and allow it to cool of slightly If you melted the soap over the stove, take the bowl off of the saucepan, then set it down onto a heat-safe surface. Adding dyes and fragrances to too-hot soap can affect the final color/fragrances. Stir in soap making dye or pigment powder, if desired. Use ⅛ teaspoon of dye or pigment powder per 1 pound (450 grams) of soap. You can add more later, if you want, but be aware that it may stain your skin. If you are using pigment powder, stir it into 2 to 3 teaspoons of liquid glycerin first, then add the glycerin to the soap base. If you are using liquid dye, 3 to 6 drops will be enough for 1 pound (450 grams) of soap. Make sure that you use dyes made for soap making. Other types of dye, such as candle dye, are not skin safe. Stir in some fragrance oils or essential oils, if desired. You can combine different oils to create a unique fragrance, or you can use just one type. Once again, make sure that you use oils that are either safe to use on skin or are labeled for soap making. Do not use candle fragrance oils, as they can irritate the skin. Listed below are the recommended amounts: Fragrance oil: 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) total per 1 pound (450 grams) of soap. Essential oil: ½ tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) total per 1 pound (450 grams) of soap. Pour the soap into your desired soap making molds. You can find soap making molds alongside the other soap making supplies in the arts and crafts store. You can get them in either plastic or silicone. If you can't find any, you can use silicone baking, chocolate, or cupcake molds instead. You can use a larger, traditional mold, if you want to, but you will need to cut the soap into slices after you de-mold it. If you are using a plastic soap making mold, you may want to coat the inside with petroleum jelly. Gently tap the mold. This will send any air bubbles to the surface. If you see air bubbles, lightly spray the surface of the soap with rubbing alcohol. Allow the soap base to cool for 12 to 24 hours. Do not get impatient and put it into a fridge or freezer. Release the soap from the mold. Gently pull the edges of the mold away from the soap, then turn the mold upside-down, and pop the soap out. If the soap gets stuck in the mold, stick it in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse the outside of the mold under hot water for a few seconds. If you used one big mold, you will need to cut the soap into smaller bars/slices after you remove it from the mold. Allow the soap to finish drying, if needed. Unlike traditional cold or hot process soap, melt and pour soap is ready to use. This is because it has already saponified and does not need to be cured. The edges may still be damp after you remove it from the mold, however. If this happens, simply let it sit out on a wire cooling rack for about an hour or so. Create texture with dried herbs or flowers. Dried lavender, chamomile, and rose petals are great choices, but you can use others as well. You will need 1 to 2 ounces (6 to 12 grams) per 1 pound (450 grams) of soap. Add the herbs or flowers into the mold, before adding the soap. This way, they won't lose their color as much. You can also sprinkle the herbs or flowers onto the soap, after you have poured it into the mold, instead. Keep the application in mind. Herbal soaps work great as a hand soap, but they may be too scratchy for the tub or shower. Chop larger petals into smaller pieces so that they don't clog the drain. Use spices for fragrance, texture, and color. With just 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of ground spices, you can take your soap to a whole new level! Stir the spice into the soap after you take it off heat, along with any other colors or fragrances you might be using. Great choices include cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and ground tumeric. Consider limiting your fragrance or omitting it entirely. Use butters for extra moisture. You will need them into the soap base as it is melting. Do not use regular butter made from cow's milk, or it will go rancid. Instead, try one of the following butters: cocoa, shea, mango, or vegetable. You will need 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 grams) per 1 pound (450 grams) of soap. Cocoa and shea butter are both great for adding a creamy lather to the soap. Mango butter is great for calming irritated skin, treating sunburn, and reducing dryness. Add some extracts for additional benefits. Extracts are not the same thing as essential oils or fragrance oils. While some of them may add fragrance to your soap, they are mostly used for their specific properties. Plan on using 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of extract per 1 pound (450 grams) of soap; add them alongside your dyes and fragrances. Listed below are common extracts and their benefits: Chamomile extract is calming and good for relieving stress. It is also antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Grapefruit seed extract is a natural disinfectant. It is filled with vitamins A, C, and E. Green tea extract can help sooth sunburns, irritations, and acne. Guava fruit extract contains vitamins A, B, and C. It is especially good for aging skin. Papaya fruit extract is good for both dry and oily skin. It helps make your skin softer and smoother. Make you soap more exfoliating with additions such as ground oatmeal. Stir it into the soap base, right before you add it to the mold. In most cases, you will need to use 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 grams). Listed below are some popular choices: Jojoba beads and ground oatmeal are both gentle exfoliants, suitable for sensitive skin. Fine-grained sea salt and sugar are medium-strength exfoliants. Coffee grounds and strawberry seeds are coarser exfoliants. Limit yourself to 1 to 2 teaspoons. Add a rubber soap making stamp into a plain mold before pouring the soap. Some soap making molds come with pretty designs already embedded into them. Some of them, however, come as plain circles, ovals, squares, or rectangles. If you want a fancier bar of soap, place a soap making rubber stamp into the mold (design-side-up) before pouring the soap. You can find soap making rubber stamps alongside the rest of the soap making supplies in the arts and crafts stores. They are rubber sheets with raised designs, like ink stamps. Match the shape of the stamp to the shape of you mold. Use a circle stamp for a round mold, and a square stamp for a square mold. If the rubber stamp is stuck to the soap after you de-mold it, simply peel the stamp away. Add a surprise into clear, glycerin soap. This is a great idea for kids soap. Place a small, plastic toy, like a fish or spider, into the soap mold. Pour the soap into the mold, over the toy, then let it set. When you de-mold the soap, the toy will be embedded inside. This is not recommended for solid-colored or opaque soap; the toy will not show up. Stir two different colors together to make swirled soap. Melt your soap as usual, then split it into two batches. Add a different color and fragrance to each batch. Pour the melted soap, one color at a time, into the mold, then gently stir it together to create swirls. Do not over-stir the soap, however, or the colors will mix. If you want your soap to be white with colored swirls in it, do the following: Make your soap base as usual, but omit the dye. Pour the soap into the mold. Add a drop of dye into each corner and the middle. Stir the drops together using a toothpick. Pour differently-colored bases at different times to create layers. Prepare a half-batch of soap, and pour it into your mold. Prepare your next layer using the rest of the soap. Wait for the first layer to form a thick skin, then score it with a fork. Pour the second layer on top, and let the soap harden. Spray each layer with rubbing alcohol while it is still wet to reduce bubbles. This method works better with larger soap molds. De-mold the soap once it's hard, then slice it into smaller bars to show off the layers. | Buy a melt and pour soap base. Cut the soap base into 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) chunks with a clean, sharp knife. Melt the soap base in the microwave. Allow the soap base to cool to 120°F (49°C). Stir in soap making dye or pigment powder, if desired. Stir in some fragrance oils or essential oils, if desired. Pour the soap into your desired soap making molds. Gently tap the mold. Allow the soap base to cool for 12 to 24 hours. Release the soap from the mold. Allow the soap to finish drying, if needed. Create texture with dried herbs or flowers. Use spices for fragrance, texture, and color. Use butters for extra moisture. Add some extracts for additional benefits. Make you soap more exfoliating with additions such as ground oatmeal. Add a rubber soap making stamp into a plain mold before pouring the soap. Add a surprise into clear, glycerin soap. Stir two different colors together to make swirled soap. Pour differently-colored bases at different times to create layers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Caterpillar-Until-It-Turns-Into-a-Butterfly-or-Moth | How to Take Care of a Caterpillar Until It Turns Into a Butterfly or Moth | To take care of a caterpillar, keep it in a covered container that has holes so air can get in. Fill the container with sticks and twigs so your caterpillar has things to climb on and hang off of when it starts to turn into a butterfly. You should also look up what kind of leaves your caterpillar eats in the wild and then put some of them in the container so it has food. Also, spray the leaves with water every day to keep your caterpillar hydrated. | Find out which caterpillars are native to your region. There are 20,000 species of butterflies on the planet, with over 725 different species in North America alone. Before going out to look for caterpillars, you may want to do some research about which caterpillars are native to the area that you live. You can often find a list of native caterpillar or butterfly species on your state's official website. Try asking the librarian at your local library to help you locate books and periodicals that can help you identify native caterpillars in your area. You can find a list of state wildlife websites to help you find caterpillars here: https://www.fws.gov/offices/statelinks.html Determine which kind of caterpillar you’re looking for. Once you have identified the types of caterpillars in your region, you can narrow down your search by what kind of caterpillar you'd like to have for a pet. Different kinds of caterpillars develop into different kinds of moths and butterflies, so you may choose one based on its caterpillar state, or on what type of butterfly you'd like to see emerge from the cocoon. Some caterpillars can be dangerous to touch. You may want to take that into account when choosing a type of caterpillar to start looking for. You may want to choose a species of caterpillar that you have ready access to a food source for. Caterpillars prefer leaves from their “host plant” to eat. Research the plants in your yard or area. Different kinds of caterpillars (and therefore butterflies) prefer to reside in different kinds of plants, so It's important that you choose what kind of caterpillar you're looking for in order to know where to look. The plant a breed of butterfly prefers is called a “host plant.” Some examples of host plants for certain species of caterpillar are: Monarch butterfly caterpillars prefer milkweed plants. Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars tend to reside in spicebush. Your best bet to find a Zebra Swallowtail caterpillar is in a Paw-Paw plant. Black Swallowtail caterpillars are commonly found in parsley, dill, or fennel plants. Luna moth caterpillars can be found in both walnut and sweet gum plants. Cecropia Moth, Viceroy or Red-Spotted Purple moth caterpillars can be found in cherry trees. Start your search in the spring. Different caterpillars are more active at different points of the year, but nearly all caterpillars can be found in the Spring and Summer months. You will likely not be able to find caterpillars beyond the early stages of fall. Some caterpillars enter a state similar to hibernation throughout the colder months. Other caterpillars lay eggs that stay dormant until spring. Look for caterpillar eating damage. It may not be easy to spot a caterpillar right away. Caterpillars often blend in with their environment as a defense mechanism against predators. One way to spot a plant that likely has caterpillars in it is to look for signs that a caterpillar has been feeding on a plant recently. Different kinds of caterpillars will leave different eating damage, so it's important to look for the type of damage caused by the caterpillar you're looking for. You can find photographic examples of different caterpillar eating damage here: http://www.raisingbutterflies.org/finding-immatures/caterpillar-strip-patterns/ Catch a caterpillar by letting it come to you. Caterpillars cling tightly to the leaves and branches they are on, so pulling on it could injure the caterpillar or even pull off its legs. Instead, place your hand, a leaf or twig in the path of the caterpillar and allow it to crawl onto it to transport them. Be careful not to touch fuzzy or spiny looking caterpillars, as the bristles you see may be a defense mechanism that can cause skin irritation. Always wash your hands after handling caterpillars. Choose a container for your caterpillar. Caterpillars do not require an elaborate enclosure to keep them safe and healthy. A one-gallon jar, fish tank or reptile enclosure will all work fine. Make sure the container has a cover and allows air to flow in and out. Line the bottom of the container with paper towels to make it easy to clean. Cheesecloth can be used as a lid for enclosures that don't have a top. Caterpillars cannot chew through cheesecloth but it allows air to travel in and out of the enclosure. If you are going to poke holes in a lid or enclosure to allow airflow, be sure the holes are very small or the caterpillar may find a way to escape through them. Add sticks or twigs to your habitat. Caterpillars need sticks and twigs to crawl around on, and eventually, to hang off of as they enter their pupae stage. Adding sticks and twigs will also make your caterpillar feel more comfortable and at home. Make sure to place some of the sticks upright, leaned against the wall or top of the enclosure to give your caterpillar a place to climb. Place some sticks on their sides on the bottom of the enclosure as well. Make sure the enclosure is safe for your caterpillar. Once you have the enclosure prepared, give it a once over to make sure it looks safe for your new caterpillar friend. Caterpillars can easily injure themselves or get trapped if an enclosure isn't safely put together. Caterpillars can easily get cut by sharp edges in their enclosure. Make sure the areas around holes you punch are bent or sanded over so they can't injure the caterpillar. Look at the ways your sticks are positioned to ensure the caterpillar couldn't easily get trapped under or between them. Ensure there is enough space if you have more than one caterpillar. If you have more than one caterpillar in your enclosure, it's important that you provide each caterpillar with enough space to thrive. Make sure there is at least three times the body size of each caterpillar in the enclosure. If you plan to use the same enclosure for the caterpillars until they hatch into butterflies, you need to ensure there is enough room for them to expand their wings when they emerge from their cocoons. Place food in your enclosure. Caterpillars eat the leaves of the host plants you often find them on. Take some of the leaves from the type of plant your particular caterpillar prefers and place them in the enclosure to serve as a food source. Caterpillars will eat in their own time, so don't worry if the caterpillar doesn't begin eating as soon as you place leaves in the enclosure. If a caterpillar has more than one preferred host plant, add leaves from each to give the caterpillar a few choices. If you are unsure of a caterpillar's host plant, add a few different kinds of leaves and see which one the caterpillar eats. Use those leaves for food from now on. Provide your caterpillars with a water source. Caterpillars need water added to their enclosure on a daily basis. Do not place a water dish in your enclosure as caterpillars may fall into them and drown. Instead, simply spray some water onto the leaves each day and the caterpillars will drink from the droplets. Instead of spraying water onto the leaves, you can simply rinse them before you place them in the enclosure, that will provide enough water. If your caterpillar begins to look very dry, try spraying more water into the enclosure. Clean the enclosure every day. You will need to remove uneaten leaves on a regular basis. Depending on the plant, leaves may last up to a week, or they may begin to dry out after only a few days. You may also want to replace the paper towels you place at the bottom of the enclosure as bedding. Replacing the bedding will remove caterpillar droppings and waste that could cause caterpillars to get sick. Remove old leaves any time you place new leaves in the enclosure. Relocate the caterpillar pupae. If your container does not allow enough room for your caterpillars to emerge from their cocoon and spread their wings, you will need to relocate the cocoons to a larger enclosure once they enter them. Make sure the new enclosure has enough space for the butterflies to emerge from their cocoons and spread their wings. Be very gentle when removing the cocoons. You can handle them with your hands as long as you are very careful. Hang the cocoon in its own container. If you are relocating your butterfly cocoons, you may want to simply move the twig it's hanging from into a new, larger space. If that isn't an option, there are a few ways you can hang the cocoons in their new habitat. You can use the glue from a hot glue gun, cooled slightly so it's tacky, to attach the pointy end of the cocoon to a twig. You can puncture the pointy end of the cocoon with a needle and thread to hang it in your enclosure, but this can be dangerous, as you may hurt the caterpillar inside. Base your anticipated timeline on the season. Most caterpillars will hatch from their cocoons as butterflies within ten to fourteen days, but some may not emerge from their cocoon at all during the winter months. In the Spring and Summer months, caterpillars will emerge as butterflies at the fastest rate. In the Fall, some caterpillar breeds may remain inside the cocoon for extended periods of time. Look for the cocoon to change color. You will know that the butterfly will emerge from its cocoon soon when it changes colors. Some turn darker in color while others become clear, depending on the species of moth or butterfly inside. If the color of the cocoon changes, the butterfly will likely emerge within the next day or two. If a cocoon's color becomes extremely dark, it is likely that the caterpillar inside died. Provide food for your butterfly. Many butterflies and moths do not have digestive tracts once they reach the butterfly stage of their lives. These butterflies and moths usually only have a lifespan of a few days. Some others can and do eat. Make sure to provide some leaves from the host plant species of that butterfly in case your butterfly or moth eats. You may want to release your butterfly or moth at this point so it can pursue a mate. To release a moth or butterfly, simply open the container outside and allow it to fly away. | Find out which caterpillars are native to your region. Determine which kind of caterpillar you’re looking for. Research the plants in your yard or area. Start your search in the spring. Look for caterpillar eating damage. Catch a caterpillar by letting it come to you. Choose a container for your caterpillar. Add sticks or twigs to your habitat. Make sure the enclosure is safe for your caterpillar. Ensure there is enough space if you have more than one caterpillar. Place food in your enclosure. Provide your caterpillars with a water source. Clean the enclosure every day. Relocate the caterpillar pupae. Hang the cocoon in its own container. Base your anticipated timeline on the season. Look for the cocoon to change color. Provide food for your butterfly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Fashionable | How to Become Fashionable | If you want to be more fashionable, spend some time learning about different styles and find the one that fits you best. Read up on the latest styles on fashion websites or blogs. You can also ask a fashionable friend to take you on a shopping trip. While trends come and go pretty quickly, certain items will always be fashionable, so stock up on some basic items, like a little black dress, dark denim jeans, a crisp white tee, and a white button-down shirt. Classic accessories can also help upgrade your current wardrobe, so get a nice handbag, some chic scarves, or a new pair of sunglasses. | Learn the basics of fashion. You might not have an idea of what it means to be fashionable. If you're unsure what constitutes a fashionable style, spend some time learning about fashion itself. You can do this by seeking out advice from friends and evaluating your own personality. If you're unfamiliar with fashion, reading up on the latest styles might not be helpful. You may have difficulty understanding language and terminology. Instead of reading, ask a fashionable friend to take you on a shopping trip. Allow him or her to help you pick fashionable outfits that flatter your body type. Good fashion sense starts with your personality. Ideally, your choice in fashion should express something about you as a person. Try jotting down a list of personality traits and passions you would like to see conveyed by your wardrobe. Try to pay attention to the design of clothing you try on and buy in stores. Who is the designer? What is his or her reputation in the fashion world? Why did he or she put a pocket on a particular place in a coat or pair of jeans? Why use two kinds of fabric instead of one? Try to do some research regarding these questions when you get home. Google the designer and read up on his or her artistic and professional goals. Pay attention to fashion websites and blogs. If you want to be more fashionable, one great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and styles is to follow a variety of fashion blogs. These websites can give you inspiration on how to become more fashionable. Bookmark at least 3 fashion blogs or websites. Browse the sites a couple times a week and look for updates on fashion trends and styles. Instagram can also be a great resource if you want to be more fashionable. Follow Instagram bloggers whose style you admire. You can also try searching hashtags like #ootd (outfit of the day) for inspiration for new styles. Gather the basics. Trends come and go, but certain items will always be fashionable. Stock up on the basics and, from there, mix and match with accessories and other clothing items. For instance, a nice, clean, white tee is essential for both men and women. Pair it with jeans or trousers for a classic, minimalist look. If you're a female, a little black dress will always be in style. Look for a basic black dress that is flattering on your body type. A knee-length black skirt is also a consistently fashionable option for women. A black blazer, black trousers or dress pants, dark denim jeans, and a white button-down shirt are items that are always fashionable on both men and women. You can mix and match these with a variety of different clothing items to create many outfits. A beige trench coat is a great look for winter and fall for both men and women. Cardigans are also nice for the colder months. Try to have both a white and black cardigan so you can match it with a variety of outfits. For accessories, a pair of black pumps and a black leather bag are great options for women. They are consistently considered fashionable and will go with a variety of outfits. Pearls and diamond studs are good, traditional jewelry options and tend to go with a lot of different outfits. Pick a style that's right for you. Fashion is highly versatile. At any given moments, a variety of different types of style are in season. Choose styles that you feel comfortable in and that match your personal taste. It's important to be fashionable in a way that speaks to you. If you prefer a more minimalist style, choose items that go with that theme. If you prefer more vibrant, patterned clothing items, choose fashionable items in that theme. You'll also notice your clothing items will start to blend together if you let your tastes dictate your style. Your clothing and accessory choices will be linked by your personal taste. If you choose a shirt that doesn't seem to go with anything, chances are you'll eventually buy a set of pants in the same style. Review your current wardrobe. Before making any new purchases, review what you have. You may be able to create new outfits using a combination of new and old items. You should also throw away or donate items that don't fit or that you're unlikely to wear again as they're needlessly taking up closet space. Items that you've never worn can also be donated. What do you have and what do you lack? What fits your vision of your new, fashionable style? If you have a variety of cardigans, but no cute blouses or shirts to go under them, then focus on buying tops when you go shopping. Do you have a lot of casual pants but no dress pants or form-fitting pants? Place focus on buying trendier jeans and dress pants when you go out shopping. Pay attention to the condition of current clothing choices. Clothing with holes or that is stretched out is not fashionable. Considering tossing anything that's damaged beyond repair. Try on clothing you haven't worn for awhile. As bodies change over time, you may find some of your clothes are too big or too small. Donate anything that no longer fits. You should also consider getting rid of clothing items that no longer fit. If you have clothing you used to wear to clubs, for example, and are no longer much of a partier than maybe it's time to get rid of these items. Consider new ways you can use old clothing before getting rid of them. For instance, find ways you can dress up a shirt that you haven't worn in a while. Shop online. While it makes sense to shop in stores as you can try outfits on, you may be able to get away with buying some items online. If you know your size fairly well, you may find great deals online. However, if you're unsure of your size you may want to go into a store. Returning an item you bought online can get expensive. You can also buy accessories, like purses and sunglasses, online for cheaper prices. Follow trends with care. Trends do tend to fade out quickly. However, it can be fun to follow some trends that you have genuine interest in. Choose trends that you feel work with your personal style. As trends fade quickly, don't overspend on trendy items as they do not need to withstand longterm use. It can be fun to follow some trends, but keep in mind they tend to fade out quickly. If you feel personally drawn to a particular trend, follow it if you want. For example, if leggings look great on you feel free to buy a pair. However, don't spend a ton of money on a pair of leggings as they're likely to become less fashionable with time. Instead, go for a cheaper pair. While they'll likely wear down quicker, chances are this particular fashion item won't be a timeless addition to a fashionable wardrobe. Instead, spend more money on items, like the ones listed above, that have been consistently fashionable for years. You can incorporate these items into your existing wardrobe as trends change for years to come. Follow trends you can easily incorporate into your current wardrobe. If pale pink is one of the colors of the season and you have mostly red accessories, you might want to sit this one out. If another, more neutral shade, is also in style invest in a pair of pants or a vest in that color over pink. Accessorize. Classic accessories can help your wardrobe stand out. Invest in nice accessories to compliment our clothing choices. This is a good place to splurge as a nice handbag or pair of shoes can instantly elevate an outfit. Nice scarves, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, and other accessories can help your wardrobe shine. Look for clearance sales on accessories in your favorite stores. Develop a signature scent. Having a nice scent associated with your presence can make you appear more fashionable. Try to develop a classy scent using perfume or scented lotion. Ask for samples of scents you like from a department store and try them all out before buying the one you like the most. For men, choose a cologne that you use consistently. Look for a fragrance that blends with your natural odor. You can also combine or layer products to create a unique scent. Make sure you don't use too much cologne, however, as this can be off-putting. For women, scented lotion, perfume, shampoo, and conditioner all carry distinct scents. Choose a brand that is pleasant but not overpowering. Too much perfume or scent can be irritating to others. Adopt fashionable grooming habits. Your grooming habits can also help you become more fashionable. Focus on your hair, shaving habits, and makeup. If you're a man, shave on a regular basis. Keep your hair trimmed and brushed. If you're female, neutral makeup is sometimes more flattering that dramatic colors. Stick to tones that match your skin. If you paint your nails, do so carefully. Make sure you avoid smearing the polish and redo the nails as needed when you notice the color fading or chipping. Otherwise, keep your nails clean and clear. Create a fashionable home. Being fashionable goes beyond clothing and make-up. You should also strive to create a fun and fashionable home environment. You can search sites like Pinterest for inspiration. Then, pick out similar items from a discount home-goods store. Line drawers in your home with scented, patterned paper. This can be a fun way to make your home cute and fashionable. If you work in an office, consider bringing in personal business cards and pens. This can be a fun way to add flare to your personal style. Go to fashion exhibits. A fun way to live a fashionable lifestyle is attending fashion exhibits. Watch for fashion related exhibits at local art galleries. Make a day trip to a big city if a big fashion exhibit is coming into town. This can help you stay up-to-date on trends while having a sense of the history behind fashion. Use personalized stationary. Instead of using store bought cards or e-cards, invest in a personal stationary. Send people handwritten notes for birthdays and holidays. This can be a fun way to be fashionable and help the people around you feel valued. Have a regular barber or hairdresser. See a barber or hairdresser on a regular basis to work on your personal style. A nice hair style can help you stay fashion forward. Don't be afraid to change up your look every now and again, though! For men, a reliable barber can help you work on your personal style. He or she can choose a haircut that's flattering for your facial features. A barber can also give you advice on hair products to use. For women, going to a hair salon once every couple of months can help you maintain a flattering hairstyle. Talk to your stylist and what cuts and styles would look best on you. Ask him or her about what products to use as well. See a tailor. Having a tailor you trust can help you stay fashionable. You can have clothing items altered or repaired to fit your style and taste. It may be somewhat pricey, but if you're paying for tailor service on high-quality items they'll end up lasting you a long time. Vintage and discount designer items can easily be tailored to fit you, so long as they don't have intricate beading or a complicated pattern. Wash your clothing with care. High quality clothing should be washed with some care. Proper laundering can help your clothes last longer. Separate clothing items before washing based on color, especially dark colored clothes. For example, reds should be washed separately from blues. Wear clothes a few times before washing them. This helps maintain color and shape. Allow expensive items to air dry after washing. It's a good idea to invest in a drying rack. If you notice stains in clothing, work on blotting them out rather than rubbing. This will stop the stains from spreading. If you notice a grease or oil stain on a silk item, sprinkle baby powder on it and let it absorb the stain overnight. | Learn the basics of fashion. Pay attention to fashion websites and blogs. Gather the basics. Pick a style that's right for you. Review your current wardrobe. Shop online. Follow trends with care. Accessorize. Develop a signature scent. Adopt fashionable grooming habits. Create a fashionable home. Go to fashion exhibits. Use personalized stationary. Have a regular barber or hairdresser. See a tailor. Wash your clothing with care. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Floor-Plan-to-Scale | How to Draw a Floor Plan to Scale | To draw a floor plan, start by measuring the length of the longest wall in the room. Then, scale down the measurement so you can draw the wall on a piece of graph paper. To scale down the measurement, decide how many feet each square on the graph paper will equal. For example, if each square is equal to 1 foot, and the wall is 10 feet long, you would draw the wall so it's 10 squares long. Once you have your scale, measure the rest of the walls and add them to your floor plan. | Take corner to corner wall measurements around the room. Run a tape measure from corner to corner on top of the baseboard (if there is one) or along the floor (if there isn't a baseboard). If there are many obstructions (furniture, etc.) against the walls, you can instead use a stepladder and measure along the ceiling. It's easier to work with a helper (to hold the end of the tape), especially in a larger room or when you need precise measurements. Add the room measurements to a rough sketch of the room. Skip the ruler or graph paper and feel free to just use a pencil and blank paper. If you're measuring a basic rectangular room, simply jot down your 4 measurements next to the corresponding walls. If the room has bump-outs for a closet, an angled corner, etc., add those measurements as well in the appropriate spot. Write down feet/inches measurements in the form 11' 6” or 10' 3¼”, and metric measurements in the form 4.5m or 6.25m. Convert your measurements with a scale ruler for precision. A scale ruler (or architect's scale) looks like a triangular-shaped ruler and can adjust measurements to your preferred scale quickly. The different sides of the scale are marked with different common scale ratios—for instance, ¼” = 1', which is common for architectural drawings. Once you find the side with your preferred ratio, simply do the following: Lay that side of the ruler on your paper. Draw a line on the paper between the zero mark on the ruler and the number mark on the ruler that matches the length of the wall you're drawing (e.g. 11'). The line will automatically be at a ¼” = 1' scale, meaning it will be 2 ¾” long to represent an 11' long wall. Use a “one square equals one foot” scale on graph paper for simplicity. If you don't have a scale ruler, a typical 8 in × 10.5 in (20 cm × 27 cm) sheet of graph paper with a grid of.25 in (0.64 cm) squares will work just fine. At this size, you'll find approximately 41 squares running along the long side of the paper, and 31 squares on the short side. So as long as the room isn't bigger than 40 ft × 30 ft (12.2 m × 9.1 m)), a single square can represent one square foot. This ¼” = 1' scale (also represented by the ratio 1:48) is very common in architectural measurements in the U.S. Maximize the plan’s size on the graph paper, if desired (feet/inches example). If your graph paper is 41 by 31 squares, reduce it to 39 by 29 to provide some space around the edges of the paper. If your room is a square or rectangle, round the measurements up to the next whole foot (e.g., 10' 2” by 8' 6” as 11' by 9'). If it isn't, determine the smallest square/rectangle (rounded up to whole feet) that the entire room would fit into. Then: Multiply the square/rectangle measurements (e.g., 11' and 9') by 2, 3, 4, and 6. In this case, you'll get 22' by 18', 33' by 27', 44' by 36', and 66' by 54'. Use the pair of multiplied numbers that is closest to 39 by 29 (the graph paper parameters) without going over. In this case, it is 33' by 27' (the multiple of 3). Since the multiple of 3 fit the parameters, draw your plan so that 3 squares equals 1 foot—which also means 1 square equals 4 inches, or a 1:16 ratio. Make the plan as big as practical, if desired, on the graph paper (metric example). Reduce the number of squares you'll use on the graph paper (e.g., 41 by 31 to 39 by 29) to create some space around the edges. Round the size of a square/rectangular room up to the next tenth of a meter (e.g., 4.23m by 3.37m to 4.3m by 3.4m), or use the minimum sized square/rectangle (rounded up to the tenth of a meter) into which a non-square/rectangular room will fit. Then: Multiply the square/rectangle measurements (e.g., 4.3 and 3.4) by 2, 4, 5, and 10. In this case, you'll get 8.6 by 6.8, 17.2 by 13.6, 21.5 by 17.0, and 43.0 by 34.0. Use the pair of multiplied numbers that is closest to 39 by 29 (the graph paper parameters) without going over. In this case, it is 21.5 by 17.0 (the multiple of 5). Since the multiple of 5 fit the parameters, draw your plan so that 5 squares equals 1 meter—which also means 1 square equals 20cm, or approximately (but not precisely) a 1:32 ratio. Measure all the doors and windows. Measure the width of each door and window opening (without frames), and the distance from either side to the corners of the wall the window or door is on. Then, convert these measurements to your chosen scale. Incorporate the walls, windows, and doors into your floor plan. Draw each window as a set of double lines and each door as a single line (i.e., the fully-opened door) with an arc (i.e., the actual swing path of the door). Make sure you place each in the right position along the walls in your scale drawing. Measure and convert the widths of all built-in fixtures. These include such items as counters and vanities, for example. Convert them to scale, and add them to your plan in the appropriate locations. You can find common architectural symbols for windows, doors, counters, vanities, and other room elements at http://www.the-house-plans-guide.com/blueprint-symbols.html. Convert the length and width of each piece of room furniture to scale. For instance, a 5' by 2' dresser would, at a ¼” = 1' scale, be represented by a 1 ¼” by ½” rectangle. Similarly, a 4' by 4' table would be a 1” by 1” square. For furniture that isn't square or rectangular, create the smallest square/rectangle into which the piece would fit and use those measurements. For instance, if a wingback chair is 2' 6” at its widest and 2' at its deepest, represent it with a ⅝” by ½” rectangle. Then, sketch the general shape of the chair within the rectangle. Draw the furniture on a blank sheet of graph paper. Don't use graph paper that has the floor plan for the room drawn on it. This way, you can cut out the scale drawing for each piece of furniture and move it around on the floor plan drawing. If you're using a scale ruler instead of graph paper, just draw the furniture plans on blank paper to the same scale as the floor plan. Cut out the individual pieces of furniture with scissors. If you want make the cutouts a little more rigid and sturdy, lay each one over card stock or thin cardboard, trace the outline, and cut out a backing board to glue or tape on. If you haven't already labeled each piece of furniture, jot down the name in the center of the cutout, or use a number to represent each piece--the tall dresser as #1, for instance. Move the cut-out furniture around your floor plan. This can help you to decide on a suitable arrangement for the furniture in the room. And it's much easier than moving the actual furniture around the actual room! | Take corner to corner wall measurements around the room. Add the room measurements to a rough sketch of the room. Convert your measurements with a scale ruler for precision. Use a “one square equals one foot” scale on graph paper for simplicity. Maximize the plan’s size on the graph paper, if desired (feet/inches example). Make the plan as big as practical, if desired, on the graph paper (metric example). Measure all the doors and windows. Incorporate the walls, windows, and doors into your floor plan. Measure and convert the widths of all built-in fixtures. Convert the length and width of each piece of room furniture to scale. Draw the furniture on a blank sheet of graph paper. Cut out the individual pieces of furniture with scissors. Move the cut-out furniture around your floor plan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Breed-a-Horse | How to Breed a Horse | If you want to breed a horse, try to have the mare impregnated June, July, or August. This will ensure that the foal will be born in May or July, when grass is lush and plentiful. Pay attention to when the mare seems flirtatious toward other horses, or perhaps displays a different temperament, as these can be signs of a heat cycle coming on. Introduce the male to a stallion 2-3 days after her heat cycle starts, then on alternate days until it finishes. You can also artificially inseminate the mare with semen from a desirable stallion, if you prefer. | Calculate the financial cost of impregnating your horse. Know that there is a considerable amount of cost involved with breeding a horse. There are fees for the stallion to breed with the mare, plus insurance costs to protect you should the mare kick out and damage the stallion, plus transport costs to get the mare to the stallion and back. Bear in mind that she may not become pregnant on the first attempt and so this may need to be repeated. Instead of using a stallion, you can also opt for artificial insemination. This process, in which semen is inserted directly the mares uterus, will require you to pay for the semen, which stallion owners sell, as well as the procedure to implant it. Calculate the potential veterinary costs related to pregnancy. Be aware there are veterinary costs involved to check that the mare is well enough to establish a pregnancy and is free from uterine infections, for pregnancy diagnosis, vaccination against equine herpes virus, tetanus, West Nile virus, and equine encephalitis, during pregnancy, and the cost of covering any complications with foaling. Calculate additional costs. All in whole do not go into breeding from some misty eyed idea of "it would be nice" but have a solid reason for producing a foal. For example, any difficulties during foaling can lead to long-term problems or death of the foal, so if you are breeding for the first time it is advisable to send the mare to a foaling facility where she can be kept under constant surveillance during the last month of her pregnancy. These facilities are expensive and you can expect to pay around $300-500 for the foaling plus the cost of her board for a month. Indeed, you will also incur additional costs for consumables, such as feed (in the last third of pregnancy), stabling, bedding, and electricity. Then when you have a live healthy foal, it is going to be at least two years until you can saddle the animal, and you have no guarantee of its temperament, so it may not be suited for the purpose for which you bred it. Figure out when the mare will be ready to mate. The mare is a seasonal breeder, which means that increasing daylight length stimulates her brain to produce hormones that bring her into heat. The mare typically cycles (has heat periods) from spring through to late summer or early autumn. It is possible to artificially manipulate the mare's reproductive cycle by stabling her and exposing her to electric light in winter, which can bring on her heat cycles. This is sometimes done with thoroughbred mares, whose foals are intended for racing, as their birth date has implications for which racing classes they will be entered in. Be sure the mare is the right age for breeding. The best age to breed a mare for the first time is once she has finished growing herself, at around three to four years of age. It is possible to breed from 18 months, but this places a lot of demands on the body of a mare that is still growing itself. At the other end of the scale, it can be more difficult to get a mature mare to fall pregnant for the first time. Get the mare impregnated at a time that will produce a foal in the late spring or early summer. The ideal time for a foal to be born is between May and July, when there is plentiful nutritious grass available for the mare to graze on which will benefit her milk supply. Thus, the best time to breed the mare is around June, July, and August, so that she foals 11 months later. Have your mare tested for reproductive diseases if using a stallion. When using a stallion to cover a mare, the owner of the stallion will want to know that the mare is clean and does not have any transmissible equine reproductive diseases. They will expect the mare to be swabbed prior to mating. This is done by a veterinarian who swabs the vagina, usually during a heat cycle. The swab is sent to a lab where any organisms are cultured and identified. Mate the mare and stallion or impregnate the mare with artificial insemination. Make sure your mare is in the prime time of her heat for reproduction. Each estrus cycle takes around 21 days, with the mare being in estrus or 'heat' for an average of 6 days in every 21. She ovulates and is therefore most likely to get pregnant one to two days before the end of the heat, but this does vary with individuals. For the maximum chance of conception ideally the mare would be covered by a stallion on day 2 or 3 after the beginning of heat, and continue on alternate days until the heat finishes. It can be tricky to know when a mare is coming into season. Some stud farms employ the use of "teaser" stallions who the mare can see but not reach. When she is in heat her hormones make her more interested in seeking male attention and so she may become flirtatious towards the male. In addition, a female horse coming into heat may show signs, such as increased interest in other horses, a change in temperament that is often characterized as moodiness, and increased frequency of urination. Figure out if the mare is pregnant. It can be difficult to visually detect pregnancy, especially in stockier wide-framed mares. A swollen belly may not be evident until the final third of pregnancy, and even then, weight gain from additional food can be mistaken for a foal. The development of mammary glands is used in other species to indicate pregnancy, but again this may not happen in the horse until a month before foaling, and even then "bagging up" can be the result of a false pregnancy. To detect pregnancy a veterinarian can perform a transrectal ultrasound exam. A special probe is inserted into the rectum and the scan directed toward the uterus. This can be done from around 12 - 17 days after mating, to look for changes associated with pregnancy. If this option is not available then a blood test can be run from day 45 - 120, which looks for the presence of a hormone, equine chorionic gonadotropin, that is a marker of pregnancy. It should be noted that no test is foolproof and it is possible to get false positive results, however a negative test is definite confirmation that the mare is not pregnant. Treat the pregnant mare pretty regularly for the first two thirds of the pregnancy. Pregnancy lasts just under a year and is on average 340 days with a leeway of 20 days in either direction considered normal. The mare should be fed her usual ration during the first two-thirds of the pregnancy. This is because being overweight at the time of birth is a major factor causing complications during foaling. The mare can be ridden during the first two-thirds of pregnancy, and indeed keeping her fit and well is an important part of building her stamina for foaling, which is an extremely physical event. Be careful with the mare during the end of her pregnancy. Carrying the growing foal will put a lot of strain on the mares body, so during the last third of a mare's pregnancy you should treat her more delicately. Don't ride her and feed her more food, which she will need to grow the foal. Be on the look out for the first signs of foaling. Mares usually foal at night, and seem to need dark and quiet in order relax enough to foal. The first stage of labor, where the uterus tones up and prepares to push the foal out, is characterized by restlessness and pacing, swishing the tail as if irritated, and general crankiness. During this time the position of the foal changes, getting ready to be presented into the birthing canal. You do not need to intervene with the horse at this point. It just means that you need to keep a closer eye on her once she goes into labor. Observe closely, but don't interfere with, the second stage of labor. As the mare gets ready for second stage labor and pushing the foal out she will frequently break into a sweat. During this stage of labor the mare will lie down with her legs extended and push hard. She may stand and lie down again repeatedly during the process, until the foal is pushed out. Close observation is advisable during this stage, either by remote camera or by an observer sitting quietly out of the way with a torch. Be prepared to call in a veterinarian. If the mare is straining hard with not progression of the foal for 20 - 40 minutes then immediate veterinary attention should be sought. It is best to have a veterinarian on standby for just this type of emergency during the birth. | Calculate the financial cost of impregnating your horse. Calculate the potential veterinary costs related to pregnancy. Calculate additional costs. Figure out when the mare will be ready to mate. Be sure the mare is the right age for breeding. Get the mare impregnated at a time that will produce a foal in the late spring or early summer. Have your mare tested for reproductive diseases if using a stallion. Mate the mare and stallion or impregnate the mare with artificial insemination. Figure out if the mare is pregnant. Treat the pregnant mare pretty regularly for the first two thirds of the pregnancy. Be careful with the mare during the end of her pregnancy. Be on the look out for the first signs of foaling. Observe closely, but don't interfere with, the second stage of labor. Be prepared to call in a veterinarian. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Subpoena-Documents | How to Subpoena Documents | To subpoena documents, obtain a subpoena duces tecum request form from your state clerk of court in person or download it from the court's website. Fill in the general information on the form, then describe the documents you wish to subpoena and why they're necessary for your case. Then, submit the form to the clerk and wait for the clerk to approve your subpoena and issue the official subpoena forms. | Work with an attorney. The laws regarding subpoenas vary from state to state and from county from county. An attorney can ensure that you take the proper legal steps to subpoena documents in your jurisdiction. Filling out the forms incorrectly or neglecting to take all the proper steps may prevent you from being able to subpoena the documents you need to make your case. The process you'll take to subpoena documents will differ depending on what type of suit you're involved in as well as the role of the person or company in charge of the documents. Work with an attorney to determine the best course of action to take in your individual situation. If you strongly prefer not to work with an attorney, be sure to conduct thorough research on your state's subpoena laws. Go to your state's court website or visit the county clerk to find out more information. Determine who is in possession of the documents you wish to subpoena. If you know the individual who has the documents, no further research is necessary. However, you might need to subpoena documents from a company rather than an individual. If this is the case, you'll need to know the specific individual within the company will be responding to the subpoena. If you try to serve the company with a subpoena without doing this legwork first, you won't get the documents you need. For example, if you want a record of your incoming and outgoing telephone calls from your phone company, you will want to know the name of the person in charge of the records department at that company. In some cases, you might be able to get the documents without going through the subpoena process if you simply request the documents you need. However, telling someone that you are involved in a suit without serving them a subpoena could give them time to destroy the documents you need so they won't be legally obligated to hand them over. Again, working with an attorney is your best bet for determining the best actions to take in your situation. Corporations and limited liability companies (LLC's) have specific assigned agents for service and failing to send the document to the proper agent will result in your subpoena duces tecum being ignored. You can locate a corporation or LLC's registered agent by visiting your Secretary of State's website. You may also check the company's website or call the company and ask who can accept service on behalf of the company. Get a subpoena duces tecum request form from your state clerk of court. In most states, you'll need to fill out a request form to get the subpoena process started with the court. Some states have a separate subpoena duces tecum form, but many require you to use a standard subpoena form with an attached letter stating that you're specifically requesting documents. Visit your state or federal court website or go to the area clerk in person to get the subpoena duces tecum form and to learn about the special requirements in your state or county. Most state and federal court websites post fillable subpoena duces tecum forms in.pdf format that you can fill out on your computer. For example, the California Courts' website provides a fillable.pdf of its subpoena duces tecum. An example can be found here. Complete the form. Fill in the general information. Keep in mind that the court clerk can give you minimal assistance, but he or she will not be able to give you any legal advice. This means he or she will not be able to tell you how you should describe the documents you wish to subpoena, whether or not you should issue a subpoena, or to whom you serve the subpoena. If you are unable to fill out the form with the clerk's limited assistance, consult an attorney. Describe the documents you wish to subpoena. If the document does not have a specific name, such as "March bank statement" or "January service bill," describe it in as much detail as possible. For example, if you are asking for a copy of a letter, provide the date the letter was written, the names of the persons writing and receiving the letter, and the subject matter of the letter. Describe why the documents are necessary to prove what you're trying to prove in your case. When subpoenaing documents, it is important not to be overly broad nor overly narrow in describing them. Otherwise, the person you are requesting the documents from may challenge the subpoena or you may be bombarded with so many documents that it will be hard for you to find the information you are looking for. For instance, if you only need a bank statement from only one month (i.e. "March bank statement") in a two-year period, a request for bank statements from the entire two-year period may be challenged as overly broad. By the same token, being overly narrow may prevent the document you are looking for from being turned over. Avoid subpoenaing privileged communication. Some documents that you are requesting to obtain through a subpoena duces tecum may be privileged. This means that a party can claim that are not required to disclose the document because of the type of document being requested. Some documents may be subject to “attorney-client privilege.” The attorney-client privilege protects communications between an attorney and his or her client by keeping those communications confidential. The “psychotherapist-patient privilege” prevents the disclosure of confidential communication made during the course of the diagnosis or treatment of a mental or emotional condition. The “spousal privilege” also known as the “marital” or “husband-wife” privilege, prevents the disclosure of confidential communicates made between spouses during the course of their marriage. If you are using a subpoena duces tecum to view “privileged” communications, your request will likely be challenged in court. In addition to “privileged” documents, some types of information like trade secrets may also be challenged as inappropriate. If you are considering requesting documents that may be privileged or contain trade secrets, you should consult with an attorney. Prepare any other required documents. In many counties, non-attorneys requesting a subpoena must file a request with the court and wait for the judge to sign an order before the clerk will sign and seal a subpoena duces tecum. Check with the clerk to determine if you need to file a request with the court and to get the correct form. Submit the forms to the clerk and wait to have the subpoena issued. When you return the form to the clerk, the clerk will approve your subpoena and issue official subpoena forms. Make sure you have a copy to keep for yourself and one to serve to the party in charge of the documents you're requesting. Have the subpoena served. Your state's laws will determine the acceptable manner of service of a subpoena duces tecum. Check with the court clerk, a local attorney, or your state's Civil Rules of Procedure for state-specific rules and regulations. Not all methods of delivery are acceptable in every state; check with your clerk of court for your area's specific requirements. Common methods of service include the following: Personal service. Personal service means the hand delivery of the document by someone other than yourself. In the case of a subpoena duces tecum, this is a preferred method of service. All states require that the person delivering the document(s) is at least eighteen years old. Many also require that the party delivering the document(s) sign and file with the court an affidavit of service, which describes how he or she delivered the document. First class United States mail. Most mail you send and receive is likely sent this way. While serving many types of court documents via first class mail is acceptable, it may not be in the case of a subpoena duces tecum in your state. Certified mail. Certified mail, whether a return receipt is requested or not, is almost always an acceptable form of service for court orders such as a subpoena duces tecum. Facsimile or other delivery method. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to deliver your subpoena in an informal manner, such as by fax or email attachment. For example, this may be acceptable when a party has already agreed to provide you with the documents, but you must provide a subpoena duces tecum for legal purposes due to her company's policy requirement. Ensure that a proof of service form is completed. This form should be filled out by the person who served the subpoena. It describes the form of service and confirms that the subpoena was received. Submit the completed forms to the court clerk. The court needs the forms to verify that the subpoena was served. It is now up to the person who was served to send the requested documents to the court clerk by the date specified in the subpoena. Review the documents. You likely want to view the documents before your case proceeds. Viewing them ahead of time will help you familiarize yourself with the facts of your case and ensure that you actually want to submit the document(s) as evidence. The specifics for gaining access to your documents may vary from state to state, but the general process is as follows: For a criminal case subpoena, the documents will be delivered directly to the clerk of court or judge. The court will determine what kind of access you will have to the documents. For a civil case subpoena, the subpoena will specify whether you are asking to view the documents or you are requesting copies delivered to you. If you are simply requesting access to the documents, the recipient of the subpoena can specify where and when (typically normal business hours) you can either view or copy documents yourself. If you request copies, they will be mailed or delivered to you by the recipient. The records will be accompanied with an affidavit or declaration about the documents and how they were prepared. The recipient of the subpoena is entitled to costs for responding to the subpoena, including copying costs and payment for the hours it took employees to prepare the documents. | Work with an attorney. Determine who is in possession of the documents you wish to subpoena. Get a subpoena duces tecum request form from your state clerk of court. Complete the form. Describe the documents you wish to subpoena. Avoid subpoenaing privileged communication. Prepare any other required documents. Submit the forms to the clerk and wait to have the subpoena issued. Have the subpoena served. Ensure that a proof of service form is completed. Submit the completed forms to the court clerk. Review the documents. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Employee-Turnover | How to Reduce Employee Turnover | Employee turnover is a regular part of business, but reducing it can save on costs of hiring and training new employees. There are several things that can impact whether or not employees want to stay at their job, including their pay and their potential for advancement. If you don't already, try to give your employees a path to a raise that involves more responsibility. This will give them an incentive to work harder and help them feel more valued as employees. Having good work relationships is also really important for employee retention, so make sure your employees feel comfortable talking and joking in the office. To break the ice, you could organize a fun employee outing or start a work sports team. If you still feel like you're employees aren't happy, try conducting some employee reviews. This will give you a chance to learn what might need to change at your workplace while acknowledging your employees' concerns. | Pay more (or offer a path to a raise). In the free marketplace, cash is king. If you're willing to pay your employees more than a competitor would, they'll be less likely to leave for other work. An added benefit of increasing your employees' pay is that it allows you to ask more of them — well-paid employees have an incentive to work harder and commit themselves to their job, while employees who are making relatively little won't usually have the same level of dedication or loyalty. If you don't have the cash to pay your employees more than the competition, be creative. For instance, offering company stock options or equity plans is a relatively low-cost way to increase the long-term earning potential of your employees. As an added benefit, these sorts of options give employees a real financial stake in the company — if they work hard and help the company do well, their stock value will go up and they'll make money. Offer potential for advancement. Employees like to feel like their hard work is being rewarded. As a manager or business owner, part of making sure your employees feel this way is compensating them fairly for their work, but another part is giving them the opportunity to achieve the non-tangible benefits of recognition and advancement. Reward exceptionally smart, resourceful, and hard-working employees by gradually increasing their responsibility and giving them more important titles. An employee who's advanced from an entry-level position to a manager role is much more likely to be loyal to your company than one who's done the same job for years in spite of her hard work. It's not enough to simply ''offer'' the potential for advancement — it's also important to make sure that employees understand how they can advance in your business. If you're having a hard time communicating this to your employees, try inviting a career counselor into the workplace once or twice a year to discuss this with them. Try to promote from within your workforce, rather than recruiting outsiders into management roles. While this may sometimes be unavoidable, hiring an outsider to fill a management vacancy when there are qualified employees with years of experience who could conceivably do the job can give the impression that you don't care about your employees' accomplishments. Rebalance the work load. If an employee's work is stressful, monotonous, or extremely difficult, different jobs with comparatively easy work loads will start to look very attractive. Never work your employees to the point of exhaustion — this is one of the easiest ways to cause your employees to start looking for other work en masse. In addition, it's also often financially inefficient: employees with very long or stressful jobs will require significantly higher pay levels to retain than employees with ordinary duties and hours. There is a wealth of evidence to suggest that working your employees extra-hard can actually cause their net productivity to plummet — even to below the level of productivity from a normal 40-hour week in some cases! Some research has found, for instance, that excessively long hours can cause employees to take longer to perform the same tasks as they normally would, deal poorly with problems requiring critical thinking or creativity, make more mistakes, and waste time engaging in recreational or personal activities at work. Offer competitive benefits. Increasingly, people looking for work don't just consider the salary being offered by a potential employer, but also the benefits provided. By offering affordable benefits like health insurance, dental insurance, 401K plans, and, as mentioned above, stock options, you can make a job at your company more appealing than one at a competitor's, decreasing employee turnover. Reviewing your benefits package is something your company should do regularly — at least once a year. Be aware of the benefits your biggest competitors are offering their employees. If they start offering more generous benefits than you, they may be able to steal some of your best employees, so don't let them get the jump on you! In the U.S., millions of employees depend on an employer's health care plan to make their medical care affordable. Offering a good employee health insurance plan can make a job with your company especially attractive, decreasing turnover and making it easier to hire. In addition, ensuring your employees have decent health coverage can be a wise investment in the long run — healthy employees are productive employees. Encourage friendly employee relationships. To long-time employees, coworkers and bosses can function like something of a family, providing friendly relationships, conversation, and sometimes even emotional intimacy. Don't let your employees' jobs become a source of a source of boredom or dread for them. Instead, try to foster a warm, open environment at work. Employees should be comfortable talking, joking, and making outside-of-work plans with each other as long as it doesn't interfere with their work. If your employees seem "cold", standoffish, or emotionally distant, try sponsoring a fun workplace outing to lighten the mood. Going out for drinks, catching a movie, or playing sports after work can be a great way to bond with your employees and allow them to bond with each other, even if you can only do so once or twice a month. Trust your employees with responsibility. People tend to work hardest (and smartest ) when they think their jobs matter. Though this is often forgotten by even the best managers, it's surprisingly intuitive. Consider this: who is likely to work harder — a mail room clerk with little responsibility or a heart surgeon with responsibility over other peoples' lives? Try to make an effort to give the employees with even the most minor jobs some sense of importance or responsibility. If they understand exactly how their work is essential to the business's success, they'll have added motivation to succeed in their jobs. Ironically, giving people added duties that increase their responsibility can actually make their jobs more attractive to them. However, if you do this, be open to the possibility of promotion or a raise in the future — employees don't want to deal with increased responsibilities without ever being rewarded for their work. Hire more selectively. Most business experts agree that one of the very best ways to keep your employee turnover rate low is to ensure that the people you hire are right for the job in the first place. Picking employees that have exactly the right qualifications and personality for the job you're hiring for ensures that they'll learn quicker, perform better, and, most importantly, feel happier in their new role. Below are just a few of the most important types of criteria you'll want to carefully review and vet for each candidate before hiring: Skills — does this person have what it takes to increase your business's value? Intelligence — does this person have the smarts or creativity necessary to perform under pressure? Personality — does this person fit your company culture? Commitment — does this person's life make it possible to offer the sort of commitment you're looking for? Conduct regular employee reviews. If your business is suffering from high employee turnover, one of the best reasons to find out why is simply to ask your employees. Having regular review sessions in which you (or another qualified person) meet with each employee and talk about what they like and dislike about their job is a great way to make sure the employees feel valued and see their concerns being acknowledged. If you don't feel that you're up to this task as a manager, don't worry! For a fee, a third-party HR agency can handle the process for you. As an added benefit, these review sessions can also give you great ideas. For instance, if one employee who's sick of sitting at her desk all day has a great idea for putting a standing desk in the break room, doing this might make her significantly more happy in her job for a relatively small one-time cost. Your reviews should involve a healthy back-and-forth of information sharing. Don't use reviews merely as an opportunity to critique your employees — they should also be an opportunity for your employees to critique you. Be willing to "meet your employees in the middle" as long as their demands are reasonable and their intentions are good. Conduct exit interviews. Even friendly, open companies with great work environments occasionally have to let people go. When your business has to do this, take the opportunity to conduct a thorough exit interview with the employee being dismissed before he's gone for good. Some business experts have found that employees are more willing to be candid at exit interviews, though others have found that many employees will be less critical in hopes of getting a good recommendation. In any case, an exit interview is your last chance to learn what went wrong with an unhappy or unproductive employee, so take advantage of it. Below are just a few of the sorts of questions you'll want to consider asking: "What was your favorite/least favorite part of the job?" "Was there anything that made it difficult for you to perform your duties properly?" "In the future, how could we avoid the types of problems you faced in your job?" "Is there anything you wish the company had done that it didn't do?" Regularly review and assess employee concerns. Merely asking your employees what makes them unhappy isn't enough — to keep them feeling valued, you'll need to make a reasonable effort to address their concerns and, most important of all, show them that you're making this effort. If your employees can see that their comments and suggestions are being taken to heart, they'll feel like they're being listened to and that their opinions matter in the grand scheme of your business, which can make even a low-level employee feel happier in his job. For example, if you notice that many of your employees are complaining about the fact that they feel disconnected from the rest of the company — in other words, that they can't see how their individual jobs affect the success of the business as a whole — you may want to consider having monthly team-building events where employees from one part of the company work with employees from another part for the day. This can help give your employees an "bird's eye" view of the company's inner workings. Retrain managers with high turnover. Sometimes, high turnover may not be a problem for the entire company, but instead only for certain divisions or departments. In this case, the root cause may be something the heads of this department have no control over (for instance, pay levels or deadline schedules set by upper management), but it may also be the management style of individual supervisors that is causing the problem. If this is the case, strongly consider re-training the problematic managers before firing them and searching for replacements. The one-time cost of a short management course is usually much less than the time and money wasted replacing an employee in a high-paying, highly-skilled management position. Some business experts argue that an employee's manager can have a greater effect on his overall job satisfaction than even his wages, hours, or benefits. In any case, effective managers are vital to a company's success, so making an investment in the ones you have can substantially reduce turnover. Consider alternate roles for unhappy employees. Sometimes, otherwise productive employees just aren't a great "fit" for the job they've been given. While they may work hard, their personality or skill set may keep them reaching the full potential of their role. In these cases, try to avoid dismissing the employee until you've considered other roles or duties for them. Don't fire an employee who's well-suited for some other important role in your company — if you do, you'll be forcing your company to undergo the costs of finding and training a replacement without getting your money's worth out of a perfectly competent employee. Be aware of how you present a role change to an employee. To avoid hurt feelings, for instance, don't tell the employee that she's performing poorly and that the company thinks she'd do better in a different role. Instead, focus on the positive — tell her that you've found something more important for her to do! Being aware of the language you use in this situation can make the difference between your employee thinking of her new role as a promotion or a demotion. Avoid constant reorganization. In many cases, finding new roles for old employees can be something that leads to increased productivity and satisfaction. However, large-scale corporate reorganizations are usually something that employees fear, and with good reason. Most company-wide reorganization efforts result in some layoffs (sometimes many). Frequent reorganizations can lead to a culture of fear and uncertainty in your workforce and encourage them to seek other, more stable jobs. To avoid this unfortunate situation, try to avoid frequently re-structuring your workforce. Slow, gradual changes are almost always better-received than sudden, wide-scale ones. If you do have to have a major company-wide reorganization, minimize the morale damage by clearly communicating to your remaining employees why the reorganization had to happen and explaining that their jobs are not in danger in any way. Though there will probably still be some lingering unease, good communication can help keep the damage as minimal as possible. Don’t be afraid to fire bad employees. In the words of the old cliché, "Sometimes, to save the hand, you have to lose the finger." Getting rid of exceptionally problematic employees is a must for any business looking to keep turnover at a minimum. Employees that perform poorly, have a negative attitude, or are grossly incompetent can hold your company back. Worse still, they can contribute to other employees developing negative attitudes towards work by sharing their negative views or demonstrating (through example) that bad work can go unpunished. Don't be afraid to get rid of employees with bad attitudes — if you do this, you'll usually have to fire less people in the long run. Don't ignore workplace negativity! Research shows that more people in a workplace vocalizing negative thoughts, the more likely that otherwise happy and productive employees are to adopt them. | Pay more (or offer a path to a raise). Offer potential for advancement. Rebalance the work load. Offer competitive benefits. Encourage friendly employee relationships. Trust your employees with responsibility. Hire more selectively. Conduct regular employee reviews. Conduct exit interviews. Regularly review and assess employee concerns. Retrain managers with high turnover. Consider alternate roles for unhappy employees. Avoid constant reorganization. Don’t be afraid to fire bad employees. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Marble-Floors | How to Wash Marble Floors | Before you wash marble floors, use a soft dust broom to sweep up most of the debris. Then, heat distilled water so it is less likely to discolor the floor and mix in a bit of dish detergent. Use a soft mop head to mop the floor with the solution in short, overlapping strokes. Once you've mopped with a detergent, mop the floor again with cool, clean water to remove any remaining debris or detergent. Finally, dry the floor with a soft towel. | Use hot water. Whether you are creating a solution to wash your floor, or just using water, you should use hot water. Hot water will help cut through grime. Ultimately, by using hot water, you'll decrease the chance that you'll need tougher solvents that could damage the marble. Focus on distilled water. Distilled water is water that has gone through a process to remove minerals and other impurities. By using distilled water, you'll reduce the chance of discoloring or staining your marble. You can buy distilled water at just about any grocery store or box store. It is usually cheap. Add a mild detergent to your water. Add a mild detergent such as 2-3 drops of dish soap into a bucket with your hot, distilled water. Follow the directions of the soap and dilute it with an appropriate amount of water. Mix your solution thoroughly. Make sure to only add pH neutral soap to your water. Harsh chemical solutions like bleach, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, and vinegar can be damaging to your floors. Avoid using these on marble. If you prefer, you may be able to use a commercially prepared marble cleaner. Simply follow the directions on the bottle and then clean as you would with a water and detergent solution. Some products include Stone Tech, Resolve, or Simple Green. Use a soft mop on your floor. Take a mop with a soft mop head (preferably microfiber) and dip it into your solution of detergent and water. Wring out the mop head to relieve it of excess water and systematically mop your floor. Do short strokes that overlap. Rinse and wring out the mop head after you've covered 10 to 20 square feet (1 to 2 square meters). This might vary depending on how dirty the floor is. Mop the floor again with clean water. After you've mopped your floor with a detergent solution, you should mop it again with cool clean water. By mopping it again, you'll help pick up any dirt or debris that remains on the floor. In addition, you'll remove any suds that remain on the floor. Change your water frequently. When mopping your floors, you need to make sure you change the cleaning solution or water often. If you don't, your floor might become streaky or could be scratched by debris in the mopping water. If your water appears brown or you see it full of dirt, dump it. Refill it with new water (and soap, if you want). Use a soft towel to dry the floor. Since marble is relatively porous, it's important to sop up as much of your cleaning solution or water as you possibly can. If you don't, the solution could leech into the marble and discolor it. Switch out wet and dirty towels as needed. Wash your floor immediately after a spill. All spills on marble should be cleaned up immediately. This is because marble is a porous material and can absorb spills. If you let something sit too long, your marble will discolor or stain. Take a wet microfiber cloth and use it to blot up anything you've spilled on the marble floor. Use pH neutral solution. pH neutral cleaners won't damage marble floors. As a result, stay away from acidic cleaners. They might scratch or hurt the shine of marble floors. Avoid: Vinegar Ammonia Citrus cleaners (like lemon or orange). Cleaners intended for ceramic floors. Do not let your floor air dry. One of the worst things you can do to your floor is to let it air dry. By letting it air dry, you'll allow the water/solution to soak into the marble. This could stain or discolor the marble. Seal your marble. The best way to limit staining on your floor is to seal your marble periodically. Locate a sealing product specifically formulated for marble. Read the directions and apply the seal onto the surface of the marble. Depending on the product (and use), you may have to reseal every three to five years. Make sure to protect other surfaces, such as wood, tile, or grout, with plastic or painters tape. Contact a professional if you are uncomfortable sealing your marble floors by yourself. Use a felt pad to remove scuff marks. When you come across a scuff or other mark that won't come off during a normal washing, use a felt pad to remove it. Simply dab the pad in a mixture of detergent and water and rub the marble gently along its grain. Do not rub in a circular pattern. This will damage your marble. Sweep and mop your floors regularly. Regularly removing dirt and debris from your marble floors will help prevent future scratching and scuffing. How often you clean your floors will depend on how frequently they get dirty. Aim to remove debris as you notice it. If, for example, you have children or pets that easily track in dirt, you may need to sweep your floor a few times a week as opposed to once a week. Put down rugs to protect your floors. Area rugs and floor runners can help protect your marble floors, especially in high-traffic areas. Use area rugs in places like the living room and rug runners in hallways to prevent scuffing and scratching. Adding a no-slip pad under your rugs will help further protect your floors and keep your rugs in place. Sweep the floor with a soft broom. Take a soft dust mop or a broom with soft bristles and sweep the floor. Make sure to sweep up as much debris as you can. Pay special attention to areas along walls or doors. Be careful using a vacuum. If you choose to use a vacuum, you need to be careful not to damage your marble floor. The plastic on the nozzle or wheels of a vacuum can etch or scratch marble. As a result, use caution if you decide to use a vacuum If you have a central vacuum system in your home, you may be able to use a soft floor attachment on the nozzle. However, you should test the attachment in an inconspicuous area (such as behind a door) before using it. Use rugs and mats throughout your home. Rugs and mats will help accumulate debris. As a result, sweeping or vacuuming your floor will be easy. In addition, rugs or mats will protect high traffic areas from scratches. | Use hot water. Focus on distilled water. Add a mild detergent to your water. Use a soft mop on your floor. Mop the floor again with clean water. Change your water frequently. Use a soft towel to dry the floor. Wash your floor immediately after a spill. Use pH neutral solution. Do not let your floor air dry. Seal your marble. Use a felt pad to remove scuff marks. Sweep and mop your floors regularly. Put down rugs to protect your floors. Sweep the floor with a soft broom. Be careful using a vacuum. Use rugs and mats throughout your home. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Remove-Chest-Hair | How to Remove Chest Hair | To remove chest hair, trim it off with an electric clipper if you want to leave some hair behind, or use a razor if you want to shave it off completely. Or, you can wax off your chest hair at home, which will pull the hair out from the roots and give you longer-lasting results. You can also use a depilatory cream, which breaks down and dissolves hair, to remove your chest hair. | Decide on your look. Shaving is the tried and true method, but there are degrees in its severity. You can utilize a trimmer to manage (or even, dare we say, sculpt) your growth, or use a razor and take the whole of it completely off. It's a common misconception that shaving body hair will make it grow back thicker, coarser, darker, faster, and more plentiful, but this is not the case. Shaving cuts the hair, resulting in a blunter tip for the hair (which causes it to feel coarser), but this is not permanent and has no lasting effecting on the follicle. Trim electrically. Electric hair trimmers designed specifically for body hair are optimal if you just want to keep your chest hair under control. You should shower before doing any trimming, making sure to scrub your chest clean, and then try out your trimmer once you're dry. Trimmers come with multiple guards. Don't be afraid of starting with a longer guard (usually a higher number), then switching to increasingly shorter guards until you find the right length. Always begin shaving in the same direction as the grain of your hair, and then try running the trimmer against the grain of your hair. If irritation occurs when going against the grain, discontinue for a few days. Although not necessary, many men prefer to use aftershave or moisturizer afterward to soothe the skin. Subsequent trims will help you figure out how short you'd like to go, as you'll quickly become aware of the rate of your hair growth and how much upkeep you can handle. . Shave it clean off with a razor Spray shaving cream or gel onto your chest, and get to work! Take care around sensitive areas—two obvious ones being your nipples—and run your razor in the same direction that your hair grows. Apply aftershave to soothe your irritated skin, if necessary. When you opt to take it clean off, however, you're also granted the "joy" of maintaining that perfectly smooth chest. There hasn't been a study yet finding chest hair regrowth stubble to be anybody's idea of attractive, and it can be itchy and painful for you while it grows back. Aloe vera can soothe the itch, but you'll have to regularly shave to avoid unsightly stubble. Book an appointment at a salon. For first-timers, it might be preferable to put yourself in professional hands. It's not nearly as rare for men to wax their chests these days, so if it's any solace, know that you're not alone. . Exfoliate and moisturize in preparation It'll be a big bummer to go through the trouble of waxing all the hair from your chest only to have red, splotchy pecs. Taking care of your skin before it's waxed will reduce your skin's recovery time from the procedure, so you should exfoliate the day before. Purchase your wax. If you made an appointment, then your part in this done (though you still have a waxing to endure). Otherwise, you'll need to be picking up a commercial DIY waxing product. You can also get DIY to the max with it and make your own wax. Apply the wax. After heating the wax if necessary (some do-it-yourself products are microwavable; check the instructions on yours) you'll want to apply it to your chest hair. For best results lay it on in the direction your hair grows. Some products use all-in-one applicator strips with wax, whereas others (generally referred to as “hard” waxes) will come with a spatula-like tool for spreading it on. Your hair needs to be as close to a quarter-inch long as you can get it for the wax to grab hold. If you're trying wax after a bungled trimming you might need to give your hair a few days to grow, and if you've got an unruly thicket on there you should use a trimmer (or scissors) to cut your chest hair in preparation. Rip the strip. This is the fun part! If you're using all-in-one strips, the strip is already on and you can go ahead and remove it. If you're using hard wax, you'll want to quickly pull it off once it has hardened enough to be firm, yet still flexible. Remove it in the direction opposite to your hair growth for best results. After pulling, apply immediate pressure for pain relief. Different products will recommend different specifics, but care should generally be taken not to re-wax the same area unless specifically instructed to. Unlike shaving, waxing is removing your hair from the root. It will generally give you a longer-lasting hairlessness (3-6 weeks), but also opens the door to ingrown hairs. Ensure you really want that hair gone. Electrolysis is a procedure utilizing an incredibly slim needle, which essentially delivers small shocks of electricity to each individual hair follicle. This goes a step beyond waxing and not only removes hair at its root but kills the cells that grow the hair. Which is all to say: electrolysis is permanent. Prepare for the time commitment. Because it attacks every single hair one by one, electrolysis can be extremely time-consuming. Weekly sessions could easily stretch into a year, total, for the particularly hirsute. Luckily, the actual sessions are fairly brief, only lasting from 10-30 minutes. Ask your doctor for a referral. With electrolysis, you'll need to talk with your physician for a recommendation, so it definitely requires more planning than shaving or waxing. Your doctor will be able to point you in the right direction, as well as inform you of any unique reason that electrolysis might not be suitable for you. Those who use pacemakers, for example, cannot undergo electrolysis for risk of it interfering with the device. , lotion, gel, aerosol, or powder you’d like to try. Buy the cream Depilatories are available in a wide range of forms though all serve the same purpose. The chemicals break down and dissolve your hair, which you can then easily wipe off. Popular brands for men include Nair, Magic Shave, and Nad's. Test your skin for reactions. You could have chemical allergies you're unaware of, so it's always best to test new topical cosmetics in small quantities before beginning regular use. Dab a small amount on the inside of your elbow or another inconspicuous part of your body, then wash it off as you would during normal use. If you notice any redness, irritation, or swelling, discontinue use of this product. Most depilatory products are designed to remain on your skin for roughly five minutes before being removed. Apply the product. Whether you went with a spray, a cream, or a roll-on applicator, you should apply the depilatory—as your selected product directs—to your chest. Wait, then scrape it off. There will be a short period of time during which you'll allow your cream or spray to work its chemical processes, after which you'll simply wipe the area clean. Your hair should come away with the cream. As mentioned above, the said period of time will often be as short five minutes; brief enough to perform in the morning before work, should you need a hairless chest for any reason at work. Many depilatory products are sold with special tools for scraping the hair and product off though any towel you're willing to ruin can work as well. Wash up. Rinse away the remnants of your handiwork and admire the view! Good job, you. Now go and put a shirt on. | Decide on your look. Trim electrically. . Book an appointment at a salon. . Purchase your wax. Apply the wax. Rip the strip. Ensure you really want that hair gone. Prepare for the time commitment. Ask your doctor for a referral. , lotion, gel, aerosol, or powder you’d like to try. Test your skin for reactions. Apply the product. Wait, then scrape it off. Wash up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Bath-Bombs-Without-Citric-Acid | How to Make Bath Bombs Without Citric Acid | To make a bath bomb, mix the baking soda, cream of tartar, and the other dry ingredients in a glass or stainless steel bowl so the oils won't react with the container. Then, mix the essential oils and vegetables in a separate container and fold them into the dry ingredients. You will probably need to add a little water as you mix it to make sure it's the right consistency. Then, pour the mixture into the mold of your choice and let it dry overnight. | Make sure that you have everything you need on hand. Once the ingredients are all mixed together, you'll need to work quickly; the last thing you'd want to do is scramble for additional ingredients and supplies. This recipe will make approximately 1 softball-sized bath bomb. If you'd like to make a different size or amount, adjust the recipe while keeping the proportions the same. For example, if you wanted to make 2 softball-sized bath bombs, you'd start with 2 cups (440 g) of baking soda instead of 1 cup (220 g). Add the dry ingredients to a glass or metal bowl. Place 1 cup (220 g) of baking soda, 1/4 cup (40 g) of cream of tartar, 1/2 cup (64 g) of cornstarch, and 1/2 cup (120 g) of salt into a glass or stainless steel bowl. Don't use plastic or aluminum bowls, as the oils may react with them. You can use any type of salt you want. Epsom salt is a class choice for bath products, but you can also try sea salt or non-iodized table salt. If you can't find cornstarch, add 1/4 cup (55 g) of baking soda and 1/4 cup (60 g) of salts. Keep in mind that this will cause the bath bomb to fizz more and last not as long. Whisk the dry ingredients together. Take a metal whisk and use it to mix all the ingredients together well. If you don't have a whisk available you can improvise one with 2 forks or a set of chopsticks. Don't worry too much about doing this perfectly. The goal here is to mix up the dry ingredients. You can even put them into a sealed jar and shake the jar. Mix the oils and food coloring in a separate bowl. Measure out 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of essential oil and pour it into a clean bowl. Add 1 tablespoon (30 mL) of oil and 1 to 2 drops of food coloring. Stir everything together with spoon. The oil is optional, but it will make the bath bomb more nourishing for your skin. Vegetable oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, or olive oil are all great choices. The food coloring may be difficult to mix into the oil, especially if it is water-based. Consider using an oil-based food coloring instead. Avoid getting the essential oil directly onto your skin as it may irritate it. Once the oil is in the bath bomb, however, you'll be fine. Add the mixture of wet ingredients to the dry ingredients gradually. Gently spoon the wet ingredients into the first bowl and mix well before adding more. Mix the ingredients with your hands as you go. If the mixture starts to foam, you may be adding the ingredients too quickly. Wear plastic gloves to keep the mixture from staining your hands. Spritz the mixture with a water bottle as necessary. You will probably need to add some water to your bath bomb to blend the ingredients well. The exact amount of extra moisture you'll need will vary, so it's best to add it little by little as you work. In general, you'll need less than a tablespoon. Spray in some water whenever you have difficulty working the mixture. You should end up with a mixture that is crumbly but holds its shape when squeezed together. Fill the mold with the mixture. Pack the mixture in as tightly as you can. Pat it down to make a smooth and even surface. If you're using the popular Christmas decoration option, overfill each half of the ball. Press the 2 together lightly. Wait for your bath bomb to set before removing it from the mold. Allow your bath bomb to dry for at least a few hours and ideally overnight. If you try to remove it prematurely, it is more likely to fall apart. Rinse all metal tools carefully. Epsom salt can corrode metal over time. Use your bath bomb. Once it's out of the mold, the bath bomb is ready for use. Simply fill up your bath tub with warm water, drop in your bomb, and relax. It's best to use a bath bomb within a few weeks. Older bath bombs lose their effervescence. Pick a mold. Almost anything can be used as a mold, but plastic and glass items work best. You can pick something big enough to hold a few cups for one big bath bomb or use smaller molds for little bath bombs. Plastics can soak up undiluted essential oil, but this is less likely to happen after you've mixed everything together. The most popular "mold" is a spherical plastic Christmas ornament. Look for the 2-part, snap-together type of ornament commonly sold at craft stores. It will make the round, softball-sized shape often seen in commercial bath bombs. Chocolate molds come in many cute shapes that are perfect for making bath bombs. Tart and cupcake tins also work well. Choose and experiment with colors. You don't have to use dyes right out of the box. Try mixing them together to create you favorite colors. A bath bomb that looks pretty when you make it may not necessarily make the best-looking bath. Keep a record of which combinations you've tried and which work out best. Make sure to always use dyes that are non-toxic, non-staining, and water soluble. Find the perfect fragrance. Get creative with your bath bomb's scent. Blend different oils together to create your own unique aroma. If you don't know where to start, look up essential oil "recipes" online for ideas. Some popular combinations include: 4 parts spearmint to 1 part patchouli 2 parts orange to 1 part vanilla 1 part patchouli to 1 part cedarwood to 2 parts bergamot 1 part peppermint to 1 part tea tree to 2 parts lavender Equal parts lavender and peppermint | Make sure that you have everything you need on hand. Add the dry ingredients to a glass or metal bowl. Whisk the dry ingredients together. Mix the oils and food coloring in a separate bowl. Add the mixture of wet ingredients to the dry ingredients gradually. Spritz the mixture with a water bottle as necessary. Fill the mold with the mixture. Wait for your bath bomb to set before removing it from the mold. Use your bath bomb. Pick a mold. Choose and experiment with colors. Find the perfect fragrance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Indigestion | How to Cure Indigestion | To ease the symptoms of indigestion, take an over-the-counter antacid about an hour after each meal to reduce the buildup of acid in your stomach. You can also follow up meals with a cup of chamomile tea to get some relief. To prevent indigestion, remember to chew food slowly and completely before swallowing it and drink beverages 20 minutes before or after eating instead of during meals. Also, eliminating carbonated beverages from your diet and letting your food digest completely before exercising can prevent indigestion! | Keep a food diary each day. Write down what you eat for each meal and note whether you experienced indigestion afterward. It can take anywhere up to 72 hours for some foods or beverages to cause indigestion, so keeping the diary faithfully each day will help you track down your triggers. Prevent indigestion by avoiding situations or foods that trigger it for you. Spicy, fatty or greasy foods often trigger indigestion. Foods that contain a lot of acid, like citrus and tomatoes, may contribute to indigestion. If you notice a pattern of foods causing you discomfort, discontinue or limit your consumption of these dishes. You can also download an app to your smartphone to make tracking your diet a little easier. Change the way that you eat. Eating too much food or eating too quickly can trigger indigestion. Never rush while eating. Eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than a few large meals, can help. Here are some other things to try: Chew food slowly and completely before swallowing. Try not to chew with your mouth open and talk before swallowing. Avoid swallowing air. This can happen when you gulp a beverage or talk a lot while eating. Allow enough time to eat your meal. Avoid exercising right after eating. Avoid drinking with your meals. Drink 20 minutes before or after meals. It is probably okay to sip room temperature water during meals. Modify your lifestyle. Smoking tobacco and drinking caffeinated beverages often contribute to indigestion. Work on eliminating these products as part of a healthy lifestyle. Smoking can also lead to irritation of the lining of the stomach causing abdominal pain. Carbonated beverages can cause irritation of the lining of the stomach causing abdominal pain. Discuss your symptoms with a doctor to see what other modifications may help. Change your sleeping habits. Avoid lying down with indigestion symptoms as this can make them worse. Sleep better by not going to bed until your symptoms are gone. It can also help to sleep with your head slightly elevated. Whenever possible, wait at least three hours after eating before going to bed. Do not recline on the couch or in a chair immediately after eating. Place blocks under the bed legs at the head of the bed to elevate your head and shoulders. You can also use a few pillows or a foam wedge if you cannot elevate your bed. Reduce stress. Avoid stress and anxiety as they can contribute to stomach discomfort. Take steps to reduce stressors at work and at home in order to help calm indigestion. If your symptoms are persistent, try seeing a therapist or talk to your doctor about medications that can help you manage your stress. Try to avoid arguments or contention during meals. Get enough sleep at night. Try activities such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise. Engage in relaxing activities that will reduce your overall stress. Take an antacid. Consume antacids to change the stomach acid that may contribute to indigestion. Liquid antacids act more quickly, while tablets are easier to use or carry with you. Antacids may affect other medications you are taking, so do not take them at the same time. Consult your doctor if you are concerned. Most antacids can be purchased over the counter, but may cause different side effects. Take an antacid about an hour after eating, or whenever your heartburn usually occurs. Do not take antacids for a prolonged period of time, as they may cause vitamin B12 deficiency. This is especially true for medications called "proton pump inhibitors," such as Prilosec and Prevacid. If your indigestion continues for more than two weeks, see your doctor. Be aware that there is some evidence that decreasing stomach acid may actually worsen symptoms for some people. It also may be a factor in stomach and small bowel bacterial overgrowth — these studies are ongoing. If you experience a worsening of symptoms after taking an antacid, stop taking them and talk to your doctor. Rule out heartburn. Heartburn, also known as acid reflux , is treated differently as it is not the same thing as indigestion, although they often occur together. Heartburn happens when acid from the stomach flows up the esophagus. Heartburn is particularly common for pregnant women and the elderly. Watch for the following symptoms: Burning behind the breastbone or in the throat. Bitter and sour taste of acid in the back of the throat. Check your medicine cabinet. Avoid antibiotics, aspirin and over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), as they can contribute to indigestion. Taking estrogen and oral contraceptives may also cause indigestion. When possible, avoid these products or discuss with your doctor how to cope with side effects. Take medications on a full stomach to reduce side effects. Other medications that may cause indigestion include: steroids (e.g., prednisone), antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, erythromycin), thyroid medications, blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications (statin), and codeine. Rule out other GI conditions. Ask your doctor if you have any other conditions that might be responsible for your symptoms. Discuss your indigestion with your doctor as treatments may vary. Keep in mind that the following conditions may be responsible for your symptoms. Celiac disease Peptic ulcers Stomach cancer Gallstones Small bowel bacterial overgrowth Call your doctor. Severe indigestion may be an indicator of a serious underlying condition. Describe your symptoms as precisely as possible. Saying you have stomach pain may not be enough to help your doctor diagnose you properly. Call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: Indigestion that persists for more than two weeks and does not respond to home remedies. Significant weight loss. Nausea or repeated vomiting. Stool is dark, bloody, or the consistency of tar. Symptoms of anemia, such as ongoing fatigue or physical weakness. Chronic use of antacids for indigestion. Have a blood test performed. Your doctor may order a blood test to allow her to test for a variety of conditions. A blood test will allow your doctor to test your thyroid functioning and attempt to rule out any metabolic disorders. Your doctor can also test your blood for celiac disease, an inflammatory condition that can cause symptoms such as indigestion. Your blood can also be tested for anemia, a sign that you may have Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes severe digestive symptoms including indigestion. Have a stool test done. A stool test can help your doctor discover infection and inflammation. A common bacterial infection, Helicobacter pylori, can cause symptoms of indigestion and may cause peptic (stomach) ulcers. A stool test can also reveal intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance of bacteria in your digestive system that can cause issues such as indigestion. This can occur if you take antibiotics and do not get your gut flora back to proper levels. Your doctor may test your stool for Giardia lamblia, a common parasitic infection that causes indigestion. If Giardia lamblia is present, your doctor may prescribe a course of metronidazole (Flagyl) or Tinidazole. Consider a colonoscopy to test for Crohn’s disease. If your blood test suggests that you may have Crohn's disease, your doctor may order a colonoscopy. She will use a small, flexible tube and camera to examine the inside of your colon. Ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. If your primary physician finds signs of a more serious condition, or if antacids and other medications have not worked to treat your indigestion , you may consider seeing a gastroenterologist. These doctors specialize in treating conditions affecting the digestive system Ask your doctor about alternative treatments to treat your indigestion. Alternative treatments are believed by some to help soothe or limit the effects of indigestion. Use these treatments in conjunction with your doctor's orders. Many alternative treatments are not proven clinically and could cause negative interactions with prescription medications or existing medical conditions. Always ask your doctor before starting any home remedy to avoid any medical complications. Try enteric-coated peppermint capsules. You should talk with your doctor before using peppermint. Peppermint can help soothe some types of indigestion by calming your stomach muscles and improving bile flow, it can also cause relaxation of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, which can lead to worsening reflux. Using enteric-coated peppermint as opposed to a peppermint tea will avoid the relaxation of the sphincter. Make chamomile tea. Chamomile has been used to treat indigestion and other stomach ailments. There is insufficient scientific evidence to say that chamomile will cure indigestion, but it may help relieve some people's symptoms. You can make a chamomile tea by steeping two to three teaspoons of dried chamomile in one cup of boiling water. Strain the tea after it has steeped for 10 minutes. You can drink this tea up to three to four times per day between meals. People with ragweed or daisy allergies may have an allergic reaction to chamomile. Chamomile may also function like estrogen in the body, so women who have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers should use it with caution. Talk to your doctor before using chamomile. Try artichoke leaf extract. Artichoke leaf extract is believed to work by stimulating bile flow, which helps improve your digestion. You can purchase commercial artichoke leaf extract preparations. Take two 320mg caplets per day. Artichoke leaf extract could cause gas or allergic reactions in some people. People who have allergies to marigolds, daisies, or ragweed are more likely to experience an allergic reaction. Try iberogast (STW5). Iberogast is an herbal combination preparation that is generally safe to use in treating indigestion. It contains a proprietary blend of extracts of bitter candytuft, peppermint, caraway, licorice, celandine, caraway, angelica root, balm leaf, chamomile, and milk thistle. Engage in relaxation therapy. Stress can trigger the onset of indigestion. Removing stress from your life can help to stop indigestion before it starts, or lessen the effects of it. Ask your doctor about relaxation techniques. Practice progressive muscle relaxation. Guided imagery may help you as well. Take probiotics. Probiotics encourage the growth of the healthy, helpful bacteria in your GI system. Medications, illnesses, and other factors can throw off the balance of bacteria in your stomach and intestines. Taking probiotics may help restore that balance, possibly easing your indigestion. There are different strains of probiotics that are good for different ailments, so talk to your doctor about which kind might be right for you. | Keep a food diary each day. Change the way that you eat. Modify your lifestyle. Change your sleeping habits. Reduce stress. Take an antacid. Rule out heartburn. Check your medicine cabinet. Rule out other GI conditions. Call your doctor. Have a blood test performed. Have a stool test done. Consider a colonoscopy to test for Crohn’s disease. Ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist. Ask your doctor about alternative treatments to treat your indigestion. Try enteric-coated peppermint capsules. Make chamomile tea. Try artichoke leaf extract. Try iberogast (STW5). Engage in relaxation therapy. Take probiotics. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Kiss-a-Girl%27s-Neck | How to Kiss a Girl's Neck | If you want to kiss a girl's neck, first check for signs that it's the right time to go in for a kiss. For example, see that she lets your touch linger rather than pulling away when your hand brushes her hand. When you see that she's open to being kissed, you can kiss her playfully by brushing your lips up and down the side of her neck or giving her neck a series of quick kisses. Alternatively, you can kiss her more intimately by sliding your mouth from the bottom of her neck to the top. When you're kissing her, you can wrap your arms around her waist or hold her in your arms. There's no one right way to kiss so do whatever feels natural for you! | Look for positive signs. The best kisses are the ones where both people are enjoying it. Observe your girlfriend before you attempt a kiss on the neck. You'll want to take cues from her on whether or not it is the right time to go in for a kiss. Typically, her body language and facial expressions will give you important signs. Pay attention when you touch her. Whether your hands brush when you hand her a drink, or there is contact when you help her put on her coat, notice her response when you make physical contact. If she pulls away at all, she is probably not receptive to kissing at this time. But if she allows the touch to linger, that is a positive indicator. Notice her eye contact. Is she letting her gaze linger on yours? That is a sign that she might be open to kissing. If she looks away quickly, she is trying to create space between you. Blushing is a good sign. If her cheeks are flushed when she looks at you, that is a sign that she is attracted to you. You can also look at her feet. If they're pointed towards you, she is receptive to your attention. Have good timing. Pay attention to your date's actions and words. For example, if she is telling you an emotional story about a fight she had with her best friend, this is probably not the right time to kiss her on the neck. That might be seen as not taking her problem seriously. Make sure you're in good company. Before you go in for a kiss on the neck, make sure that you are in an appropriate environment. Many women are open to a little bit of physical affection in public, but most will shy away from overt displays of physical activity in public.Pay attention to her mood. Does she seem relaxed and comfortable? Then it might be a good environment for a kiss. Know the crowd. Is your girlfriend's family extremely conservative? Then it is probably not a good idea to give her a lingering kiss on the neck in front of them. Likewise, it is probably not appropriate if you are spending time with her boss or coworkers. If you are in a relaxed public space, such as a sporting event or concert, a kiss on the neck might be a fine idea. However, make sure that you are not putting your date on display by drawing a lot of attention to the two of you. Practice good hygiene. Women say that physical chemistry is very important when choosing who they want to kiss. Females are attracted to how people look and how they smell. Most woman report that prefer being kissed by someone who is well-groomed. If you have facial hair, make sure that it is clean, trimmed, and looking good. Having fresh breath is also important. If you anticipate kissing, take a moment before hand to pop a breath mint. This will make kissing a more pleasurable experience for both of you. Be playful. A playful kiss can be very romantic. It indicates that you are comfortable with your girlfriend, and that you are having fun. It also indicates that you feel confident in expressing your affection towards her. Slowly brush your lips up and down the side of her neck. This type of kissing is playful and teasing. It will lead your girlfriend to wonder what is to come later. As you work your way up the neck, you might playfully nibble on your girlfriend's earlobe. Just make sure to be gentle! Approach from behind. Come up behind your girlfriend and surprise her with a kiss on the neck. The element of surprise makes this type of kiss seem romantic and spontaneous. Just remember to make sure you are in the appropriate environment--and don't scare her by sneaking up too quietly. If your girlfriend has long hair, gently move it out of the way with your hand. Then deliver quick, warm kisses to the nape of her neck. Do the "slide". Instead of delivering a series of multiple, quick kisses, try one longer movement. Begin your kiss at the top (or bottom) of her neck. Without breaking contacts between your lips and her neck, slide your mouth up and down her neck. Since this kiss is more prolonged than others, it is probably best to try this method when you two are alone in a private place. Try wrapping your arms around her waist or resting them on her shoulders. Do whatever feels natural for you. If it's a longer kiss, you'll probably want to draw her close to you and hold her in your arms. Give meaning to your kiss. Kisses convey a lot of emotion. The way you kiss her neck can say something about your intentions. For example, a kiss can promote affection and bonding. A quick kiss on the neck can tell your girlfriend, "Hi, I'm glad to be here with you." Kissing can also convey that you are attempting to arouse and seduce your girlfriend. If this is your intention, up the intensity of your kisses. Let them linger a little longer, and make them a bit more persistent. If you are intending the kiss to lead to more affection, try gently massaging her shoulders or arms. You can also hold her hand to add intimacy. Know why it is important. Kissing is an important element of any relationship, and a kiss on the neck is no exception. Learning to be a good kisser can have a really positive effect on your relationship. Research shows that having good kissing chemistry is very important in a relationship, especially to women. If you are concerned that you and your girlfriend aren't having successful kisses, try something new. Be more gentle, or be more confident. You can also try getting verbal feedback. Try saying something such as, "I really like it when we kiss good night. How about you?" Pay attention to her response. Learn the elements of a great kiss. A great kiss involves more than just lips on lips. Other essential elements are confidence, and other physical touches. For example, try giving hugs or other caresses while you are kissing. This will heighten the level of affection. Good hygiene is an important element of kissing. Bad breath can be a major turn-off, as can general body odor. Make sure to freshen your deodorant before a big date. Practice. The most important thing to remember is that kissing is personal. What matters most is that you and your girlfriend enjoy it. It's also good to remember that your first kiss probably won't be your last--you have time to improve! And practicing getting kissing right can be very enjoyable, for both you and your girlfriend. | Look for positive signs. Make sure you're in good company. Practice good hygiene. Be playful. Approach from behind. Do the "slide". Give meaning to your kiss. Know why it is important. Learn the elements of a great kiss. Practice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bake-Turkey-Wings | How to Bake Turkey Wings | To bake turkey wings, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning your oven rack to the center. Next, dice onions and place them on an ovenproof dish along with your turkey wings. Then, sprinkle seasoned salt, poultry seasoning, black pepper, and garlic on both sides of the wings. Once seasoned, pour a half cup of water into the bottom of the oven dish, cover it with foil or a lid, and bake the wings for 1 hour. Finally, take the wings out, pour cream of mushroom soup over them, and cook for 1 more hour. | Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Turn the oven on before you start your food preparation. Position your oven rack to the center of your oven. Cooking your turkey wings in the middle of the oven will allow the heat to flow around the dish and will help the wings to bake evenly. Dice the onion. Use a sharp knife to cut the onion into small-medium pieces. If you don't like onion you can skip this step and leave the onion out. Try cutting the onions under an overhead vent or microwave ventilation fan to stop your eyes stinging from the onions. Place the turkey wings and chopped onions into an ovenproof dish. Spread the turkey wings across the dish so that they aren't on top of each other. It is fine if they are touching as long they are all on a single layer. This will help the wings to cook evenly. Sprinkle the chopped onion across the dish and over the wings. Sprinkle half of the seasonings onto each side of the wings. Sprinkle half 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic onto the top side of the wings. Turn the wings over and then sprinkle the rest of the seasoning onto the underside. Mixing the seasonings together in a small bowl first will save you time when turning over the turkey wings. Pour 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water into the bottom of the oven dish. Measure 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water and pour it evenly over the dish. The water should cover the bottom of the dish. This creates a sauce for the turkey wings to marinate in while they are cooking. Cover the oven dish with aluminum foil or a lid. If the dish doesn't have a lid you can aluminum foil instead. Pull the foil over the dish and secure it by wrapping it over the sides of the dish. This keeps the turkey moist and helps the meat to cook evenly. Place the wings into the oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour the wings should be lightly browned. Check the wings at 50 minutes to make sure they aren't burning. Mix the cream of mushroom soup and water together. Mix the can of cream of mushroom soup 10.75 ounces (305 g) and 1 cup (240 mL) of water together in a small bowl. Keep stirring the mixture until the soup and water are well combined. Remove the dish from the oven and pour the mixture over the wings. Keep the oven dish level as you remove it from the oven as there will be hot juices in the bottom of the dish. Gently pour the soup and water mixture over the wings so that it evenly covers the dish. Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for 1 hour. Remove the lid or foil from the oven dish, then place the wings back into the oven. Removing the lid or foil for the remaining cook time helps to make the wings crispy. Remove the wings from the oven once they are brown and tender. After 1 hour the turkey wings should be nicely browned. Leave them in the oven for another 5-10 minutes if they still look light in color after 1 hour. Check that the wings are tender by using a fork to see if the meat comes off the bone easily. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The wings will be safe to eat for 3-4 days. Finished. | Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Dice the onion. Place the turkey wings and chopped onions into an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle half of the seasonings onto each side of the wings. Pour 0.5 cups (120 mL) of water into the bottom of the oven dish. Cover the oven dish with aluminum foil or a lid. Place the wings into the oven for 1 hour. Mix the cream of mushroom soup and water together. Remove the dish from the oven and pour the mixture over the wings. Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for 1 hour. Remove the wings from the oven once they are brown and tender. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Qualify-for-Medicaid | How to Qualify for Medicaid | The specific qualification requirements for Medicaid vary from state to state, so the best way to make sure you qualify is to check your state's Medicaid website. However, there are certain national qualification requirements. For example, a family of 4 can earn no more than 20,700 dollars annually by federal requirements. You can also qualify if you're disabled or the beneficiary of someone who is disabled. You may have to provide evidence of your disability, as well as proof of your US citizenship. If you're not a US citizen, you may be able to claim Medicaid if you meet other criteria, such as being an asylum seeker, refugee, veteran or active member of the military. | Learn if you are eligible for Medicaid. There are some requirements that you should meet before you apply for Medicaid. These qualifications will vary from state to state; however, there are some commonalities that you can expect. Review the following list of qualifications to get an overview of what might be required of you. Be at a certain income level. For example, a family of 4 can earn no more than $29,700 annually by federal requirements. The size of your family will determine required income level minimums. Larger families will have higher requirements for income. Either be disabled yourself or be the beneficiary of someone who is disabled. You may also be required to submit medical proof of any disabilities. State specific requirements. Some states have higher allowances for their minimum income requirements. Other criteria may be required such as residency, immigration status, as well as providing documents proving your U.S. citizenship. Be aware that some non-citizens may still be eligible. Even if you are not a citizen of the United States of America, you may still qualify to receive Medicaid. Review the following points to see if you fit in this category of non-citizens who may still receive Medicaid: If you have claimed asylum or are a refugee. If you are a lawful permanent resident or hold a green card. If you were a victim of human trafficking. If you are a veteran or currently active member of the military. If you are entering from Cuba or Haiti. If you were under parole for more than 1 year. If you are a non-citizen woman or child who was a victim of battery. Check your income level. If you live below or near the federal poverty level, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Each state will have their own requirements for income level. Compare your income to these federal and state income levels to learn if you are eligible for Medicare. As of 2011, the Federal poverty level for a family of four is $29,700 annually. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 allows income levels to be 133% of the federal poverty level. Income level requirements will vary from state to state. For example, income levels in New York can be 149% of the federal poverty level while Maryland allows up to 317%. A detailed list of state income requirements can be found at "www.medicaid.gov" Income levels are usually judged in consideration with the size of your family. Not all states have expanded their coverage under the Affordable Care Act. 19 states are currently not expanding coverage including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Learn about additional eligibility groups. If you don't find yourself fitting into one of the main groups served by Medicaid, you may want to see if you fit into the three additional eligible groups. Keep in mind that it is up to the state to cover these optional groups. Review the following list to learn more about these groups: Those deemed “medically needy” may be considered eligible for Medicaid. People in this group are generally above the federal poverty level, but are allowed to pay a portion of medical bills while Medicaid covers what their payment did not. Women who were found to have breast or cervical cancer may be eligible for Medicaid if they were otherwise found ineligible. People who have tuberculosis, but were otherwise ineligible, may be covered by Medicaid. Apply. If you believe that you may qualify for Medicaid then you should apply. There are a few methods that you can use to apply; however, they will all involve you applying at a state level. You can check to see if you are qualified on-line at healthcare.gov Each state will have its own methods of application. Learn what and who Medicaid is intended for. There are multiple functions to the Medicaid program and different reasons that you might need to apply. Review the following functions of the Medicaid program to learn if it is a good fit for you: Medicaid can help if you are unable to pay large medical bills. If you are enrolled in Medicare, you may already be qualified for Medicaid. There may be financial circumstances that qualify you for Medicaid, such as being below the federal poverty line. If you receive supplemental security income (SSI), you may automatically be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid aims to provide medical aide to pregnant women, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and non-disabled individuals. Understand your state Medicaid requirements. Although Medicaid is a federally funded program, it is implemented on a state level. Some states will even have their own programs that they run. You will have to learn about your own state and their requirements for enrollment in Medicaid. You can find information about your state requirements “at this website” States will select on an individual level who is accepted into the Medicaid program. States can also choose to expand their coverage to groups beyond the federally mandated groups. There are some federally mandated aspects to Medicaid. These involve which groups of people are required to be covered by Medicaid. Be aware of retroactive eligibility. Medicaid may apply retroactively up to three months before you applied. If you apply and are accepted, and were also eligible three months ago, any medical bills incurred during those last three months may be covered. Coverage under Medicaid will end when you are no longer considered eligible. | Learn if you are eligible for Medicaid. Be aware that some non-citizens may still be eligible. Check your income level. Learn about additional eligibility groups. Apply. Learn what and who Medicaid is intended for. Understand your state Medicaid requirements. Be aware of retroactive eligibility. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Modular-House | How to Buy a Modular House | Modular homes are a popular alternative to traditionally built houses that are often more affordable and quicker to construct. Your main expense will be securing an empty land where you can build your modular house. Once you've bought your plot, choose the details of your modular home, like the materials, how many rooms you want, and the architectural style. In addition to buying the land and house, you'll need to pay for a foundation to be laid and for your home to be hooked up to electricity, water, and gas lines. If you need to finance the house, apply for a construction loan to build the house. Then, once it's built, you can switch to a traditional mortgage. It should take around 2 or 3 months to build your house on site. | Choose a location. When you buy a modular house, you need to own the land before the house is constructed. This means you will have to start shopping for an empty parcel of land to put your house on. It's a good idea to have at least a general idea of where you want to put your house before you start working with a builder. Land is very expensive in some areas, so it's important to understand how much an average parcel will cost in the area you want to live in before you start planning your house. This will ensure that you do not go over-budget when you buy the land. Don't forget to consider what your property taxes will be. Consider that it will be much more expensive to connect your home to utilities if it is in a remote location. A modular house is not the same thing as a manufactured home or mobile home. A modular house is placed on a permanent foundation and cannot be moved, while a manufactured home is designed to be easily relocated to a new site. Think about the space you need. Once you settle on a location, you will need to decide what kind of space you need in your modular house. Modular houses can be very tiny or palatial, so you have lots of options. Think about how many rooms you need and how big you need them to be. Think about how much square footage your family currently has and how much extra you need. If you're not sure, consider visiting open houses or model homes in your area. Even if you don't plan on buying this type of home, visiting them will give you a good sense of how much space you need. Keep in mind that more square footage typically means more expense. Carefully consider your budget when deciding how much house you really need. In addition to square footage, you should think about what kind of floor plan you would like, or how you would like the rooms to be laid out. For example, some people prefer open concept floor plans, while others prefer defined rooms. You may also have preferences regarding the locations of certain rooms. When deciding on your needs, be sure to plan for the future as well. For example, if you plan on having children in the next few years, you may want to purchase a home that is large enough for a family now. Consider your style preferences. Modular houses are available in a wide array of different styles, so you can find one that fits your style, whether you prefer traditional homes or a more contemporary aesthetic. Having a good idea of what style of home you are looking for will make it easier to find the right modular home builder for you. If you have no idea what style of home you would like, look around the neighborhood and online for design inspiration. Keep in mind that some styles offer functional benefits as well as aesthetic benefits. For example, ranch style homes are much more accessible for the elderly and disabled than Victorian style homes. The location you choose may influence your design choices. For example, if you buy a lot in an older neighborhood, you may want the architecture of your house to match that of the neighboring houses. In addition to the style of house you would like, you may want to start thinking about the finishing touches you would like, such as kitchen countertops, siding, and flooring, as these can have a big impact on your budget. Shop around. There are lots of different companies that build modular houses, so it may seem overwhelming to try to choose one. Each company is different, so do some research to find one that offers quality construction and the style you are looking for at a price that fits your budget. Researching multiple builders will help ensure that you select the best one for you. If you contact a company outside of your state, be sure to ask them if they are able to build in your area. Not all companies are permitted to construct modular houses in all areas. Some companies specialize in specific styles of homes, while others focus on homes that fall within certain price ranges. If the first company you look at doesn't offer a design that meets your needs or budget, keep looking because chances are another company will. If possible, read reviews about the different companies online or even talk to people who have purchased homes from them. This should give you a good idea of the quality of the houses they build. Once you've narrowed down your search, ask the company if you can tour houses that they have built in the past. Ideally, you should try to tour a recently built house that is similar to what you are looking for, as well as a house that was built ten years ago or more. This will allow you to see if the construction stands up over time. Ask about what is not included. Depending on the manufacturer, the list price of the house may not include everything you actually need to construct your home. It is important to ask the builder lots of questions so that you understand how much the home will really cost you. You may need to pay a separate company to pour the foundation for your home. You may need to pay extra to have utilities like electricity, natural gas, and sewer lines hooked up to your house. If the area does not have sewers, you may have to pay to have a septic system installed. Basic mechanics like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC may also not be included in the price of the house, so be sure to ask. There may also be a charge for delivering the modular house to your site. Ask about customization. While you must choose a specific model when you buy a modular home, the floor plans can often be customized to your specific needs. For example, you may be able to add a garage or a second floor to your house, or you may be able to move walls around inside so you have a larger kitchen. Be sure to ask the builder if you are able to customize your house and how expensive customizations typically are. Be sure to find out when you need to make your final decisions by. You may not be able to request any additional changes once the building process begins. Ask the builder what kinds of customizations would require engineer approval, as these alterations may be significantly more expensive. Ask about upgrades. Customizations are changes to the layout of the house, while upgrades are typically changes to the materials that are used to finish the construction. Upgrades are typically aesthetic, but they can be functional as well. Be sure to ask the builder questions about what upgrades are available and what the cost is. Find out if you are limited to specific materials or if you are able to shop for your own from anywhere. When deciding which upgrades that you can afford, be sure to consider how expensive it would be to upgrade later. For example, it will probably not be any more expensive to change out your countertops in a few years than it would be to upgrade them during the building process. It would be more expensive, however, to add additional insulation later on. Ask if you can upgrade anything you want. For example, it is common for home builders to offer buyers the option of upgrading their kitchen cabinets and flooring, but less common to offer the option to upgrade windows, roofing, or mechanical systems. If you are interested in upgrading any of the features of your home, be sure to find out if it is an option before you commit. Get financing. Financing a modular home is a little different than financing a traditional house because you need to buy the land and pay the modular home builder in full before the construction is complete. If you don't have the funds to pay for the house in cash, you will need to apply for a construction loan, which is a short-term loan that gives you the money you need to pay for the construction of your house. Once the house is built, you will be able to switch over to a traditional mortgage. Unlike manufactured homes, modular homes do not depreciate, so getting a loan from a bank should not be an issue. Many banks offer construction loans with great rates. Some modular building companies offer their own financing, which many customers find more convenient than having to shop around for bank loans. Always ask building companies if they offer these options, but make sure the interest rate and fees are comparable to those being offered by banks before you agree to it. Whether you get your construction loan through a bank or through the construction company, make sure you understand if it will be automatically converted into a mortgage or if you will need to apply for a new mortgage after the home is built. Applying for a second loan will typically mean more fees. It's a good idea to take out a loan for a little more than you expect to spend, just in case unexpected expenses come up. Keep in mind that you will be making payments on your construction loan before you are able to move in to your home, which means you may still be paying rent or mortgage payments for another house. Be sure you can afford this before you commit to taking out the loan. Find a general contractor. Modular home builders often do not provide any on-site construction services, so you may have to hire a general contractor to complete the building process for you. Hiring an experienced, reliable general contractor will make the process easy and stress-free for you. It is essential to hire a general contractor who has a lot of experience in working with modular homes, as they pose unique construction challenges. It's a good idea to request bids from at least three general contractors in order to compare prices. Be wary of any price that seems unusually low. Don't forget to ask the contractors how soon they will be able to finish your project, as they may already have other obligations. Before you hire a general contractor, always get several references from past customers. If possible, visit modular homes that the contractor has worked on in the past to see his work. The modular home builder may recommend a contractor, but this doesn't mean that you shouldn't still get other bids and check references. Buy the perfect piece of land. When buying land, you need to consider more than just the surrounding area. There are lots of little details that can make it more difficult to build on a lot, so do your due diligence to make sure you don't end up spending more than you have to. When buying land, be sure to consider the zoning regulations of the property. It is important to ensure that you will be allowed to build the kind of structure you want on the land, so wait for written permission from the town before finalizing the purchase. Make sure the property is not protected by any environmental restrictions that would prevent you from building there. Find out if anyone else has any rights to the property. Existing agreements may not be overridden by your purchase, so it's important to know about them. Have the soil tested by a professional. You can test for both soil contamination and soil composition. Contamination may make the property unfit for residential usage, while soil that contains a lot of clay or gravel may increase construction costs significantly. Most land sellers will not have a problem with you conducting these kinds of tests before you purchase the land. Wait for your house to be ready. One of the great things about choosing a modular house is that the building time is typically much shorter than that of a traditionally built house. This is because a large amount of the construction is done in a factory, so the weather never causes delays. While you may have to wait six to 12 months for a site-built house to be ready, you will typically only have to wait two or three months for your modular home to be ready. Be sure you have somewhere to stay while your modular house is being built. Even though delays are not common in the factory, they can still occur in the final building stage, so it's best to have flexible arrangements. | Choose a location. Think about the space you need. Consider your style preferences. Shop around. Ask about what is not included. Ask about customization. Ask about upgrades. Get financing. Find a general contractor. Buy the perfect piece of land. Wait for your house to be ready. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Kangaroo | How to Draw a Kangaroo | To draw a kangaroo, start by drawing a curved “L,” and adding a smaller, curved line at the top. Then, draw a long, curved line from the outer point of the top line to the inner point of the "L" shape to create the body. Next, make the bottom line of the “L” into the back legs and sketch in the front legs above them. Once you've drawn the main body, add a large tail and ears. Finally, make a dot in the center of the face for an eye, and a curved line underneath for the mouth. | Draw a curved L. Sketch a capital "L," but make both lines slightly curved instead of straight. The vertical line should still point upward, but the horizontal line should tilt downward. The vertical line will be the front of the kangaroo and the horizontal line will be one of its hind legs. Since the kangaroo has long back legs, this horizontal line should be approximately the same length as the the vertical line. Add a dash to the top of the L. Draw a second curved line connected to the top of the vertical "L" line. This new line should only be one-quarter the length of the lower horizontal line. Also note that this line should extend outward in the same direction of the lower horizontal line, but it should curve in the opposite direction (upward instead of downward). This new line will form the lower part of the kangaroo's head. Connect the top point to the lower middle point. Draw one long, curved line connection the outer point of the top horizontal line to the inner point of the lower horizontal line. This line should rise above the top point and curve into a half-circle above the top point of the vertical line. Leave some space in between the lines; when finished with this portion, you should see the shape of the head. Continue drawing toward the bottom point from behind the vertical line. Curve this new line close to the original line for one-third of its length, then expand it into a larger curve until it reaches the bottom point. From the top of the head to the bottom of the body, the new line should look similar to the letter "S." Sketch the back legs. Complete the first back leg by drawing a parallel line just beneath the lower horizontal line of your original "L." Bring the back end of this new line up to meet the lower portion of the curved back line. Draw three short lines in between the front of both lower horizontal lines. These short lines will represent toes. Sketch a half-circle inside the body, connected to the front curve, and roughly one-third up from the bottom. The half-circle should not reach the back curve line. Complete the other back leg simply by sketching another line that runs parallel to the original lower horizontal line. This new line should be above the original and should remain outside the body. Sketch the front legs. Add three downward curved lines to the front of the body, placing them roughly one-third from the top. These lines should mimic the curve of the back legs, but they should only be approximately one-quarter the length of the back legs. Draw three short parallel lines in between the lower two front leg lines; these will be the toes of the closest front leg. Add the tail. Draw another curved line coming off the bottom of the back body ("S") curve. This line should curve upward and point away from the body. Note that its size should roughly match the size of the back legs. After drawing the first tail line, draw another line just above it. Both lines should be connected to the body and should meet each other at a point. Add ears. Draw a shallow "C" curve at the back of the head, allowing the curve to slope upward. Connect the top of this curve to the head in a straight line, completing one ear. Draw another ear just like the first directly beneath the first. The second ear is "closer," so it should be slightly larger. Note that both ears should be just a little smaller than the head itself. Give the kangaroo a face. Add a dot to the center of the face for an eye and a straight or gently curved line near the bottom of the head for the mouth. This is the final step. Once you draw the face, the entire kangaroo is complete. Draw a pointed muzzle. Sketch a sideways cone with a rounded point. Leave the base of the cone open. The two slanted edges do not need to mirror one another. The bottom edge should be fairly horizontal, but the upper edge should slant upward at an approximate 45-degree angle. Both lines should stop at the same imaginary vertical boundary, however. Add two triangular ears. Draw a vertical triangle at the end of top muzzle line. Draw another vertical triangle just behind the first, but make it slightly smaller and partially hidden behind the first. The sides of the "front" ear should be roughly two-thirds the length of the upward muzzle line. Leave the bottom for the "front" ear open and the bottom of the "rear" ear closed. Sketch the neck lines. Draw a slightly curved line that comes down from the end point of the "front" ear triangle. This will be the back of the neck. Draw a straight line coming down from the end of the bottom muzzle line. This will be the front of the neck. The two lines should be nearly parallel, but the front neck line should be nearly twice as long as the back neck line. Draw a curved line for the back and tail. Sketch a downward-pointing arc starting at the bottom of the back neck. This arc should extend downward and away from the head. The first arc will only be the back of the kangaroo. To attach the tail, draw a straight line from the end of the back arc, keeping the connecting point smooth instead of sharp. Draw a second line from the tip of the tail, extending back toward the body. This second line should end where the first began, and the two combined should form a slightly curved triangle. Add the front leg and belly. Draw the front leg just beside the end point of the front neck line. Sketch a gently curved line for the stomach on the opposite side of the front leg. The top part of the front leg should angle back and away from the head; the middle part should be twice as long and should angle down and forward, gradually becoming more narrow near the bottom; the final part should be an enclosed-half circle for the paw. Note that the belly line should be roughly the same size as the middle part of the front leg. Sketch the back leg. The back leg has the shape of a capital "L," and both the top and bottom of the leg should be the same size. Position the back leg at the end of the belly line. Sketch an arc at the front of the back leg (where it connects to the belly). This arc should open toward the back leg itself. Sketch another arc from the back of the back leg. This arc should open toward the first and will create the rear of the animal. Make sure that it connects the leg to the bottom opening of the tail. Mirror both legs. The existing legs are those "nearest" the viewer. Draw two slightly smaller but otherwise identical legs along the underside of the body to represent the "furthest" legs. Position the second front leg to the inside of the first, somewhere near the top of the belly. Position the second back leg just a little above the first. Add a face. Draw a small arc from the front of the muzzle to represent the nose. Place a dot just beneath the top muzzle line, halfway between the nose and the ear; this represents the eye. The kangaroo is finished once you finish drawing the face. Draw three connecting ovals. Draw one large oval in the center of the paper, then add a slightly smaller one directly beside it on the upper right side. Finish by drawing an even smaller circle to the upper right of the second. The largest oval will form the main part of the kangaroo's body, and it should be just a little taller than it is wide. The middle oval will continue the body. It should nearly be a perfect circle, and it should be roughly half as big as the first circle. Its edge should meet the edge of the bigger circle. The small circle will form the head and needs to be roughly two-thirds the size of the middle circle. Its edge should also meet the edge of the middle circle. Add two cones to the top circle. Draw one cone off the right side of the top circle; this will be the kangaroo's muzzle. Draw a second cone near the top left of the top circle; this will be the ear. The muzzle should have rounded edges, and it should also point slightly downward. Make it just a little smaller than the circle itself. The ear should be thinner and slightly longer than the muzzle. It should also point upward. Smooth out the shape of the body. Draw lines that connect the head to the middle of the body, and separate lines that connect the middle of the body to the bottom. The lines connecting the head to the middle will form the neck. They should run tangent to both circles and be fairly straight on either side (left and right). The lines connecting the middle to the bottom will form the outer edge of the actual body. The top line should form a downward arc between the top of the middle oval and the top left of the bottom oval. The bottom line should be a smaller upward arc connecting the bottom of the middle oval to the right side of the bottom oval. After drawing your connecting lines, you can erase the inner oval/circle edges lying in between these new lines. Sketch blocks for the legs and tail. Sketch a series of three blocks for the arm, two blocks for the lower leg, and three blocks for the tail. The blocks forming the arm should start at the center of the middle circle and hang beneath the animal's belly. The first block should slant back and end where the oval ended; the second should slant forward and drop beneath the belly; the third should be slant back and be roughly half the size of the first. The blocks forming the back leg should form an "L" shape, and the top of the first block should connect to the bottom edge of the lowest oval. Both blocks should be the same size. The blocks forming the tail should connect to the lower left side of the lowest oval, just behind the back leg. Curve these blocks away from the body and make them progressively narrower. The final block should have a pointed outer tip. Smooth out the legs. Trace back over the outer edges of the arm and leg blocks, smoothing out the connecting points and making them less sharp. Angle the top line of the last block in each leg so that it comes down at a gentle "C" curve. Both of these last blocks should form the feet of the kangaroo. After smoothing out the legs, erase the inner block lines, leaving only the outline of each leg. Mirror the front and back legs. Draw a line just above the bottom leg line. It should match the direction and shape of the bottom leg line, but it should stop a little shorter than the established leg. Similarly, draw a line to the inside of front leg/arm line, matching the direction and shape of the front leg but falling just a little short of the overall length. Both of these new lines should form the legs "furthest" away from the viewer. Expand the tail. Smooth out the connecting points between the tail blocks, making them less sharp. Erase the inner tail lines, leaving only the outline behind. Detail the face. Erase the line between the muzzle and the main portion of the head, then draw a semi-circle nose at the tip of the muzzle. Add a large dot for the eye near the right edge of the original head circle. You should also add another ear that mimics the line of the first. Detailing the face is the final step in this drawing method. Once you finish drawing the face, the kangaroo should be done. | Draw a curved L. Add a dash to the top of the L. Connect the top point to the lower middle point. Sketch the back legs. Sketch the front legs. Add the tail. Add ears. Give the kangaroo a face. Draw a pointed muzzle. Add two triangular ears. Sketch the neck lines. Draw a curved line for the back and tail. Add the front leg and belly. Sketch the back leg. Mirror both legs. Add a face. Draw three connecting ovals. Add two cones to the top circle. Smooth out the shape of the body. Sketch blocks for the legs and tail. Smooth out the legs. Mirror the front and back legs. Expand the tail. Detail the face. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Evolve-Scyther | How to Evolve Scyther | To evolve Scyther, start by getting a Metal Coat, which you can find at specific locations or with certain wild Pokémon depending on the game you're playing. Then, give your Scyther the Metal Coat to hold onto. When you're ready to evolve your Scyther, you'll need to trade it with a friend since Scyther's evolution is only triggered when it's traded. After you trade it, have your friend trade the Scizor back to you to complete the evolution. | Obtain a Metal Coat. This is an item that your Pokémon can hold to increase the power of their Steel-type attacks. It is required in order to evolve Scyther into Scizor. If you're trying to get it from a wild Pokémon, you'll need to catch the Pokémon and see if it's holding the Metal Coat. Gold, Silver, and Crystal - You can find one at the S.S. Aqua, and are held by wild Magnemite. In Crystal it is also held by Maggie at the Kanto Power Plant. Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald - They are held by wild Magnemite and wild Magneton. FireRed and LeafGreen - You can find one at the Memorial Pillar and as a Trainer Tower prize. Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum - You can get one from Byron at Iron Island, and they are held by wild Magnemite, Steelix, Beldum, Bronzor, and Bronzong. HeartGold and SoulSilver - You can find one at the S.S. Aqua, and they are held by wild Magnemite, Magneton, Steelix, Beldum, Metang, and Bronzor. Maggie at the Kanto Power Plant also holds on. Finally, you can get on at the Pokéathlon Dome on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Black and White - You can find one at Route 13 and at Twist Mountain, and they are held by wild Magnemite, Metang, Metagross, and Bronzong. Black 2 and White 2 - You can find one at Chargestone Cave and at Clay Tunnel, or you can buy one at the Antique Shop at Join Avenue or in Black City (Black 2 only). X and Y - You can find one at the Poké Ball Factory and receive one at the Pokémileage Club for Balloon Popping, Lv. 1. It is also held by wild Magneton. Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby - You can find one at New Mauville, and they are held by wild Magnemite and Skarmory. Sun and Moon - It has a 5% chance of being held by a wild Magnemite, Skarmory or Beldum. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon - In addition to potentially being held by a wild Magnemite, Skarmory or Beldum, it can also be found on an island in the Poni Gauntlet. Ensure you're ready to evolve Scyther. There are a few reasons you may want to continue using your Scyther before evolving it. Scyther learns some moves that Scizor does not, such as Air Slash at Level 53. Scyther also learns Double Team at Level 37 instead of Scizor's Iron Defense. Scyther is is significantly faster than Scizor, but is very weak to Rock attacks as well as fairly weak to a few other types. Scizor is only weak to Fire attacks. Give your Scyther a Metal Coat to hold. This is required for the evolution. Trade your Scyther to a friend. Scyther's evolution is triggered when it is traded. Find a friend or someone online who you can trade it to and will trade it back to you after it evolves. Have your friend trade the Scizor back. Scyther will evolve as soon as the first trade is complete. After the evolution, have your friend trade it back to you. Obtain and upgrade your Mega Ring In Pokémon X and Y. To do this, you'll need to defeat your rival and then earn the Rumble Badge at Shalour Gym. Take the badge to the top of the Tower of Mastery to receive the Mega Ring. After obtaining the Mega Ring, you'll need to upgrade it by defeating your rival again in Kiloude City. Professor Sycamore will upgrade your ring after the battle. Click here for more details on the Mega Evolution process in X and Y. Obtain and upgrade your Mega Ring in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon. In order to do this, you'll first need to have defeated the Elite Four. Then, head to Ancient Poni Path (or Poni Plains in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon), where Sina and Dexio, characters you may recognize from earlier on in the game are waiting for you. Defeat Dexio in a battle, and they'll teach you about Mega Evolution, and give you both the Mega Ring and the Key Stone. Defeat Groudon or Kyogre (Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby). In order to gain access to the Mega Stones in Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby, you'll need to defeat the Legendary Pokémon first. This is Kyogre in Alpha Sapphire and Groudon in Omega Ruby. Find Scizorite. This is the Mega Stone that Scizor needs to evolve into Mega Scizor. You can tell that you've found a Mega Stone by looking for sparkling ground. X and Y - Scizorite can be found behind the Abomasnow in Frost Cavern 3F. Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby - Scizorite can be found to the south of the Moss Rock in Petalburg Woods. You'll need Cut to reach it. Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon - You can purchase Scizorite at the Battle Tree for 64 bp. Give the Scizorite to Scizor to hold. You can only perform a Mega Evolution during a battle, and the Scizor must be holding the Mega Stone. Select "Mega Evolve" during a battle to evolve. You can only have one Mega Evolution in a battle at a single time. The Mega Evolution will last the entire battle, even if you switch Pokémon. If the Mega Scizor is knocked out or the battle ends, it will revert back to the regular version. | Obtain a Metal Coat. Ensure you're ready to evolve Scyther. Give your Scyther a Metal Coat to hold. Trade your Scyther to a friend. Have your friend trade the Scizor back. Obtain and upgrade your Mega Ring In Pokémon X and Y. Obtain and upgrade your Mega Ring in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon. Defeat Groudon or Kyogre (Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby). Find Scizorite. Give the Scizorite to Scizor to hold. Select "Mega Evolve" during a battle to evolve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-EuroMillions | How to Play EuroMillions | To play EuroMillions, make sure you're at least 18 years old, or at least 16 if you're in the UK. Then, visit the EuroMillions website, click “Buy Tickets,” and select the lines you want to play. Next, select “Number Pickers” to pick your numbers, or “Quick Pick” if you want the system to select numbers for you. After that, click “Add to Cart” and follow the on-screen instructions to pay for your tickets. Finally, wait for the EuroMillions drawing and check your tickets online at the EuroMillions results page to see if you're a winner! | Verify you meet the age requirements to play EuroMillions. You must be at least 18 years of age to play EuroMillions, or at least 16 years of age if located in the United Kingdom. Navigate to the EuroMillions site at https://www.euro-millions.com/play. Click on “Buy Tickets. ” The Web page for the EuroMillions lottery concierge service called WinTrillions will open in a new browser tab. WinTrillions is a third party that handles online ticket purchases for EuroMillions. Purchase your EuroMillions tickets before 8:30 p.m. CET (7:30 p.m. GMT) on Tuesdays and Fridays. Ticket sales close at this hour on days of relevant drawings. Select the amount of EuroMillions lines you want to play. You can play between three and five lines per transaction. Select “Quick Pick” or “Number Picker,” based on your preference. Quick Pick allows the system to randomly select numbers for you, whereas Number Picker allows you to select your own EuroMillions numbers. Select your number of draws, then click “Add to Cart. ” Prices of EuroMillions tickets will vary depending on your country and on the amount of lines purchased. Follow the on-screen instructions to buy your EuroMillions tickets. You will be guided through creating a EuroMillions account and providing your contact and payment information. When the purchase is complete, the tickets will be scanned into your EuroMillions account so you can view them online. Wait for the EuroMillions drawing to take place. EuroMillions drawings take place on Tuesday and Friday evenings at approximately 9:00 p.m. CET (8:00 p.m. GMT). Navigate to the EuroMillions results page at https://www.euro-millions.com/results following the drawing. This page displays the most recent winning numbers, as well as winning numbers from previous drawings. Check whether the EuroMillions numbers on your ticket match the winning numbers. You are eligible to receive prizes if you have at least two of the winning numbers. Wait for your winnings to be deposited into your online EuroMillions account. Any money you win will be automatically deposited into your EuroMillions account within 24 hours of the drawing. You can then either withdraw your balance, or use the money to purchase additional tickets. For high-value wins, you will be contacted directly by the lottery ticket concierge service, who will then guide you through the claims process. Verify you meet the age requirements to play EuroMillions. You must be at least 18 years of age to play EuroMillions, or at least 16 years of age if located in the United Kingdom. Tap on Menu and select “Settings. ” Tap on “Security,” then place a checkmark next to “Unknown Sources. ” This allows your Android to install apps from outside of Google Play Store. The EuroMillions app is currently not available from Google Play Store. Launch the browser on your Android and navigate to the EuroMillions site at euro-millions.com/android. Tap on the EuroMillions .apk file, then tap “Install. ” The application will begin the installation process. Select the option to launch EuroMillions when installation is complete. Tap on “Buy Lottery Tickets. ” Select the amount of EuroMillions lines you want to play. You can play between three and five lines per transaction. Select “Quick Pick” or “Number Picker,” based on your preference. Quick Pick allows the system to randomly select numbers for you, whereas Number Picker allows you to select your own EuroMillions numbers. Select your number of draws, then click “Add to Cart. ” Prices of EuroMillions tickets vary depending on your country and on the amount of lines purchased. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase. The app will guide you through creating an online EuroMillions account from which you can manage your tickets and winnings. When the purchase is complete, the tickets will be scanned into your EuroMillions account so you can view them using the EuroMillions app. Wait for the EuroMillions drawing to take place. EuroMillions drawings take place on Tuesday and Friday evenings at approximately 9:00 p.m. CET (8:00 p.m. GMT). Launch the EuroMillions app on your device after the drawing has ended. The home page of the app is updated immediately after the drawing, and features the most recent winning numbers and winning numbers from previous drawings. Check whether the EuroMillions numbers you selected match the winning numbers. You are eligible to receive prizes if you have at least two of the winning numbers. Wait for your winnings to be deposited into your online EuroMillions account. Any money you win will be automatically deposited into your EuroMillions account within 24 hours of the drawing. You can then either withdraw your balance, or use the money to purchase additional tickets. For high-value wins, you will be contacted directly by the lottery ticket concierge service, who will then guide you through the claims process. Verify you meet the age requirements to play EuroMillions. You must be at least 18 years of age to play EuroMillions, or at least 16 years of age if located in the United Kingdom. Verify your iOS device is running iOS 7.1 or higher. The EuroMillions app is only compatible with iOS 7.1 and up. Navigate to Settings > General > About > Version on your device to confirm your iOS version. Launch the Internet browser on your iOS device and navigate to the EuroMillions site at euro-millions.com/iphone. Select the option to download the EuroMillions app from the App Store. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the EuroMillions app. This app allows you to purchase lottery tickets and view the latest drawing results. Launch the EuroMillions app following installation and tap on “Buy Lottery Tickets. ” Select the amount of EuroMillions lines you want to play. You can play between three and five lines per transaction. Select “Quick Pick” or “Number Picker,” based on your preference. Quick Pick allows the system to randomly select numbers for you, whereas Number Picker allows you to select your own EuroMillions numbers. Select your number of draws, then click “Add to Cart. ” Prices of EuroMillions tickets vary depending on your country and on the amount of lines purchased. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase. The app will guide you through creating a EuroMillions online account and entering payment information. When the purchase is complete, the tickets will be scanned into your EuroMillions account so you can view them using the EuroMillions app. Wait for the EuroMillions drawing to take place. EuroMillions drawings take place on Tuesday and Friday evenings at approximately 9:00 p.m. CET (8:00 p.m. GMT). Launch the EuroMillions app on your device after the drawing has ended. The home page of the app features the most recent winning numbers, as well as winning numbers from previous drawings. Check whether the EuroMillions numbers you selected match the winning numbers. You are eligible to receive prizes if you have at least two of the winning numbers. Wait for your winnings to be deposited into your online EuroMillions account. Any money you win will be automatically deposited into your EuroMillions account within 24 hours of the drawing. You can then either withdraw your balance, or use the money to purchase additional tickets. For high-value wins, you will be contacted directly by the lottery ticket concierge service, who will then guide you through the claims process. | Verify you meet the age requirements to play EuroMillions. Navigate to the EuroMillions site at https://www.euro-millions.com/play. Click on “Buy Tickets. Select the amount of EuroMillions lines you want to play. Select “Quick Pick” or “Number Picker,” based on your preference. Select your number of draws, then click “Add to Cart. Follow the on-screen instructions to buy your EuroMillions tickets. Wait for the EuroMillions drawing to take place. Navigate to the EuroMillions results page at https://www.euro-millions.com/results following the drawing. Check whether the EuroMillions numbers on your ticket match the winning numbers. Wait for your winnings to be deposited into your online EuroMillions account. Verify you meet the age requirements to play EuroMillions. Tap on Menu and select “Settings. Tap on “Security,” then place a checkmark next to “Unknown Sources. Launch the browser on your Android and navigate to the EuroMillions site at euro-millions.com/android. Tap on the EuroMillions .apk file, then tap “Install. Select the option to launch EuroMillions when installation is complete. Tap on “Buy Lottery Tickets. Select the amount of EuroMillions lines you want to play. Select “Quick Pick” or “Number Picker,” based on your preference. Select your number of draws, then click “Add to Cart. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase. Wait for the EuroMillions drawing to take place. Launch the EuroMillions app on your device after the drawing has ended. Check whether the EuroMillions numbers you selected match the winning numbers. Wait for your winnings to be deposited into your online EuroMillions account. Verify you meet the age requirements to play EuroMillions. Verify your iOS device is running iOS 7.1 or higher. Launch the Internet browser on your iOS device and navigate to the EuroMillions site at euro-millions.com/iphone. Select the option to download the EuroMillions app from the App Store. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the EuroMillions app. Launch the EuroMillions app following installation and tap on “Buy Lottery Tickets. Select the amount of EuroMillions lines you want to play. Select “Quick Pick” or “Number Picker,” based on your preference. Select your number of draws, then click “Add to Cart. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase. Wait for the EuroMillions drawing to take place. Launch the EuroMillions app on your device after the drawing has ended. Check whether the EuroMillions numbers you selected match the winning numbers. Wait for your winnings to be deposited into your online EuroMillions account. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-USPS | How to Contact USPS | If you need to contact USPS about specific shipping questions, call customer service at 1 (800) 275-8777. Alternatively, for website related questions, call tech support at 1(800) 344-7770. If it's after hours or if calling isn't convenient, you can also email them at "usps technical support @ mail ps (dot) cust help (dot) com." Finally, if you have comments or suggestions you'd like to convey, fill out a feedback form on their website. | Check the FAQs on their website first. Before you call or email USPS, make sure your question isn't answered in their Frequently Asked Questions page. This will save you and the postal service employees time. The USPS FAQ tackles questions on extensive topics like buying, business, sending/receiving mail, and customer service. Commonly asked questions include: How do I pay for my PO box? What do I do if I changed my address? When is the next postal holiday? How does informed delivery work? How much does first-class mail cost? Contact customer service for specific shipping questions. If you have an inquiry about your packages or mail, contact customer support. To talk with a live representative, call between 8 AM-8:30 PM EST from Mondays through Fridays, or 8AM-6PM EST on Saturdays. Customer service is closed on Sundays. For less urgent concerns, you can also email customer service. Email works best if you have a mail tracking number. Customer service's phone number is: 1 (800) 275-8777. Call tech support for website-related questions. If you're having trouble with the USPS website or an online mailing form, contact tech support during the same business hours as customer service. You can also email tech support for less urgent questions. The USPS tech support phone number is: 1 (800) 344-7779 You can email tech support here. Give feedback via an online form. If you have comments or suggestions for improvement about your USPS experience, fill out the online feedback form provided on their website. You can choose between offering compliments, suggestions, problems, and general information. To hear back from a USPS representative, leave your email, phone number, and/or mailing address. Your email is required to send feedback. Send snail mail for less urgent questions. If desired, you can send letters to the USPS headquarters. Physical mail is not ideal for questions or assistance but can be useful for sending feedback. For a timely response, USPS suggests that you send mail to the Office of the Consumer Advocate at the following address: United States Postal Service/ Office of the Consumer Advocate/ 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, RM, 4541/ Washington, DC 20260-2200 Visit your local post office for national priority mail refunds. USPS offers full refunds for priority mail services if you are not satisfied with their standards. Request a postage refund within 30 days of your initial purchase. For priority mail refunds, you cannot send a request via email or phone. Instead, make your request at a nearby post office. To find a post office near you, check the USPS online locator. International priority mail refunds can be handled on the phone by the USPS Customer Care Center (1-800-222-1811) within 30 days of the mailing date. Contact tech support for shipping label refunds. Unused shipping labels are eligible for refunds within 30 days of their print date by logging into Click-N-Ship and cancelling your order. If 30 days from the transaction date, but less than 60 days, have passed, contact tech support to cancel your order. Have the following information ready for tech support: your username, account number, label number, and transaction number/date. Contact the Customer Care Center for PO Box returns. If you have the keys to your PO Box, you can cancel your order via your USPS account. For those without keys, call the USPS Customer Care Center (1-800-222-1811) within 30 days of the original payment date. If you are well within 30 days, you can also email tech support for a refund request. Visit your local post office for in-store refunds. If you purchased an item at your post office and want a refund, you cannot do so over the phone or email. Visit the post office you purchased the item from for returns or exchanges. Check the USPS return and exchange policies beforehand to know if your item qualifies. Bring your receipt with you as proof of purchase. Submit a search request for missing mail. If your package hasn't arrived 7 business days after its estimated arrival, submit a missing mail search request using the online form. From here, USPS will send you periodic updates about their search and send your package to the address you provide. Include the following information in your search request: sender address, recipient address, size/type of container shipped, the USPS tracking number, mailing date, and description of the contents. If you used Priority Mail to send the package and it remains missing, you are entitled to a refund. Make sure your package was insured before you file a claim. If uninsured mail is missing or damaged, the extent USPS will offer is a missing mail search. Insured or priority mail items are entitled to an indemnity claim, which may include a refund. Depending on whether your mail was domestic or international, you will need to follow different steps or wait periods. File a domestic claim. To file domestic claims, link title login to your account on the USPS claims form. Enter your tracking number, shipping date, and reason for filing a claim. If your items were lost or ruined, describe the item and the condition you received them in if damaged. Then, enter the refund amount you request in your claim. A proof of value is required before you can receive a refund. Attach a JPEG or PDF file that confirms the item's worth (such as a receipt). You can add up to ten items per claim. File an international claim. International claims require coordination with foreign postal services and involve different steps. Write down your 13-digit tracking number (which should end in "US") and fill out the same online form as domestic shipments. The USPS postal service will the contact their foreign counterpart to confirm details and determine a refund amount. Only the U.S. sender can initiate an international claim; if you are the recipient, contact your U.S. sender so they can fill out the online form. | Check the FAQs on their website first. Contact customer service for specific shipping questions. Call tech support for website-related questions. Give feedback via an online form. Send snail mail for less urgent questions. Visit your local post office for national priority mail refunds. Contact tech support for shipping label refunds. Contact the Customer Care Center for PO Box returns. Visit your local post office for in-store refunds. Submit a search request for missing mail. Make sure your package was insured before you file a claim. File a domestic claim. File an international claim. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Send-a-Money-Order-Through-the-Post-Office | How to Send a Money Order Through the Post Office | To send an international money order through the post office, visit a post office or credit union and explain to the clerk that you want to purchase a money order. Pay for the money order and the transaction fee with cash or a debit card, then fill out the paperwork given to you by the clerk. When completing the form, remember to include details for you and the recipient. Finally, put your money order in a stamped envelope, give it to the clerk, and put your receipt in a safe place in case you need it later. | Decide whether to send a money order. There are pro's and con's attached to sending money orders through the mail. Benefits include extra security, no need for a bank account, the chance to make a transaction with a single payment, and the ability to send money overseas. Possible problems in sending a money order include extra fees, extra paperwork, the need to go to a bank or post office instead of going online, dealing with limitations on the amount of money you can send, and occasional delays in sending and receiving money. Consider your options carefully before choosing to send a money order abroad. If speed is important, consider wiring money instead of sending a money order. Western Union transfers can be done almost instantly, whereas money orders must physically traverse whatever distance is involved. If you have to send more than $700 internationally, you might run into money-order limitations, meaning you would have to purchase more than one money order. Look up which countries accept international money orders. Not all nations do. At last count only 29 countries accept American money orders. Any nation is free to place specific restrictions and conditions before accepting foreign money orders. Before proceeding any further, check with your post office about which nations will accept your money order and which might require extra paperwork on your part. Visit a post office. Talk with a clerk at the service window. If you don't know where your nearest post office is, use a post office locator online such as the one at https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction!input.action. All full-service U.S. post offices can issue money orders. Other places that sell money orders include credit unions, banks, and certain large retail stores. Tell the postal clerk you wish to purchase an international money order. In the U.S., they may be purchased for any value up to $700. (Certain countries -- El Salvador and Guatemala, for example -- will not allow money orders larger than $500.) The clerk will furnish you with the appropriate paperwork to fill out. Pay for the money order. You may use cash, a debit card, or a traveler's check. In addition to the face amount of the money order, you will pay a small transaction fee. In the United States an international money order carries a fee of $4.50. This is added to your total when you pay the clerk. Note that a traveler's check can be used only if the money order is for at least half of the traveler's check's value. For example, if you have a traveler's check for $500, you can use it to purchase a money order worth at least $250 (or more than one money order totaling at least $250.) Fill out the money order form. There are a number of lines to fill out on the form , and it is essential that you do so correctly. Be sure that you use only blue or black ink and that you print everything correctly and legibly. Most money-order forms will ask you to enter the following: Today's date Your full name Your full address The recipient's name The recipient's full address The amount of money you are sending A description of the purpose for the money Put your money order in a stamped, addressed envelope. Complete all address information, and affix the proper postage. The appropriate postage depends on the weight of the letter and its destination. A one-ounce international letter requires postage of about $1.15. Decide which extra security features you want to purchase. When you send money orders you can choose to increase the amount of security and insurance on your envelope. Indemnity coverage is provided free of charge, which means that you can request that a lost or stolen money order be replaced for a nominal fee. If you'd like your money order to have more security, insurance is available, as well as other features including registered mail or restricted delivery. You can ask the postal clerk about the costs and benefits of these extra services. Put your receipt in a safe place. Make sure that the postal clerk provides you with a receipt for your money order. Place the receipt somewhere safe where you can find it later. For example, a wallet, filing cabinet, or desk drawer might be good places to store your money order receipt. If your money order is lost or stolen, your receipt will help you get your refund quickly. There is, however, a fee of $6.10 for money-order replacements. Track your money order. Use the Postal Service's tracking feature to predict when your money order will arrive at its destination. This feature will allow you to monitor where your money order is at all times, and it will let you know when your money order is expected to arrive at its destination. This will help you ensure that the money has gone to the right place and person. If your package goes astray, contact your post office immediately. They will give you the forms to begin the money order replacement process. Determine how much money you wish to send. You will not be able to send more than $1,000 in a single domestic money order. If you need to send more than $3,000 worth of money orders in a single day, you will have to fill out an extra form and bring a photo ID that includes your home address and full name. If your purchase will exceed $3,000, remember to bring personal identification with you to the post office. Decide to send a money order. There are pro's and cons to sending money orders through the post office. Benefits to using money orders include extra security, not requiring a bank account, and being able to pay upfront. Potential downsides to sending a money order include extra fees, filling out extra paperwork, needing to visit your local post office in person instead of dealing online, having caps on the amount of money you can send, and potential delays in sending and receiving money. Consider your options carefully before choosing to send a money order. If speed is an issue, consider wiring the money instead of sending a money order. Western Union transfers can be done almost instantly, whereas a money order will have to travel physically to its destination. Visit your local post office. Wait in line to visit with a clerk. If you do not know where your nearest post office is, use a post office locator feature online such as this one: https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction!input.action. online. Most official post offices will be able to issue a money order directly to you. If you are in a remote location, you may be able to receive a money order form from your rural carrier. This might be more convenient than traveling to a post office. Discuss this option with your postal carrier in advance so that they can provide you with the proper forms. Other places to purchase money orders include credit unions, banks, military facilities, and certain large stores. Tell the postal clerk that you wish to purchase a domestic money order. Individual money orders are available for values up to $1,000. You cannot exceed $3,000 of money-order purchases in a single day unless you fill out extra forms and show a photo ID. Your postal clerk will be able to provide you with the proper paperwork. Purchase the money order. There will be a small fee for domestic money orders — usually between $1.00 and $2.00. Pay the fee, plus the amount of the money order. You may pay with a debit card, cash, or traveler's check. Note that traveler's checks can be used only if the purchase amount is more than half of the traveler's check amount. For example, if you have a traveler's check for $500, you can use it to purchase money orders that are $250 or more. Members of the military who purchase military money orders have a slightly lower fee of 40 cents per money order. Fill out the money-order form. There are a number of lines to fill out on the form , and it is essential that you do so correctly. Be sure you use blue or black ink and that you print everything correctly and legibly. Most money-order forms will ask you to enter: Today's date Your full name Your full address The recipient's name The recipient's full address The amount of money you are sending A memo explaining the purpose of the money Put your money order in a stamped, addressed envelope. Complete all address information and affix the appropriate postage. The postage depends on the weight of your letter. If the envelope weighs no more than an ounce, it will require a single first-class stamp. Decide which extra security features you want to purchase. When you send money orders, you can choose to increase the amount of security and insurance on your package. Indemnity coverage is provided free of charge, which means that you can request that a lost or stolen money order be replaced for a nominal fee. If you'd like your money order to have more security, insurance is available, as well as other features like registered mail or restricted delivery. You can ask your postal clerk about the costs and benefits of these extra services. Put your receipt in a safe place. Make sure that the clerk provides you with a receipt for your money order. Put the receipt in a safe place you'll remember. A wallet, filing cabinet, or desk drawer might be good places to store the receipt. If your money order is lost or stolen, your receipt will help you get a refund more quickly. There is, however, a fee of $6.10 for a money order replacement. Track your money order. Use the Postal Service's tracking feature to predict when the money order will arrive at its destination. This feature will allow you to monitor where your money order is at all times and when it's expected to arrive. This will help you ensure that the money has gone to the right place and person. [Image:Send a Money Order Through the Post Office Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]] If your package goes astray, contact your post office immediately. They will be able to give you the forms to begin the money-order replacement process. | Decide whether to send a money order. Look up which countries accept international money orders. Visit a post office. Tell the postal clerk you wish to purchase an international money order. Pay for the money order. Fill out the money order form. Put your money order in a stamped, addressed envelope. Decide which extra security features you want to purchase. Put your receipt in a safe place. Track your money order. Determine how much money you wish to send. Decide to send a money order. Visit your local post office. Tell the postal clerk that you wish to purchase a domestic money order. Purchase the money order. Fill out the money-order form. Put your money order in a stamped, addressed envelope. Decide which extra security features you want to purchase. Put your receipt in a safe place. Track your money order. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pay-Yourself-First | How to Pay Yourself First | To pay yourself first, start by subtracting your monthly expenses from your monthly income so you can see how much money you have leftover each month. Next, find ways to reduce your expenses so that your left over amount is higher. From that amount of money, decide how much you want to put aside each month to work up to your final savings goal, such as $50,000 for a home down payment or $3,000 for a vacation. Then, open a separate account at your bank and deposit money into it as soon as you're paid, before paying anything else. | Determine your monthly income. Before paying yourself first, you need to figure out how much to pay yourself. Determining this begins with taking a look at your current monthly income. To determine monthly income, simply add together all your income sources for the month. Note that this a net amount or take-home income after deductions from paycheck or applicable taxes. If you have an income that fluctuates from month to month, use your average income over the past six months, or a number slightly below average to represent your monthly income. It is always better to choose a lower number, that way you're more likely to end up with more income then planned, rather than less. Determine your monthly expenses. The easiest way to determine monthly spending is to simply look at your banking records for the past month. Simply add together any bill payments, cash withdrawals, or money transfers. Be sure to include any cash payments you received that were spent as well. There are two basic types of expenses to be aware of — fixed expenses, and variable expenses. Your fixed expenses stay the same month-to-month and typically include things like rent, utilities, phone/internet, debt repayments or insurance. Variable expenses change month-to-month and may include food, entertainment, gasoline, or miscellaneous purchases. If tracking your expenses manually is too challenging, consider using software like Mint (or the many others like it). With Mint, you simply sync your bank accounts with the software, and the software will track your spending for you, by category. This gives you a clear, organized, and up-to-date vision of your spending. Subtract your monthly income from your monthly expenses. Subtracting monthly income from expenses lets you know how much leftover money you have at the end of each month. This is important to know, since it can help you to determine how much to pay yourself first. You would not want to pay yourself first and then discover you are lacking money for important fixed expenses. If your monthly income is $2,000 per month, and your total expenses are $1,600, you technically have $400 to pay yourself first with. This gives you a good baseline idea of how much you may be able to save each month. Note this number can potentially be much higher. Once you know the current amount of leftover money you have, you can take steps to reduce expenses to make this figure even higher. If you are negative at the end of the month, reducing expenses will become even more important. Look to reduce your fixed expenses. Fixed expenses may be fixed, but that does not mean you can't replace them with lower fixed expenses. Take a look at each type of fixed expense and examine if there any ways to reduce them. For example, your cell phone bill may be fixed every month, but is it possible to drop down to a plan with lower data to save money? Similarly, your rent may also be fixed, but if your rent takes up more than half of your income, you should examine perhaps downgrading from a two bedroom to a one bedroom apartment if possible, or relocating to a more affordable area. If you have car insurance, be sure to contact your broker each year to see if there are better deals available, or alternatively, continually shop around for better deals. If you have high levels of expensive credit card debt, consider a debt consolidation loan to reduce your fixed interest expense each month. This will allow you to pay off your credit card debt with a lower interest rate consolidation loan. Look to reduce your variable expenses. This is where most savings can be found. Take a close look at your expenses each month and see where your spending that is not towards fixed expenses goes. Look at small expenses that add up over time like coffee purchases, eating out, grocery bills, gasoline, or leisure purchases. When looking to reduce these expenses, think about what you want, versus what you need. Look to cut out as many wants as possible. For example, you may need to have lunch every day at work, but purchasing lunch at the cafeteria is a want. You could select the more affordable option of making a lunch each day. The key is to look at variable expense areas that take up a large portion of your budget. Is most of your extra spending on gasoline, food, entertainment, or impulse purchases? You could target reductions in those areas by using more public transport, packing more lunches for work, opting for more affordable entertainment choices, or leaving your credit card at home to reduce impulse spending, for example. Do an online search to find innovative ways to reduce your variable expenses in areas you struggle with. Calculate how much money you have leftover after making reductions. If you have identified a few areas to reduce your spending, subtract that amount from your expenses. You can then subtract the new expense amount from your monthly income to determine how much you have left over. Assume monthly income is $2,000, and your expenses were $1,600. After looking for expense reductions, you may have managed to find $200 in savings each month, bringing your monthly expenses down to $1,400. You now have $600 left over each month. Decide how much to pay yourself. Now that you know how much you have left over, you can decide how much to pay yourself. Experts recommend differing amounts. In the famous personal finance book The Wealthy Barber, the author David Chilton recommends paying yourself 10% of your net or take-home income. Other experts recommend anywhere between 1% and 5%.. The best solution is to pay yourself as much as you can based on your leftover amount each month. For example, if you have $600 left over at the end of the month, and your income is $2,000, you would be able to save up to 30% of your income. (You may only want to put 20% of that in savings, leaving yourself a little wiggle room for unexpected treats or expenses.) Set a savings goal. Once you know how much you can possibly pay yourself, try to set a goal for a savings amount. For example, your goal may be retirement, education savings, or a house down-payment. Determine the cost of your goal, and divide that by the amount you can pay yourself monthly to determine how long it will take to attain in months. For example, you may want to save for a $50,000 home down payment. If you have $600 left over every month and choose to save $300 of that, it would take you a very long 13 years to save $50,000. In that case, you could boost your savings amount to $600 to drop the time in half (since you have $600 left over). Keep in mind that if you invest your money in a high interest savings account, or in other types of investments, the return you get would further shorten your time. To figure out how fast your saving amount will grow at a certain rate of return (say 2% per year), go online and search "Compound Interest Calculator." Create an account that is separate from all your other accounts. This account should be only for a specified goal, usually saving or investing. If possible, choose an account with a higher interest rate — usually these types of accounts limit how often you can withdraw money, which is a good thing because you're not going to be pulling money out of it, anyway. Consider opening a high interest savings account. Many institutions offer these, and they typically pay rates that are well above a checking account. You can also consider opening a Roth IRA for your savings. Roth IRA's allow your wealth to grow tax-free over time. Within a Roth IRA, you can purchase stocks, mutual funds, bonds, or exchange traded funds, and these products all offer the opportunity to earn a higher return than a high interest savings account. Other options include traditional IRAs or a 401(k). Put that money into the account as soon as it is available. If you have direct deposit, have a portion of each paycheck automatically deposited into the separate account. You can also set up an automatic monthly or weekly transfer from your main, active account to your separate account, if you can keep track of your balance enough to avoid overdraft fees. The point is to do this before you spend money on anything else, including bills and rent. Leave the money alone. Don't touch it. Don't pull money out of it. You should have a separate emergency fund for just that — emergencies. Typically that fund should be enough to cover you for three to six months. Do not confuse an emergency fund with a saving or investing fund. If you find that you don't have enough money to pay your bills, look for other ways to make money or cut expenses. Don't charge them on your credit card (see Warnings below). | Determine your monthly income. Determine your monthly expenses. Subtract your monthly income from your monthly expenses. Look to reduce your fixed expenses. Look to reduce your variable expenses. Calculate how much money you have leftover after making reductions. Decide how much to pay yourself. Set a savings goal. Create an account that is separate from all your other accounts. Put that money into the account as soon as it is available. Leave the money alone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Table | How to Paint a Table | To paint a table, start by sanding down the tabletop to remove any varnish or imperfections. Next, apply 1 coat of primer, allow it to dry, then apply a second coat to help the paint stick to the wood. Once the primer is dry, sand the primed surface to smooth it out. Then, pick an enamel, latex, or oil-based paint and apply a thin, even layer over the entire table. After allowing it to dry for 24 hours, apply 2 to 3 more coats of paint, sanding each as you go. Finally, allow the paint to cure for 3 days before applying a finishing protectant. | Separate any pieces that you don’t want stuck together. If your table has a leaf, pull it slightly open so the leaf doesn't touch the edges of the main table. This way, the paint won't seal the pieces together when it dries. If your table has no leaf, there's no need to take pieces apart. Sand down the tabletop to remove any thick varnish or imperfections. Use an orbital sander with some medium-grit sandpaper to sand the top of the table smooth. Go slowly and be careful not to gouge the surface. Don't worry about removing all of the varnish, but sand down enough that the table isn't too glossy and the primer will stick. If your table is unvarnished, use 150-grit sandpaper to sand the table's surface smooth. Always remember to wear protective gear when sanding. Before you begin, put on gloves, eye protection, and a mask. Wipe down the surface. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust, lint, and residue from the table, including the top and legs. All surfaces must be clean and dry in order for the primer to adhere. Prime the table with roll-on/brush-on primer. Roll-on/brush-on formulas are best for high-traffic surfaces like tables, since they tend to be thicker and more durable than spray-on formulas. Apply 1 coat of primer with a mini foam roller or medium to small brush. Let that layer dry before applying a second coat and letting it dry as well. Primer helps the paint stick to the wood and covers up any stains and discoloration. Make sure to roll or brush the primer in the direction of the wood grain. In between coats, wrap your roller or brush in a plastic bag and place it in the fridge. This will keep the paint moist and save you cleaning time in between layers. Use spray-on primer to fill in hard-to-reach crevices. If your table has lots of inset details or crevices that are difficult to paint over, use a spray-on formula to fill these areas in. This way, you'll get an even base for the paint. Sand the surface by hand. To finish preparing the table for painting, sand the primed surface smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. The orbital is too strong for the layer of primer, so sand gently by hand. Wipe the table down with a tack cloth. Clean away any dust or debris from sanding. In order for the paint to properly adhere, make sure that the table is completely clean and dry before you begin painting. Find an open, well-ventilated area to paint. Choose an area with ventilation for paint fumes that won't be in direct sunlight or affected by strong breezes. Make sure there's enough room to walk around the table while painting. Generally, temperatures from 55 to 70 °F (13 to 21 °C) are best for painting. Select either an enamel-, latex-, or oil-based paint. All 3 look beautiful and are easily washable. However, they vary when it comes to durability and user-friendliness. Enamel-based paints are known for being hard, durable, rust-resistant, and easily washable. Latex-based paints are also easy to clean and look beautiful, but they don't cure as well and are nowhere near as durable. Oil-based paints have a strong, unpleasant smell and must be cleaned up with special solvents, but they sink into the wood as they cure, making them extremely durable and easily washable. Choose a semi-gloss finish for high-traffic tables. Semi-gloss is best for kitchen tables because it's tough, easy to clean, and hides fingerprints and smudges better than a flat-finish paint. If you choose a glossy finish, go for a semi-gloss indoor latex paint or a water-based enamel paint. Choose a flat finish paint to cover up imperfections. Flat finishes work well for console tables or coffee tables because a smooth, matte finish hides any imperfections in the table's textures. However, it is difficult to clean without damaging the paint job, so make sure not to use it on high-traffic surfaces. If you're not sure if you want flat or semi-gloss finish, start with a flat-finish paint. If you later decide that you prefer gloss, you can cover the flat paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish. Apply a thin, even layer of paint over the entire table. Use a brush to paint any crevices first. Next, use a 4 in (10 cm) foam roller to apply a thin layer of paint to the table's flat surfaces. The foam roller will create a smooth, even finish without any brushstrokes. Be careful to avoid drips around the table's edges and try to make the transition between brush and roller as level and smooth as possible. Use a synthetic bristle brush with a latex-based paint, and a natural bristle brush for oil-based paint. Always paint in the direction of the natural wood grain. Let the paint dry for 24 hours. Waiting 24 hours will give the paint time to settle and adhere to the primed surface. Make sure the table dries in a shaded area so direct sunlight won't affect the quality of the paint. Apply 2-3 more thin coats of paint and sand each coat by hand. Let each layer dry for 24 hours, then lightly sand and wipe down the surface before applying the next layer of paint. With some fine-grit sandpaper, gently sand down any drips and imperfection to even out the paint's level. The orbital can be too strong for the primer and paint, so sand by hand to smooth and protect each layer. Generally, 2-3 layers should be enough for lighter paints. Darker colors may need additional coats to get an even finish. Check for drips in areas where you switched between brush and roller. Wipe down the surface with a tack cloth. After sanding, always wipe away dust and debris with a tack cloth. This will help you achieve a smooth, professional finish. Let the paint cure for 3-7 days. Although the paint will feel dry to the touch in a day or 2, it actually needs 3-7 days to “cure,” or fully harden. This is especially important with oil- and enamel-based paints. If you don't let the table cure long enough, it will be more prone to chipping and peeling. Avoid touching the surface and keep it in a dry, shaded space while it cures. Decide if you want to apply protectant for more durability. If you want a final exterior layer of protection for your paint job, you can apply a finishing protectant to the tabletop. This is especially important for kitchen tables because it makes the surface easier to clean. Use finishing wax for lighter paint colors. Because finishing wax won't alter your paint's color, it works great over light colors. To apply it, dip a clean cotton cloth into some clear paste wax and apply it evenly over the table's surface. Let it dry for at least an hour, then buff away the excess with a clean cloth or electric polisher. Repeat the process 3-4 times until you've built up a tough exterior. Pair a polyurethane or polyacrylic finish with darker paint colors. These protectants work well on darker colors that can hold up against the finish's slight color alteration. To apply either finish, lightly sand the tabletop with 320-grit sandpaper and wipe away any dust. Use a foam roller to apply a thin layer of protectant. Let it dry for 2 hours. Repeat this process 3-4 times. Because these finishes tends to yellow over time, avoid using them over white or very light colors. When applying the protectant with a foam roller, make sure to go slowly to prevent bubbles from forming. Let the finish cure for at least 48 hours. No matter which protectant you used, wait at least 2 full days before placing anything on the table. Disturbing the layers of while they're curing could alter the topcoat's strength, which is especially important on kitchen tables. You should also wait 1 week before using any cleaning products or chemicals on the table. | Separate any pieces that you don’t want stuck together. Sand down the tabletop to remove any thick varnish or imperfections. Wipe down the surface. Prime the table with roll-on/brush-on primer. Use spray-on primer to fill in hard-to-reach crevices. Sand the surface by hand. Wipe the table down with a tack cloth. Find an open, well-ventilated area to paint. Select either an enamel-, latex-, or oil-based paint. Choose a semi-gloss finish for high-traffic tables. Choose a flat finish paint to cover up imperfections. Apply a thin, even layer of paint over the entire table. Let the paint dry for 24 hours. Apply 2-3 more thin coats of paint and sand each coat by hand. Wipe down the surface with a tack cloth. Let the paint cure for 3-7 days. Decide if you want to apply protectant for more durability. Use finishing wax for lighter paint colors. Pair a polyurethane or polyacrylic finish with darker paint colors. Let the finish cure for at least 48 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fishing-Lure | How to Make a Fishing Lure | To make a fishing lure out of a spoon, start by cutting the bowl end off with a hacksaw. Then, use a metal file to smooth out the edges of your spoon so they don't harm the fish. When you've softened all of the edges, drill a hole in the top and bottom of the spoon to maintain the right weight and balance. After that, use pliers to attach split rings to the holes so you can attach hooks. To finish off your lure, attach a swivel to 1 end of the spoon and a hook to the other end to keep the lure straight in the water. | Cut a block of wood slightly larger than the dimensions of your lure. For example, if you want to make a lure that is 2 inches (5.1 cm) long and ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, you should cut the block of wood to be about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Use a small hand saw to cut the wood to your desired dimensions. For best results, use a softwood, since these are easier to carve and are relatively buoyant. Examples of softwoods to use for making a fish lure include basswood, cedar, poplar, and balsa. Trace the intended design of your lure onto the block of wood. To make a simple lure design, draw long, thin ovals on each of the long sides of the rectangular block, then draw circles on the top and bottom squares of the block. When you go to cut your block of wood along these lines, it will be in the rough shape of a lure. You can also draw a more elaborate design if you have a special one you want to use. You'll want the shape of your lure to ultimately be long and ovular, so the design you draw on your block of wood should be long and round as well. Don't worry about having a perfect design just yet; you'll be able to sand the lure down later. This design will be used to cut away the parts of the wooden block that you won't use to make your lure. Use a carving knife or a lathe to cut the wood block to fit your design. If you're using a carving knife, carve off the corners of the block first, then carve along the long sides of the block towards the smaller squares. Continue carving until the wood is roughly shaped like a lure. If you're using a lathe, simply attach the block to the lathe horizontally and allow it to spin. Then, lay a wood rasp or carving knife along the block to trim away wood until the block comes to resemble the shape of a lure. Sand the lure down to the final shape you want it to be in. Once you've created a rough lure shape with the carving knife or lathe, you can now use sandpaper to trim it down to its final intended shape. Start with 80-grit sandpaper to sand down larger areas, then use 150-grit sandpaper to fine tune any areas that just need a small amount of sanding. If you want to sand your lure down even further after all of this, finish with a 220-grit sandpaper. Drill 2 holes on the sides of the lure and 1 on the rear. The 2 side holes should be in the middle of the lure and near its “stomach,” while the rear hole should be on the very end of the lure. These are the holes where you will install your hook hangers. Use a drill with a ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) bit for the best results. You can drill more holes if you intend to hang more than 3 hooks on your lure. However, in most instances, 3 hooks is more than enough. Fill the holes with epoxy and insert an eye screw into each of them. Use a small piping bag to insert clean epoxy resin into the small holes. Don't worry if some epoxy comes out of the hole when you insert the eye screw; simply use a cloth to wipe it off. Apply epoxy sealer to the lure to make it waterproof. Use a cloth to rub the epoxy into the wood to seal it. Once the epoxy has been applied, leave the lure hanging vertically for 72 hours to allow the epoxy to finish curing. Refrain from using lacquer, enamel, or water-based sealers, since these will not do a good job of actually keeping the lure waterproof. Attach hooks to the eye screws to finish your lure. Use pliers to attach split rings to the eye screws. Then, slide hooks onto these rings, being very careful to not hurt yourself on the sharp hooks. Cut the bowl end off of a spoon or an ovular piece out of a soda can. Use a hacksaw to cut off the spoon bowl, or use scissors to cut out a piece of a soda can in the shape of an oval. Cut this oval so that it looks like the bowl end of a spoon, if you can. When cutting out a piece of a soda can, aim for the piece to be 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) long for best results. Use a metal file to smooth out the edges of your spoon or aluminum. The edges of these items will be very jagged and sharp, so it's important to smooth them down as much as possible before working with them. You can also use an emery cloth to sand down the spoon. Use a file with medium cut for best results. You can pick up this type of file at any home improvement store. Drill 2 holes on the 2 opposite ends of the item. These will be the holes you'll insert your hooks into. For best results, place these holes on the 2 long ends of your spoon or soda can piece. Although some lures have multiple hooks attached to them, lures made out of spoons or soda cans usually shouldn't have more than 2, so that they maintain the right weight and balance. Use pliers to attach split rings to these holes. Split rings are essentially tiny versions of key rings that are used to fasten hooks and swivels to your lure. For best results, use special split ring pliers to install the rings, since the holes will be quite small. If you can't find these special pliers, you can also use needle-nose pliers. You'll probably want to use a size 0 or 1 split ring for this lure. Attach a hook to 1 end of the item and a swivel to the other. Attach the hook on the larger side of the spoon, soda can piece, or piece of cork. Attach the swivel on the smaller end to keep the lure's movement from twisting the fishing line when you use it. Use needle-nose pliers to attach the hook and swivel to your lure. Make a lure out of a piece of cork if you have a leftover bottle of wine. Screw eye screws into each of the horizontal ends of the piece of cork, as well as 1 eye screw on its “underbelly.” Then, use needle-nose pliers to attach hooks to the lower eye screw and to 1 end eye screw and attach a swivel to the other to complete your lure. If you like, you can also paint your lure to make it more attractive to fish, although this isn't strictly necessary. Flatten a penny and turn it into a lure if you have no other use for it. Use a rolling mill to flatten the penny into an ovular shape, then drill 2 holes into the 2 opposite ends of it. Attach split rings to each of these ends, then attach a hook to 1 split ring and a swivel to the other. If you have a heavy sledge hammer and an anvil, you can also repeatedly hammer the penny to flatten it. If you don't have a rolling mill or a hammer, your best bet will either be to leave the penny on a railroad track and let a passing train flatten it, or take it to an amusement park that has a coin-flattening machine. Use needle-nose pliers to attach the split rings, hook, and swivel. Turn a length of paracord into a simple yet sturdy fishing lure. Pull about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the inner strands out of the paracord, then insert a hook into the paracord length. Use a knife to cut the length of paracord at the top end of the inserted hook. Then, use a blowtorch or lighter to singe the top of the paracord length so that it's fused together and won't slip off of the hook. To make sure your paracord lure is secured firmly to the hook, take a piece of inner strand from a separate length of paracord and tie it around the center of your lure. Use your fingers to flush out the inner strands of the paracord after you're finished to make it more alluring to fish. | Cut a block of wood slightly larger than the dimensions of your lure. Trace the intended design of your lure onto the block of wood. Use a carving knife or a lathe to cut the wood block to fit your design. Sand the lure down to the final shape you want it to be in. Drill 2 holes on the sides of the lure and 1 on the rear. Fill the holes with epoxy and insert an eye screw into each of them. Apply epoxy sealer to the lure to make it waterproof. Attach hooks to the eye screws to finish your lure. Cut the bowl end off of a spoon or an ovular piece out of a soda can. Use a metal file to smooth out the edges of your spoon or aluminum. Drill 2 holes on the 2 opposite ends of the item. Use pliers to attach split rings to these holes. Attach a hook to 1 end of the item and a swivel to the other. Make a lure out of a piece of cork if you have a leftover bottle of wine. Flatten a penny and turn it into a lure if you have no other use for it. Turn a length of paracord into a simple yet sturdy fishing lure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Non-Slip-Socks | How to Make Non Slip Socks | You can convert your regular socks to non-slip socks by covering them with puffy paint. First, put on your socks, draw around them on cardstock, then cut the templates out. Put them inside your socks to hold their shape while you apply your paint. Draw dots or lines with the puffy paint around an inch apart on the soles of your socks. You can also draw your own patterns and shapes to make your socks look cooler. Once you've applied the paint, leave it to dry for 24 hours, then remove the cardboard and test your socks. Just don't wash the socks for 72 hours so the paint doesn't wash off. If you have a hot glue gun, you can use glue instead of puffy paint. | Trace your feet onto cardboard. You will be sticking these cardboard shapes into your socks, which will cause them to stretch to your foot shape. If you don't do this, the paint may crack when you put the socks on. You can also use flip flops, as long as they fit your feet perfectly. This method works best on store-bought socks. It is not recommended for knit or crochet socks because the weave is so big. Keep your feet apart when tracing them so that you end up with 2 separate feet shapes. Cut the cardboard feet out and slide them into your socks. Make sure that the toe seam on your socks is stretched across the toes on the cardboard feet. The top of the sock should be on 1 side of the cardboard, and the bottom (sole) of the sock should be on the other side. Use puffy paint to draw dots or lines on solid-colored socks. Flip the sock over so that the bottom (sole) part is facing you. Grab a bottle of puffy paint and open the cap. Use the nozzle to pipe simple dots or lines onto the bottom (sole) of each sock. Make the dots or lines ⁄ 2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) apart. Be sure to cover the sole evenly. You can match the puffy paint to the sock or use a contrasting color. Arrange dots in a grid-like pattern rather than randomly. Make lines horizontal; they can be straight or squiggly. Whether you use dots or lines is up to you. The difference is purely aesthetic. Skip this step if your sock is already patterned or if you want something fancier. Draw pictures on solid-colored socks if you want something fancier. Use a marker to trace a simple design on the bottom of your sock, such as a Christmas tree. Make it just a little smaller than the length and width of your sock. Outline your shape with puffy paint, then fill it in with more puffy paint. Let it dry, then add details. For example: if you drew a green Christmas tree, add a brown trunk, red ornaments, and yellow garlands. You can make a combination of smaller images too, such as 3 hearts or a flurry of snowflakes. If you don't know how to draw, use a stencil or cookie cutter--this only works if the item is almost the same size as the sock. Don't do this in addition to the dots and lines. Choose 1 or the other. Follow the existing patterns instead if your sock has them. Not all socks are solid-colored. Some of them have funky patterns on them, like large polka dots, thick stripes, hearts, or stars. In this case, you should outline the patterns with your puffy paint--but don't fill them in! You can match the color to the pattern, or you can use a different color. For example, you can outline blue stars with yellow glow-in-the-dark puffy paint. If your socks have thin stripes, draw across every other stripe--or across every 2 stripes. If your socks have small dots, you can just make the dots right over them. If the dots are larger than a pea, however, you should just outline them. Allow the socks to dry for up to 24 hours, then take the cardboard out. Puffy paint is great to work with, but it takes a long time to dry. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a whole day. Once the puffy paint has dried, you can pull the cardboard inserts out. As puffy paint dries, it will flatten a little and become a shade darker. You can try speeding the drying process up with a hair dryer. Puffy paint has some stretch to it once it dries, but the designs can still crack if you stretch the socks too much. Wait 72 hours before washing the socks. Once the puffy paint has dried, you can treat the socks like any other pair of socks. You do have to wait 72 hours before washing them, however. When you do wash them, turn them inside-out first. For best results, use a cold water setting. Avoid using a dryer, as this can cause the puffy paint to crack and degrade. Have a pair of crochet socks or slippers completed. This method will work the best on crochet slippers , but it may also work on crochet socks as well. You can also try it on knit socks or knit slippers too. If you made the socks yourself, have some of the yarn you used on hand; you will use this later on to attach the soles. If you didn't make the socks, or no longer have the yarn, you will need to buy more yarn that is a similar color and weight/thickness. Trace your foot onto a sheet of paper for the template. You can also use a flip flop, but it needs to fit your foot exactly. If this is for a pair of crochet slippers that already have a defined sole, you can just trace one of the soles instead. You only need 1 foot shape. You will use the same template to make 2 identical felt soles. Cut the template out, then use it to cut 2 soles out of wool felt. Cut the template out first, then pin it onto a sheet of 3-millimeter wool felt. Trace around the template with a marker, then cut it out. Repeat this step to make the second sole. Cut just inside the marker line; otherwise, the sole may end up too thick. Don't use the thin craft felt that you get in the kids section of a craft store. It is too flimsy. You can match the color to your socks, or you can use a contrasting color. Avoid using white, however; it will get dirty fast. Lay strips of masking tape across the soles. Set out your felt soles so that you have a left sole and a right sole. Lay strips of masking tape across each sole to make horizontal stripes. The stripes need to match the width of the tape--about 1 inch (2.5 cm). For a twist, lay the strips of tape at a slight, diagonal angle instead. Paint the exposed felt with 4 layers of dimensional fabric paint. Squeeze out dimensional fabric paint onto a palette, such as a paper plate or a plastic lid. Use a foam brush to apply the paint to the felt between the strips of masking tape. Let each layer of paint dry for a few minutes before applying the next one. Let the paint dry completely before moving on. The paint can be the same color as the felt, or it can be a contrasting color. You need the 4 layers of paint. Any less, and you won't get a good grip. Dimensional fabric paint needs a long time to dry. It can take as long as 24 hours. Don't apply the paint straight from the bottle; it will be too lumpy. You want the paint to soak into the felt. Remove the tape, then punch holes around the perimeter of each sole. Make the holes about ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) from the outside edge and about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) apart. Mark them with a pen first, then punch them with an awl or leather puncher. Be sure to peel the tape off before you start making the holes. The holes will make it easier to sew the soles on. Sew the soles onto your socks with a darning needle and yarn. Secure the soles to the bottom of each sock with safety pins first. Thread a darning needle with your yarn, then sew the soles onto the socks. Remove the safety pins when you are done. You can match the yarn color to the socks, the felt, or the paint. Be sure to sew up-and-down through the holes, like doing a straight stitch. Don't wrap the yarn around the edges of the soles, like with a whipstitch. Sew around the sole twice so that all the spaces between the holes are fill. You can also use a backstitch instead. Draw lines or dots with hot glue if you are in a hurry. Create cardboard inserts for your socks, just like you would for puffy paint soles. Squeeze out lines of hot glue across the bottom of your socks, or make dots instead. Wait a few minutes for the glue to dry, then remove the cardboard inserts. Hot glue dries rigid, so this method will work the best on thicker socks. If you use it on thinner socks, make the hot glue dots/lines thin. Make the lines horizontal so that they go from side-to-side. They can be straight or squiggly. If you made dots, arrange them in a grid-like pattern. Do not coat the entire bottom of the sock with a solid layer of hot glue. It won't be comfortable to walk on at all. Sew suede circles to the heels and toes if you have more time. Cut 1 circle and 1 oval out of suede. Use a leather hole puncher to make holes around the perimeter of each shape, about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) apart. Use a darning needle to hand-sew the circle to the heel of your sock, and the oval to the toe. Repeat this step for the second sock. This will work the best on crochet or knit socks and slippers, but you can try it on store-bought socks in a pinch. Use the same yarn to sew the shapes on that you used to make your socks. If you used thick yarn, choose a thinner yarn in the same color instead. You can do this with shelf liner too. Don't use fake suede or fake leather; they are too slippery. Use silicone sealer if you want the socks to be waterproof. Create cardboard inserts for your socks, just like with puffy paint soles. Apply a swirl of silicone sealer to the underside of each sock. Use your hand or a craft stick to spread the sealer into a thin, even layer. Wait 24 hours before removing the cardboard and wearing the socks. This method will make the socks stiff. It is recommended for handmade socks or slippers rather than thin, store-bought ones. If you are using your hand, it would be best to wear vinyl gloves. Silicone sealer comes in white and clear. You can also use a brush-on rug backing or rubber compound (i.e.: Plasti-Dip). Finished. | Trace your feet onto cardboard. Cut the cardboard feet out and slide them into your socks. Use puffy paint to draw dots or lines on solid-colored socks. Draw pictures on solid-colored socks if you want something fancier. Follow the existing patterns instead if your sock has them. Allow the socks to dry for up to 24 hours, then take the cardboard out. Wait 72 hours before washing the socks. Have a pair of crochet socks or slippers completed. Trace your foot onto a sheet of paper for the template. Cut the template out, then use it to cut 2 soles out of wool felt. Lay strips of masking tape across the soles. Paint the exposed felt with 4 layers of dimensional fabric paint. Remove the tape, then punch holes around the perimeter of each sole. Sew the soles onto your socks with a darning needle and yarn. Draw lines or dots with hot glue if you are in a hurry. Sew suede circles to the heels and toes if you have more time. Use silicone sealer if you want the socks to be waterproof. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fabric-Rose | How to Make a Fabric Rose | To make a fabric rose, cut fabric into 6 to 8 petal shapes in 2 different sizes so that some petals are larger than others. Next, starting with the smaller petals, line the petals up so that they overlap and sew along the bottom. Then, pull the running stitch to bunch the petals and tie a knot where the petals are gathered. Form a circle by aligning the bottom edges and apply glue to the bottom of the rose. Finally, glue a piece of felt to the bottom to cover the rough edges and add a pin. | Gather your materials. For a basic fabric rose, you'll need some fabric (no more than a foot or two should be necessary), scissors, a needle and thread, and a hot glue gun. Cut out 6 to 8 petals in two sizes. Cut the fabric into petal shapes. You'll want some of the petals to be slightly larger than others. Make half of them smaller, and half of them larger. To make petal shapes, cut the fabric into ovals, then cut off one of the ends of the ovals. Line the petals up. Lay the petals in a line so that they all overlap each other a little. Place the smaller petals at the beginning and the larger ones at the end. Sew the petals together. Sew along the bottoms of the petals, using loose, longer stitches. Gather the petals together. Pull the running stitch a little to gather to petals in a bunch. Tie a knot where the flower petals are gathered to keep them bunched up. Gather the rose together. Bring the edges of the petal row together to form a circle. Make sure the bottom edges are aligned. You should have a circular flower with all the petals facing outward. Glue the rose. Take a low-temp glue gun and apply a little glue on the bottom of the rose. You want to glue together all the ends of the petals, where they all meet in the center. Cover the bottom of the rose and add a pin. Attach a small piece of felt to the bottom with hot glue to hide all the rough edges. Then you can run a safety pin through the bottom to wear the rose as a brooch. Gather your materials. To make a French Pouf rose, you'll need a few feet of fabric, scissors, and a hot glue gun. Cut out the flower shapes. Draw a basic flower shape on a piece of fabric the size that you want our flower to be. It can be as large or small as you'd like, but working with flowers smaller than about two inches across will be difficult. Around 4" will work well. Cut along the line. Then use the first flower shape to trace the same shape on four to nine other pieces of fabric. Cut out all the flower shapes. To draw a flower shape, start with a circle, then draw half circles around the circle. If you want, you can print out and use of the templates provided here http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/make-fabric-flowers-tutorial/. How many flower shapes of fabric you use depends on how thick the fabric you're using is. Make fewer when using thicker fabric. Prepare the base. Cut out a small circle of fabric. If you cut your flower shapes around 4" wide, a 2" inch wide circle will do. Place a dot of hot glue in the center of the circle. Place the first flower shape. Fold one of the flower shapes in half. Place the edge of the flower on the dot of hot glue so that when the flower is unfolded it is centered on the circle Glue the rest of the flower shapes. For each of the other flower shapes, place another dot of hot glue in the center of the flower, fold the flower shape in half, and place it on the hot glue. Rotate the base slightly in between gluing each flower shape so that the shapes aren't aligned. Stop before you use the last two of your flower shapes. Add the final petals. For the final two flower shapes, fold them in half, then push the two outer edges inward so that they touch. Do this with both of the last flower shapes. Then glue them to the center of the flower. Fluff the petals so that it looks more like a flower. If your fabric rose is lying a little flat, you can use your fingers to ruffle and wrinkle the petals. That way it looks more flower-like. Gather your materials. For a rose with a button in the middle, you'll need at least a foot of fabric, a hot glue gun, and something to put in the center (like a button, a pin, or a small gem). Cut your petals. Cut out 12 petal shapes out of the fabric. Make 6 about an inch long, and 6 a little less than an inch long. Pinch and glue the petals. For each petal, pinch the base and put a dot glue to secure it like that. Glue the large petals to a base. First, cut out a small circle from the fabric for the base of the rose. Then glue all of the pinched bases of the petals to the center of the circle. The circle you use for the base should be something around 1" to 2" wide. Glue the smaller petals on. Glue each of the smaller petals on to their larger counterparts. Be careful not to burn yourself with the glue. You can either glue the petals directly over the large petals or you can place them so that they point out at a different angle. Add the button and a pin. Glue the button or other center piece to the middle of the rose. If you want, you can attach a safety pin to the back of the flower to use it as a brooch. | Gather your materials. Cut out 6 to 8 petals in two sizes. Line the petals up. Sew the petals together. Gather the petals together. Gather the rose together. Glue the rose. Cover the bottom of the rose and add a pin. Gather your materials. Cut out the flower shapes. Prepare the base. Place the first flower shape. Glue the rest of the flower shapes. Add the final petals. Fluff the petals so that it looks more like a flower. Gather your materials. Cut your petals. Pinch and glue the petals. Glue the large petals to a base. Glue the smaller petals on. Add the button and a pin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Systems-Administrator | How to Be a Systems Administrator | If you want to become a systems administrator, a job that involves fixing and maintaining computer systems, start by becoming familiar with a range of operating systems like Windows, Linux, and iOS to help you become the most desirable candidate for hire. If you don't already have a degree, consider getting a computer-related bachelor's degree. Additionally, you can sign up for a vendor certification program through companies like Microsoft and Cisco to get specialized training in things like programming, servers, and databases. | Find out whether the field is right for you. A computer systems administrator's biggest job is to keep an organization's lines of communications open. On a given day you might have major hardware or software malfunctions to fix; you may have to rewire network cables; you may be pressed to work as fast as possible by frustrated people whose computer systems are paralyzed. None of this is easy or for the faint-hearted. On the other hand, you will be well-paid. Network administrators in 2013 made an average of $74,000, with the top earners bringing in nearly $120,000. Other functions of the job include updating software and hardware, maintaining email and data storage, training new users on the system, connecting employee workstations to the network, and sometimes managing telecommunications networks for people working from home or on the road. Do research before committing to a career in systems administration. There are many web resources that can give you a good summary, such as US News and World Report or Computer Weekly Do a bachelor’s degree. While sometimes it is possible to work in systems administration with previous experience or a professional certificate or associate's degree, you will find that many employers prefer people with a bachelor's degree. Doing a four year degree will familiarize you with things like programming, network security, operating systems, database analysis, and systems analysis, and systems design. Usually, you should do a computer-related major such as information or computer science. Some college programs will include the chance to do an internship. This is a great chance to acquire on-the-job experience and industry skills while still in school. It will make you more hireable as a new graduate. Consider further vocational training. As a way to increase your hireability and credentials, consider furthering your education past a four year degree. For example, companies like Microsoft, Red Hat, and Cisco offer vendor certification programs in things like programming, servers, applications, and databases. While such certifications are voluntary, according to PC World 68% of hiring managers in the industry consider them to be “medium or high priority” in making hiring decisions. You can also get certifications in Windows or Linux server systems, and there is high demand for Cloud and DevOps certifications. You should be able to find certification programs in a variety of places. Microsoft certification courses, for example, are sometimes offered in tech schools or community colleges. You can also take them through “Learning Partners” – trainers all over the country will prepare you for the certification exam. Become familiar with a range of operating systems. Systems administrators have to know the ins and outs of major computer operating systems like Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and others, in order to be able to make updates, install patches, do data backups, manage hardware, and monitor software and system performance. Cast a broad net. Familiarizing yourself with a range of systems – particularly the most popular ones – will make you flexible and more in demand. Some vendors, again, have certification programs in their operating systems. Check with companies to see whether they offer training. Develop communications skills. Communication is an underrated part of being a systems administrator. Yes, much of your time might be spent in alone in the server room, keeping things going. But you will have to work with others, as well. You will need to be able to express your expectations, to propose ideas, and to offer solutions to peers and to management. Can you convince your boss, for example, to upgrade the company's web server? This requires skills in persuasive speaking. Try talking in front of a mirror for 15 to 20 minutes every day. If you are more serious about improving your communication skills, join a speaking organization like Toastmasters International. Get entry-level experience in Information Technology. Try to build up a background in the industry before or while you are in training. Working in desktop support or at a tech support helpdesk are common first jobs for people in systems administration. Try an internship as well. The important thing is to get your foot in the door. Make yourself more hireable by gaining practical experience on top of your academic training. Look for administrator jobs. Candidates who have finished a training program or degree will find that there are a good number of entry-level positions in systems administration. Often employers will look for at least 3-5 years of experience, but you might be able to include education and internships towards this number. Be on the lookout for openings. Check websites like Linkedin or Monster. If you already work at an IT firm, be sure to spread the word to that you're interested in the field. You may be invited to apply if an internal position opens up. Employers will often say what specializations they are looking for. They might want someone who works with Linux, for example, or RedHat. Carefully target the jobs that best match your skills. Highlight your certifications in specific programs or operating systems. Apply. Now is the time to reach your goal! Once you've found some good openings, read the advertisements very carefully. Are you what they are looking for? Take note of the employer's preferred qualifications and any desire for expertise in specific operating systems or other software. When you put together your cover letter and resume, highlight how your training and on-the-job experience meet the company's needs. Say a company is looking for an administrator who specializes in Linux systems, and who has good knowledge of coding in Java and Perl. If you have the proper credentials, say so. Talk about how you have a certification in Linux, for instance, or how you Java and Perl and are also comfortable with other coding languages like Python. As with all job searches, gear your cover letter and resume to the requirements of the job. Make it about the company and not about you. To get hired, you'll have to show an employer how your skills can serve them. After working in the field for a time, you should become qualified for more specialized positions. For instance, you might move into a managerial role, not just managing systems but deciding if and when to make changes or upgrades to the company's computer system. Join a professional organization. There are several major professional organizations for systems administrators, like the League of Professional Systems Administrators (LOPSA) and LISA. Joining a group like one of these can be a wise career move. LOPSA, for example, offers benefits like professional support, opportunities for continued education, and professional networking, and gives a voice to the profession as a whole through lobbying efforts and public outreach. Stay up to speed on the latest technology. Systems administrators sink or swim by their knowledge of the latest advancements or changes in technology. You will need to stay current in the field, otherwise you risk becoming outdated. Read reviews in computer magazines; follow professional online discussion forums or listservs; network and stay in touch with your peers. You might also consider a Master's degree in the field, which will give you even more specialized training. | Find out whether the field is right for you. Do a bachelor’s degree. Consider further vocational training. Become familiar with a range of operating systems. Develop communications skills. Get entry-level experience in Information Technology. Look for administrator jobs. Apply. Join a professional organization. Stay up to speed on the latest technology. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Sneakers-Look-New-Again | How to Make Your Sneakers Look New Again | To make your canvas sneakers look new again, remove the laces and place your shoes into a mesh bag or a pillow case, then wash them in the washing machine or scrub them by hand with an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water. Rub the rubber soles on your shoes with a white eraser to remove any scuffs or stains, then scrub the soles with a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of baking soda and rubbing alcohol to whiten them. You can also machine wash your shoelaces to get them looking good again. | Wash canvas sneakers in the washing machine. If you have some dirty canvas sneakers, you can easily get them clean by throwing them in the washing machine, just as you would any other dirty garment. You may also be able to wash some non-canvas sneakers in the washing machine, but check the manufacturer's instructions before attempting it, as not all sneakers are machine washable. Put a few towels in the laundry with your shoes. Remove the laces and use a brush to remove any loose dirt from your shoes before you put them in the washing machine. Place your shoes inside a pillow case to protect the drum. Use warm water for white shoes and cold water for colored fabrics. You can add some vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to the washing machine to help disinfect your sneakers and remove odors. If you have embellished your canvas sneakers with paint , markers, or other decorations, avoid washing them in the machines, as the decorations may not hold up. Hand wash sneakers. You can clean most sneakers by hand with cleaners that you probably already have. Simply add a small amount of laundry detergent or dish soap to a bowl of water and use a small brush to scrub the solution into your shoes. Once they're clean, pat them dry with a clean rag or paper towel. You may also want to add some baking soda to your solution, especially if you are cleaning white sneakers. Remove the laces first. If the lace holes are very dirty, clean them with a cotton swab. It's a good idea to use a dry brush to remove any loose dirt from your shoes before you get them wet. If your sneakers have been stained by any kind of oil, use a gentle shampoo instead of detergent. Never use this method on suede. It should be fine for most other sneakers, but consult the care label to be sure. Allow sneakers to dry properly. No matter how you cleaned your sneakers, it's important to make sure you dry them properly. Air drying shoes is typically the best method, regardless of material. Never dry your sneakers in the dryer or on the radiator, as this can cause the rubber soles to become misshapen. Stuff wet shoes with paper towels to help them dry faster and retain their shape. You can let most sneakers dry in the sun, but never do this with leather shoes, as direct sunlight can cause them to become discolored. You can blot moisture off of your shoes with a rag to help make them dry a bit faster. You can hang your shoes to dry if you want, but this is not necessary. Use a specially formulated cleaner for suede. You can't clean suede with water, as it may damage the material. Instead, purchase a suede eraser solution, which is available at most shoe stores. Use a brush to work the solution into your shoes, then brush away the excess solution with a clean brush. Be sure to brush the suede in only one direction. Use vinegar to clean suede. If you can't find suede cleaner, you can try gently scrubbing your suede shoes with white vinegar to get them clean. For the best results, use a special suede brush, which you should be able to find at any shoe store. If you have bad stains, blot them with the vinegar-soaked rag instead of rubbing. Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to dry off your shoes after you're done cleaning. Use leather cleaner. If your shoes are leather, it's best to use a cleaning solution that is specifically designed for cleaning leather. Simply use a soft towel to gently rub the solution into your shoes, and they'll be sparkling clean before you know it! You should be able to find leather cleaning solution at any shoe store. Try toothpaste for leather. Another effective way to clean leather sneakers is with a little bit of toothpaste. Simply dampen the surface of your shoe with a wet rag, use a toothbrush to scrub the toothpaste in, and wipe the shoes clean with another damp rag. Let them air dry indoors or outside in the shade. Be sure to use white toothpaste, as colored toothpaste may stain your shoes. Avoid using too much water. You just need enough to dampen the surface of the shoe and wipe away the excess toothpaste. Use baby oil on leather. To quickly brighten up your leather sneakers, try wiping them down with a rag or cotton swab coated in baby oil. This method may not get rid of serious stains, but it's great for everyday cleaning. Avoid using this method on canvas or suede sneakers, as the oil may stain the material. Attack scuffs with an eraser. If you have any scuffs or stains on the rubber part of your sneakers, you can get rid of them quickly by rubbing them with a white eraser, which you can buy at an art supply or office supply store. The sooner you do this, the better it will work, so don't put it off. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is also excellent for getting rid of scuffs on rubber surfaces. Brighten your soles. To clean rubber soles, simply use a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of baking soda and rubbing alcohol. It may require a little elbow grease, but your soles will be back to white before long. If you have stubborn stains, you can try soaking your shoes in a shallow pan so that only the soles are submerged. Get tough grime off of your soles. If you have sticky substances on the sole of your shoes, regular cleaning may not be enough to get rid of it. Luckily, it's fairly easy to get even nasty things like gum and tar off of your shoes. If the sticky substance is not dry, place your shoes in the freezer inside of a freezer-safe bag for a few hours. This should cause the substance to become brittle, so you can scrape it off. If you have tar on your shoes and normal cleaning doesn't do the trick, apply a tar and sap remover. These products are typically designed for automotive use, so always check the label to make sure it's safe for rubber. You can also try WD-40 or baby oil. Machine wash laces. Even if your sneakers are not machine washable, your laces are. Remove your laces and get them sparkling clean by putting them in the washing machine with your regular laundry. Place them in a lingerie bag or inside a pillow case to prevent them from getting tangled in the machine. Washing your laces is especially important if they are white. Never machine wash leather or suede laces. Soak laces. If you don't want to wash your laces in the washing machine, you can get them clean by soaking and scrubbing them as well. Simply let them sit in a bowl of hot water, baking soda, and dish washing liquid for about five minutes. Then use a small brush, such as a toothbrush, to scrub them clean. Use a suede cleaner or vinegar if your laces are suede. Clean the insoles. If you want the insides of your sneakers to be as clean as the outsides, you should definitely take the time to clean the insoles. Remove them from your shoes and use a brush to scrub them down with a mixture of warm water and detergent. Be sure to allow the insoles to air dry before putting them back inside the sneakers. Deodorize the insoles. If your insoles are a little smelly even after you wash them, you may need to take an extra step to freshen them up. Baking soda and vodka are both terrific for removing odors. Try placing them in a plastic bag with some baking soda overnight. Shake the bag well so that the baking soda covers the entire insole. The next morning, simply shake off the excess baking soda and put the insoles back in your sneakers. For really tough odors, soak your insoles some vodka for a few hours. This will get rid of all odor-causing bacteria and fungi. | Wash canvas sneakers in the washing machine. Hand wash sneakers. Allow sneakers to dry properly. Use a specially formulated cleaner for suede. Use vinegar to clean suede. Use leather cleaner. Try toothpaste for leather. Use baby oil on leather. Attack scuffs with an eraser. Brighten your soles. Get tough grime off of your soles. Machine wash laces. Soak laces. Clean the insoles. Deodorize the insoles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adopt-a-Guinea-Pig | How to Adopt a Guinea Pig | If you want to adopt a guinea pig, do it responsibly by adopting from a local animal shelter instead of a pet store. Buying from a store can create demand from breeders and lead to unethical breeding practices with inhumane conditions. When you're looking at a potential new guinea pig, make sure its eyes are clean and completely open, since watery eyes can be a sign of dental or respiratory issues. Also, avoid guinea pigs with other signs of health problems like sores, crusts, or discharges. If you're getting two guinea pigs, grab two of the same gender so they can't reproduce. | Make sure no one at home is allergic. In addition to guinea pig allergies, many people develop allergies to the hay that guinea pigs use in their cages. Before adopting a guinea pig, you and your housemates way want to talk to your doctor or an allergist to ensure that no one in your home will have an allergic reaction. One of the most common reasons people give up guinea pigs is an allergy, either to the animal itself or its hay/bedding. Rule out allergies before adopting a guinea pig. That way you won't have to worry about giving up your family's pet. Determine if you can care for a guinea pig. Some people have the false impression that guinea pigs don't require much care or attention, but this is far from true. Guinea pigs live an average of six years. However, some guinea pigs live up to 10 years. In addition to regular cage cleaning , you'll need to spend time each day socializing with your pet. Because of this, guinea pigs can be a large time investment over several years. Guinea pigs will also require proper nutrition and veterinary checkups. This can get quite expensive over the course of a guinea pig's lifetime. Assess whether you can house a guinea pig. Adopting a new pet requires some practical considerations, like whether you can actually house animals in your home. Guinea pigs need adequate room to play and grow. A cage that houses two guinea pigs must be at least 7.5 square feet (2.3 square meters). Make sure you have room in your home to set up a cage this large. Consider how many guinea pigs to adopt. If you've decided to adopt a guinea pig, you may also want to consider adopting additional guinea pigs for your home. Guinea pigs are very social animals. Adopting a single guinea pig could leave your new pet feeling lonely, especially if it was previously housed with another guinea pig. Only adopt multiple guinea pigs if you have the space and the resources to raise these animals. Adopt responsibly. Buying guinea pigs from a pet store creates more of a demand from breeders. This often leads to unethical breeding practices and inhumane conditions. Instead of buying a guinea pig from your local pet store, consider adopting one from your local animal shelter or rescue agency. Some rescue agencies deal exclusively with small animals like guinea pigs. You can search online for animal shelters or rescue agencies. You can also ask your vet for recommendations on where to responsibly/ethically adopt a guinea pig. Assess the health of a guinea pig. You should always conduct a visual inspection of an animal before bringing it home. Even if the shelter or rescue organization took good care of the animal, there's always a chance that it came from a home or breeder that neglected the guinea pig's health. Make sure the guinea pig's eyes are clean and completely open. Watery eyes are usually a sign of dental or respiratory ailments. If the guinea pig's nose has any discharge, it could be a sign of an infection. Examine the guinea pig's mouth to make sure it does not have any sores or crusts. Crusting and/or white streaks in and around the ears is usually a sign of a fungal infection. Check the guinea pig's feet. Any sores or dry patches could be related to an infection. Look at the guinea pig's teeth and compare its incisor length to that of a healthy guinea pig. Overgrown incisors are painful and can lead to other health problems. Make sure your pets won't reproduce. It's very common for guinea pigs to experience problems during delivery. For this reason, it's generally recommended that inexperienced owners avoid situations in which their pet guinea pigs might breed. Choosing guinea pigs of the same gender is one way to ensure your pets won't breed. You can also have your guinea pigs spayed or neutered to guard against breeding. Complete the adoption process. Though the actual process of adopting a guinea pig will vary somewhat from one organization to the next, it's generally fairly simple. You will typically need to find a guinea pig you like, fill out an adoption application, meet the guinea pig in person, and pay the adoption fees. Be aware that many rescue organizations do not provide transportation carriers. You'll most likely need to bring a carrier with you to the adoption so you can safely transport your new pet to your home. Choose the right cage. The standard cages sold in pet stores are generally not recommended by guinea pig experts for use with these animals. Your pet will need adequate space to live and play, which means you'll need a larger cage. If adopting one guinea pig, you'll need at least 7.5 square feet (0.71 square meters) of cage space, though more space is better. A 30 inch by 36 inch (76 centimeter by 91 centimeter) cage is ideal. If adopting two guinea pigs, you'll need around 10.5 square feet (0.98 square meters) of cage space. Look for a cage that's 30 inches by 50 inches (76 centimeters by 127 centimeters). With three guinea pigs you'll need about 10.5 square feet (0.98 square meters) of cage space, but some experts recommend a cage size closer to 13 square feet (1.2 square meters). Try to get a cage that measures 30 inches by 62 inches (76 centimeters by 157 centimeters). When adopting four guinea pigs, you'll need even more room. Your cage should be at least 13 square feet (1.2 square meters) and measure about 30 inches by 76 inches (76 centimeters by 193 centimeters). Get healthy food for your pet. Your guinea pig will need a balanced diet in order to grow strong and healthy. That diet should include packaged guinea pig pellets, hay, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Before you bring your pet home, you'll want to ensure that you have the right food picked out and ready. Your guinea pig's daily diet should be composed of roughly 80 percent hay, 10 percent store bought pellets, and 10 percent leafy greens. Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C. Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C for guinea pigs that won't introduce too much sugar into their diets. For treats you can feed your guinea pig a small piece of cucumber, carrot, or fruit. Do not give your pet more than a half-inch (1.25 centimeter) piece of fruit or vegetable, and only give treats a few times each week. Arrange a vet checkup. Once you've adopted a guinea pig, you'll need to get it checked out by a veterinarian. A vet can help you with spaying/neutering your guinea pig, as well as checking it for ringworm and other diseases. You can find a vet in your area by searching online or checking your local phone book. | Make sure no one at home is allergic. Determine if you can care for a guinea pig. Assess whether you can house a guinea pig. Consider how many guinea pigs to adopt. Adopt responsibly. Assess the health of a guinea pig. Make sure your pets won't reproduce. Complete the adoption process. Choose the right cage. Get healthy food for your pet. Arrange a vet checkup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Meat-Grinder | How to Clean a Meat Grinder | To clean a meat grinder, start by feeding bread into the machine to to soak up any oil and grease. If your grinder is electric, simply wipe everything down with a damp towel. Otherwise, take apart the grinder and soak all of its parts in a large bucket of soapy water for about 20 minutes. To maintain your meat grinder, keep the meat and the parts cold for easier clean up, and hand wash the grinder after each use. | Start cleaning immediately after use. Expect meat to leave oil and grease behind as it passes through your grinder (as well as stray bits of meat). These will dry and crust over if given time, so don't wait too long before cleaning up. Make life easier by dealing with it promptly after each use. Feed bread into the grinder. Before you disassemble the machine, grab two or three slices of bread. Feed them through the grinder just as you did with your meat. Use these to absorb the meat's oil and grease, as well as push out any stray bits that are lingering inside the machine. Disassemble the grinder. First, unplug the machine if it's electric. Then break it down into its parts. These may vary according to type and model, but generally a meat grinder consists of: A pusher, feed tube, and hopper (usually a single piece through which the meat is fed into the machine). A screw (an internal piece that forces the meat through the machine) A blade A plate or die (the metal piece with holes where the meat comes out) A cover for the blade and plate Soak the parts. Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add some dish detergent. Place the disassembled parts inside once full. Let them sit for about a quarter of an hour to loosen up any remaining grease, oil, or meat. If your grinder is an electric model, do not soak any motorized parts. Instead, use this time to wipe down the outside of the base with a damp cloth and then a fresh one to dry it. Scrub the parts. Use a sponge to clean the screw, cover, and blade. Be careful when handling the blade, since this is sharp and can easily cut you if mishandled. Switch to a bottle brush to clean the inside of the feed tube, hopper, and the plate's holes. Rinse each part with clean water when finished. Don't rush through this process. You want to remove all traces so you don't end up with a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. So once you think you've scrubbed something enough, scrub it just a little bit more. Dry the parts. First, wipe them down with a dry towel to get rid of excess water. Then lay them on a fresh towel or wire rack to air-dry. Avoid rust and oxidation by waiting until they are totally dry before putting your grinder away. Oil any metal parts. Keep your grinder well lubricated and prevent rust from forming during storage. Fill a spray bottle with food-grade mineral oil. Then mist all of your grinder's metal parts (excluding an electric parts) with an even coat of oil. Pay particular attention to the pusher and screw, since these come into the most contact with your meat as you feed it through the machine. Bag each part individually with rice. Place each part to your grinder in its own sealable plastic bag. Then add a handful of rice to each bag. The rice isn't strictly necessary, but it will absorb any present and future moisture, which makes it a good idea if you store your parts in the freezer and/or live in an area with high humidity. Store in your freezer if possible. Keep in mind that your grinder works best when its parts are cold. Keep any non-electric parts in the freezer if there's space. However, if you can't devote that much space for long-term storage, don't worry. Instead: Store your parts somewhere dry in the meantime. Then simply place them in the freezer long enough to chill them before your next use (roughly an hour). Sterilize oiled parts with bleach before use. Mix a tablespoon of bleach with one gallon (3.8 L) of water. Fill a spray bottle with this solution. Then spray each metal part that you oiled before storage to ensure that they are disinfected. Then thoroughly rinse them with clean water to remove all traces of bleach. Keep parts and meat cold. Expect warm meat to make a bigger mess when you're grinding it. Make clean-up easier by keeping both the meat and the grinder's parts well chilled before use. If you need to grind the same meat multiple times: Fill a large bowl with ice. Place a second bowl inside the first and grind your meat into that. Repeat as needed to keep the meat relatively chilled between each grind. Slice off sinew before grinding. Expect any sinew in your meat to dull your grinder's blade over time. Carefully cut this away with a knife or cleaver before feeding the meat into your grinder. Ensure a better grind (and thus less mess to clean up inside). Sharpen or replace blades as needed. Remember: a dull blade will create a bigger mess inside. If your machine seems to be consistently smearing meat around instead of grinding it into small pieces, sharpen the blade or replace it with a new one. However: As long you keep your grinder well maintained and avoid feeding sinew into it, the blade should get sharper and sharper the more you use it. At most, you should only need to sharpen or replace it annually, if that. | Start cleaning immediately after use. Feed bread into the grinder. Disassemble the grinder. Soak the parts. Scrub the parts. Dry the parts. Oil any metal parts. Bag each part individually with rice. Store in your freezer if possible. Sterilize oiled parts with bleach before use. Keep parts and meat cold. Slice off sinew before grinding. Sharpen or replace blades as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Polyurethane | How to Apply Polyurethane | To apply polyurethane, start by removing any old finish from the wood and sanding it down so that it's completely smooth. Next, mix two parts polyurethane with one part mineral spirits and brush it onto the wood to seal it. After it's dried for 24 hours, sand the wood again and apply a coat of pure polyurethane with a brush. Then, allow the first coat to dry for a full day before applying a second coat. | Clean your workspace. Remove as much dirt and dust as possible from the area. Vacuum, mop, and/or wipe every surface clean. Reduce the number of particles that might end up sticking to your coats of polyurethane. Dust and other particles that dry in the polyurethane will result in an uneven surface. Ventilate the room. Create a cross-breeze to get rid of the polyurethane's fumes while you work. Open a window and install an exhaust fan facing outward. Then, if possible, open a window on the opposite side of the room. Never place a fan in your immediate work area, since this may lead to dust being blown onto your wood as you coat it. Purchase a respirator with an organic cartridge if you are unable to improve the room's ventilation and/or if you are sensitive to fumes. Create a work surface. If the wood to be treated can be transported, lay out a protective covering for it to rest on while you work. Use a tarp, dropcloth, cardboard, or similar material. Whichever you use, make sure that it covers a few feet beyond the wood itself on all sides. Protect the surface underneath and make clean-up a cinch. Also make sure the surrounding area is clear of any objects that you want to keep clean, just in case you make a bigger mess than you mean to. Remove old finishes. Strip the wood of any preexisting shellac, lacquer, wax, varnish, or paint. For this, feel free to move your project outdoors for the time being. Work with better air circulation while making your clean-up that much easier. Sand the wood. Start with a medium (100-grit) sandpaper if the wood feels especially rough. After that, resand it with fine (150-grit) sandpaper, and then again with extra-fine (220-grit) paper. Inspect the wood for any scratches in between each sanding. If necessary, use the extra-fine paper to smooth scratched areas. Clean up. Vacuum the wood and surrounding area to remove all of the dust created by sanding. Use a soft-brush attachment when vacuuming the wood itself to avoid scratching the surface. Then dampen a lint-free cloth and wipe the wood down to remove any dust that the vacuum missed. Repeat with a second wipe-down using a dry microfiber cloth. If your polyurethane is oil-based, use mineral spirits to dampen your lint-free cloth. For water-based polyurethane, dampen your cloth with water. Some people use tack cloths for the dry wipe-down, but be aware that some tack cloths may include chemicals that will interfere with the polyurethane's adhesion. Brush flat surfaces. Cover the most surface area at a time by using a brush. Reduce the number of coats needed, since brushes create thicker coats. Favor natural bristles for oil-based polys, and synthetic ones for water-based polys. When brushing: Dunk the bristles roughly an inch (2.5 cm) into the polyurethane to load the brush. Brush with the grain in long, even strokes. After each stroke, run the brush back over any drips that need to be smoothed out. Overlap half of each previous stroke to reduce the chance of gaps and uneven coating. After each coat, reinspect it for any drips that need repairing. Wipe contoured surfaces. Avoid the drips that may occur from brushing areas that aren't perfectly flat. Expect this technique to create thinner coats, so double the amount of coats that you would otherwise apply with a brush. When wiping: Fold a clean cloth into a square, roughly palm-sized, to apply your coats. Dip an edge into the polyurethane. Wipe it onto the wood, following the grain. With each wipe, overlap half of the previous wipe for even coating. Spray less accessible places. Purchase an aerosol can of polyurethane to coat areas that are difficult to reach with a brush or cloth. Err on the side of caution and spray in very short bursts to avoid creating drips, since these will also be out of reach and difficult to repair. Be sure to cover surrounding areas with a protective surface before applying. Spray-on polyurethane creates very thin coats. Practice on a test area first to improve your technique. Stir the polyurethane. After you open the can, use a stir stick to mix the polyurethane's components evenly, which may have settled and separated over time. Always stir, rather than shake. Expect shaking to create bubbles in the liquid, which may be transferred intact to the wood, creating an uneven coat. Seal the wood. Use a clean container to create a mixture of polyurethane and mineral spirits. Combine two parts polyurethane with one part mineral spirits in the new container. Brush or wipe a single coat of this mixture onto the wood. Wait for it to dry before proceeding. Pure polyurethane takes roughly 24 hours to dry, but it should take less than that when diluted with mineral spirits. Sand the wood again. From this point forward, always sand the wood before applying a new coat. Remove any runs, drips, bubbles, or visible brushstrokes that may have developed. Use extra-fine (220-grit) sandpaper to reduce the chance of scratching the surface. Once done, vacuum and wipe the wood again to remove all particles. Apply the first coat. After sealing the wood, use pure polyurethane. However, continue to pour small batches into a clean container, rather than dipping your brush or cloth directly into the original can. Avoid tainting your main supply with any dust or other particles that your brush or cloth might pick up. When brushing, go over the whole surface area with your brush again, without reloading it, once the first coat is complete. Smooth out any drips or runs. After that, give the polyurethane 24 hours to air-dry. Repeat. Once the first coat has dried, sand the wood again. Then add a second in the same manner. Wait another 24 hours to dry. If you used a brush, two coats is fine. For any areas where a cloth or spray was used, repeat twice for a total of four coats. | Clean your workspace. Ventilate the room. Create a work surface. Remove old finishes. Sand the wood. Clean up. Brush flat surfaces. Wipe contoured surfaces. Spray less accessible places. Stir the polyurethane. Seal the wood. Sand the wood again. Apply the first coat. Repeat. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Pack-Your-Carry-on-Bag | How to Pack Your Carry on Bag | To pack your carry-on bag, make sure all of your travel documents and necessities, including any electronics, are in an outside pocket so you can easily reach them. In the main compartment, pack your shoes and other heavy items first, then place lighter items like clothing on top. If you're struggling to fit all of your clothes, try rolling them up instead of folding them, which can save space. Then, place your toiletries at the very top of your bag, in case the TSA agents need to check them as you pass through security. Remember: all of your toiletries should be 3 ounces, or 100 mL, or less, and they should be stored in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. If you're on a domestic flight, you can also pack food, though most food is prohibited on international flights. | Pick the right bag. Make sure it's durable, easy to carry, and that it can hold all of your necessary items. More importantly, make sure it meets your airline's size requirements. Check your airlines FAQ to see the measurements of the largest bag you can bring. If you fly multiple different airlines, check the ones you fly most frequently and choose a size bag that will satisfy all the airlines requirements. A good way to tell if it will work or not is to consider whether or not it will fit in or under the plane seat in front of you. The Vacation Carry-On: The ideal carry on bag is one that has a large body with a lot of pockets. Pockets are fantastic for keeping all of your stuff separate--one pocket for wallet/phone, one for makeup, one for your book, etc. Large purses, messenger bags, or satchels are all great options that give you a lot of space to store your stuff, and generally have great pockets. The Business Carry-On: As you might have guessed, a briefcase is a really good carry on for the working man or woman. Find one that can be slung over your shoulder in case you need to make a run for your flight. Briefcases that have built-in organizers and a pocket for your wallet/phone/keys/other necessities are great options. The Kid/Teenager/College student Carry-On: Think, backpack. Backpacks are fantastic for holding laptops, school books, last minute exam cramming notes, and toys. Because of the zippers, it also ensures that all of your stuff stays in one place so you won't lose your Game Boy or that super important notebook. Make a list of everything you will need to bring. It's best to begin with the bare essentials, then move on to the entertainment or work items. These bare essentials include your license or passport (depending on whether you are flying domestic or international), your wallet with money or credit cards in it, your phone, and medications you might need, and of course, your plane tickets. Other items to consider packing include: Work or school items: this could include your laptop, your phone and laptop chargers, business notes, class notes, homework, reading that you have to do for class, etc. Entertainment: books, headphones and an iPod, your camera, game consoles, DVDs to watch on your laptop, magazines, a travel book for where you are going, toys, etc. Medications and toiletries: It's best to keep any medications you need with you on the plane. You could also consider bringing an extra pair of contact lenses, mouth wash, etc. Stuff to help you sleep: This includes a neck pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, etc. Inflatable neck pillows are the best because they take up very little space when deflated. Consider packing for a bad layover. If you get stranded overnight during your layover, or if your other luggage gets lost (pray that it doesn't) you might want to consider bringing a couple of items with you on the plane. You might want to put these items in their own small bag within your carry on bag. These items include: A toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb or hairbrush, a fresh pair of underwear, socks, and deodorant. Make sure all of your electronics and delicate items are protected. Carry-ons have a tendency to get knocked into a lot, so safe-proofing your valuables is generally a good idea. If you are bringing your laptop or tablet, make sure you have a good safety cover for it. Pack your liquids correctly. Remember that most liquids are not allowed through security. You will need to pack your liquid items in one quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Each passenger is allowed one of these clear quart-sized bags. In the bag, your liquids are limited to 3.4 ounce bottles so don't plan on bringing that gigantic bottle of sunscreen. You can either pack your larger bottles in a suitcase that you check, or buy the liquid items that you need when you reach your destination. Purchase bottled water and drinks after you pass through security. Pack your necessities in easy to access locations. You will need to be showing your license and tickets at least twice while traveling, so it's important to keep them in a spot where you can get at them easily. Pack your essentials first but do not put them at the bottom of your bag. When packing your laptop keep it easily accessible so you can easily reach it when you have to go through security. The majority of the time you will have to remove your laptop from your carry on to get it scanned. This also goes for your plastic bag of toiletries, if you choose to bring one. Pack in some boredom-busting entertainment. Once you have packed your essentials, put your entertainment items into your bag. Putting them in last ensures that the stuff you actually need fits into your bag. Don't overstuff your bag--you don't want to be lugging around a 25 pound bag. Make sure that your bag zips (if it has a zipper) so that you know none of your stuff will fall out. Research your airline. Some planes have built-in entertainment systems, some have in-flight movies, and some even serve meals. Pack your boredom-busting items accordingly. Wear warm clothes on the plane. Wearing a sweatshirt or jacket is always a good idea on a plane, as they tend to keep the temperature of planes at what seems to be freezing. If worst comes to worst, you can always tie your jacket or sweatshirt to your carry on bag (or around your waist). Choose your bag wisely. While each airline has its own rules regarding the size of your carry-on suitcase, most airlines follow a rough guideline that is 45 linear inches (14 x 9 x 22 inches). However, if you can find a carry-on suitcase that is 20 inches (50.8 cm) long, you will be good to go--almost every airline deems that the perfect size for the overhead compartment. Check your airline's website for the specific requirements of that airline. You should also look for a suitcase that only has two wheels, because four-wheelers have a tendency to roll all over the place (especially if you let go of them while on the bus transporting you to your flight). Lay out all of the clothes you want to bring. Once you have laid them out, reduce the amount by half. Think lightweight, since you'll be packing all of your stuff into a tiny suitcase. Do you really need twelve pairs of pants and eighteen shirts? Chances are, you probably don't. Only pack what you really need. Also aim for lighter materials that you can layer. Denim is heavier than other materials like cotton so consider the weight of your clothes when packing. Coordinate the colors of your outfits. This will help you to stretch the clothes you bring into more outfits. Remember that black goes with everything. If you are really having trouble limiting the amount of clothing you are bringing, try following this rule: shirts get worn for two days each and pants or shorts get worn for three days each. Apply this rule to the clothes you have laid out and see if that reduces the amount at all. Plan out your toiletries. Because you have a carry-on, you will most likely be limited to the standard one-quart, plastic, resealable bag of toiletries for your liquid items. You can also bring a bag for dry items like makeup, deodorant, etc. For larger liquid items, consider buying these when you get to your destination, or use the free ones that you get at hotels and motels. Plan your travel outfit before you put everything into your suitcase. You should wear your heaviest items on the plane so that you don't have to stuff them into your carry-on. Wear your jeans and jacket or sweatshirt, as well as your heaviest shoes, so that you have more space for other items in your carry-on. Pack your entertainment, electronics, and other smaller items into your carry-on bag (rather than your suitcase). After all, you are allowed two carry-ons, one that gets stored in the overhead compartment (your suitcase), and one (your bag) that gets stored under your seat. See Method One for tips on how to properly pack your carry-on bag for the flight. Employ a stellar packing technique. There are many different ways to pack efficiently. Use one method, or try a combination. Make sure to keep anything you will need to take out for security (like your toiletries) right at the top. Some of these techniques include: The Rolling Method: Roll, roll, roll your pants into a little tube! Rolling your clothes up into tubes is a great way to save space, particularly when compared to folding all of your clothes. It also does less wrinkle damage. Use compression bags. These bags can be purchased at most everything-stores like Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc. Stuff your clothes into these bags, zip them up, and then squeeze them so that all the air gets removed. You will be shocked by how tiny these bags filled with clothes can get. Stuff things into every nook and cranny. Stuff your socks in to shoes, dresses into nooks and crannies--anything you can fit. It won't be the most organized carry-on, but you will definitely have everything you need. | Consider packing for a bad layover. Pack your necessities in easy to access locations. Pack in some boredom-busting entertainment. Wear warm clothes on the plane. Lay out all of the clothes you want to bring. Plan out your toiletries. Plan your travel outfit before you put everything into your suitcase. Pack your entertainment, electronics, and other smaller items into your carry-on bag (rather than your suitcase). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plait-a-Horse%27s-Tail | How to Plait a Horse's Tail | If you want to plait a horse's tail, tie the horse on a hard, flat surface, then comb the tail in small sections. Dampen the hair on the tail with a wet sponge, then grab 2 small bunches of hair about 1 cm each from either side of the base of the tailbone. Cross the 2 sections over, then pick up a third section from one side and cross it over the now-middle section. Continue doing this, alternating sides and adding more hair each time, until the horse's entire tail is braided in a French-braid style. Secure the end of the plait with an elastic. | Tie up your horse. Your horse should be standing still while plaiting the tail, so tie him up before starting. Make sure he is on a hard flat surface. As you will be standing behind your horse, make sure to take steps to avoid being kicked. Brush the tail and check its thickness. Using a soft body brush or a tail brush, hold the whole tail in one hand and gradually push the brush through small sections of tail at a time. Comb the top of the tail and sides with a mane comb. If the tail is thin, or the hairs on the side are too short to plait, you can use a pulling technique to make the tail look presentable instead. Wet the tail. Before beginning, you will want to make the hairs shinier and less slippery. Dip a brush or sponge in water and brush the tail with it to dampen it. Alternatively, dip your fingers in egg white or a hair gel for horses. You only want to dampen, not completely wash the tail, as it can make the hair harder to manage. Do not use ordinary hair gel, as some horses are allergic to it. Do not use coat polish or detangler, as they will make the tail slick and hard to handle. Run your fingers through the top and sides of the tail. After dampening, you will want to be sure the hair is ready for plaiting. You should be able to comb the tail without hitting any snags. Stand above the horse. You do not want to pull the hair downward while plaiting. This can cause the plait to come loose or look untidy. If you have a particularly tall horse, use a step stool. Grab two small sections of hair. You should start with two small bunches of hair, about 1 centimeter (0.4 in) each, from either side of the base of the tailbone (dock). Take the left and right sections in your hands, and hold them taught. Cross the two sections over. When finished, the left hand one should be on the right. This will help keep your work clean, and give you a good start away from the horse's skin. Begin a French braid on the tail. Take a third section of hair, roughly the same size, from either side. Cross this new section over the now-middle section, so that it is now in the center. Next, cross the opposite section over the new center section. You should end up with three strands to the left, middle, and right again, similar to how you started. Continue the braid, adding hair for each crossing. Work about two thirds of the way down the dock. As you continue braiding down the tail, add additional bits of hair to your left and right strands before crossing over. Press inward each time you cross, to keep the plait tight over the dock. The key to a successful plait is maintaining even pressure the whole time. Don't pull hard downward, but keep a steady, small tug of pressure along the direction the tail flows. You can give the dock a quick squeeze to feel where you are along it. The extra strands you take should create a "ribbed" appearance on either side of the tail. Finish the plait. Braid your three strands together, this time without adding additional hair from the side. This braid will not hold the tail as the other strands did. The rest of the skirt, or long tail hairs, will hang freely beneath the plait, although the "ribs" of the upper plait will help prevent loose hairs. Secure the end of the plait. Now that you have the plait fully made, you need to tie off the end to keep it in place. Using a needle with yarn or thread, stitch the end tight. You can also use an elastic band. If you are intending to use the plait in a show or competition, be aware the trend is toward threads that match your horse's hair color. Choose a style to complete your plait. There are several ways you can complete the plait. The most popular style is the loop, though there is also the quicker wrap technique, or the fancier, though more difficult, pinwheel. Finish with a loop. The loop is the most traditional way to finish off your work. Pick up the tip of the plait and pull it under the dock plait to form a discreet loop. Make sure the braid is snug against the upper dock plait. Pull the yarn ends through the "ribs" of the upper plait and tie the two plaits together. If you used yarn, you can instead grab the dangling ends of yarn with a latch hook or your fingers to pull through. Finish with a wrap. This is the quickest way to finish the plaiting. Start by wrapping the braid once around the dock. Tuck the end of the braid under the loop you just made, and pull through down away from the horse. This won't be as tight as your braiding, but tense enough to not loosen immediately. Tie up the loose braid to the wrap, using either yarn or thread. Finish with a pinwheel. Leave the braid unfinished, or undo the last few crossovers. This should leave two unused lengths of hair. Roll the plait over itself tightly up the length of the tail, forming a flat circle of plaited hair. Keep the two unused lengths of hair separate, dangling on either side of the wheel. After you have rolled up the remaining braid, cross the extra lengths of hair between the wheel and the plait, then loop and gently tie them around the plait. Use hairspray to hold your work in place. This will keep the plait stiff and keep loose hairs down. You don't want any spiky hairs, or other pieces out of place. Protect the plait. Your horse may itch, and try to rub off the plait. This could tear the hair and ruin your work. You can cover it with a tail bandage, long sock, or stocking to keep it tidy and protected. A tail bandage is better, just make sure you remove it gently. | Tie up your horse. Brush the tail and check its thickness. Wet the tail. Run your fingers through the top and sides of the tail. Stand above the horse. Grab two small sections of hair. Cross the two sections over. Begin a French braid on the tail. Continue the braid, adding hair for each crossing. Finish the plait. Secure the end of the plait. Choose a style to complete your plait. Finish with a loop. Finish with a wrap. Finish with a pinwheel. Use hairspray to hold your work in place. Protect the plait. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Christmas-Pudding | How to Make a Christmas Pudding | If you want to make a Christmas pudding, mix all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl and stir everything together. Mix in beaten eggs and Guinness beer, then pour the mixture into a greased bowl. Cover the pudding with parchment, then seal the bowl with aluminum foil and place it in a double boiler. Bring the water in the pan to a boil, then lower it to a simmer and cook the pudding for 4 hours. Add more water about once an hour, bringing the pudding up to a boil, then back to a simmer again each time until the pudding is finished. | Mix the dry ingredients. Into the large bowl, put the following: raisins, golden raisins, currants, breadcrumbs, suet, brown sugar, mixed peel, grated carrot, glace cherries, lemon peel, orange peel, chopped almonds, mixed spice, flour, grated apple and the pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Beat the eggs. Crack all six eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly with a fork. Add the eggs and Guinness. Pour the eggs and Guinness over the dry mix. Combine well with your hands. Grease the bowl. Coat the inside of the glass bowl with the knob of butter. Transfer. Put the pudding mix into the bowl, pressing it down lightly and giving a final pat to make it level. Cover and seal. Place the circular piece of parchment paper over the mix, and gently press it down and around the edges. Follow by the tin foil and seal tightly. Make a Bain Marie. Place the bowl into the saucepan. Pour in enough water to fill up to three quarters, making a Bain Marie, which means a water bath or double boiler. Cook the pudding. Place the saucepan onto a high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once it is boiling, turn it down to a gentle simmer and allow to simmer for roughly 4 hours. It's very important that you keep topping up the water, which will be approximately every hour. Remember to bring it back to the boil and then turn it back down to a simmer. Remove the pudding from the heat after this time. Take off the tin foil. Remove the sheet of parchment paper. Place a large plate on top of the bowl. Using cloths to grip the plate better, very carefully flip the pudding onto the plate to sit upright. Serve. Your Christmas pudding is now ready to serve! As an optional extra, ladle over some brandy, along with some delicious brandy butter ! Merry Christmas. | Mix the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon. Beat the eggs. Add the eggs and Guinness. Grease the bowl. Transfer. Cover and seal. Make a Bain Marie. Cook the pudding. Remove the pudding from the heat after this time. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Android | How to Install Android | To install Android on your PC or Mac, start by installing the free VirtualBox application by Oracle. Then, head to https://www.android-x86.org/download.html and download the 64-bit ISO file. In VirtualBox, create a new virtual machine for Android, and mount the ISO image in the virtual CD ROM drive. Boot from the ISO image, create a partition, and install Android. To upgrade Android on your phone or tablet, open the Settings app, tap System or System updates , and then choose the option to check for updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. | Install VirtualBox by Oracle. VirtualBox allows you to run another operating system like Android in a window on your PC or Mac. Once you set up VirtualBox, you can install an Android emulator called Android-x86, which emulates Android Pie. To install: Go to https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads. Click Windows hosts to download the Windows installer, or OS X Hosts to install the Mac installer. Double-click the downloaded file. Follow the on-screen instructions to install. Accept any privacy warnings and default settings as they come up. Download the Android-x86 image file. To do this: Go to https://www.android-x86.org/download.html. Click the green Download from Fosshub button. Click Android-x86 64-bit ISO file. If you need the 32-bit version for some reason, you can choose that instead. Click Save if prompted to start the download. Create a new virtual machine in Virtual Box. Before you can install Android, you'll need to create a virtual location to install to. Here's how: Open Virtual Box from the Start menu or Applications folder and click New. Type Android as the name, select Linux from the "Type" menu, and choose Linux 2.6 / 3.x / 4.x (64-bit) from the "Version" menu. If you downloaded the 32-bit version of Android-x86, choose the (32-bit) option instead. Click Next. Assign 1024 MB of RAM (or at least 512 MB if you don't have much) and click Next. Select "Create a virtual hard disk now" and click Create. Use the default hard disk file type and click Next. Choose "Dynamically allocated" and click Next. Chose the default amount of space (you can increase or decrease it if you need to) and click Create. This creates the virtual machine and adds it to the list in the left panel. Right-click the virtual machine and click Settings. It's in the left panel. Adjust your settings. Before you can install Android, you'll need to make the following changes: On the System tab, increase the Processor count to something above 1 if you have more than 1 virtual processor. In the Display tab, select VBoxVGA from the "Graphics Controller" menu. This is crucial. Click the Storage tab to add your Android image. Once you're there, perform these actions: Click the first Empty option (it should have a CD icon) in the center column to select it. In the "Attributes" column on the right side, click the CD icon with a tiny black downward-pointing arrow. Select Choose Optical Virtual Disk File. Click Add , select the Android-86 file you downloaded (it should be called something like android-x86_64-9.0-r2.iso ) and click Open. Click the ISO file you added once to select it, and then click the Choose button. Click OK to save your changes and return to the list of virtual machines. Right-click the Android virtual machine and click Start. This boots the virtual machine from the Android ISO like it's a CD. Scroll down to "Installation – Install Android X86 to Hard Disk" and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. This starts the install process and asks you if you'd like to set up partitions. Press the C key and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. This is how you'll create a partition. A pop-up window will appear asking if you want to use GPT. Select NO and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. No is selected by default so you should be good to go. Create the bootable partition and install Android. Follow these steps to make sure Android installs correctly: Press the N key and press the Enter or Return key to choose "Primary." Press the Enter or Return key again to choose the default partition size. Select Bootable (if it's not selected by default) and press Enter or Return to select it. You should see "Boot" under "Flags" now. If you don't, select Bootable again and press Enter or Return to toggle it on. Use the arrow key to move to the "Write" option and press the Enter or Return key. Type yes and press Enter or Return. Press Q to quit. Use the arrow keys to select "OK" and press Enter or Return. Select EXT4 and press Enter or Return. Select Yes and press ' Enter or Return to format. When the format is complete, you'll be asked if you want to install Grub. Press the Y key to install Grub when prompted. Press the Y key again to install as read/write and begin the installation. Power down your virtual machine once Android is installed. Once you see the blue success screen, click the X at the top-right corner, and select the option to turn off the machine. Remove the ISO image from the virtual CD drive. Now that Android is installed, you'll need to remove the virtual install disk so you can boot right into the operating system. To do this: Right click the Android machine and select Settings. Click the Storage tab. In the Attributes panel on the right, click the small black arrow below the tiny CD button. Click Remove Disk from Virtual Drive and click OK. Start your Android virtual machine. Now that you've installed Android, you can start it by double-clicking it in the left column, or by clicking the green Start arrow at the top. When it boots up, select the first option (not the debug options) in the list to launch Android. If Android opens to the console prompt, wait a few moments for Android to start. There's nothing you need to do make this happen. Once Android launches, you can sign in with your Google account and personalize your settings. Connect your Android phone or tablet to Wi-Fi. If there is a more recent version of the Android operating system that is compatible with your phone or tablet, you can install it over your Wi-Fi connection. Although Android is always being updated, different phone manufacturers and providers have their own update schedules. It may take longer for some models to get the latest updates. If your Android does not have a full charge, plug it into a power source before you continue. Open your Android's Settings . You can do this by swiping down from the top of the home screen and tapping the gear icon. If you received a notification that an Android update is available, just tap the notification and follow the on-screen instructions to install it. Tap System or System updates. The option varies by model. If you don't see one of these options, try About phone or About tablet instead. Tap Check for updates or System update. If a more recent version of Android is ready to be installed, you'll be prompted to install it. If not, you'll see a message that says the software is up to date. You may have to tap Advanced to find one of the Update options. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update. If an update is available, you'll be asked if you want to install it now. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so. When the installation is complete, your Android will reboot and the new version will be ready to use. Go to https://www.google.com/android/beta in a web browser. This is the official website of Android's beta testing program for Pixel owners. If your Pixel is compatible with the latest Beta version of Android, you'll be able to install it on this site. If you're not already signed in to the Google account associated with your Pixel, click Sign in at the top-right corner to do so now. You can use your computer, phone, or tablet to access this site as long as you're signed in with your Google account. Scroll down and click Enroll under your phone. If your Pixel is eligible for the latest beta version of Android, it'll appear here (although you may have to click View your eligible devices first. Tap the software installation notification on your Pixel. When the installation is ready, you'll receive a notification on your Pixel to install the latest Android beta. If your phone isn't already plugged in to a power source and connected to a Wi-Fi network, do those things now. If it's been more than a day since you've enrolled and you haven't received a notification, open your Settings app, select System , and then choose System update to check for the update manually. Follow the on-screen instructions to install. Once the software is installed, your Android will reboot into the latest beta version of the product. | Install VirtualBox by Oracle. Download the Android-x86 image file. Create a new virtual machine in Virtual Box. Right-click the virtual machine and click Settings. Adjust your settings. Right-click the Android virtual machine and click Start. Scroll down to "Installation – Install Android X86 to Hard Disk" and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. Press the C key and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. Select NO and press ↵ Enter or ⏎ Return. Create the bootable partition and install Android. Power down your virtual machine once Android is installed. Remove the ISO image from the virtual CD drive. Start your Android virtual machine. Connect your Android phone or tablet to Wi-Fi. Open your Android's Settings . Tap System or System updates. Tap Check for updates or System update. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update. Go to https://www.google.com/android/beta in a web browser. Scroll down and click Enroll under your phone. Tap the software installation notification on your Pixel. Follow the on-screen instructions to install. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Foot-Scraper | How to Use a Foot Scraper | To use a foot scraper, start by filling a tub or basin with warm water and soaking your feet in it for 15 minutes, which will soften the skin on your feet. Then, lightly dry your feet off with a towel so they're still slightly moist but not dripping wet. Next, take your foot scraper and gently scrape off any thickened or rough patches of skin on your feet, using a downward motion. Finally, when you're finished, apply lotion to your feet to moisturize them. | Consider other ways to remove dead skin. You may want to first consider the various alternatives there are for removing the dead skin from your feet before choosing to use a foot scraper. For instance, you might want to use a tool that won't be as rough as some foot scrapers are, or you might want something stronger in order to get rid of very thick callouses. Use a foot scrub. This is the safest option for your feet because there is no risk of friction-related injuries. There are many specialized exfoliating scrubs available at most stores. All you do is rub the foot scrub over your feet to be rid of dead, dry skin. Another way to safely soften your feet and get rid of cracked or dead skin is to use ceramic stones made for exfoliating. These stones, like a foot scraper, usually have both rough and finer sides. However, these ceramic stones can be safer to use than foot scrapers, especially for diabetics. Consider using a foot shaver. Shavers are often made of stainless steel and are intended for severely thick or dried calluses. They actually shave off layers of skin to get to the softer, newer skin underneath. Know that you can damage your skin if you make a mistake while using the foot shaver, perhaps even leading to infection. You can usually get a foot shaver/razor at any drug store for around $10-$20. Select a foot scraper. There are many types of foot scrapers available that you may want to check out. While the most common is made with a plastic or wood handle and features a double-sided scraper, they also come in clay, glass, metal or electric forms. Decide which type will make it easiest for you to pamper those beautiful feet. Most foot scrapers have one side that is rougher than the other to help remove corns or thicker calluses. You can also use the rougher side first and follow up with the finer grained side for buffering your skin. Electric foot scrapers or callus removers are similar to over-the-counter microderm-abrasion tools. You can often get professional results with these durable tools. While the electric foot scraper can give you soft feet quickly, easily and efficiently, know that many of them have parts that must be replaced regularly—such as round emery-board discs. Be sure to stock up on these parts. You can also get an easy-to-clean and sterilize glass foot scraper or file for scraping thick skin off your feet. These tools can be boiled or soaked in disinfectant to keep the non-porous surface clean. Be sure to get a glass scraper that is thicker so it won't break as easily. A clay foot scraper is safe for your skin and not as harsh as some other scrapers can be. It is a tool traditionally used in Asian countries. Get some pumice. Many people prefer to include a pumice rub after foot scraping for extra soft feet. If you choose to finish with pumice, you will want to find a stone attached to a plastic or wood handle so it is easier to maneuver. You can also use pumice in its natural state, of course, if you prefer that. Prepare a basin of water. Any container will do as long as your feet can be submerged into it. A foot spa basin is not a requirement, though it can be nice. You will want the water in the basin to be as hot as you can stand without burning your skin. Soaking your feet will soften any calluses or thick skin, making it easier to remove with a pumice stone or a foot scraper. Add your oils, salts, soap and vitamins. Your foot soak can be customized to best suit you. You may want to add shampoo or hand soap to the water in your basin in order to make suds or you may prefer a specific scent to match your mood. Some people use pedicure soaks specifically made for your feet or that contain vitamin A, E or D. Consider adding mineral or Epsom salt to the water. Epsom salt, especially, can help treat cracked skin and aching feet. You could also add 1–2 US tbsp (15–30 ml) of apple cider vinegar to the bath, if you'd like. You may decide that you want to add some oils to the water to better moisturize your skin. Olive oil, aromatic or essential oils, such as chamomile or lavender, are good choices. Add a teaspoon of these oils to the water and prepare for super soft feet. Also consider adding mineral-rich seaweed, marine algae or menthol to the foot soak. Soak your feet. You now have a warm water bath to soak your feet in. Put your feet in and enjoy. Soak for at least 5 minutes but, ideally, for 15 minutes to get your skin extra soft. You want your feet to be as soft as possible—even wrinkly—before you use a foot scraper to keep your skin from bleeding.. Dry your feet. Lay a towel next to the basin of water. When you are done soaking your feet, take them out and put your feet on the towel. Dry them gently. You want them to be dry enough to use the foot scraper effectively but moist enough to stay soft. Feel for rough spots. Now that your feet are softer after the soak, check the skin for areas that are callused. Run your hands over your foot, paying close attention to parts of the foot often affected by thick skin, such as the ball of the foot, heel, top of your toes and foot sides. Once you have determined which areas to work on, you can start using the foot scraper. Use the foot scraper. Pick up one foot and place it on the opposite knee to get it into a good position for using the foot scraper. Flex your foot, stretching, so the ball of your foot sticks out more. Hold the scraper against the foot and use a downward motion to scrape off any thickened skin. Continue scraping the skin until all areas of the foot are smooth. Use very gentle scrapes—it's best if you remove the thickened skin gradually over a few sessions to ensure you aren't too aggressive with your feet. Use the foot scraper where you determined you have rough skin. Avoid tender or very soft areas. Sometimes only a little bit of skin will come off when you use the scraper. This could be because there is not much thickened skin in that area. If you can tell there is still hard skin, however, try the other side of the scraper or use a foot shaver/razor. Use the foot scraper on the other foot by placing the new foot onto the opposite knee. Use a pumice stone. Pumice is a lightweight, volcanic rock that is very porous and useful as an exfoliator. After you use the foot scraper, a pumice stone can be particularly effective at sloughing off any remaining dead skin cells. Apply lotion or oil to foot or the pumice stone to help it slide across your skin easier. Scrub the whole foot, using circular motions. Pumice stones are rough and can be harsh on sensitive skin. If so, don't press so hard on the skin. Do it lightly. Repeat on the other foot. Check your feet. Run your hands over your feet and make sure your skin is smooth. Check the areas you noticed needed work before you started using the foot scraper. If you still feel some rough patches, go back and reuse the foot scraper and pumice. You should definitely notice a difference. Do not overdo it. You can scrape too much, causing redness and irritation or cuts. Moisturize your feet. After scraping the calluses, you will want to use a foot moisturizer to keep your feet hydrated. Pay special attention to those areas you treated with the foot scraper. You can use a scented lotion, cream or oil—but make sure it locks moisture into the skin well. Massage your feet. Massaging is very good for your feet as well as the newly exposed skin. It increases blood circulation, relaxes muscles and relieve pain. Do one foot at a time and keep massaging for at least one minute each. Grasp the foot in both hands. Use both hands to squeeze the foot near the toes. Gradually move up toward the ankle. Use both hands to twist the foot lightly in opposite directions. Start at the toes and work up toward the ankle. Rub your fingers of both hands along the foot in circular motions. Feel for crevices between bones and joints. Press in and rub those areas. You can also use your knuckles along the bottom of the foot. Kneading the skin with your knuckles offers greater pressure and feels great. | Consider other ways to remove dead skin. Select a foot scraper. Get some pumice. Prepare a basin of water. Add your oils, salts, soap and vitamins. Soak your feet. Dry your feet. Feel for rough spots. Use the foot scraper. Use a pumice stone. Check your feet. Moisturize your feet. Massage your feet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mooncakes | How to Make Mooncakes | To make mooncakes, start by stirring together alkaline water, golden syrup, vegetable oil, and flour to make the dough and setting it aside for at least 3 hours. Then, steam and salt eggs yolks and soak them in rose-colored cooking wine. Next, roll lotus seed paste or red bean paste into balls. After that, assemble the mooncakes by making holes in the balls, putting half an egg yolk inside each one, and wrapping enough dough around each ball to cover it completely. Finally, mold the mooncakes and bake them for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. | Mix together the ingredients for the dough. Stir together the alkaline water, golden syrup, and vegetable oil, and sift in the flour more slowly. When mixed together, these ingredients should form a dough. Cover the dough with saran wrap and set it aside for at least 3 hours. Prepare the salted egg yolks. Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Put the yolks in a pan and steam them for about 10 minutes on a low to medium heat. Salt the yolks. Set them aside to cool down. Make sure that they have cooled off before you proceed in making the mooncakes. Cut each egg in half. Once they have dried, you should put them in a bowl and mix them with the cooking wine. Take them out and let them dry. You can also dry them with a paper towel. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). While the oven is preheating, separate the lotus or red bean paste into 12 equal parts. Roll each of these into a ball. Separate the dough into 12 equal parts. Roll each of those into a ball, as well. Flatten each piece of dough into a small disk. Assemble your mooncake. Each mooncake consists of a ball of dough, one ball of lotus or red bean paste, and one half of a salted egg yolk. Make a hole in a ball of lotus or bean paste, and put the egg yolk inside. Make the lotus or red bean paste into a ball that covers the egg yolk entirely. Repeat this process, covering the lotus or red bean paste ball (with the egg yolk inside) with the dough. Repeat this entire process for each mooncake. You should have 12 mooncakes. Spray your mooncake mold with nonstick spray. Press each mooncake lightly into the mold. Take the mooncake out of the mold, and put it onto a baking sheet. Put all 12 mooncakes into the oven, and wait 10-12 minutes. While the mooncakes are baking, make the egg wash. Mix together the egg whites and the egg yolk, and then sift them through a sieve. Take the mooncakes out of the oven after about 5 minutes and brush them with the egg wash. Put them back in the oven until they become golden brown. Use a different filling. There are many different types of ways that you can fill your mooncake. Besides the traditional mooncake, with lotus seed or red bean paste and a salted egg yolk in the middle, you can give these variations a try: Five kernel filling, which consists of five different types of nuts and seeds, which can vary but can often include walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or peanuts Jujube paste, which is a paste made from the jujube fruit Mung bean paste or black bean potato paste No egg in the middle, only filling like red bean paste Fruit filling, such as melon, pineapple, and lychee. Seafood (such as abalone or shark) Make a “snow skin” mooncake. This is a different way to make mooncake dough. You should mix together 100g of glutinous rice flour, 90g sweet icing, 30g shortening, and 50g cold water, adding the water gradually. You can also color this dough with food coloring, if you want to. This dough is different than normal mooncakes because they are softer, almost like mochi. Use a different mold. You don't have to use a traditional Chinese mooncake mold. You can find molds online or in cooking stores that have creative, modern patterns. You should also mold your mooncakes into different shapes to fit these different molds. Put your mooncakes into an airtight container. After your mooncakes have dried and cooled off on a wire cooling rack, you should put them in an airtight container. Wait to eat your mooncakes for one or two days. They should be soft and also look shiny on the outside. Eat your mooncake with Chinese tea. Mooncakes go especially well with tea. Try a vanilla tea with a little bit of spice for your traditional mooncake. Eat your mooncake as a dessert. Mooncakes are a sweet and decadent food, so you should eat them as a dessert. You can even cut them up into halves or smaller slices if they are too rich for eating in one sitting. Give your mooncake as a gift. It is common for mooncakes, even homemade ones, to be packaged in little boxes as gifts. Find some little boxes at a craft store or online, and put your mooncakes into boxes for your friends and family. | Mix together the ingredients for the dough. Prepare the salted egg yolks. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Separate the dough into 12 equal parts. Assemble your mooncake. Spray your mooncake mold with nonstick spray. Use a different filling. Make a “snow skin” mooncake. Use a different mold. Put your mooncakes into an airtight container. Eat your mooncake with Chinese tea. Eat your mooncake as a dessert. Give your mooncake as a gift. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Your-Face-Shape | How to Determine Your Face Shape | To determine your face shape, stand in front of a mirror and make sure your hair is out of your face. Then, check if you have a wide forehead and narrow jaw to see if your face is heart-shaped. If it's not, see if your face is equally as long as it is wide, which means you have a round face. If it's not perfectly round but it seems roundish, check if your face is longer than it is wide, which means you have an oval face. If none of these seem like you, check if your forehead and jaw are wider than your cheekbones to see if your face is square-shaped. | Grab a flexible measuring tape. To measure your face, you will need the kind of soft fabric tape measure that tailors use. These are easy to come by at most department stores. It doesn't matter whether the ruler is in inches or centimeters. The important part is how the measurements compare to each other, not the exact numbers. Get your hair out of the way. If your hair is long, put it up or tie it back. Slick back or clip up shorter styles. Get a pencil and paper. In order to determine your face shape with measurements, you will need to write down each measurement as you go so that you can compare them all when you are done. Get something to jot down your measurements with. Position yourself in front of a mirror. It's easiest to measure your face if you can see what you're doing. Stand or sit in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Face the mirror front on, with your chin level. Measure across the widest part of your forehead. This is typically located midway between your eyebrows and your upper hairline. Measure the distance straight across from the hairline on 1 side of your forehead to the other. Write down the result. Take a measurement across your cheekbones. This measurement can be a little tricky. Feel for the most prominent part of your cheekbones with your fingertips. This is usually located just below the outer corner of each eye. Once you've located the right spot, measure straight across from 1 cheekbone to the other. Measure from each end of your jaw to the tip of your chin. Place one end of the tape measure at the corner of your jaw below your ear, and bring the other end to the tip of your chin. Do the same on the other side and add the results together, or just multiply the first measurement by 2. This will give you your total jawline length. Measure the length of your face. Take your tape and measure from the center point of your upper hairline down to the tip of your chin. If you have a receding hairline or a shaved head, estimate where your hairline would be. Compare each measurement to determine your face shape. After you've made all the measurements and written them down, determine which measurements are greatest and which are smallest. Compare the proportions of your face with those typical of the common face shapes. For example, if your face is about as long as it is wide, it is probably round or square. A square face has a wider, more angular jaw than a round face. If your face is longer than it is wide, it may be oblong, oval, or rectangular. To determine which, look at how your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline measure up. If your measurements get gradually narrower from forehead to jawline, your face is heart-shaped or oval. If they're similar all the way down, your face may be oblong, square, or rectangular. If your face gets wider from forehead to jawline, it's triangular. Choose a flattering hair length for your face shape. The length of your hair can affect how long and wide your face looks. Go with a length that balances out the dimensions of your face. Long, straight hair is an excellent choice for round and square faces, because it adds length and minimizes width. Extremely short cuts with more volume on top, such as a pixie cut, can also lengthen short faces and draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Medium to short cuts, such as a chin-length or shoulder-length bob, can make long faces look shorter and add fullness to the face. This is a good choice for oval or oblong faces. Style your bangs to fit your face. The shape of your face is an important factor in determining what kind of bangs look best on you (or whether you should have them at all). Consider the following when deciding on bangs: Long, feathery bangs that frame the forehead in an A-shape can help soften the look of a square face. Side-swept bangs are flattering on a variety of face shapes, including round, heart-shaped, and oval or oblong. Blunt, long, straight-across bangs can make narrow foreheads appear wider and minimize the length of longer faces. Pick frames that balance out your face shape if you wear glasses. Glasses can change the appearance of your face quite a bit. If you wear glasses, select frames that complement the shape of your face rather than exaggerating it. For example: Maintain the balance of an oval face with frames that match the width of your face. If you have a heart-shaped face, minimize the breadth of the upper half of your face with light-colored or rimless frames. You can also choose frames that are wider at the bottom. For long faces, such as oblong or rectangular, choose wide frames with low bridges and decorative temple elements that add width. For faces that are narrower on top, such as triangular faces, pick frames that are wider on top, such as cat-eyes. Choose narrow frames for short, wide face shapes, such as square or oval. Curved frames balance out more angular faces, while angular frames work best with round faces. Soften the look of an angular diamond face shape by choosing oval frames. Flatter your face shape with complementary makeup. If you wear makeup, apply it in ways that balance the proportions of your face and bring out your best features. For example: Add width to an oblong face by putting blush on the apples of the cheeks and blending out toward the temples. Reduce length by adding bronzer to the hairline and jawline. Use bronzer to minimize the width of the forehead on a heart-shaped face. Give structure to a round face by applying bronzer around the entire outer perimeter of the face and under the cheekbones. Highlight the central part of the face (middle of the forehead, bridge of the nose, high point of the cheeks, and chin). Soften square faces by contouring the forehead, temples, and jawline, and adding highlighter to the cheeks. For face shapes with narrower foreheads, such as diamonds and triangles, widening the space between your brows a little can give the illusion of greater width at the top of the face. Recognize oval faces by their slight tapering. If your face is oblong but tapers slightly from forehead to jaw, you may have an oval-shaped face. Oval faces tend to be about 1 ½ times longer than they are wide. Look for width across the cheekbones to identify a round face. Round faces are widest across the cheekbones, with rounded foreheads and jawlines. Another good rule of thumb is that the round face is typically about as long (measuring from hairline to chin) as it is wide (from cheekbone to cheekbone). Check for a wide forehead and narrow jaw to spot a heart-shaped face. Heart-shaped faces are widest across the forehead, and gradually narrow as you move down to the chin. The forehead should be wider than the cheekbones, and the jaw narrower than the cheekbones and the forehead. } Note a narrow forehead and jawline to identify a diamond-shaped face. If your face is long, widest at the cheekbones, and narrow towards the forehead and chin, you have a diamond-shaped face. Spot an oblong face by looking for a rounded jawline and forehead. Oblong faces are long, but also rounded at the top and bottom. They tend to be about equally wide across the cheekbones and jawline. Identify a square face by looking for a wide jawline and forehead. Square faces tend to have a jaw that is about as wide as, or even wider than, the cheekbones. Square faces typically have a wide forehead as well. The slope from the corners of the jaw to the chin is gentle, and the chin is usually fairly wide, rather than pointy or rounded. Observe whether the square jawline comes with a long face. Like round faces, square faces are usually about as wide as they are long. If you have a square jaw with a longer face, your face shape is rectangular rather than square. Establish that your face is triangular by looking for wider jawline. A square jawline can also be a feature of a triangular face. If your forehead and cheekbones are significantly narrower than your jawline, your face is triangular. | Grab a flexible measuring tape. Get your hair out of the way. Get a pencil and paper. Position yourself in front of a mirror. Measure across the widest part of your forehead. Take a measurement across your cheekbones. Measure from each end of your jaw to the tip of your chin. Measure the length of your face. Compare each measurement to determine your face shape. Choose a flattering hair length for your face shape. Style your bangs to fit your face. Pick frames that balance out your face shape if you wear glasses. Flatter your face shape with complementary makeup. Recognize oval faces by their slight tapering. Look for width across the cheekbones to identify a round face. Check for a wide forehead and narrow jaw to spot a heart-shaped face. Note a narrow forehead and jawline to identify a diamond-shaped face. Spot an oblong face by looking for a rounded jawline and forehead. Identify a square face by looking for a wide jawline and forehead. Observe whether the square jawline comes with a long face. Establish that your face is triangular by looking for wider jawline. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-Bubbles | How to Blow Bubbles | To blow bubbles, start by mixing together 1/4 cup of liquid soap, 1 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. If you don't have a bubble wand, make your own using a pipe cleaner, a wire coat hanger, or any other item you can bend into a circular shape. Then, dip your wand into the bubble solution so the hole gets covered with a thin, soapy film. Finally, lift your wand to your lips and gently blow through the hole until a bubble forms. | Mix some solution. If you've already bought a bottle of bubbles solution, you're ready to start. If you don't have any on hand, it is easily make your own using a few household supplies. First, use any kind of liquid soap as your base. Add cornstarch to make the bubbles strong. Mix the following ingredients in a bottle: 1/4 cup dish soap 1 cup water 1 teaspoon cornstarch Find a wand. Store-bought solution comes with a wand, but if you make your own bubbles solution you will need to make a wand. Here's a chance to get creative. A wand can be fashioned from any item that has a hole to blow through. Look for one of the following items you can easily make into a wand: A wire dipper for dying eggs. These come in egg dying kits used during Easter. This little wire contraption has a hole and a handle, making it the perfect wand for blowing bubbles. A pipe cleaner. Just bend one tip of the pipe cleaner into a circle shape and wrap it around the stem of the pipe cleaner. A plastic straw. Bend the end of the straw into a circle and tape it to the stem of the straw. A slotted spoon. You can dip the spoon in the bubbles solution and blow a lot of tiny bubbles at once. Any other item that can be bent into a circular shape. If it has a hole, you can blow a bubble through it! Dip the wand into the bubbles solution. The solution should stretch over the hole to form a thin film. If you look closely you'll be able to see swirls of colorful soap in the film. The film should be thick enough to stay in place without breaking while you hold the wand steady for several seconds. If the bubbles solution breaks as soon as you lift the wand from the bottle, add a little more cornstarch to make it thicker. Or you could try adding an egg white. Lift the wand to your lips and gently blow into the circle of the wand. A soft, gentle stream of breath will cause the soap film to bend outward until it forms a bubble. You've just created a bubble! Experiment with different ways of blowing to see how the force of your breath affects the creation of bubbles. If you continue blowing past the first bubble, you might find that there's enough solution left on the wand to create a stream of bubbles.. Keep blowing until bubbles stop flowing through the wand. Try making a bigger bubble. Very slowly, blow a steady stream of air through the wand. Make an extra strong solution. Gigantic bubbles have to be strong so that they don't pop. The bubbles solution needs a little extra cornstarch or additional egg white. Mix a large batch of bubbles solution with the following ingredients: 1 cup liquid soap 4 cups water 1/2 cup cornstarch Make a giant bubble wand. In order to create giant bubbles, you'll need a big wand with netting over the opening. This lets the bubble grow large without popping. You can find giant bubble wands in a store, or you can make your own, by following these steps: Bend a wire coat hanger to form a large circle. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid308248-v4-728px-Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Cover the hole with wire netting, like chicken wire. Using a pair of pliers, bend the netting into place. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet2.jpg\/aid308248-v4-728px-Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} You can also use mesh fabric or a piece of netting. Make sure the ends are securely fastened to the wire hole. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet3.jpg\/aid308248-v4-728px-Blow-Bubbles-Step-6Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Pour the solution into a shallow pan. The big wand won't fit into a bottle, so pour the solution into a large, shallow pan. You can use a cookie sheet with high sides or any other shallow dish. Dip the wand and trail it through the air. Lay the wand into the solution so that the hole and netting get completely submerged. Lift the wand slowly and let it trail through the air. You should see a giant, undulating bubble emerge from the wand. Help it separate by continuing to move the wand until the bubble pulls away. Blowing giant bubbles may take practice. Large bubbles tend to pop more readily than smaller bubbles. Don't give up! Experiment with putting small objects in the bubbles. Try putting litter, tiny flower petals or another light, small object in the solution and see if you can make it float inside the bubble. See who can blow the most bubbles. Now that you know how to blow bubbles, you can start playing fun games with your friends. Give everyone a wand and see who can blow the most bubbles in one breath. Remember that a steady, even flow of air will create more bubbles than a strong burst! See who can blow the biggest bubble. This is another fun game to play with friends. Have everyone start at the same time and see who can blow the biggest bubble using the small-sized wand. If you have a friend who's sitting out, ask them to take a picture! See who can create the strongest giant bubble. If you made a giant bubble wand, it's fun to see whose bubble will last the longest without popping. You can make the game harder by having the contestant move jog in place, put their hand inside the bubble, or bend up and down - all without letting it pop. . Play Bubble Darts It's like regular darts, only a lot more fun! Have someone blow bubbles in front of the dartboard. The person throwing darts should try to pop as many bubbles as possible to get points for his or her team. Make a frozen bubble. This is a great activity for a rainy day, when you want to play with bubbles but you can't go out in the sun. Blow a bubble and carefully transfer it to a plate. Gently place the plate in the freezer. Check it out in 1/2 an hour or so - it should be frozen solid. | Mix some solution. Find a wand. Dip the wand into the bubbles solution. Lift the wand to your lips and gently blow into the circle of the wand. Make an extra strong solution. Make a giant bubble wand. Pour the solution into a shallow pan. Dip the wand and trail it through the air. See who can blow the most bubbles. See who can blow the biggest bubble. See who can create the strongest giant bubble. . Make a frozen bubble. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Age-Paper-Using-Tea | How to Age Paper Using Tea | To age paper with tea, start by placing the paper on a baking sheet to prevent spillage. Next, steep 1-2 black tea bags in a cup of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Then, dab both sides of the paper with the tea bags until the paper is fully saturated with liquid. Finally, use a paper towel to soak up any excess liquid pooling on the surface and let the paper air-dry for 24 hours before using it! | Place 1-2 tea bags into a mug used for hot beverages. The amount of tea you use depends on whether you want to dye your paper a lot or a little. For most projects, 1 tea bag per sheet of paper should be plenty, but if you're just going to do a few splotches of tea, you might be able to use one bag for several sheets of paper. However, if you're planning to fully saturate the paper and you want a very dark finish, you might need 2 tea bags for each sheet. If you use a cup that isn't intended for hot beverages, you could end up with a nasty burn. Stick to a coffee or tea cup, and avoid cups made from plastic or metal, as they aren't meant to hold boiling water. Fill a tea kettle or a small pot with water. You only need enough water to fill up a mug, or about 1 cup (240 mL), but since water evaporates as it boils, it's better to start with more than you'll need. If you'll be brewing multiple mugs of tea at the same time, make sure you have enough water for each mug. Bring the water to a boil on the stove. In order to extract the tea from the bag, the water needs to be as hot as possible. If you're using a pot, you'll see bubbles on the surface of the water when it's boiling. If you're using a tea kettle, you'll hear a high-pitched whistle when the water is ready. Be very careful when you're working with boiling water. If the pot you're using has a metal handle, use a pot holder to move it so you don't burn yourself, and be very careful not to spill any on your skin. If you're a kid, ask an adult to help you boil the water for this step. You can also boil the water in the microwave if you like, but be sure to use a microwave-safe dish and place a non-metallic object like a popsicle stick into the dish so the water doesn't become super-heated and explode. Pour the hot water over the tea and allow it to steep for about 5 minutes. Carefully pour the hot water into the mug to start brewing your tea. Don't get the mug too full, or you might accidentally spill boiling water on yourself. Wait about 5 minutes for the tea to brew, or until the water turns the color you want. Try to leave about 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) of space at the top of the mug. If you're trying to get a very dark color, use 2 tea bags in the mug at the same time. If you want a lighter color, 1 bag will be fine. Print or write whatever you want on the paper first. Once you stain the paper, it won't accept ink evenly, so anything you try to write or print on it will look messy. It's best to write, print, or draw whatever you'd like on the paper before you do anything else. Let the ink dry completely so it doesn't run. Any paper will work for this, from plain white copy paper to heavier paper used for painting. Thicker papers might produce a lighter result that takes longer to dry. Some inks are more likely to run when they're wet, especially if you write with a washable marker or you print your design on an inkjet printer. If you can, use a laser printer or some sort of waterproof ink. If you can't, just try not to rub the paper when you add the tea. Hopefully this will minimize the smudging. If you like, you can also lightly crumple the paper, then smooth it out. This will make the paper look like it's been shuffled around for a number of years. To make the paper look even more worn, like for an old treasure map, tear off the edges of the paper. Lay the paper on a baking sheet. A baking sheet with a raised rim will keep the tea from spilling over the sides as you're working. The baking sheet should be a little bigger than the paper you use. For instance, if you're using an 8.5 in × 11 in (22 cm × 28 cm) sheet of paper, a 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) baking sheet would be perfect. Tea can stain your countertop or table, so it's important to protect your work surface. If you don't have a baking sheet that you can use, you can lay trash bags flat on your work surface instead. Dab one of the tea bags over the paper. Holding the tea bag by the top, blot it down onto the paper. Continue doing this until you've covered as much of the paper as you want. If the tea bag starts to dry out, dip it in the mug of tea to wet it again. It's up to you whether you want to cover the whole page or just a few areas. Either way, don't worry about getting a perfect application. The paper will look more authentic if the yellowing is a little uneven. Experiment with ways to get the tea on the paper. If you like, you can use a paintbrush, a straw, or even your fingers to create different effects. Flip the paper over and stain the other side. Even if you only plan on showing one side of the paper, the aging effect will look more authentic if you apply the tea to both sides of the paper. This will also make your page look darker once it's finished. Sprinkle the page with turmeric if you want the paper to be more yellow. While this step isn't strictly necessary, adding a light coat of the spice turmeric will help yellow the effect of the tea. Use your fingers to rub the turmeric into the tea. Mix in a few coffee grounds to make the paper more brown. If you want your aged paper to look like it's been exposed to the elements, you can sprinkle a few coffee grounds over the wet tea to help add more brown to the page. Rub the coffee grounds into the tea to help them stick to the paper. Loose tea leaves may work for this as well, but the effect will not be as dramatic. You can even break open one of the tea bags if you want. You'll remove the excess coffee grounds after the paper is dry. Dab away excess tea with paper towels. Make sure there isn't any water pooled on the page itself or on the baking sheet. This will ensure the page dries evenly, which will help prevent the paper from curling too much in the oven. Allow the paper to air-dry for 24 hours if you're not in a hurry. While baking the paper is the fastest way to dry it, you can let it air-dry if you prefer. Just place your baking sheet in an area with plenty of air circulation. Don't dry the paper in direct sunlight, as it may become too brittle to use. Give the paper about 24 hours to air-dry. Heat your oven to the lowest setting if you want to dry the paper quickly. Baking the paper will dry it quickly, allowing you to finish your project the same day you started it. If you bake the paper too quickly, however, it will become brittle, and it may even scorch, so it's important to use the lowest heat possible. Bake the paper for about 5 minutes. On the lowest setting, this should be enough time to evaporate the layer of tea on your paper. Keep a close eye on the paper while it's in the oven, however, since paper is highly flammable. If you used too much liquid, or if the paper is very thick, you might need to leave it in for a little longer. You can tell the paper is dry when the edges start to curl up. Use oven mitts to protect your hands when you take the baking sheet out of the oven. Brush away any residue with a soft paintbrush. You don't have to do this if you only used tea to color your paper. However, if you added turmeric or coffee grounds to affect the final shade, you should brush away anything the paper didn't absorb. A soft paint brush will remove the residue without roughing up the paper. Rough up the paper if it doesn't look old enough. Depending on your project, just yellowing the paper might not give it the authentic look you're going for. If you need it to look like it's been damaged, try crumpling the paper, singing it with a flame, or adding more stains or tears. For instance, if you're making an old treasure map, you might want to crumple it up and carefully burn the edges so it will look old and worn. If you want to create holes in the paper, crumple the sheet and spritz it with a little water, then use your fingernails to make small tears. Allow the paper to air dry. | Place 1-2 tea bags into a mug used for hot beverages. Fill a tea kettle or a small pot with water. Bring the water to a boil on the stove. Pour the hot water over the tea and allow it to steep for about 5 minutes. Print or write whatever you want on the paper first. Lay the paper on a baking sheet. Dab one of the tea bags over the paper. Flip the paper over and stain the other side. Sprinkle the page with turmeric if you want the paper to be more yellow. Mix in a few coffee grounds to make the paper more brown. Dab away excess tea with paper towels. Allow the paper to air-dry for 24 hours if you're not in a hurry. Heat your oven to the lowest setting if you want to dry the paper quickly. Bake the paper for about 5 minutes. Brush away any residue with a soft paintbrush. Rough up the paper if it doesn't look old enough. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Moccasins | How to Make Moccasins | To make moccasins, start by tracing your feet to make templates of them. Then, cut out the templates and trace them onto a piece of leather so you have four pieces in total. Next, cut out the four pieces of leather and sew them together using a glovers needle and artificial sinew thread. When you're finished, add embellishments to your moccasins, like leather fringe and beads. | Find a paper grocery bag and cut it open so that it is at its largest possible surface area. You need to surface of the paper bag to be large enough to trace both of your feet. Take a pen or pencil and trace your left foot with a seam allowance of about 1/8 of an inch. Keep your foot on the paper and trace your fingers straight down from the high inside arch of your foot, marking dots where they connect to the paper. Use a pen or pencil to draw a straight line by connecting the dots you just marked. Lift your foot off of the template and continue the line you just created down to the heel of the outline and extend it one inch past the end of the heel. This outline will be the sole of your moccasin and should look like a foot with a T-shape near the middle. Put your palms face down on the paper and place the tips of your thumbs on the top of the T-shape with your nails and top knuckles touching. Squeeze your fingers together and bring the index fingers to touch. Trace the outside edge of your hands onto the template. Start at the side of the template where you just marked the outside of your palms and draw lines to the tip of the foot outline and the base of the heel to create a triangular shape with a rounded peak. Leave ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between the rounded peak of the triangle and your toes, and one inch of space between the base of the triangle and your heel. Cut the entire triangle out. This is your template for your left foot. If you flip it over, you have a template for your right foot. Be careful when cutting, you have to get it exactly right, otherwise it might be too big or too small Take a large piece of leather at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) by 16 inches (40.6 cm) and trace the entire triangular left foot template on the inside of the leather using a pencil. Write a "L" on the inside of the foot to remind yourself that this piece will be for your left moccasin and put a dot where the T intersects. Flip the template over and repeat the previous step for your right foot. Write a "R" on the inside of the leather and again, mark a dot where the T intersects. Once you've transferred both triangle templates, cut out the foot outline from the paper template. You are only cutting out the sole template, which looks like a rough outline of your foot. Trace the left sole onto a new piece of the leather and write "L" on the inside to remind yourself that this outline is for the left sole. Flip the sole template over and repeat the previous step for your right foot, being sure to mark a "R" on the inside of the leather. Cut out all four pieces from the leather using scissors. Take a Glover's needle and thread it with the artificial sinew thread leaving a one-inch tail. You will need to have a long enough piece of thread to sew the entire shoe together. One arm-span length will be enough. Place the left triangular piece on top of the left sole piece with the rough sides facing one another. The rounded top of the triangular piece should match up with the toes of the sole outline. Begin at the middle of the toes and start to sew the edges of the sole and the triangular piece together with a simple stitch of your choice. A whip stitch works well for moccasins. Complete a whip stitch by tying a knot in the end of the sinew and starting at the bottom of the fabric, poking the needle up through both layers, and back down in an equal line with the upward stitch to create a tight stitch that hugs the outside of the two pieces of leather together. Continue to poke the needle through the two layers at a slight angle, coming up next to the previous stitch. Work from the top of the toes around to the heel and back to the front toes. For a more polished look, plan for a larger seam allowance and fold the edges of the leather template inward before sewing. Fold the moccasin in half and sew up the back of the heel where your Achilles tendon would be. Cross-stitches add a nice touch when sewing the back heel. Grab your scissors and cut a slit about one to two inches thick from the top of the ankle stitch inward to the dot you made earlier where the T-shape intersects with the leather. Do not cut this piece entirely off, it will act as the tongue of your shoe. Repeat for the right foot using the same exact process. Trim any loose threads and make sure your stitches are tight and you're finished! Include a leather fringe on the top of your moccasin. Take a piece of leather about three inches thick and long enough to cover the rim of the top of your moccasin. Cut out the rectangle using scissors and proceed to snip the leather with your scissors into strips, leaving about one inch of solid, uncut leather on top. You can make each fringe the same size or alternate random widths. Take the fringed leather piece and trace the solid part of the leather around the rim of the moccasin with the fringe facing outward. Be sure to have the two sides of the leather rectangle meet in the back of the shoe so that the fringe seam matches the heel seam. Thread your Glover's needle with enough artificial sinew to stitch the entire rim of the moccasin. A piece as long as the distance from your fingers to your elbow will be more than enough. Sew on the fringed piece of leather to the top rim of the moccasin, using whatever creative stitch you desire. You can also use a different type of thread such as colored silk to personalize your moccasins even further. Repeat with the other moccasin. Bead your fringe. If you want to add beads of any color, shape, or size to your moccasins, the fringe is a perfect and simple place to add them. Simply thread the beads onto the ends of the fringe and tie a knot at the end to keep the beads from falling off. If you want to be absolutely sure that your beads won't come off, you can add a bit of hot glue to the center of the knot to prevent it from unravelling. | Find a paper grocery bag and cut it open so that it is at its largest possible surface area. Take a pen or pencil and trace your left foot with a seam allowance of about 1/8 of an inch. Keep your foot on the paper and trace your fingers straight down from the high inside arch of your foot, marking dots where they connect to the paper. Lift your foot off of the template and continue the line you just created down to the heel of the outline and extend it one inch past the end of the heel. Put your palms face down on the paper and place the tips of your thumbs on the top of the T-shape with your nails and top knuckles touching. Squeeze your fingers together and bring the index fingers to touch. Start at the side of the template where you just marked the outside of your palms and draw lines to the tip of the foot outline and the base of the heel to create a triangular shape with a rounded peak. Cut the entire triangle out. Take a large piece of leather at least 20 inches (50.8 cm) by 16 inches (40.6 cm) and trace the entire triangular left foot template on the inside of the leather using a pencil. Flip the template over and repeat the previous step for your right foot. Once you've transferred both triangle templates, cut out the foot outline from the paper template. Trace the left sole onto a new piece of the leather and write "L" on the inside to remind yourself that this outline is for the left sole. Flip the sole template over and repeat the previous step for your right foot, being sure to mark a "R" on the inside of the leather. Cut out all four pieces from the leather using scissors. Take a Glover's needle and thread it with the artificial sinew thread leaving a one-inch tail. Place the left triangular piece on top of the left sole piece with the rough sides facing one another. Begin at the middle of the toes and start to sew the edges of the sole and the triangular piece together with a simple stitch of your choice. Fold the moccasin in half and sew up the back of the heel where your Achilles tendon would be. Grab your scissors and cut a slit about one to two inches thick from the top of the ankle stitch inward to the dot you made earlier where the T-shape intersects with the leather. Repeat for the right foot using the same exact process. Trim any loose threads and make sure your stitches are tight and you're finished! Include a leather fringe on the top of your moccasin. Bead your fringe. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Gift-for-Your-Friends | How to Choose a Gift for Your Friends | Choosing gifts for your friends can be tricky, but with a little effort, you can find something they'll love. If they're on social media, check their pages for inspiration. If you have time to plan your gift, pay attention to the things they talk about to see if they mention anything they like. Then, you can brainstorm ideas and start searching online for related gifts. If they like music, look for merchandise or gig tickets for one of their favorite bands. Or, look for a model of their favorite character from a TV show they like. If they're into sports, you can get them something related to their favorite team. Alternatively, make them something by hand, like a scrapbook or friendship bracelet. | Start generating ideas. Get out a piece of paper and start writing out ideas for your gift. Think about what your friend likes in terms of hobbies and interests. Narrow the list down to what sort of books, movies, or music they like. Consider what type of gift you want you buy for your friend: a funny gift, a sentimental gift, etc. Keep these ideas in mind as you continue to generate more ideas and narrow down your choices. Pick a gift that relates to their personality. Using the mental list of information that you noted, think of gifts that speak to who they are as a person. Buy your music-obsessed friend an album or a t-shirt from their favorite band's merchandise. Look into fan-club memberships as well. Get art or craft supplies for an artistic person. Think about art projects they'd like to accomplish, or about work that they haven't finished. Buy an indoor plant, wrap it properly and send it as a gift to your friend who loves gardening. Look for rare or quirky team memorabilia for a sporty friend. Check out EBay for autographed cards, bobbleheads, stickers or other sports items that others are unlikely to have. Buy toys for the person's pets. Pets are important to their owners, and sometimes a gift for a pet can mean as much as a gift for their owner! Continue to think outside the box. Remember that no matter what your friend's interests are, your gift should be thoughtful and interesting. Consider hand-making a gift. If you're giving a gift to a close friend, a good gift will be one that you and a friend can both relate to, and one with a great deal of meaning. Think of a gift that symbolizes your relationship, and remember, thoughtfulness and effort can mean more than money. Make a gift that may reference things that you have done together. Make a scrapbook with all your photos. This can be a great gift, as your friend will appreciate the time you put into it, and it will bring back memories. Make something simple like a friendship bracelet or necklace to remind your friend of how much you care. Write a letter about how much you appreciate a good friend. Sometimes, a meaningful message or letter can be more thoughtful than a physical object. Pair your letter with a gift and you'll definitely make an impression. Don't make it too long-winded though! Remember, less is sometimes more. If you make your letter too long, it may start to come off as sappy or insincere. If you are struggling with length, think about what you value the most about your friend. You could even focus on a particular moment, like when they helped you in time of need. Choose an experience over material goods. Simply spending time with someone can show them that you care, and experiences can be even more fun than a physical item that they might not get much use out of. Take a friend out for dinner, drinks, a concert or a movie. As with physical gifts, think about your friends personality and interests and choose a gift accordingly. Buy your friend a membership to a local museum, aquarium or zoo. They will get free entry for a year as well as special perks for joining. Go a little crazy! Sometimes, gifts that seem impossible are more reasonably priced than you might imagine. Look into a horseback riding session if your friend loves animals, or skydiving if your friend is a daredevil. Rent a car and check out a state park with an adventurous friend. Pay a bill for a friend. If they're going through rough times financially, sometimes an eased burden is just as meaningful to a friend as a nice gift. You could even create a fundraiser for your friend. For example, if you know that your friend is struggling to pay off an expensive medical bill, you could create a fundraiser for it. Only choose this option if you know that your friend will appreciate it. Some people are very proud and feel uncomfortable receiving financial aid from friends. Consider donating to a charity on behalf of someone who has everything. Make the donation in their name, and they'll get some gifts and perks in recognition of the contribution. Make sure that the charity is something that they are interested in, however. For example, if your friend cares about wildlife, especially wolves, you could donate to a wolf conservation center. Give them something they actually want. Sometimes, in gift giving, we go overboard thinking about how to give the absolute perfect gift. However, it's more important to think about how the gift will affect your friend, and whether or not it is something truly useful and meaningful to them. For example, just because your friend really likes cats does not mean that they'll actually want that set of cat magnets for their refrigerator. Before you give him/her, send him/her a mail wishing him for the occasion you are going to give. But do not reveal that you are going to give or what is in it. If you really can't keep the gift a secret, you could imply that you are getting them a gift--but keep the actual contents a secret! For example, you could say "Can't wait for your birthday surprise!" or "I know you'll get a kick out of your gift!" Take note of simple information about the person. Mentally note: The person's gender Their age Whether they live at alone or with family Whether they're in school or have graduated Remember the person’s preferences. Think about things that they like or talk about, whether it's music, movies, art or sports. Think about any skills, talents or hobbies they may have. Try to remember anything they've mentioned wanting in the past weeks, or anything they've had their eye on. Dig deeper. If you know that they like painting, try to find out if they have a preference: acrylic, gouache, oil, or watercolor. Check out their social media profiles. They may have posted things that they've got their eye on or gadgets that they think are cool. Social media profiles can also give a better picture of their interests. Take a look at their social media posts. If they post a lot of Harry Potter or Star Wars memes, then it's safe to say that they like Harry Potter or Star Wars. Find out if the person does any online shopping. They may have a wishlist on a shopping site, which will make gifting easier. You can comb through their registry and find something they've already selected for themselves. If they do shop online, ask if you can look over their shoulder and see what they're shopping for. If you really want to surprise them, you could have the gift sent directly to their house. It would be even better if there is a gift wrapping option! Go to the mall with them and see what they look at. If they're considering buying an item but decide against it, make a mental note of it as a potential present. Take note of why they decide to go against the item. Is it because it is too expensive? Or just not in their taste? If your friend decided against an item that was too expensive, then they might appreciate getting it for their birthday. If your friend decided against something that wasn't in their taste after all, then there is no point in getting it for them--they chose not to buy it because they didn't want it. Listen to see if they mention anything they want. You may overhear them talking about items they'd like to have while they're around friends or coworkers. Take note of the things they post on social media too. For example, if your friend posts an image of a specific makeup kit, and mentions how she wished she had it, consider getting it for her! Ask for help amongst your mutual friends. They may have some ideas, and be willing to help. Ask if they've ever given the person a gift in the past, how they reacted to it. This may give you a good idea of what to give them (and what hasn't gone over well). This is an especially good idea if the gift is very expensive or a gag gift. If you aren't sure how your friend will react to it, definitely ask mutual friends. Ask the person’s parent, sibling or other relative. They probably know them very well, and can give some advice. They'll have more intuition about things that the person has been wanting lately. Think about how close you are with the receiver of the gift. Take stock of how many years you've known them, how big a part of your life they are, and how important they are to your future. Best friends are deserving of very meaningful, personal gifts that reflect your years of friendship. Don't give people you have just met or don't know too well overly personal or expensive gifts. Expensive gifts may give them the idea that you're just trying to impress them, while overly personal gifts might come off as too forward. Keep in mind the occasion for the gift. Christmas and birthdays are big, important holidays for which larger gift giving is acceptable. However, there are many holidays like Easter, Wedding Anniversaries, and Valentine's Day that require different levels and types of gift giving. For example, people tend to focus more on Christmas than St. Patrick's day. As such, you might want to give them the bigger gift on Christmas. Get bigger gifts for big number birthdays (21, 30 or 50). Let your friend know how much you truly care with an extra thoughtful gift, or by throwing them a surprise party. Be sensitive to your friend's needs and situation, however. For example, if no one is around to celebrate your friend's birthday and they are not celebrating a big number, you could still get them a nice gift. Give appropriate gifts for themed parties. Make sure that your gifts fit tradition when attending a bridal or baby shower. A mom-to-be probably won't appreciate a cast iron skillet any more than a bride-to-be might appreciate a box of diapers! Find a perfect gift cover. Gift covers are very effective. You can use a gift cover of hearts if you are gifting him/her for their marriage. You can use gift cover of a baby if you are gifting on her becoming mother. If it is her/him on there birthday you can use a gift wrap of balloons design or bell designed gift wrap. Or if it is your personal occasion you can also create a gift wrap with yours and his/her's images. Just you and him/her. | Start generating ideas. Pick a gift that relates to their personality. Consider hand-making a gift. Write a letter about how much you appreciate a good friend. Choose an experience over material goods. Pay a bill for a friend. Consider donating to a charity on behalf of someone who has everything. Give them something they actually want. Before you give him/her, send him/her a mail wishing him for the occasion you are going to give. Take note of simple information about the person. Remember the person’s preferences. Check out their social media profiles. Find out if the person does any online shopping. Go to the mall with them and see what they look at. Listen to see if they mention anything they want. Ask for help amongst your mutual friends. Ask the person’s parent, sibling or other relative. Think about how close you are with the receiver of the gift. Keep in mind the occasion for the gift. Get bigger gifts for big number birthdays (21, 30 or 50). Give appropriate gifts for themed parties. Find a perfect gift cover. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Bakelite | How to Clean Bakelite | To clean Bakelite, start by using a dry cloth to remove any dirt or dust from the surface, and a dry toothbrush to reach small cracks and crevices. Then, put a small dollop of a specialized cleaning product, like Soft Scrub or Brasso, on a clean, soft cloth. Next, rub the cloth over the surface in circular motions. Finally, buff the Bakelite with another clean cloth to give it a nice shine. | Rub off dirt and dust. If there is dirt or dust on your Bakelite, clean it off by rubbing with a dry cloth. Use a dry toothbrush to reach small crevices, grooves, and cracks. If you are not 100% certain the material is Bakelite, use the methods in the identification section to confirm it before continuing. If you have a strong nose, you might notice a diagnostic smell while rubbing the plastic. Select a cleaning product. There are several products commonly used to clean Bakelite. While these are often specialized and more expensive than general purpose cleaners, using one of the following is highly recommended. Bakelite requires a slightly abrasive cleaner to remove the deteriorated surface material, but can be permanently ruined if an overly abrasive cleaner eats through to the pulpy filler material inside. Use Magnolia Glayzit or Soft Scrub for slightly faded Bakelite. Use Brasso, Novus plastic polish, Simichrome metal polish, or an automobile rubbing compound to treat more severe fading and/or light scratches. Brasso is usually the cheapest, but may require more elbow grease. Follow the safety instructions for your product. It's usually a good idea to wear gloves and work in an area with good ventilation. The warning label on the product you chose will provide more specific information. Rub the product on with a cloth. Put a dollop of the cleaning product onto a clean, soft cloth. Rub it over the surface of the Bakelite in circular motions. You might notice some improvement immediately, but you do not need to achieve a fully restored shine in this step. Add more of the product onto the cloth whenever necessary. Do not apply a lot of pressure to Bakelite objects, especially if they are scratched or cracked, or you may wear through the outer surface and into the pulpy (and potentially toxic) filler material. Catalin objects, which includes most "Bakelite" jewelry and brightly colored Bakelite, do not have filler material and can be scrubbed as hard as you like. Allow certain products to dry. If you are using Novus, Magnolia Glayzit, or an automobile rubbing compound, leave a thin layer of the material over the Bakelite surface until it dries to a cloudy or hazy film. Skip this step if you are using a different product. Buff the Bakelite with a dry cloth. Use another clean, dry cloth to buff the Bakelite material until the excess cleaning product is removed and a shiny surface is left behind. Do this regardless of the cleaning product you chose. If necessary, repeat with another layer of cleaning product. Use last resort methods. If several applications of the cleaning product fail to restore the shine or repair damage from scratches, you can use one of the following methods restore protection and an attractive appearance to the Bakelite. This is only recommended as a last resort, due to the possibility of damage: Use a high speed cloth buffing wheel to lightly smooth the surface. Overuse can permanently remove the Bakelite's outer surface. Or very lightly and evenly sand the Bakelite with finest grit sandpaper you can find (1000 grit or above). Once sanded, apply the cleaning product again, or cover the surface with paint. Again, over-sanding or using coarse sandpaper can permanently damage the Bakelite. Run the item under hot tap water for 15–30 seconds. This will cause many early plastics to release a distinct smell. This step is not recommended for broken items, or items with delicate non-plastic attachments. If the item is dirty, rub it with a cloth first to remove the dirt. If you have a sensitive nose, you may notice the smell simply from rubbing. A smell of formaldehyde means the plastic is Bakelite or Catalin. You might recognize the smell from preserved animal specimens in biology labs. A rotten milk smell comes from Galalith (French Bakelite). Camphor smell (a pungent evergreen or old-fashioned mothball odor), comes from celluloid. If there is no smell, it is probably Lucite, but could be a different plastic protected by a finish or paint. If the smell doesn't match any of the above descriptions, it's possible the piece is a modern "Fakelite" imitation product. Rub with a test chemical. Use this method if the hot water test was inconclusive. You may use Simichrome, which can also be used for polishing, or Formula 409, which can cause damage but is a more accurate test. Either way, take a tiny dab of the material with a cotton swab, and rub it against an inconspicuous corner of the plastic that has been dried and rubbed clean of dirt. If the cotton swab comes away yellow or yellow-brown, the material is probably Bakelite. Otherwise, you may need to take it to an antique shop for identification. Wash off the material with mild soap and water, then dry immediately. Some black Bakelite objects, or Bakelite that has been recently re-worked, may not respond to this test. Treat Bakelite and Catalin as described in other sections. Catalin is essentially the same material as Bakelite, and can be cleaned and polished using the same methods. In fact, since Catalin does not contain the pulpy "filler" materials used in Bakelite production, it can generally stand up better to slightly abrasive treatments, such as metal polish or sanding. If your object could use a stronger polish, check whether it is Catalin using these guidelines: Catalin was often produced in bright colors. Bakelite is usually brown or black unless it has been painted, but there are exceptions. Most "Bakelite" jewelry is actually made from Catalin. Dry and clean celluloid. Celluloid is the only common early plastic that can be damaged by water, but if you dry it immediately after the water test, it will likely be unharmed. Use a soft cotton cloth or swab to dry the plastic, since celluloid can be easily scratched. A barely dampened cotton swab can remove small spots of discoloration, if dried immediately afterward, but further cleaning and repair may require an expert. Clean Galalith. Galalith is a white, glossy plastic made from milk casein and formaldehyde. Dust it with a soft cloth, but avoid using chemical cleaners. If it is severely scratched, take it to an antique expert for repair. Clean Lucite. First, rinse or scrub off dirt on the lucite surface. Use plastic polish to buff or repair scratches in this clear, acrylic plastic. To repair severe damage, you may need to use a polishing wheel. Novus brand plastic polish is likely the best-known. Use Novus 1 for buffing, Novus 2 for light to moderate scratches, and Novus 3 for deep scratches. | Rub off dirt and dust. Select a cleaning product. Follow the safety instructions for your product. Rub the product on with a cloth. Allow certain products to dry. Buff the Bakelite with a dry cloth. Use last resort methods. Run the item under hot tap water for 15–30 seconds. Rub with a test chemical. Treat Bakelite and Catalin as described in other sections. Dry and clean celluloid. Clean Galalith. Clean Lucite. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Stains-Out-of-Carpet | How to Get Stains Out of Carpet | To get stains out of carpet that were caused by a spilled beverage, blot the stains with diluted white vinegar or laundry detergent and then rinse them with warm water. If they're coffee or wine stains, you may need to rub some diluted ammonia into the stains as well. For blood and urine stains, use dish soap, water, and ammonia to remove the stains. If it's a fat or oil-based stain, sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, blot the stain with a damp paper towel and vacuum over the area. | Blot the stain with a damp cloth. Water-soluble stains are potentially the easiest stains to fix, as they're often vulnerable to the effects of water. These include food dyes, soda, milk and most alcoholic beverages, among many other things. First, you'll want to dab a washcloth or paper towel with some warm water. From there, place the towel firmly atop the stain. The warm water will help soak up part of the stain. This is best done as soon as possible. It'll be harder to soak up the stain once it dries. Add 1/4 teaspoon of non-bleach detergent (or white vinegar) to 32 ounces of water. Stir the two until you've made a consistent solution. With that, you'll have a homemade compound that's perfectly suited to weeding out stains of this sort. Apply solution to stain. With a new dishcloth, dip the cloth in your homemade solution and place the cloth on the stained area. From there, you should let it rest or gently press against the cloth to make sure it has as much surface contact as it needs. Using the convex side of a spoon to smooth and apply pressure is a good trick to use in this case. It will give smooth pressure without necessarily dispersing the stain any more than necessary. Blot again with paper towel. With the cleaning solution now in place, replace the cloth with another sheet of paper towel to further blot the stain. The solution should work to pick up the stain relatively well, so the blotting should be relatively effective the second time around. Rinse with warm water. Water-soluble stains are best dealt with by using more warm water. Add some water to the affected area for good measure. Repeat as needed. Depending on the size and severity of the stain in question, you may need to repeat these steps again. Although once or twice should do the trick for the majority of stains, repeat the cycle until the stain has been removed. Dry the carpet. Carpets left wet for more than 24 hours run the risk of growing bacteria, so it's a good idea to make sure your carpet is dry at the end of it. Take a hair dryer or a bath towel and dry the area to your satisfaction. With that, your stain should be removed at last! Blot stain with a paper towel. Coffee and wine are two of the most troubling domestic stains out there; the beverages are very common, and the stains they leave are insightful and horrid. as such, it's important to attend to them as soon as possible. Take an absorbent paper towel and blot the stain without delay. Try to refrain from rubbing or applying significant pressure to the stain at this stage-- you'll end up spreading the stain further if you do! A dish towel or light bathing towel will also suffice, although paper towel's preferable for its absorbent qualities. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water. Mixing water and ammonia together will make a potent solution to ward off wine stains. Stir them together in a cup and get them ready for use on your stain. Use a mild detergent and water instead when treating wool-based carpets, as ammonia is known to have a destructive effect on them. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice and dish detergent. This combination is seen to be better used for coffee stains as opposed to wine stains. Apply lightly to a sponge. Get a kitchen sponge and dab it lightly in your ammonia solution. You'll want the sponge to be damp, but not soaked; you don't want to get more of the solution on the carpet than is necessary. Rub the sponge upon the stain. In curt, circular motions, apply the damp sponge to the stain and rub the affected area. Begin at the outside of the stain, and work your way gradually inwards; doing it as such will minimize the risk of spreading the stain. Remove excess moisture with another paper towel. Take a paper towel and blot the affected area. With the ammonia solution now in place, the stain in question should start to come undone. Blotting the area and adding some pressure with the convex side of a spoon will give the stain an opportunity to be lifted from the carpet. Repeat as needed. Depending on the size and severity of the stain, you may need to repeat these steps a few times before getting best results. Keep the ammonia solution on hand just in case; that way, you'll be able to continue using it. Scrape surface with steel brush if dry. Bodily fluids can make for very unique stains. Whereas blood carries a distinctive brown stain, urine adds insult to injury with a punishing odour. While blotting is the most effective option to treat new stains, if the stain has dried, you can scrape some of the surface material off with a steel brush. While this won't solve the core stain, it will at least make it easier to get at it with subsequent steps. If you've got the stain while it's still wet, blot with me a paper towel or dishcloth damp with warm water. Apply a mix of dish soap and water to your stain. Adding a teaspoon of dish soap to a cup of water can make a powerful counter-agent against bodily fluid stains. Stir it together in a bowl or cup and dab the stain gently with a washcloth. Blot the stain again. Once you have the solution on the stain for five minutes, place another paper towel on the stain and let it blot up the stain. Repeat the process again if the stain requires it. Mix a half cup warm water with one tablespoon ammonia. Many bodily fluid stains will require more than dish soap to deal with entirely. If that's the case with your stain, take a half cup of water and add a tablespoon of ammonia. Stir it together and get it ready for use on your stain. White vinegar is a suitable replacement for ammonia if you're working to get urine out. Apply solution to stain. Once you have the ammonia solution ready, apply it to the stain lightly with a sponge. Begin rubbing in small, circular motions from the outside, moving in gradually. Take your time with it; you want to make sure the solution has a chance to inflict maximum damage on the stain. Blot again. Give the stain yet another sheet of paper towel to blot up the stain after giving the ammonia five minutes to soak in. If the ammonia solution has worked, the blood or urine should be much easier to remove. Feel free to use the convex side of a spoon to rub around if you feel the blot isn't going as well as expected. Rinse and dry. Adding some warm water after the fact is a good way to give your carpet an extra bit of cleaning. Make sure to dry it afterwards; a wet carpet runs the risk of growing mildew if left unattended after a day. Scrape off excess grease with a blunt knife. Fat and oil-based stains can be very messy, but they're deceptively easy to put to rest if you know how. First off, you'll want to get as much of the excess material gone as possible before moving in to clean the stain. This can be done by scraping a knife along the surface of the carpet; this will pick up some of the material, especially if the mess is very concentrated. It is recommended you get a blunt-edged knife (like a butter knife) for this, as sharp knives may risk cutting into the carpet itself. Sprinkle some baking soda and let it sit for five minutes. Baking soda is very well-known for its ability to provoke chemical reactions. Placing some baking soda on the affected area will loosen the fat or oiled-based stain's grip on your carpet, making it far easier to deal with. Cornstarch is a functional alternative to baking soda in this case. Place a clothes iron atop a towel over the stained carpet. Adding some controlled heat will make the unwanted fats or oils to be much less resistant to removal. Put your clothes iron on the low or medium setting. After it heats up, apply for a minute or so and then remove it. Remember to put the towel in between the clothes iron surface and the carpet. Direct application may cause damage to your floor. Sponge stain with dry-cleaning solvent. Take a dish towel and dab it with a powdered detergent or baking soda. Gently rub it upon the fat stain. You should notice the grease becoming thinner within a few seconds of doing this. Blot with a warm, damp paper towel. Blotting will give the liquid part of the fats or oils to seep up, leaving dry debris that is more appropriately dispatched with a vacuum. Give the area a vacuum. Vacuuming the stain will help to suck up any excess debris, now that the chemicals you've treated the stain with have been given ample time to unstick the fats. The solid matter in the stain should prove very easy to suck up. Don't spend more than a few seconds vacuuming over it; if the debris hasn't been sucked up by then, it may need more unsticking before it's truly ready. Repeat as needed. If it's not completed to your satisfaction the first time, it's a good idea to give it another shot. It's quite possible that some of it wasn't gotten the first time around. Blot with a paper towel. Industrial fluid stains (like inks or some household chemicals) can be a major threat to the look of your carpet. Fortunately, like most other types of stains, they can be lessened considerably if you promptly place a paper towel over the affected area to blot up the fluid. Moisten stain with rubbing alcohol or a non-oil-based hairspray. Once you've gotten as much of the initial stain blotted as you can, apply a dab of rubbing alcohol or a non-oily hairspray to the affected area. The chemicals in these compounds will loosen the ink or fluid's hold on the carpet, making it much easier to extract the remaining stain. Vacuum the stain. With the stain lifted, running a vacuum over the stained area will pick up particles and do away with anything that's been sufficiently affected by the chemicals you've applied. Blot again with a light detergent. Add some light detergent onto the remaining stain and let sit for a minute. Following that, place a washcloth atop the area and let it soak up the stain. If you aren't seeing much progress with the blotting this time around, try adding some more rubbing alcohol and resetting the washcloth. Repeat as needed. Industrial fluid stains are varied in their severity and intensity; as such, it may take a few times before the issue is handled to your own satisfaction. Continue alternating between blotting and adding solution until the stain has been fixed. Get your carpet cleaned every year. While stains are one thing, taking time to care for your carpet as a whole will ensure it gets its best possible longevity. Getting your carpet cleaned every 12-18 months is optimal. You can either hire a professional cleaning company or buy a carpet cleaning machine. It's generally recommended you hire a pro if you can afford the expense. A professional job will ensure the carpet is as clean a it can be, and minimizes the risk of complications. Place mats in high-risk areas. The best way to solve a stain is to prevent it outright. Unlike a carpet, a mat can be easily thrown into the laundry or cleaned by hand. Placing mats in areas with a high risk for stains and you may well save yourself time and stress in the future. The front door to your home is a choice area to place a mat; not only is it one of the most highly-trafficked areas in your home, it'll also come with the threat of dirt and mud trailed in from the outside. Placing mats beside kitchen and bathroom sinks is a good way to trap water. The same goes beside baths and showers, as anyone using the shower will track water and suds with them when they get out. Vacuum frequently. If you have carpets, vacuuming is an absolute must. Dust and dirt can get trailed in and make your carpet feel gritty pretty fast. Vacuuming every day or two will ensure your carpet's always looking and feeling its best. If you don't have the time to vacuum regularly, investing in a robotic automatic vacuum is relatively inexpensive and a great way to keep your carpets clean without having to invest a great deal of time into it. Keep a dehumidifier running in your house. Left for more than 24 hours, wet or damp carpet will encourage mildew and bacterial growth. Needless to say, this isn't the sort of thing you want in your home. A dehumidifier will help suck up excess moisture if your home has a tendency for such. Clean all prospective stains immediately. Stains become much more permanent the longer they're left unattended. If you solve them as soon as they first happen, you'll be saved a lot of trouble in the future. | Blot the stain with a damp cloth. Add 1/4 teaspoon of non-bleach detergent (or white vinegar) to 32 ounces of water. Apply solution to stain. Blot again with paper towel. Rinse with warm water. Repeat as needed. Dry the carpet. Blot stain with a paper towel. Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with one cup of water. Apply lightly to a sponge. Rub the sponge upon the stain. Remove excess moisture with another paper towel. Repeat as needed. Scrape surface with steel brush if dry. Apply a mix of dish soap and water to your stain. Blot the stain again. Mix a half cup warm water with one tablespoon ammonia. Apply solution to stain. Blot again. Rinse and dry. Scrape off excess grease with a blunt knife. Sprinkle some baking soda and let it sit for five minutes. Place a clothes iron atop a towel over the stained carpet. Sponge stain with dry-cleaning solvent. Blot with a warm, damp paper towel. Give the area a vacuum. Repeat as needed. Blot with a paper towel. Moisten stain with rubbing alcohol or a non-oil-based hairspray. Vacuum the stain. Blot again with a light detergent. Repeat as needed. Get your carpet cleaned every year. Place mats in high-risk areas. Vacuum frequently. Keep a dehumidifier running in your house. Clean all prospective stains immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Hand-Reflexology-Chart | How to Read a Hand Reflexology Chart | Properly reading a hand reflexology chart will allow you to understand the connection between the hands and other parts of the body. There are many different reflexology charts, such as the Western, Indian, and Korean charts, and they all have slight differences between them. In general, there are several different zones on each hand that correspond to different systems of the body. For instance, the center of the hand can correspond to the nervous system, and the area between the thumb and index finger can correspond to mental health. When you massage or use acupuncture on these specific parts of the hand, it can help relieve stress, tension, and pain in their corresponding parts of the body. | Look at the Western hand reflexology chart. This chart shows a connection between the fingertips and the upper part of the head, such as the sinuses, eyes, brain, ears. The palm of the hand contains the larger inner organs. Reproductive organs such as the testes, ovaries and fallopian tubes are found connecting to the inner wrist just beneath the hand. The thumb and the first 2 fingers contain more complex connections to the inner organs than do the outer 2 fingers. Learn about the Indian, or Ayurvedic, hand chart. The Indian reflexology chart (or acupressure chart) contains several key differences from the Western hand reflexology chart. The pressure points on the Indian chart are primarily located in the palm of the hand, while the fingertips are shown connected to the sinus region. The thumb contains connection to the brain and the pituitary gland. The Ayurvedic chart connects the inner world with the radial (thumb side), and the outer world with with the ulnar (little finger side). In keeping with the inner/outer distinction, the connection with the eyes is found on the radial side of the palm, beneath the first 2 fingers (index and middle). The connection with the ears is found beneath the last 2 fingers (ring finger and pinky). Look at the Korean hand chart. This hand reflexology chart is unusual in that it doesn't include any areas of the wrist. Reproductive organs are shown connected to the area within the palm of the hand. The Korean, or Koryo Hand Therapy (KHT systems), chart is shown with hand supine and prone, and makes no distinction between left and right hands. The spine, in the Korean system, is shown to be connected to the central axis of the hand, along the line of the middle finger and extending down along the exterior of the hand. Each finger is shown connecting to a different region of the body in this chart. Consider doing spot massages for specific ailments. For example, pinching the area between the middle finger and the ring finger may help with eye conditions such as conjunctivitis or eyestrain. If you have allergies, they might be helped by pressing gently on the adrenal gland area, which is found on the area sometimes known as the "Mound of Venus". You can also hold a golf ball and roll it with both hands over the areas of your hand to apply pressure. If you suffer from tension or anxiety, try pinching the skin area between your thumb and your first finger. Think about body's division into 10 zones. A reflexologist named William H. Fitzgerald first divided the body into 10 zones, 5 on each side. These zones extend from fingertips to toes, and front to back, so that all areas of the body are included. Each zone has a corresponding area on a person's hands or feet. Reflexology allows specific relationship between the internal organ and the application of pressure on the hand. A hand reflexology chart reveals the connection between the area of the hand and the inner organs of the body. There may be a good deal of variation between hand reflexology charts, compared to the more consistent reflexology charts of the foot. Consider body's meridians. The body's division into 12 meridians is an ancient Chinese practice which closely parallel's Fitzgerald's division of the body into zones. In this system of understanding, the body's energy (or chi ) runs through these meridians and nourishes the body and spirit. If the pathways become clogged or weakened, health issues will result. Reading a hand reflexology chart can help you understand the relationship between the area on the hand and the affected body area. Applying pressure to the reflex areas may help relieve stress and tension, help balance the body and allow all organs work together. Understand the automatic reflex arc. There are two types of reflex arcs in the human body: somatic reflex arcs, which affect the muscles, and automatic reflex arcs, which affect the inner organs. Hand reflexology is based in the automatic reflex arc. The automatic reflex arc allows the body to respond to conditions without utilizing the brain. Instead, it is a function of the central nervous system. One way to understand the automatic reflex arc is to imagine the body's response to touching a hot stove. If your hand touches a hot stove, it moves away more quickly than your brain can process the pain. Your hand reacts via automatic reflex. Hand reflexology functions on this reflex principle, addressing problems of the inner organs. Know the difference between reflexology and massage. Massage addresses physically challenges directly. That is, when the body is injured, massage may be applied to the injured area as a healing method. Reflexology works on the principle that relies on the nervous system to relay the healing touch to the injured area. For areas that are unable to be touched, such as the inner organs, glands, and organs of digestion and elimination, use reflexology to help treatment. For muscle pains, spasms, or tension, use massage. | Look at the Western hand reflexology chart. Learn about the Indian, or Ayurvedic, hand chart. Look at the Korean hand chart. Consider doing spot massages for specific ailments. Think about body's division into 10 zones. Consider body's meridians. Understand the automatic reflex arc. Know the difference between reflexology and massage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-a-Small-House | How to Organize a Small House | To maximize your space in a small house, try dividing up your living room into multiple quadrants or using your bedroom as an office or den. When possible, purchase furniture items that have multiple uses, such as foot rests that double as storage cubes. For your bedroom, try to purchase a futon or similar object that opens up additional space. Instead of having a separate dining table, game table, and desk, condense them all into a single furniture item. | Divide your living room into multiple quadrants. The living room is often the largest area of a house, but many people use it exclusively as a family or TV room. To open up more space, try dividing your living room into multiple zones with their own unique designs. These quadrants can stand in for rooms that you don't have enough space for, such as a dining room, playroom, or den. To partition the area with dividers, purchase large curtains, tides, or free-standing walls and arrange them inside your living room. To create quadrants without using dividers, arrange objects in the room based on their specific function. Use your bedroom as an office or den. For most people, a bedroom is a private area that doesn't easily convert into a family or guest room. However, bedrooms are often the perfect location for a home office, personal den, or other private space. Converting your bedroom into a multi-purpose personal area will open up more rooms throughout your house without removing any privacy. If necessary, divide the room into quadrants so you have distinct areas for sleeping, relaxing, doing work, and the like. For particularly small rooms, see if your furniture items can serve 2 or more purposes, such as using your bed as a sofa or office chair. Eat in your kitchen instead of the dining room. Dining rooms make a lot of sense for people that entertain guests regularly. However, they're a bit out of place in tiny homes that don't get a lot of visitors. To open up an extra room for more important things, clear out your dining room and eat in the kitchen instead. Purchase furniture that has multiple uses. When maximizing space, perhaps the best thing you can do is invest in furniture items that have 2 or more uses. Often referred to as smart furniture, these objects fulfill a main function, like seating, while hiding a second function within, typically additional storage. Common forms of smart furniture include storage cubes that double as foot rests, tables that come with drawers, and cabinets that contain a desk-like board you can pull out. Look for objects around your house that can serve multiple functions, such as a chair you can attach a storage bag to or a TV stand you can keep things on. You can often find cheap furniture at garage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets, many of which either serve multiple purposes or can be easily converted into multiple-purpose objects. Buy a loft bed or futon. Depending on how much room you have, a full-sized bed may not be a good option. Instead, try going with something that better utilizes the space around it. For tiny houses, a loft bed installed over your bedroom will open up a massive amount space. For houses where the bedroom doubles as the living room, buy a futon so you have both a couch and a bed. If you end up purchasing a regular bed, try to get a model that has drawers inside the bed frame. If you want to use your current bed, try holding it up on firm wooden blocks to create extra storage space underneath. Use a single table for multiple purposes. Try to replace multiple distinct tables, such as a dining room table, game table, and desk, into a single furniture item. This will open up a lot of additional space while providing the exact same level of functionality. If possible, convert your table into a storage area as well by placing a long tablecloth over it and hiding containers underneath. Attach shelves to stairwells and similar areas. Many houses have bulky areas in them that do little more than take up space. In most cases, you can outfit these spots with shelves and similar objects to make use of the extra room. Try turning the following places into storage areas: The spot above a door The area beneath a stairwell The backside of a couch Store items high on the wall. When possible, mount floating shelves on your walls to hold lightweight items like books, figurines, and small electronics. For bulkier items like musical instruments and potted plants, see if you can hang them by attaching adhesive hooks or anchor screws to the wall. Install a pot rack in your kitchen to hold cooking supplies. Bulky items like pots and pans can take up a lot of unnecessary space in your kitchen cabinets. To fix this, try hooking them onto a wall-mounted pot rack or similar device. This will open up a lot of extra space for heavier and more fragile items. Instead of a professional pot rack, try purchasing a large pegboard. This will allow you to arrange your supplies in any way you see fit, conserving space in the long run. Create an open-faced pantry to free up useful space. In many cases, concealed or walk-in pantries take up a lot of room they don't need to. Creating an open-faced pantry with a free standing or wall mounted shelf system will better utilize the available space while encouraging you to pare down and organize the supplies you already have. Instead of using it to store food, keep bulky and non-perishable supplies in your pantry. Hang up drapes and mirrors to create the illusion of space. Even if a room is perfectly organized, it may still feel cramped and uncomfortable to live in. Thankfully, there are some ways to rectify this without taking up more room: Floor to ceiling curtains will create long lines along the wall, making your house look taller. Large mirrors will act like a portal to another room, making the area seem deeper. Paint your room with light or contrasting colors to make it look bigger. The color of your walls can alter how large or small your house looks. To make a room appear bigger, paint the walls a bright or pastel color. In addition, cover any wall trimmings in an even lighter shade of paint, creating a subtle contrast that makes objects look further apart. Some good color choices include: Off-white Beige Baby blue Pastel green Throw out things you don’t need. For many people, organization issues stem not from a lack of room but from how many unnecessary items they own. To better conserve your space, get rid of anything that you don't want or never use. This may include items like: Cookware that you haven't used in the last 3 months. Old books, movies, and games that you don't plan on returning to. Decorative items and knick-knacks that you no longer care about. Unnecessary duplicates of items. Items not used within the last 18 months. Outgrown items: Kid clothing, obsolete gaming systems, old maternity wear. Purchase storage containers that look good out in the open. When you're living in a small house, you may not have a lot of room to hide bins, baskets, and other storage receptacles. Because of this, try to use containers that provide plenty of space but also look good. Some common examples include: Storage chests Vinyl equipment cases Decorative baskets Hat boxes Graphic bags Use bookshelves to create a more organized storage system. Though drawers are incredibly useful, they often end up storing things you don't need and, in many cases, may not even want. Keeping items on a bookshelf or other open-faced shelving unit will help you create a more focused, useful storage system that cuts down on junk and puts the things you really love front and center. Use drawers and racks to maximize your closet space. Due to their odd shape, closets can be hard to organize effectively. To fix this, place thin dressers on the floor of the closet and install hanging racks, shelves, and similar items higher up. If you're left with a small patch of unused space, fill it with a plastic storage container, basket, or similar item. If your house does not have a closet, keep your clothes in a dresser or similar container. Try keeping clothes and other small items inside purses, luggage containers, and similar objects. Purchase kitchen containers that stack. Often, kitchens fill up quickly because the owner purchases a lot of incompatible storage containers, dinnerware, cups, and similar items. To avoid this, do your best to purchase supplies that stack neatly together, limiting the amount of space each object takes up. This is especially important for tupperware containers since they're often designed to be large and bulky. In addition to stacking items, keep small objects inside large containers like dutch ovens. | Divide your living room into multiple quadrants. Use your bedroom as an office or den. Eat in your kitchen instead of the dining room. Purchase furniture that has multiple uses. Buy a loft bed or futon. Use a single table for multiple purposes. Attach shelves to stairwells and similar areas. Store items high on the wall. Install a pot rack in your kitchen to hold cooking supplies. Create an open-faced pantry to free up useful space. Hang up drapes and mirrors to create the illusion of space. Paint your room with light or contrasting colors to make it look bigger. Throw out things you don’t need. Purchase storage containers that look good out in the open. Use bookshelves to create a more organized storage system. Use drawers and racks to maximize your closet space. Purchase kitchen containers that stack. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Apple-Wine | How to Make Apple Wine | To make apple wine, start by gathering 9 pounds of ripe apples, like McIntosh, Golden, and Red Delicious. Run your apples under cold water until they're clean, then pat them dry. Use a large, sharp knife to core and cube the apples, but leave the skin intact for the fermenting process. Once your apples are prepped, boil water and sugar. Then, put your chopped apples in a fine straining bag, place them in the bottom of your fermenter, and pour the boiling sugar water over them. Add cold water to the mixture as well as tannin, yeast nutrient, acid blend, and 1 crushed Campden tablet. After 12 hours, add pectic enzyme, then wait 24 hours. Next, sprinkle in some yeast, wait another 24 hours, and stir the mixture. For the next week, stir your wine daily, then remove the bag of apples and siphon the wine into an air-tight demijohn. | Purchase or pick 4 kilograms (8.8 lb) of apples. Don't get just one type of apple! A medley of different apple variants creates a wine with blended tastes, textures, and smells. A mix of aromatic and acidic apples are commonly used to add depth to the wine. Some aromatic apples to consider are McIntosh, Golden, and Red Delicious. Popular acidic apples are Jonathan, Northern Spy, Winesap, Baldwin, and Granny Smith. Only use ripe apples. Unripe apples have a low sugar and high starch content which can interfere with the clarification process. Overly ripe apples are hard to clarify and process. Wash the apples. Run them under cold water until the water running off of them is completely clear. The water helps remove dirt and chemical residue. Once they are washed, pat them dry. Slice the apples into cubes. Use a large, sharp kitchen knife. Start by vertically cutting the apple into sixths, removing the core from the center. Then, continue to slice the apple into smaller sections, until you are left will small cubes. Leave the apple skin intact! Removing it can impact the fermenting process. You can make the cubes any size you want. A common size is 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) Boil 2.25 litres (0.59 US gal) of water and 900 grams (2.0 lb) of sugar. Use a pot that is big enough to hold 4.5 litres (1.2 US gal) of water and 4 kilograms (8.8 lb). Turn the heat on high to bring the water to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the apples and boiling water to your fermenter. First, put the chopped apples in a fine straining bag. Tie it tightly to help block extra sediment from getting in your wine. Place the bag at the bottom of the fermenter. Next, pour the 2.25 litres (0.59 US gal) of boiling water into the fermenter. Be careful with the boiling water! Use heat protection to make sure not to burn yourself. For a cheaper option, use a plastic bucket fermenter. Pour 2.25 litres (0.59 US gal) of cold water into the fermenter. Use cold water to bring the boiling water down to a lukewarm temperature. Be careful when pouring so the boiling water doesn't splash up on you. Stir in the tannin, yeast nutrient, and acid blend to the fermenter. Use 0.7 grams (¼ tsp) of tannin, 2.8 grams (1 tsp) of yeast nutrient, and 2.5 grams (½ tsp) of acid blend.. Once you've added the ingredients, take a large cooking spoon and stir thoroughly. Then, let the fermenter and its contents sit and cool for at least 2 hours. If you only used aromatic apples, you can add up to 5 grams (1 tsp) of acid blend. Leave the fermenter lid open. Doing so will speed up the cooling process. Add a crushed Campden tablet to the fermenter and wait 12 hours. Use a large cooking spoon to mix in the crushed Campden tablet with the must. Once you've finished stirring, cover the fermenter with its lid, letting it sit for at least 12 hours. Add 2 grams (0.5 tsp) of pectic enzyme and wait 24 hours. After adding the enzyme to the fermenter and stirring the must completely, leave the fermenter covered to sit for 24 hours. Sprinkle in a sachet of yeast to the fermenter and wait 24 hours. After you add the yeast, close the fermenter to shield the must from the air. Let the fermenter sit closed for 24 hours. During this time, the yeast will start to ferment the wine by converting the apples' sugars into alcohol. Don't stir the yeast. A common yeast sachet recommendation is Lalvin EC-1118. Stir the fermenter's contents daily for a week. Take a large cooking spoon and stir everything in the fermenter. Don't forget to stir the apples at the bottom! Stirring everything daily helps break down the apples. Remove the bag of apples from the fermenter. Use tongs or put on gloves to take out the apples. Once removed, let the bag of apples drip dry over the opening of the fermenter. Then, let the remaining contents settle in the fermenter for 24 hours. Tempting as it is, don't squeeze the bag of apples over the fermenter! Siphon the wine into an air-tight demijohn. Fill the siphon tube with water and place one end halfway down into the fermenter. Place the other end of the siphon into the demijohn and release the flow of wine. This process is called racking. When the wine reaches the yeast layer at the bottom of the fermenter, remove the siphon. Sanitize your siphon before using it! Be careful not to pour out the water in the siphon tube! Keep the ends elevated and put one of your fingers on the end. To prevent air bubbles, pinch the tube. Make sure to place the demijohn at a lower height than the fermenter. Rerack the wine by repeating the siphoning process. You can siphon the wine into another demijohn or back to the fermenter to siphon it back to the original demijohn. This should be done every few months to aid clearing. Let the wine condition for at least 4 months. To condition, it, just let the wine sit and age in the demijohn. The longer you condition the wine, the softer it will taste. Siphon the wine into bottles. Place the sanitized wine bottles below the fermenter or demijohn. Once bottled, the wine is ready for you to drink or gift! | Purchase or pick 4 kilograms (8.8 lb) of apples. Wash the apples. Slice the apples into cubes. Boil 2.25 litres (0.59 US gal) of water and 900 grams (2.0 lb) of sugar. Add the apples and boiling water to your fermenter. Pour 2.25 litres (0.59 US gal) of cold water into the fermenter. Stir in the tannin, yeast nutrient, and acid blend to the fermenter. Add a crushed Campden tablet to the fermenter and wait 12 hours. Add 2 grams (0.5 tsp) of pectic enzyme and wait 24 hours. Sprinkle in a sachet of yeast to the fermenter and wait 24 hours. Stir the fermenter's contents daily for a week. Remove the bag of apples from the fermenter. Siphon the wine into an air-tight demijohn. Rerack the wine by repeating the siphoning process. Let the wine condition for at least 4 months. Siphon the wine into bottles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Tanning-Bed | How to Use a Tanning Bed | To use a tanning bed, decide if you want a natural looking tan, which you can get in a low- or medium-pressure bed, or a long-lasting tan, which requires a high-pressure bed. Exfoliate your skin before tanning, and wear a bathing suit to protect sensitive areas. When you get to the salon, find your booth and locate the timer before you put on the goggles. Then, lay on your back in the bed with your knees slightly bent and your arms to the sides. Re-position yourself according to the timer, making sure to tan both of your sides and the front of your body. | Go to a local tanning salon and ask about the tanning options they offer. Most tanning salons have a variety of bed styles available, and each use a different method to tan your skin. Speak with a representative at the salon, and have them pick the tanning bed that will work best for your skin. If there are multiple tanning salons in your area, shop around, compare salons, and choose the one you like most. Tanning salons will also often offer discounted tans if you purchase a monthly membership. If this is your first time using a tanning bed, only schedule an appointment for a single use. This way, if you do not like the results or if you decide tanning beds are not right for you, you are not committed to paying for a membership. Use a low or medium pressure tanning bed to receive a natural-looking tan. Low and medium pressure tanning beds emit UVB rays in a spectrum that is similar to natural sunlight. The main difference is that medium pressure tanning operates at a higher wattage, and will tan your skin faster. While low pressure tanning is considered the traditional method of tanning because of its low reflector intensity, either of these will give you a natural-looking tan. Since the lamps in low and medium pressure tanning slowly emit the UVB rays, there is a risk of getting a sunburn. If you burn easily, consider using an alternative method. Lay in a high pressure tanning bed to get a long-lasting tan. High pressure tanning beds emit a higher proportion of UVA rays over UVB rays. The UVA rays will give you a deeper, longer-lasting tan that will build quickly without burning your skin. While this method is gentler on your skin, it also is usually the most expensive. If this is your first time tanning, refrain from using the high pressure tanning bed until you have become more experienced with the process. High pressure tanning builds a tan quickly, and if you are not readily familiar with the process you can easily wind up with tan lines. Stand in a vertical tanning booth to get a quick and even tan. Since your skin is not pressing against any surfaces, you will get a more even tan and won't have to worry about spots on your skin being missed. A vertical tanning booth is good for people who have never tanned before, or for people who are claustrophobic. If you are worried about having to flip and rotate your body inside of a tanning bed, book an appointment for a vertical tanning booth. You will get a 360 degree coverage just by standing with your arms and legs spread. Examine the cleanliness of the beds before scheduling an appointment. You will be wearing minimal or no clothing when you use a tanning bed, so you want to make sure that the salon is reputable and maintains the cleanliness of the beds. If you see any dirt buildup on the beds, find a different place to tan. Ask what kind of cleaner the staff uses on the beds. Traditional glass cleaner will not remove or kill bacteria. A good way to determine the reputation of a tanning salon is by checking the customer reviews online. Read how customers like the tanning service and cleanliness of the place. If there are a significant amount of negative reviews, or even a few negative reviews that unsettle you, look for a different tanning salon. Fill out a skin analysis form to determine your skin type. The form will ask you basic questions concerning your hair, eye, and skin color, the sensitivity of your skin, and how often you tan. Salons use this form to determine the approximate time or tanning method best suited for your skin. Note any medication you are currently taking to avoid any side effects from getting the tan. While there are no laws against tanning if you are pregnant, tanning salons do reserve the right to turn you away. Tanning while pregnant can cause you to overheat, become dehydrated, feel ill, or even throw you into preterm labor. If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor and review the policies at the salon before booking an appointment. Build a base tan in natural sunlight to avoid skin irritation. This is especially important if you are going to be using a tanning bed that mostly emits UVB rays, or if your skin has not been exposed to sunlight all winter. This will get your skin accustomed to being exposed to the UV rays, and will minimize your chances of burning your skin in the tanning bed. You don't necessarily have to tan outside to accomplish this. Simply take a few walks in the park, or partake in another outdoor activity. Still apply ample amounts of sunscreen to avoid burning or over exposing your skin. Exfoliate and moisturize your skin before your tanning appointment. Clean your skin and free it of any dead cells to ensure better tanning results. After you get out of the shower, apply a fragrance free moisturizer to your skin. The moisturizer will act as a barrier, and protect your skin from irritation or burning. Avoid using harsh soaps that will dry out or coat your skin with a residue. Soaps with shea butter or cocoa have natural moisturizing properties. Don't forget to moisturize your lips as well. Your lips can easily dry out and burn while tanning, so make sure to apply a thick coat of your favorite SPF lip balm before laying in the tanning bed. Refrain from wearing fragrant beauty or skin products to avoid skin irritation. When heated, certain fragrances and chemicals can cause irritation to your skin, or prevent your skin from tanning properly. Before going to your tanning appointment, skip using any beauty products like deodorant, perfume, or makeup. After receiving your tan, wait at least 24 hours to resume your normal beauty and skin care routine. Makeup and fragrant lotions can still cause irritation to your skin while the tan is settling. Apply an indoor tanning lotion about an hour before your appointment. Using a tanning lotion will increase the effects of the tanning bed. You do not have to use a tanning lotion before your appointment, but doing so might reduce the number of tanning sessions you have to have in order to achieve your desired tan. Do not use any outdoor tanning lotions or oils. Not only will these outdoor products not be effective, but the compounds might actually damage the tanning equipment. Wear a bathing suit to protect sensitive skin areas. Areas like your buttocks, breasts, and genitals are not used to being directly exposed to sunlight. To avoid skin irritation wear a bathing suit when you go tanning. If you opt for tanning nude, make sure to apply ample amounts of moisturizer to any areas that you believe will become irritated from the UV rays. Use a washcloth, hand towel, or tanning stickers provided by the salon to cover your nipples and genitals for most of your tanning session. Once you have experienced multiple tanning sessions, covering yourself will become less necessary. Some tanning salons do not permit nude tanning, so find out what the policies are before you strip down. Cover recently dyed hair and tattoos to prevent them from fading. Steady exposure to UV rays can fade dyed hair and tattoo ink. Ask a staff member for a cap to cover your dyed hair, and find out what sunscreens are safe to use inside of the tanning bed so you can coat your tattoo. The UV rays will also yellow acrylic nails, so ask a staff member if they have coverings you can use to protect them. Wear goggles to protect your eyes while tanning. These will be given to you at the salon, or you can bring your own. Even with your eyes closed, the intensity of the UV rays emitted in the tanning bed can irritate or even damage your eyes. Overtime, excess exposure to UV rays without proper protection can lead to color blindness, loss of night vision, developing cataracts, and blindness. You can avoid getting pale circles, or “raccoon eyes,” from the goggles by sliding the goggles periodically throughout your tan. Just do not remove or lift the goggles completely. Never wear contact lenses while tanning as they can dry out or damage your eyes. Ask a staff member to go over the tanning process with you. This is especially important if this is your first time tanning, or if you are using a type of bed you are unfamiliar with. Some tanning beds will have buttons for you to personally control the fans that circulate the air, or some will have separate light bulbs you can turn on and off to tan your face. Depending on the salon, you may also have to close the lid to the tanning bed and turn the machine on when you are ready to start. Make sure you know how all of these functions work before laying down in the bed. Locate the countdown timer for your tanning session. Not every salon will have a staff member tell you when to flip your body during the tanning session. Standard tanning beds will have a timer visible on the inside, so you can monitor your own session. It is important to know where this timer is, or if you will be receiving guided instructions during your tanning session. The timer is set by a staff member beforehand with a time determined by the skin analysis form you filled out. If you have fair or sensitive skin, your first tanning time will most likely not exceed 6 or 7 minutes. If you have a base tan or darker skin, your tanning time can be as long as 20 minutes. Lay on your back inside the tanning bed with your arms and legs spread. Laying with your legs together or with your arms resting against your sides can lead to an uneven or spotty tan. Stretch out your body when you first lay down to ensure all parts of your skin get exposure. If you want to particularly tan the skin underneath your arms, lift your arms over your head for a few minutes to tan. Bend your knees to avoid getting tan lines on the back of your upper thighs. When you lay your legs flat, your buttocks pushes against the back of your thighs. Tanning like this will result in embarrassing tan lines. To avoid this, bend your knees so your legs are slightly elevated. Make sure that your inner thighs don't press together when you do this, otherwise, you will get an uneven tan there. If there is not enough room inside the tanning bed for you to bend both of your knees at the same time, bend one knee for a few minutes and then switch to the other. Flip onto your stomach halfway through your tanning session. In order to tan your backside, adjust your positioning so you are laying on your stomach. Place your arms at your sides with your palms down. This is usually indicated by a timer or a staff member telling you to flip over. Since this position can feel uncomfortable, you can bend your arms to prop up your chin. If you are getting your tan in a vertical booth, you do not have to worry about rotating your body to receive an even tan. Rotate your body so you are laying on your side. Dedicate the last minute of your session to tan your sides. While the bed has been indirectly tanning your sides throughout the session, spending at least 30 seconds laying on each side will ensure that your tan is even around your entire body. Wait 3 to 4 hours to bathe after tanning. The tan needs time to soak and settle properly into your skin. If you shower right after tanning, it can dull your tan or even create splotchy marks within the tan. If your skin feels particularly dry, rehydrate it by generously applying moisturizer. Maintain your tan by revisiting the salon, or by using tan extenders. Your tan will continue to darken over the next 24 to 72 hours. If after that time you are not happy with the results, make another appointment. Some people take 2 or 3 sessions before they achieve their desired golden glow. You can also use tanning extender products to make your tan last longer between visits. Safely expose your skin to the sunlight to keep the bronze pigment in your tan. If you constantly conceal your skin after receiving your tan, it will quickly fade. | Go to a local tanning salon and ask about the tanning options they offer. Use a low or medium pressure tanning bed to receive a natural-looking tan. Lay in a high pressure tanning bed to get a long-lasting tan. Stand in a vertical tanning booth to get a quick and even tan. Examine the cleanliness of the beds before scheduling an appointment. Fill out a skin analysis form to determine your skin type. Build a base tan in natural sunlight to avoid skin irritation. Exfoliate and moisturize your skin before your tanning appointment. Refrain from wearing fragrant beauty or skin products to avoid skin irritation. Apply an indoor tanning lotion about an hour before your appointment. Wear a bathing suit to protect sensitive skin areas. Cover recently dyed hair and tattoos to prevent them from fading. Wear goggles to protect your eyes while tanning. Ask a staff member to go over the tanning process with you. Locate the countdown timer for your tanning session. Lay on your back inside the tanning bed with your arms and legs spread. Bend your knees to avoid getting tan lines on the back of your upper thighs. Flip onto your stomach halfway through your tanning session. Rotate your body so you are laying on your side. Wait 3 to 4 hours to bathe after tanning. Maintain your tan by revisiting the salon, or by using tan extenders. |
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