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https://www.wikihow.com/Begin-a-Natural-Skin-Care-Regime | How to Begin a Natural Skin Care Regime | To begin a natural skincare regime, you'll need natural ingredients to use such as yogurt, honey, avocado, and aloe vera. You can make a scrub by mixing equal parts of a natural liquid like yogurt or honey with a natural exfoliant like oatmeal or sugar. If you have acne-prone skin, you can also use lemon juice or tea tree oil as a spot treatment. It's important to use a daily moisturizer that helps to soothe your skin. Oils or aloe vera gel are good options. When you start your natural skincare regime, introduce it slowly to see how your skin reacts to the ingredients. | Determine your skin type. Most skin is oily, dry, combination, or normal. If your skin type is extremely oily or dry, reference general guidelines on how to care for oily skin and dry skin. Determine if your skin is sensitive to harsher ingredients. If your skin already becomes red, irritated, or acne-riddled when exposed to the sun, other skin products, or perfume, then you have sensitive skin. Determine target concerns for your skin. These might include wrinkling, acne, dull skin, or dark spots. Decide how much time and effort you want to spend on your skincare. A full skincare regimen involves exfoliator, cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and spot treatments, but you do not have to use all five. Most skin products either clean or moisturize your skin. Pick which ingredients you want to use. Below is a list of moisturizing at-home ingredients. For dry skin: olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, cream, honey, avocado, aloe vera For oily skin: lemon juice diluted with water, egg white, tomatoes, shredded apple, shredded cucumber, apple cider vinegar For combination skin: yogurt, milk, honey, avocado, shredded apple, shredded cucumber For normal skin: yogurt, honey, avocado, almond oil, green tea Decide if you want to make a scrub with some of the above ingredients. Scrubs slough off dead, dull skin cells while locking moisture into the remaining skin. Most scrubs are equal parts liquid (listed above) and exfoliant (listed below): Sugar, brown or white Flour Oatmeal or dried oats Fresh strawberries Pick ingredients to treat acne if applicable. You can apply spot, leave-on treatments to acne so that your skin clears up while not irritating other skin areas. These are best applied with Q-tips or cotton balls. 3 drops of tea tree oil that has been diluted to 5-15% to your problem area daily. 6 drops of jojoba oil to keep your skin moisturized while not promoting acne growth. 3 drops of lemon juice to your problem area daily. The acidity of lemon juice kills a lot of bacteria causing acne. Pick your daily moisturizer. This can be an oil, aloe vera gel, or any other moisturizing lotion that does not aggravate your skin if left on for more than 15 minutes. It may seem strange to use a moisturizer that contains oil when you have acne, but oil dissolves other oils, and the sebum in acne is an oil. Many dermatologists recommend oil-based moisturizers because they are hygroscopic and attract/hold water, which will hydrate your skin. You can buy a moisturizer that is all-natural or organic, but not made at home. Take your ingredients and mix them together to create your skin masks, scrubs, and moisturizers. Listed below are some examples of common masks and scrubs: 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 ripe avocado and 2 tablespoons yogurt Introduce your new regimen slowly. First try your new regimen for 1 day out of the week, then 2, then 3. Depending on your skin type and chosen ingredients, you might only need your face mask once a week, or scrub twice a week. Notice what balance is best for you. Wash your skin 1 time a day, and always moisturize right after while your skin is still damp. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use warm water. Use light and gentle motions to cleanse. This may help prevent wrinkles and will not irritate your skin. Moisturize right before going to bed unless you have oily skin, so that your skin can absorb moisture while you are sleeping. This is particularly important for dry skin areas. | Determine your skin type. Determine if your skin is sensitive to harsher ingredients. Determine target concerns for your skin. Decide how much time and effort you want to spend on your skincare. Pick which ingredients you want to use. Decide if you want to make a scrub with some of the above ingredients. Pick ingredients to treat acne if applicable. Pick your daily moisturizer. Take your ingredients and mix them together to create your skin masks, scrubs, and moisturizers. Introduce your new regimen slowly. Wash your skin 1 time a day, and always moisturize right after while your skin is still damp. Moisturize right before going to bed unless you have oily skin, so that your skin can absorb moisture while you are sleeping. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-a-Child-is-Transgender | How to Determine if a Child is Transgender | While you cannot determine if a child is transgender by simply looking at them, you can observe the child's behavior to see how they feel about gendered norms. For example, a child who is consistently drawn to toys, clothes, and friends of the opposite gender may eventually decide they are transgender. A transgender child may also become upset when pushed toward the wrong gender role. However, keep in mind that many children don't enjoy being pushed into any particular gender role. To know with certainty if a child is transgender, you should listen to how they describe themselves and their identity. If a child thinks they may be trans, consider helping them do a trial run where they get to try out a different name and explore their desired gender. | Notice if your child has gender non-conforming tendencies. Maybe you have seen that your female child likes to play with toys that are generally considered “male." Keep in mind that just because your daughter likes to play with trucks does not mean that she is transgender. However, if your child consistently displays a strong preference for things that don't conform to gender expectations, it could be something to keep an eye on. A child that is different in a few ways might just be gender non-conforming. A child who is different in a lot of ways, and shows extreme unhappiness at being forced to act like the sex they were assigned at birth, is probably transgender. Remember, most notions of gender are stereotypes. Boys are not genetically predisposed to prefer the color blue, for instance. Look for signs along the way. A child who is transgender will usually show many signs of their true gender. Their imaginary play usually suggests their gender, as well as how they want to dress and groom themselves. A child may be transgender if they show many of these signs: Insisting on shopping in the girls/boys section Choosing a boy/girl name for themselves Preferring friends of the opposite sex (who have the child's desired gender) Making a fuss over haircuts Frequently pretending to be book or movie characters who share their desired gender Hating their genitals Looking up to older boys/girls and wanting to be just like them Begging for books or toys that say "for boys" or "for girls" Wanting to reincarnate as their true gender Crying over the sex they were assigned at birth Being much happier when you let them do something related to the gender they want Notice signs of unhappiness at being pushed into the wrong gender role. For example, if your "son" screams and screams over a haircut because she can't bear having short hair, or if your "sister" cries when told that he can't get clothes from the boy's section, this is a sign that your child is transgender. Gender is important, so your child may feel (and act) like the world is ending if they have to pretend to be someone they are not. Notice tantrums over haircuts, clothes shopping, wearing/not wearing the color pink/blue, and other grooming decisions. It may feel like fighting your child to get them to conform to gender roles. Pay attention to arguing. For example, if you say "boys are allowed to wear dresses" and the child says "but I'm not a boy in a dress! I'm a girl!" then the child is probably transgender. Look for behavior problems, depression, and poor mental health. Children who are forced into the wrong gender role may be very upset and act out. They may also internalize negative feelings, which could lead to emotional trouble years later. Luckily, transitioning can usually fix most of this problem. Listen to how your child identifies. Your child might use their words to express themselves. If your child feels strongly about their gender identify, they might say things like, “I know I'm a boy!” even if they were assigned female at birth. They might also say things like, “No, I'm really a girl!” even if they were assigned male. Recognize that gender develops young. Gender usually develops around age 3, but some children start earlier, as young as 2 years or 18 months. Look for consistency. If your child insists on being called “John” for a weekend, that's not necessarily an indication that the child is transgender. It's also pretty typical for young kids to go through phases of pretending to be a different gender. If your child is really consistent in insisting they are actually a different gender, though, this could be a sign that they are transgender. A child who routinely insists upon their gender is very likely transgender. Transitioning can help the child's social development, focus in school, and emotional well-being, and may reduce behavior problems. Some children do go through a lengthy phase of identifying with a different gender when they are young. That phase will typically end around the age of 9 or 10 years old. Recognize that some children may not understand their gender until puberty or later. Your child might not question their gender identity until they are a little older. Puberty is a common time for teens to begin questioning their gender identity. Changes in the body and in hormones can make your child become more aware of their body and how it makes them feel. Puberty and the years after are common times for children to begin exploring. Listen to them if they begin to say that they feel they are actually the opposite gender. Do a trial run, if your child is interested. It can be really useful for your child if you allow them the freedom to really explore their gender identity. If your child thinks they are transgender, set aside a weekend or a couple of days and allow your child to “become” the opposite gender for a little while. This might mean, for example, that you call your child “Jennifer” and support their decision to wear a dress. Allow your child to lead in this experiment. Don't pressure them to try things that they don't want to try, such as being called by a different name. Watch your child during the trial run. Do they seem happier or more confident? Are they having more fun? This can help you tell whether this is what makes your child happy. Allow your child to explore their gender identity with a therapist or counselor. Your child might not be fully comfortable discussing this with you, or you might feel like you aren't really able to give your child the full support they need. Try finding them a counselor or therapist to work with. Look for a licensed professional who has experience in working with transgender children. Understand the meaning of “transgender. " The expert community is still debating the meaning, and the term has evolved a lot in recent years. A common consensus does say that transgender means someone has a gender identify or gender behavior that differs from the cultural norms of the gender they were assigned at birth. Learn about what makes a child transgender. Being transgender is not a choice that your child is making. It also has nothing to do with how you have raised them. It is typical for parents do say, “What did I do to cause this?” The answer is “nothing.” Transgender children are likely born that way. Know that being transgender is not “abnormal.” It is very common for a child to be born transgender. If this is the case for your child, the emphasis should be on supporting the child. Don't get caught up in worrying about what is "normal." Recognize that some people take longer to recognize and express their gender than others. While some children are loudly declaring their true gender at age 3, some take longer to figure out that they're trying to live as the wrong gender. Here are some things that can delay the coming-out process: Lack of knowledge Fear of rejection Witnessing stigma Having tried to express themselves, but been teased or scolded Read reliable sources. Don't listen to myths or rumors. Take the time to really investigate what it means to be transgender. Check out sources like the PFLAG website or the Family Acceptance Project. You could also head to the local library. Ask the reference librarian to recommend some good books on being transgender. Read stories from transgender people. These first-hand accounts can help you understand what it feels like to be transgender. Recognize the difference between a phase and being transgender. If your child consistently insists on their gender, then it is very, very likely not to be a phase. If your child thinks it might have been just a phase, talk about it before leaping into action. A child who says it was "just a phase" may be lying because they are being mistreated, or they think you'll love them less if they are transgender. Ensure that they know that you love them either way, and that they are truly serious about this. Talk to a medical professional. If you have questions about the science of being transgender, talk to your child's doctor. If you are wondering about the psychological impact, consult a therapist. Remember, this is a confusing time for you as a parent, too. You might want to consider getting some outside support by seeing a counselor to help you process your child exploring their gender identity. Professionals are usually very thoughtful and will not rush your child into something that they are not ready for. Keep in mind that just because you don't feel ready doesn't mean that your child isn't ready, or that your child isn't hurting by waiting for you to catch up. Follow your child's lead. If you listen well , your child will tell you what they want for themselves. This can help you tell the difference between a child who says "I'm a girl" and a little boy who just likes wearing dresses. The choice to transition (or not) should be based on your child's needs and happiness, not on what you think your child should be. Don't stop a child from being themselves because you aren't comfortable with it, and don't push a gender-nonconforming kid into a transition if they don't seem interested. Recognize that your support makes a huge difference in your child's future. Transgender children with supportive families are much less likely to attempt suicide, become homeless, or face serious mental health issues. A supportive family can also help a child deal with issues like bullying and discrimination, lessening the harm to the child's mental health. By accepting and supporting your child's gender, you are help keeping them safe from the many issues that can plague transgender people. Studies show that transgender children who have transitioned have equal rates of depression to their cisgender peers, and only slightly higher rates of anxiety. On the contrary, those who are transgender but do not transition have very high rates of mental health issues. Be supportive of your child. If your child expresses changes in their gender identity, try not to react negatively. Don't criticize them or tell them that you don't want to hear it. Instead, allow your child to explore their identity by trying new activities or dressing differently. If you have concerns, talk to your partner or your child's doctor. Don't tell your child about your concerns. Love your child for who they are. You child might be going through a difficult time. Make sure to let them know that you love them unconditionally. You can say, “I know you're going through some changes. Just remember, I love you no matter what.” Stand up for your child. If your child is going outside of gender normative behavior, they might be teased or even bullied. For example, other kids might taunt your daughter if they dress like a typical boy. Help your child address the issue. Let them know that you will speak to the teacher or the parents of the other children on their behalf. If you hear someone make a negative comment about transgender people, say, “Comments like that are not okay. Please don't say that again.” Support social transitioning. Social transitioning means that your child might choose to live as another gender. Make an effort to get behind their decisions. If your child wants to dress differently, let them. If they want to be called by another name, that is their choice. Recognize that social transitioning is reversible if the child changes their mind. If it turns out to be a phase, then your child can change their hair back and change their wardrobe. And your child will remember that you supported them while they were questioning, which will mean a lot to them. Don't panic over social transitioning. While some parents have a hard time with the idea at first, remember that this is important to your child, and that it can be reversed if it turns out that your child isn't happy this way. Be on the lookout for signs of depression or anxiety. Transgender kids might feel a lot of pressure, and can endure bullying, discrimination, and lack of acceptance from community or even family members. This can take a toll on the child. All gender nonconforming children are at a higher risk for mental health issues. If you notice signs of a problem, take your child to a mental health professional. Be on the lookout for: Excessive sleeping Sudden weight loss or gain Lack of interest in activities they previously enjoyed Noticeable mood shifts Explore medical options if your child is transgender. Your child might want to take steps towards feeling more comfortable in their bodies. Medical options are meant to support your child, not to "cure" being transgender. Talk to your child's doctor about whether these options are right for them. For young teens, puberty blockers can stop them from the trauma of going through the wrong puberty. These only delay puberty, and are completely reversible. This is the best "neutral option," and it can help reduce mental health risks. As an older teen or adult, your child may start taking hormones to help them go through the puberty that is right for their gender. As an adult, they might choose to have gender confirmation surgery. Some need this, while others are okay without it. | Notice if your child has gender non-conforming tendencies. Look for signs along the way. Notice signs of unhappiness at being pushed into the wrong gender role. Listen to how your child identifies. Recognize that gender develops young. Look for consistency. Recognize that some children may not understand their gender until puberty or later. Do a trial run, if your child is interested. Allow your child to explore their gender identity with a therapist or counselor. Understand the meaning of “transgender. Learn about what makes a child transgender. Recognize that some people take longer to recognize and express their gender than others. Read reliable sources. Recognize the difference between a phase and being transgender. Talk to a medical professional. Follow your child's lead. Recognize that your support makes a huge difference in your child's future. Be supportive of your child. Stand up for your child. Support social transitioning. Be on the lookout for signs of depression or anxiety. Explore medical options if your child is transgender. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Lots-of-Trade-in-Credit-at-Gamestop | How to Get Lots of Trade in Credit at Gamestop | At Gamestop, you can trade in gently used video games, movies, and electronics for store credit. While you can trade your items in for cash, Gamestop will always offer you more if you accept it in store credit. To get the most credit for your items, check the Gamestop website for trade-in offers, which vary depending on the season. The webpage shows you what products are currently in demand as well as which games will get you the most credit. When you go in, bring items that still work well, are clean, and free from scratches, since Gamestop doesn't accept broken items. You should also bring in recent games if you can, which sell for a higher price. Alternatively, bring in classic games such as Mario or Zelda, since these are valuable as well. If you trade a lot of stuff at Gamestop, consider joining Gamestop's PowerUp Rewards program. There's a small annual fee, but it gives you an extra 10 percent of credit on all your trade-ins. | Join the PowerUp Rewards Pro program for extra trade in credit. Gamestop's rewards program is called PowerUp Rewards and is free. However, they also offer a Pro plan that earns you an extra 10% credit on trade-ins. It costs $14.99 a year, but is well worth the cost if you trade in lots of games. The pro plan has some additional bonuses as well, such as 10% off used games and 20 points for every dollar spent at Gamestop. The regular plan only gives you 10 points per dollar to use for coupons and other rewards. If you wish to join the rewards program, visit your local Gamestop. Alternatively, go to Gamestop's website and click the PowerUp Rewards button. Go to Gamestop’s website to check out the latest trade-in offers. Click the trade-in button at the top of the page on the website. It will show you what products can currently net you bonus credit. It can include consoles, phones, and other electronic devices in addition to video games. The offers change over time, so check back on occasion in case something you own gets listed. For example, you might see a current bonus for retro video games and smartphones. It may change in a week to give out bonus credit for trading in the latest Halo. Some offers will be of better value to you than others. Read each offer carefully and check for new ones on occasion until you find one that can get you lots of credit. Use the trade-in page to find out how much specific games are worth. Clicking the trade-in button on Gamestop's website takes you to a new page with a search bar. Type in the name of the game you plan on trading in. It will show you how much cash or store credit you could get for your item. Take advantage of these quotes to determine if you're ready to let go of your old games and hardware. The quotes are only designed to be valid for a single day. Your games may be worth more or even less credit in the future. Wait for special promotions covering new releases you want to buy. Sometimes Gamestop runs promotions where you can get bonus credit by trading for certain games. You might see an advertisement like, “50% more trade in credit when you trade toward the new Grand Theft Auto.” If you're looking to maximize your store credit, this is the way to do it. However, it only works when you're interested in owning the new releases promoted each week. These promotions are often broadcasted through TV and online ads. Also, check your email if you signed up for the rewards program. Gamestop doesn't run as many of these special promotions as it used to, so check its website often for new trade-in deals. Protect games from damage so they are worth more. Store games in cases when they are not in use. Preferably, keep them in their original packaging along with anything that came with them. Scratches are one of the easiest ways to lose value on your trade-ins. Preserve your games to keep them looking like they did on the day you bought them. For example, keep game discs inside a case. Save the original case, instruction booklet, or anything else you received with the game when purchasing it. Wipe them clean before trading them in. For consoles and other items, keep them in the original packaging along with any accessories that came with them. Clean them off before attempting to trade them in. Trade in games and devices that are still useable. Gamestop accepts video games, consoles, accessories, and even devices like iPods, iPads, and smartphones. These products have to be in working order. Store employees test trade-in items before accepting them. Just like how you wouldn't want to pay for something that doesn't work, you won't get credit for broken things. If you wish to get the full value for your items, they must be in working condition. Gamestop stores have machines they use to test things like controllers. Expect store associates to even plug in consoles and controllers for a test. The exception is retro games and consoles. Most stores don't have the proper equipment to plug in something like a Sega Genesis and may just accept it for trade-in if it looks like it's in working order. If your games or devices aren't in full working condition, they may still be eligible for some credit. This is because Gamestop refurbishes some products for resale. You won't be able to trade in something that is completely broken, however. Select in-demand games to earn more credit. The most valuable products are ones that are either rare or popular. Many modern games are most valuable when they are new because more people are buying them. Unless games belong to a popular series, they will decrease in value the longer you wait to trade them in. If you're trading devices like smartphones, expect them to go down in value as well due to people transitioning to newer, more efficient models. Movie tie-in and sports games lose value quickly over time. For example, few people want Madden 16 for the PS3 when Madden 20 for the PS4 is available. Some franchises are always popular. Anything related to Mario, Pokemon, or Zelda, for example, usually has decent trade-in value. Hold onto older games until they increase in value. Some games become more valuable as they reach “retro” status. Gamestop accepts trade-ins for old games and systems, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Nintendo 64 (N64), and many other classics. These items are no longer in production, so working copies become more valuable over time. If you happen to have something relatively uncommon, then it will be worth even more. Be sure to check Gamestop's website to see if any older games are eligible for special trade-in details. It's possible that more recent items can reach retro status in the future. For example, the Playstation 2 (PS2) and its games are no longer in production, so they may become more valuable over time. Pay a fee to recondition damaged games you wish to trade. If you have a game or device that can be fixed, you may still be able to trade it in. Gamestop may offer to refurbish the game for you. However, they take a small fee, usually $1 to $5, off of the trade-in value. It reduces the amount of credit you get, so determine if the trade is worth completing. If an item isn't too damaged, Gamestop can fix it and sell it as refurbished. Game discs, for instance, can often be refinished to eliminate scratches. Don't expect to walk in with a couple of broken discs and get a few new releases in return. Even with extra promotions, damaged discs may barely give you enough credit to get a single used game. Bring all of your trade-in items to a Gamestop store. The items have to be taken to a store in person. They can't be mailed in or traded online. When you arrive at the store, mention that you're looking to trade in some items and spread them out on the counter to show store employees. This will make it easier for them to sort out and price the items you want to exchange. Also, don't forget to bring in your PowerUp Rewards membership card or have someone look up your account if you have one. Make sure you bring in everything you have to trade. That includes accessories, such as charging cables for handheld consoles and phones. Remove anything that wasn't part of the original product. If you're bringing in a handheld device or accessory, make sure it's fully charged and that you have erased any personal information stored on it. Wait for the store employees to test and appraise your items. The employees have to test each trade-in item before they can offer any sort of credit. They will make sure it is functional first, and then they will examine its overall quality. Finally, they consider its demand. After all these factors are taken into account, they offer you an equivalent amount of credit. If you researched trade-in values online through Gamestop's website, expect the result to be the same. Usually, the only difference is them offering you less credit for items that are damaged or otherwise in poor condition. Choose store credit instead of cash payment to earn more. When a Gamestop employee offers you the choice, make it clear you want credit. Gamestop always gives out more credit than money. The difference becomes significant when you trade in multiple items. Take the credit, then put it toward new games, gift cards, or merchandise! For example, that copy of Pokemon Platinum worth $22 in store credit is only worth about $18 in cash as of October 2019. | Join the PowerUp Rewards Pro program for extra trade in credit. Go to Gamestop’s website to check out the latest trade-in offers. Use the trade-in page to find out how much specific games are worth. Wait for special promotions covering new releases you want to buy. Protect games from damage so they are worth more. Trade in games and devices that are still useable. Select in-demand games to earn more credit. Hold onto older games until they increase in value. Pay a fee to recondition damaged games you wish to trade. Bring all of your trade-in items to a Gamestop store. Wait for the store employees to test and appraise your items. Choose store credit instead of cash payment to earn more. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stretch-High-Heels | How to Stretch High Heels | To stretch your high heels, start by putting on a couple layers of thick socks and wedging your feet into the shoes to stretch out the material. Next, heat the shoes with a blow-dryer for 2 to 3 minutes, making sure to stop and try again later if your skin feels uncomfortably hot. Then, remove your shoes and let them cool before trying them on again without the socks. If the shoes still need stretching, repeat the blow drying and cooling process until you're satisfied with the fit. | Fill two plastic sandwich bags 1/4 of the way up with water. Seal the bag so that no water can escape. Use easy-to-seal Ziploc bags for convenience. Otherwise, tie the opening of each bag shut. Put the water bags into your shoes. Wedge each bag deep into the toe box of the shoe. If you want to stretch another part of the heel, then try to arrange the bag such that the water will expand at the desired point. Be aware that this technique works best on leather/suede shoes. It also usually works on fake leather. However, false leather tends to shrink back to its original size rather quickly, so you'll have to repeat this a couple of times for the full effect. Freeze the water. Place the heels in the freezer, bags of water and all. Leave them to cool overnight. If you need to stretch the heels more quickly, then make sure to wait at least until the water has completely frozen within the bags. Thaw the ice. Once the water has frozen overnight, remove the shoes from the freezer. Leave the ice packs to thaw for 20-25 minutes: until the ice melts to water. Remove the bags from the shoes. Dry the shoes. Wipe off any water that the melting ice bags have left on your heels. Then, try to wear the heels. Check whether they've stretched enough. If the shoes still don't fit, then feel free to freeze again or try another method. Put on a lot of socks. Two pairs of thick socks should do the trick. Use more sock layers if you want to stretch your heels even wider. The goal is to make your feet thick enough to stretch the shoes, but not so thick that they will not fit. Wedge your feet into the heels. This might be difficult – but try to get them all the way in. Don't hurt your feet or crush your toes! If you simply cannot fit your feet into the shoes, then remove a layer of socks and try again. Blow-dry your feet. Now, heat the stuffed-up heels with the hot air from a blowdryer. Focus on the areas that most need a stretch. Wiggle your toes and flex your arches. Keep it up for 2-3 minutes until the leather is hot – but not uncomfortably so. Leave your sock-clad feet in the heels until the leather cools. This way, the leather will cool around your slightly-larger-than-usual feet, and it will settle into a stretched position. Be careful with the heat. Don't let the leather grow dangerously hot. If the heat begins to scorch your skin, then take the heels off and try again later. Remove your socks. Once the leather has cooled, try wearing the heels without the layers of thick socks. If they fit comfortably, then your work is done. If the shoes still need some stretching, then repeat the procedure until you're satisfied. If you want to break in the shoes a bit more: try bending them back and forth to loosen the leather. Then, blast with heat again for 2-3 minutes to wear in the material. Find a cobbler near you. If you live in a reasonably populated area, then there's a good chance that you have access to a shoemaker or a shoe repair shop. Search online for a reputable cobbler in your city, and then pay him/her a visit. Be prepared to pay. A simple stretching job should be relatively cheap – likely in the range of $15-30, depending on the cobbler, the region, and the degree of stretching that you need done. However, this route is almost certainly more time-consuming and more expensive than stretching your heels at home. Remember that in most cases, you are paying for quality and convenience. | Fill two plastic sandwich bags 1/4 of the way up with water. Put the water bags into your shoes. Freeze the water. Thaw the ice. Dry the shoes. Put on a lot of socks. Wedge your feet into the heels. Blow-dry your feet. Remove your socks. Find a cobbler near you. Be prepared to pay. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Up-Oil-Spills | How to Clean Up Oil Spills | To clean up cooking oil spills in the kitchen, cover the area with an absorbent material, such as salt, kitty litter, corn starch, sand, or oatmeal. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then use paper towels or a spatula to scoop up the mess, and wipe up any leftover residue. If the area is still sticky or slick, mop it with a grease-fighting dish detergent. Alternatively, to clean up an oil paint spill, pour dish detergent on the affected area, add a small amount of warm water, and scrub it clean. | Pick up pieces of glass. Glass can be a problem if you dropped the bottle that contained the oil. If glass is present in the spill, use garden gloves or ice cube tongs to pick up the pieces. Cover the glass in newspaper before putting it in the trashcan. Wear shoes with rubber soles while cleaning up the glass. Cover the area with an absorbent material. You can use salt, kitty litter, corn starch, sand, or oatmeal as the absorbent material. Pour the material over the entirety of the spill. Allow the material to sit on the spill for about fifteen minutes. You can blot up some of the spill with paper towels before applying the absorbent material. You won't need as much material if you blot up the spill first. Scoop up the absorbent material. You can use paper towels or a spatula to do this. Do not use a vacuum cleaner or mop at this point. Continue to scoop up the material until the absorbent material and oil is gone. Wipe up the leftover residue. Use paper towels or slices of bread to wipe up the oil residue. You should be able to remove most of the residue. Don't worry if the floor is slightly sticky when you've removed most of the residue. Mop up the floor. Use a grease-fighting dish detergent when you mop. Combine the detergent with warm water. Go over the area where the spill was until the floor is clean and free of residue. Pour dish detergent on the spill. You can blot up some of the oil with paper towels to begin before using the detergent. Use a grease-fighting dish detergent. Squirt a liberal amount of the detergent over the spill. Scrub the area. Apply some water and begin to scrub the area. If the floor hasn't been stained yet, you can use a cleaning brush. If some staining has occurred, use a rag. Scrub gently to avoid scratching the floor. Apply more soap and water. You will probably have to apply more soap and water as you scrub up the oil paint. Do not use a lot of water when you apply more to the spill. Only apply about four tablespoons of water. Continue to scrub until the floor becomes clean and shiny. You may have to scrub for a while for the spill to lift completely. Sprinkle powder over the spill. You can use baby powder or talcum powder. Use cat litter if the spill is large. Spread the powder over the spill with a broom. Allow it to sit overnight. Use a concrete cleaner or strong degreaser, as an alternative. You can find cleaners formulated for use on concrete, including some formulated to treat oil or grease. Alkaline cleaners are especially helpful for cleaning up this kind of spill. Use the concrete cleaner or degreaser as an alternative to powder, not in addition to it. Sweep up the residue. Use a broom to sweep up the powder after you have let it sit overnight. Most of the oil should have been absorbed at this point. You can use paper towels to blot up remaining residue. Wash with detergent. You can use grease-fighting dish detergent, or you can use laundry detergent. Combine the detergent with hot water. You can let the detergent sit on the spill for about an hour if residue remains. Use a mop or a cleaning brush to wash the area. Rinse with hot water. Use warm water to rinse off the detergent and remaining oil. The concrete should be clean at this point. You can repeat the process if any oil remains. Take preventative measures. Drilling is one large factor that contributes to oil spills. Contact legislators in your state and ask them to vote for bills that ban drilling and any other environmentally friendly policies. You can also sign petitions calling for your state representatives to sign environmentally friendly bills. Volunteer your help. Google “oil spill volunteers” to see what organizations are asking for volunteers. Call the organization and ask how you can help. In some instances, like caring for animals, only qualified professionals will be able to help. For other volunteering opportunities, like administrative help, volunteers may have to be trained. Untrained volunteering opportunities, like picking up trash, should be abundantly available. Do not try to help wildlife unless you have the permission and knowledge to do so. The Audubon Society, which protects birds and their habitats, is one place that you can contact for volunteering opportunities. Report injuries and damage. If you are in the area where the oil spill occurred, call the local authorities to report injuries and damage that you feel has gone unnoticed. It is likely that there will be a hotline specifically for injured and dead animal sightings, but it will change depending on the event and location. Do not try to help injured animals unless you are qualified to do so. Donate to organizations. In some cases, a donation is more helpful and preferred over volunteering. A couple of places you can donate to are the National Wildlife Federation and the Save Our Seabirds organization. During oil spills, companies like Dawn will donate a portion of your purchase to help the clean up effort. | Pick up pieces of glass. Cover the area with an absorbent material. Scoop up the absorbent material. Wipe up the leftover residue. Mop up the floor. Pour dish detergent on the spill. Scrub the area. Apply more soap and water. Sprinkle powder over the spill. Use a concrete cleaner or strong degreaser, as an alternative. Sweep up the residue. Wash with detergent. Rinse with hot water. Take preventative measures. Volunteer your help. Report injuries and damage. Donate to organizations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Coccidiosis-in-Cats | How to Treat Coccidiosis in Cats | To treat coccidiosis in a cat, clean out your cat's litter box every day and wipe it down with an ammonia-based disinfectant twice a week so your cat is less likely to reinfect itself. You should also bathe your cat on the first and last day of treatment to kill any oocysts on its fur. Also, steam clean your home to kill any oocysts that have been carried around the house by your cat. In addition to taking measures at home, you should take your cat to the vet so they can prescribe medication. | Keep your cat’s litter tray clean. Feces from an infected cat contains coccidian oocysts. If your cat comes into contact with the feces, such as when using the same dirty litter tray, she may become infected when she grooms fur that has oocysts stuck to it. To decrease the risk of exposure to infectious feces the following litter tray hygiene measures should be followed strictly: Remove feces from the litter tray every day. This reduces the opportunity for cross-cat contamination. Provide one tray per cat in the household, plus a spare : this makes it more likely each cat will use their "own" toilet facility and are thus less likely to be contaminated if another cat has coccidiosis. Clean litter trays twice a week (minimum) : Be sure to empty all litter trays and either steam-clean them, or use an ammonia based disinfectant to rid them of harmful bacteria. If you have other pets, quarantine your sick cat in a separate room while they are recovering. Make sure they have a separate litter box to use. Give each of your cat’s plenty of space. Try to avoid crowding your cats together. Pet shops, catteries, and animal shelters need to be especially careful to keep cats in groups of four or less, and, where possible, house them individually. In a domestic setting be sensible about how many cats you own. For example, three-bedroomed house (with access to the outside) is suitable for no more than five cats. Use oocyst-killing disinfectants. Coccidian oocysts are resistant to low temperatures and many disinfectants. They are, however, killed by high temperatures, desiccation (drying-out), and steam. The following steps are effective ways of cleaning litter trays, play pens, and floors. Steam clean your home. Steam cleaning is effective at killing oocysts and safer for the operator than OO-cide. Be sure to expose all surfaces to the steam when steam cleaning. You can hire professional steam cleaners to come into your home and steam clean. Prevent your cat from hunting. Cats can become infected by eating infected prey. Thus, preventing cats from hunting prevents infection from this route. One way to keep your cat from hunting is to keep her inside. Clean your cat regularly while she is being treated for this condition. Oocysts can cling to your cat's coat. Thus, it is possible for a cat that is successfully treated with drugs, to re-infect herself when grooming. To avoid this it is best to bathe your cat in warm water with a mild baby shampoo or shampoo specifically meant for cats. This should be done on the first and last day of treatment, in order to physically wash away contamination from your cat's coat. Use an ammonia based disinfectant if the situation is dire. If you have multiple cats who keep reinfecting each other, you may need to use a stronger disinfectant. "OO-cide" is a disinfectant manufactured by Vetoquinol, which is effective against coccidians. The product is made up of two packs. Pack number one is dissolved in water and applied to the surfaces that need cleaning. Pack number two is dissolved in water and applied after Pack number one. This causes ammonia to be released, which is the active coccidiocide. Take extreme care when using this product because harmful vapors are released when this product is in use. When cleaning, you will need to wear a respirator and rubber gloves, and avoid spending time in the treated room until the surfaces are dry. The room will need to be ventilated as well, so open up all windows and doors. Ammonia can be dangerous if not used properly. This should only be an option if other cleaning solutions haven't worked. Get a prescription medication from the vet. Your vet will need to examine your cat to give a proper diagnosis and prescription. There are many different types of medications that are used to treat coccidiosis in cats, but the most common are sulfonamide antibiotics. Only give your cat medications prescribed by your vet. Understand the different dosages and their effects on the bacterial infection. The effect of these sulfonamide antibiotics is dose dependent. At higher doses they are coccidiocidal (meaning they kill protozoa) and at lower doses they are a coccidiostat (meaning they stop the protozoa from breeding). Cats are most commonly prescribed a potentiated form of sulfonamide that contains sulfadiazine potentiated (activated) by trimethoprim. You will most likely give the cat this medication for six days. Always follow the vet's instructions regarding dosage. Consider your cat’s other health problems when getting prescription antibiotics for your cat. Sulfonamide drugs are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. In animals with liver or kidney damage, the dose should be towards the lower end of the dose range. This is because the organs have a reduced ability to get rid of the drug and so it tends to accumulate in the blood stream. Know what the symptoms of this condition are. Those cats most likely to show symptoms of coccidiosis are young kittens, those with weak immune systems, or cats kept in crowded, unhygienic conditions. Coccidia invade the gut and irritate the lining of the bowel. This causes stomach cramps, loss of appetite, and poor growth in young kittens. Cats commonly develop diarrhea with mucus, a jelly-like substance, in it and flecks of blood from the inflamed bowel wall. These cats are not usually suddenly ill, in a life-threatening way, but will act like they do not feel well. Without treatment, their general body conditions will decline. Understand how coccidiosis is diagnosed. A diagnosis of coccidiosis can be reached by looking at fecal samples under the microscope. Coccidian eggs, or oocysts, have a typical appearance; they look like oval-shaped eggs and contain either one or two sporoblasts (these divide to produce adult coccidians) which look like round balls. Familiarize yourself with the coccidian life cycle. Coccidia have both a direct and an indirect life cycle. The direct life cycle means the parasite survives by passing from cat to cat via fecal contamination. The indirect life cycle means the parasite infects an intermediate host such as vermin where it remains dormant. When the mouse is eaten by a cat, the oocysts in the mouse bowel are activated and infect the cat. | Keep your cat’s litter tray clean. Give each of your cat’s plenty of space. Use oocyst-killing disinfectants. Steam clean your home. Prevent your cat from hunting. Clean your cat regularly while she is being treated for this condition. Use an ammonia based disinfectant if the situation is dire. Get a prescription medication from the vet. Understand the different dosages and their effects on the bacterial infection. Consider your cat’s other health problems when getting prescription antibiotics for your cat. Know what the symptoms of this condition are. Understand how coccidiosis is diagnosed. Familiarize yourself with the coccidian life cycle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sell-to-the-Government | How to Sell to the Government | To sell to the government, first obtain a free Dun and Bradstreet Number, or DUNS number, online so the government can identify your business. Then, register your DUNS number with the System for Award Management database. Finally, look up your North American Industry Classification System code online, which will help the government identify what sector and industry your business falls under. Once your business is registered, start looking for contracting opportunities on FedBizOpps, the federal government's official website for contracts. | Obtain your DUNS number. A DUNS number, or Dun & Bradstreet number, will provide your business with a specific numerical identification. This number will be used by the government to identify your business. You'll need a DUNS number before you can finish setting up your business and get started looking for contracts. You can get started setting up your DUNS number here http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/pages/CCRSearch.jsp DUNS numbers are free to obtain. A DUNS number will be nine-digits long. Register with SAM. You'll need to register your DUNS number with SAM. SAM, or System for Award Management, will be the main government database that your business is entered into. The SAM database will help connect you to government work opportunities. Make sure that your DUNS number has been successfully registered with the SAM database before proceeding. Signing up with SAM is free. You can easily track the status of any business you are trying to register on the SAM website. SAM has combined the coverage of previous systems such as CCR, ORCA and EPLS. Learn what your NAICS number is. You may find that you are required to provide your NAICS code when setting up your business. The North American Industry Classification System code will let the federal government easily identify the sector, industry and country that your business services fall under. Your NAICS code will likely be necessary when bidding for services. NAICS codes are used for tax purposes. You can search for your code here https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/ Decide if a GSA contract is right for you. GSA contracts can make doing business with the federal government easier and can help your business enter further into the public sector. A GSA schedule is a long-term contract that includes pre-negotiated prices, terms and conditions. As useful as a GSA contract can be, obtaining one can be a difficult, confusing and lengthy process. You'll want to consider if a GSA contract is right for your business before seeking to obtain one. It is not necessary to have a GSA contract before doing business with the federal government. Your company will need to have been in business for two years and must be financially stable. Your company may need to meet other criteria, based on its individual nature. You'll need to submit a proposal and wait for up to a year before your business is granted a GSA contract. Research the market. Even though you will be selling to one government, there are many different sectors and agencies that you will want to research. Each sector will have its own needs that your business may be able to uniquely meet. You'll also want to know which other companies may be competing for business in these sectors. Do some research to learn more about which sectors and agencies might be a good fit with your business. Competition will be high. It's important that you find a niche for your company to work in. You should know which agencies will be most likely to buy your products. You should know which areas of government are spending money on products like yours and how much they spend. You should be aware of who might already be working with your target agencies and the nature of their contracts. There are many online search tools that you can use to learn more. Try visiting http://usaspending.gov/ or https://www.fpds.gov/fpdsng_cms/index.php/en/ to learn more. Consider subcontracting or teaming up with another business. Businesses that are newly entering this field will find securing a government contract to be difficult. Because landing your first contract can be so difficult, you may consider teaming or subcontracting with an already established and contracted business. This can be a great way for your company to land a contract, gain experience and build a solid platform for future opportunities. Large contractors may actually be required to subcontract. You can visit http://www.gsa.gov/subdirectory to look for subcontracting options. Look on FedBizOpps for opportunities. Most businesses will use the federal government's official website for contracting opportunities. FBO offers many useful and powerful search tools to narrow down the available contracts to areas that your business is well suited for. Once your business is fully registered to work with the federal government, try searching on FBO for the prefect opportunities. You can visit the site by going to https://beta.sam.gov/ You can narrow down your searches by agency, keywords or codes. If you need additional help searching on FBO, visit this page https://beta.sam.gov/search?index=opp If you have a GSA contract, you might want to use https://www.ebuy.gsa.gov/advantage/ebuy/start_page.do to search for opportunities. Submit your bid. After you've found an opportunity that you think your business would be perfect for, you'll want to submit your bid. Submitting your bid will officially place your company into consideration for the work contract. After you've submitted your bid, you'll need to wait and see if you are approved and selected to fulfill the contract. Keep some of these tips in mind to help you secure a contract: Having a lower price isn't always better. Demonstrating past experience is usually the key to successfully bidding. Being able to show your past successes and having great client references can be a big help. You'll want to target the agency's needs, goals and history to demonstrate why your business is the best for them. You may need to give an oral presentation before finalizing the contract. Get to work. After you've been awarded a contract, you'll be ready to send your business to work. Your government contact will be able to provide you with the details of what needs to be done and you'll work with them to complete the contract. Do your best and enjoy working on your first government contract. It's important that your business perform well, as this will allow you to obtain a government reference. Your contact will be able to work with you to finalize any details or planning. | Obtain your DUNS number. Register with SAM. Learn what your NAICS number is. Decide if a GSA contract is right for you. Research the market. Consider subcontracting or teaming up with another business. Look on FedBizOpps for opportunities. Submit your bid. Get to work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Pimple-Using-Toothpaste | How to Get Rid of a Pimple Using Toothpaste | To get rid of a pimple using toothpaste, start by washing your face with warm water and a gentle face cleanser. Then, pat your face dry with a towel. You'll want to use a white-colored toothpaste for this, ideally with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or menthol in it. Avoid gel toothpaste since it won't work. Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, and cover your entire pimple in a thin layer. Leave the toothpaste to dry for 30 minutes, then wash it off with cool water. Repeat the process every few days until the pimple goes away, since doing it more often can dry out and damage your skin. | Wash your face using warm water and a gentle face wash. The warm water will help unclog the pores and the face wash will help dissolve any dirt or oil. This will make the pimples easier to manage. Consider using a face wash formulated for acne. Avoid anything alcohol-based, as it can dry out your skin and lead to breakouts. Avoid using anything with exfoliants or alcohol, as this can irritate or dry out your skin. If your skin becomes too dry, your body will produce extra oils, which will lead to even more acne. Dry your face. Use a soft towel, and gently pat your skin dry. Do not scrub your skin, or you might agitate the pimple. Make sure that your hands are clean. Dirty hands may transfer bacteria to your skin, which may result in more pimples and breakouts. Before you start applying the toothpaste, wash your hands well with soap and warm water. Choose the right toothpaste. Not just any type of toothpaste will get rid of pimples. A plain, white toothpaste will be the most effective, but there are a few other things you should look for as well. Here are some things to get you started: Choose a white-colored toothpaste. Make sure that it is a paste, and not gel. Consider getting a toothpaste that has baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or menthol in it. Consider getting a toothpaste that has a minty flavor. It may have a slight cooling effect on your skin. Know what sort of toothpaste to avoid. Some types of toothpaste may actually do more harm to your pimple than good, while others just won't be effective at all. Here are some things to avoid when searching for the right toothpaste: Do not use a gel toothpaste, as the ingredients in it will not be as effective and might actually worsen the pimple. Avoid anything that is colored or has a stripe through it, or has additives, such as cavity-fighting properties, whitening agents, or extra fluorides. Consider getting a mint-flavored. It might have a cooling effect. Be aware that toothpaste may not work for you. Toothpaste may help dry the pimple out, but it can make your acne worse and irritate your skin. Before your start tackling those pimples with toothpaste, consider applying toothpaste on just one pimple in an inconspicuous area on your face. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto your finger. Use no more than a pea-sized amount. Apply the toothpaste to the pimple. Make sure that you cover the entire pimple in a thin layer of toothpaste. Avoid getting any toothpaste on the skin around the pimple. Because toothpaste dries out pimples, it may also dry out your skin, which may lead to further irritation and breakouts. If you have a lot of acne, consider using a doctor or pharmacist-prescribed ointment instead. You should never apply toothpaste to your entire face or use it as a face mask. Let the toothpaste dry on the pimple. How long you leave the toothpaste on the pimple will depend on your skin type and the size of the pimple. The general rule of thumb is 30 minutes, but if you have sensitive skin, then you may have to leave the toothpaste on for even less time. Here are some guidelines: For sensitive skin and small pimples, leave the toothpaste on for 5 to 10 minutes. For regular skin or large pimples, leave the toothpaste on for 30 to 60 minutes. Consider leaving the toothpaste on overnight. Keep in mind, however, that this may irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. It may also get messy if you tend to move around a lot in your sleep. Wash the toothpaste off with cool water. Do not use any soaps or facial cleansers. You can use just water or you can use a damp washcloth, but be careful not to rub the pimple too hard, or you will irritate the skin. The pimple should be smaller and less-inflamed. Repeat the toothpaste treatment every few days. Do not use it every single day or several times a day. If you have severe acne, then consider using a cream made specifically for treating acne. Toothpaste does not replace medical treatment. Drink plenty of water. Plan on drinking around eight glasses of water each day. Water helps flush out your system. A clean system leads to a clear complexion. Avoid acne-causing foods. Some types of food are more likely to cause pimples and acne to flare up, while other types are less likely. Here are the types of food you should avoid: Sweet and sugary foods, such as candy, cookies, and soda. Processed foods, such as chips and fries. Starchy foods, such as bread, pasta, and potatoes. Eat healthy food. Fruits and vegetables are not only good for your health, but also good for your complexion. Vitamin A is especially good when it comes to clear skin, and is found in fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupes, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Other healthy and vitamin-rich foods that help maintain a clear complexion include: Salmon may be fatty, but it is full of good fats, which help give your skin a healthy glow and keep those pores clear. Avocado, artichoke, and broccoli are full of vitamins and antioxidants that help maintain your complexion and give your skin a healthy glow. Brown rice, nuts, and whole grains are a great replacement for starchy foods, such as white bread and white rice. They are full of nutrients and vitamins, and help you feel full longer as well. Garlic may be smelly, but it is full of antioxidants that not only fight off acne-causing bacteria, but also other viruses as well. Watch your environment. If you work or spend a lot of time in an area that has a lot of dust (such as a warehouse) or a dust of grease (such as a kitchen in a restaurant), then you will have to clean your face often so that your pores don't get clogged up. Clogged pores lead to acne and pimples. Wash your face twice a day. Do not wash your face too often. Washing your face too often may cause your skin to dry out, which may lead to your body producing extra oils to make up for it. This will lead to more breakouts. Wear the right makeup. If you must wear makeup over pimples , avoid anything that contains oils, and reach for some light-weight, oil-free products instead. In general, however, try to avoid wearing too much makeup over your pimples. The less you clog up your pores, the clearer your skin will look. Consider using some concealer over your pimple. Be sure to blend it in properly and to set it with some setting powder. Use green-tinted concealer with care. The green may reduce the redness of your pimple, but it may also make it appear more obvious under certain lights. If you wish to use a green-tinted concealer, put it over the pimple and blend in the edges. Follow with your regular foundation and concealer, and finish with some setting powder. Don't sleep with your makeup on and keep your brushes clean. If you wear makeup, be sure to wash it off with makeup remover before going to bed. If you go to sleep wearing makeup, you will clog your pores, which will lead to breakouts and more pimples. Also, make sure to clean your makeup brushes once a week using soap and water; this will prevent acne-causing bacteria from building up on your brushes. Do not touch or pop the pimples. Picking and popping the pimples may flush out the pus that makes them so noticeable, but it won't get rid of the redness. Picking at your pimples may also lead to further irritation, scabbing, or even scarring. If you must touch your pimple, make sure that your hands are clean. Consider using over-the-counter medication. Sometimes, toothpaste alone will not be enough to get rid of a pimple or severe acne. In these cases, consult your doctor or pharmacist and purchase some over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur and resorcinol from your pharmacy. Consider other natural remedies. Natural remedies can help reduce the redness and swelling of a pimple. Here are some ideas: Hold an ice cube against your pimple for a few minutes to reduce redness and swelling. You can use ice cubes made from water or green tea. Soak a cotton ball with a drop of tea tree oil or lavender and wipe it across your pimple. The oil will reduce redness and swelling. Disinfect the pimple by wiping it with a cotton ball soaked with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. If you use lemon juice on your pimple, do not go out into the sun; make sure to clean the lemon juice off before doing so. Purchase a cleansing clay or mud mask from a health and vitamin store. | Wash your face using warm water and a gentle face wash. Dry your face. Make sure that your hands are clean. Choose the right toothpaste. Know what sort of toothpaste to avoid. Be aware that toothpaste may not work for you. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto your finger. Apply the toothpaste to the pimple. Let the toothpaste dry on the pimple. Wash the toothpaste off with cool water. Repeat the toothpaste treatment every few days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid acne-causing foods. Eat healthy food. Watch your environment. Wash your face twice a day. Wear the right makeup. Don't sleep with your makeup on and keep your brushes clean. Do not touch or pop the pimples. Consider using over-the-counter medication. Consider other natural remedies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shampoo-Your-Hair | How to Shampoo Your Hair | Instead of washing your hair daily, shampoo your hair every other day to keep it shiny and healthy. In between washes, try using dry shampoo to keep it from getting greasy. Once you do decide to wash your hair, rinse it with hot water, then lather a quarter-sized squirt into your roots. Work the lather down to the tips, then rinse the shampoo out with cool water. | Select a moisturizing shampoo for coarse or kinky hair. If you have coarse or kinky hair, you'll want a shampoo that amps up the moisture in your hair. Shampoos with glycerin, panthenol, or shea butter are good for coarse or kinky hair because they infuse extra moisture into the hair. Try a volumizing shampoo for fine and/or thin hair. If you have fine or thin hair, look for a shampoo that adds volume without weighing your hair down. You'll also want to stick to “clear” shampoos – if you can't see through the shampoo bottle, don't get it. Avoid shampoos with ingredients like sodium chloride or polyethylene glycol. Both chemical compounds are used as thickeners, but they can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Choose a shampoo with silicone if you have curly or wavy hair. If you have curly or wavy hair, you'll want a moisturizing shampoo, but you should also look for shampoo formulas that include silicone. This gives your curls the moisture they need to stay bouncy but also prevents them from absorbing too much moisture and getting frizzy. Experiment with a gentle shampoo if you have normal hair. If you have "normal" - otherwise known as medium or well-balanced hair - you can use pretty much any type of shampoo that you like. Just make sure you're choosing shampoos that don't strip your hair - white tea shampoo is a good option. Avoid shampoos with ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate. They are all harsh detergents and will strip your hair of its natural moisture and dry it out. Use a volume-controlling shampoo if your hair is very thick. If you have thick hair, you'll want volume at the roots, but not at the ends, and you'll also want to make sure your hair has enough moisture. Shampoos with avocado or macadamia nut oil will give your hair volume where necessary and moisturize it at the same time. Pick a shampoo with keratin for dry or damaged hair. If your hair is dry, or it's been damaged in any way - from over-coloring, excessive use of heat, or overuse of hair products - look for a shampoo with keratin. Keratin acts as a sort of super-moisturizer that will help repair your hair. You should also avoid shampoos that have certain alcohols in them, as they can further dry out your hair. Avoid cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol if you have dry or damaged hair. Use vitamin-rich shampoo for colored hair. To maintain the vibrancy of your colored hair, look for shampoo that includes vitamins E and A. Shampoo for color-treated hair is also usually specially formulated and more gentle than regular shampoo. Try shampoo with tea tree oil for oily hair or to cleanse hair. Oily hair is actually the result of your body compensating for a dry scalp by producing more oil. Tea tree oil helps to treat your dry scalp, which in turn stops your body from producing so much oil. Additionally, tea tree oil can deeply clean your hair, so it makes a great cleansing shampoo. Choose your scent. The easiest part of choosing a shampoo is finding a scent you like. Try to be mindful of your work or school environment while you're choosing, however. Some people have sensitivities to certain scents – if you or someone you work closely with has such a sensitivity, look for a fragrance-free option. Strong scents like peppermint or tea tree oil may linger in your hair longer. Soak your hair. Before you shampoo your hair, make sure you fully soak it. Soaking your hair in hot water will help open up the cuticles and loosen the oil that's already in your hair. You should rinse for at least a minute; this allows the water to start rinsing gunk out of your hair and makes it more receptive to the nutrients in your shampoo. Although you should soak your hair in hot water, you should turn the temperature down a bit once you're ready to wash your hair. Washing your hair in hot water can cause damage to your hair. It's safe to use hot water on the ends of your hair, but you shouldn't use it on your roots. It could scald your scalp. Use the right amount of shampoo. If the amount of shampoo you use is bigger than a quarter, you're using too much. Unless your hair is very thick or very, very long, a quarter-sized amount is enough. If your hair is very thick or long, you can double the amount you use, but you shouldn't use a full handful of shampoo on your head no matter how long or thick your hair is. Lather up. When you're shampooing your hair, you should really only lather it at the roots and the nape of your neck and then work it through to the ends. In other words, don't place more shampoo at the end of your hair and work it through from bottom to top. If your hair is longer than past your shoulders, condition your hair first – this keeps the ends of your hair healthy. Don't scrub your hair. While you're lathering your hair, be gentle in your movements. Try to avoid circular motions – although these feel like the natural movement for washing your hair – and instead use an up-and-down motion with the tips of your fingers. Rinse in cold water. Just like you use hot water when you first rinse your hair to help open the cuticles and prepare your hair for shampoo, you should do your final rinse in cold water. This seals the cuticles and keeps moisture in. It can also make your hair look healthy and shiny. Condition from mid-hair to ends. If you condition your hair after you shampoo it, don't use conditioner on your whole head – this can make it feel weighed down and greasy, especially at the roots. Instead, condition from about the middle of your hair to the ends. Rinse out the condition using cool water, which will seal your cuticle. You should generally condition your hair every time you shampoo. If your hair is damaged from heat or over coloring, you might want to try a deep conditioning treatment once a week in addition to your regular conditioning. Towel dry your hair. Once you've washed your hair, towel it dry to remove most of the moisture from it and then let it air dry. This is the best way to prevent damage to your hair. Use protective products if you use heat. If you have to use heat to dry your hair - either because you're looking for a specific style or because you are in a hurry - use protective products on your hair first. This prevents the heat from a blow-dryer or straightener from damaging your hair. Good protective products include thermal setting mist, heat seal spray, or gels designed to control heat and humidity. Give your hair a break. How long you can go between washes varies from person to person, depending on your hair type and how comfortable you are with letting your hair get a bit greasy. But you should generally give your hair every other day off from shampooing. If you want to avoid shampooing but want to refresh your hair, rinse with water. This will still remove grime and oil without running the risk of stripping it from over-washing. If you have curly or textured hair, you could use a conditioner in place of a shampoo. This keeps your hair fresh and clean but doesn't strip away the moisture. It's a good method for keeping your natural curls intact and frizz-free. Use dry shampoo. If your hair is looking a little greasy, but you want to put off shampooing it for another day, try dry shampoo. Dry shampoo soaks up the grease and oil in your hair to make it look fresher longer. Start by spraying your hair line around your face (be careful not to spray yourself in the eye). Then divide your hair into 2 to 4 sections, using your index finger to create sections backward and forward from your ear. In each section, divide your hair into 1 to 2 inch (2.5 - 5 cm) sections parallel to your part. Spray your roots in each of these sections. Blend the spray into your hair by using your fingertips to work the spray from your roots to your ends. Otherwise it will look like you have gray/white roots. Then brush out your hair. | Select a moisturizing shampoo for coarse or kinky hair. Try a volumizing shampoo for fine and/or thin hair. Choose a shampoo with silicone if you have curly or wavy hair. Experiment with a gentle shampoo if you have normal hair. Use a volume-controlling shampoo if your hair is very thick. Pick a shampoo with keratin for dry or damaged hair. Use vitamin-rich shampoo for colored hair. Try shampoo with tea tree oil for oily hair or to cleanse hair. Choose your scent. Soak your hair. Use the right amount of shampoo. Lather up. Don't scrub your hair. Rinse in cold water. Condition from mid-hair to ends. Towel dry your hair. Use protective products if you use heat. Give your hair a break. Use dry shampoo. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Straighten-Men%27s-Hair | How to Straighten Men's Hair | To straighten men's hair, first rub argan or coconut oil from the roots to the tips of your damp hair. Then, comb through one section of your hair at a time as you use a blow dryer to dry and straighten that section. Finally, put a little smoothing serum on your hair to control frizz and make it shinier. Alternatively, if you want to flat iron your hair, apply a heat protection serum to your dry hair before you comb and flat iron it one section at a time. When you finish, comb your hair into the style you want and use some gel to lock in your look. | Wash and condition your hair. Your hair should be clean and conditioned before starting the blowout. The conditioner may also help soften your hair, which will make it easier to comb if you have very curly hair. Once you're done washing your hair, pat it dry with a towel. Smoothing conditioners may make it easier to comb your hair straight. If you have curly or tangled hair, leave in your conditioner and detangle your hair with your fingers. Apply argan or coconut oil to your hair to moisturize it. Apply a coin-sized amount of the oil into the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. Then, run the oil through your hair from root to tip. Argan and coconut oil will also protect your hair from heat damage. Moisturize the hair that you plan on straightening. Comb your hair as straight as you can. Run a comb from the ends of your hair down to the roots to prevent breakage. Work your way in sections as you comb all of the tangles and knots out of your hair. If you have slightly wavy hair, this process alone may straighten it. Those with very curly hair will have to add heat from a blow dryer in order to get it completely straight. If you have tight curls, use a wide-toothed comb. If you have thinner hair, use a fine-toothed comb. Blow dry a section of hair as you comb it. Put the blow dryer on the medium heat setting and move it over your hair as you comb it. Use a nozzle attachment to help control the airflow. Comb down from the roots to the tips. As the hair dries, it should be straighter than it normally is. The blow dryer should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from your hair as you blow dry it. Blow dry and comb the rest of your hair. Don't leave the blow dryer over one section of hair for too long or it could cause heat damage. Once the hair is straight in one section, move to a different part of your hair. Continue doing this until all of your hair is straight. Apply a smoothing serum to your hair. Smoothing serum will reduce frizz and increase shine. Put a small amount into the palm of your hands and work the serum from your ends to your roots. Popular smoothing creams include Alterna Haircare Caviar CC Cream, Smooth 'N Shine Hair Polisher, and Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray. Wash and condition your hair. Your hair should be clean before you flat iron it. Use a detangling shampoo and smoothing conditioner to aid in the straightening process. Dry your hair thoroughly. Unlike other straightening methods, your hair needs to be completely dry before you straight iron it or you could cause heat damage. Let your hair air dry or dry it with a blow dryer before you use the flat iron. Apply a heat protection serum to your hair. Work the serum into your strands, from the roots to tips. Heat protection serum will protect your hair from any heat damage that may occur when your flat iron it. The serum should be applied to all of your hair. Comb and flat iron a section of your hair. Turn the flat iron on to the lowest setting. Gather a 1 inch (2.5 cm) section of your hair with a comb and close the plates of the flat iron around the roots of the section you gathered. Then, move the flat iron over the section to straighten it. The flat iron should be kept at 120 °C (248 °F) so as not to damage it as you iron it. Use light tension when using the flat iron so that you don't pull your hair out. Continue flat ironing sections of your hair until it’s all straight. Continue ironing different sections of hair until it's completely straight. If done properly, your hair should be straight without any waves or curls. Do not leave the flat iron on a section of hair for more than 1-2 seconds or you will burn it. Comb your hair to style it. You can also add a styling gel if you want your hair to lay a certain way. Comb your strands back to have a slicked back look, or you can part your hair to one side. Experiment with different straight hairstyles and choose the one you like best. Don’t shampoo your hair for 2-3 days leading up to the relaxing treatment. Any irritation of your scalp will burn when the relaxer is applied and shampooing your hair could leave tiny micro-abrasions on your scalp. You can still comb your hair, just make sure not to comb too close to your scalp. Read the instructions on the relaxer before using it. Relaxer is a powerful chemical that can cause damage to your hair if you don't use it right. The instructions will have specific application methods and treatment times so that you don't damage your hair. Consider going to a professional instead of doing it yourself. Mix the relaxer chemicals together. Wear a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from the caustic relaxer chemicals. Pour the chemicals together in the cup that's provided until it's well mixed and turns into a white paste. Apply the relaxer with the application brush. Section off hair in the back of your head wide-toothed comb. Start at the ends of your hair and move your way to your roots and edges. Once you have full coverage over that section of hair, take another section and repeat the process until you've applied the relaxer to all of your hair. You may want to have someone help apply the relaxer to your hair. Your body heat near your edges will make the relaxer work quicker, so don't apply the relaxer to your roots or edges first or your hair will get overly relaxed or damaged. Leave the relaxer in your hair for 10-15 minutes. The instructions should tell you the exact time you should leave the relaxer in your hair. If you notice any extreme burning or irritation, wash the relaxer out of your hair with clarifying shampoo. Shampoo your hair with clarifying shampoo. If your relaxer came with shampoo, use the one that came in the package. If not, then you need to use a neutralizing shampoo because it's the only kind that will fully wash the relaxer out. Once you get out of the shower, comb your hair and it should be straight! The relaxer should not stay in your hair for more than 10-15 minutes. On average, relaxer will keep your hair straight for 6-8 weeks. Follow up with conditioner and rinse it out with cold water. | Wash and condition your hair. Apply argan or coconut oil to your hair to moisturize it. Comb your hair as straight as you can. Blow dry a section of hair as you comb it. Blow dry and comb the rest of your hair. Apply a smoothing serum to your hair. Wash and condition your hair. Dry your hair thoroughly. Apply a heat protection serum to your hair. Comb and flat iron a section of your hair. Continue flat ironing sections of your hair until it’s all straight. Comb your hair to style it. Don’t shampoo your hair for 2-3 days leading up to the relaxing treatment. Read the instructions on the relaxer before using it. Mix the relaxer chemicals together. Apply the relaxer with the application brush. Leave the relaxer in your hair for 10-15 minutes. Shampoo your hair with clarifying shampoo. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Perform-the-Heimlich-Maneuver | How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver | To perform the Heimlich maneuver on a person who is choking, stand behind them with your feet apart, and wrap your arms around their waist. Lean the person forward slightly and ball one hand into a fist. Rest this fist below the person's rib cage, but above their naval, and wrap your other hand around the first. Make a series of 5 hard, quick thrusts inward and upward into the person's abdomen, as if you are trying to lift the person off the ground. Repeat with 5 more thrusts if necessary. If this doesn't work, deliver 5 blows to the person's back with the heel of your hand, directly between their shoulder blades. Call emergency services if the Heimlich doesn't seem to be working. | Determine if the person is truly choking. A choking victim will often have their hands around their throat. If you notice someone making this gesture, look for other choking signals. You should only perform the Heimlich on a choking person. Look for the following: Cannot breathe or experiencing loud, difficult breathing Cannot speak Inability to cough effectively Blue or gray color to lips and fingernail beds Loss of consciousness Let the person know you're going to perform the Heimlich. Tell the choking person you want to help them. Let them know you know the Heimlich Maneuver and are going to perform it on them. Wrap your arms around the person's waist. Stand with your legs separated to best support your body. Gently wrap both arms around their waist. Lean them forward slightly. Position your hands. With one hand, make a fist. Which hand you use does not matter. Position your fist below the ribcage, but above the navel. Then, wrap your other hand around your fist. Make a series of thrusts. To make a thrust, press hard and quick into the abdomen. Pull inward and upward as you press. It should feel like you're trying to lift the person off the ground. Make the thrusts quick and forceful. Perform five abdominal thrusts in quick succession. If the object is still not dislodged, repeat with five additional thrusts. Perform back blows. If the object is not dislodged with the Heimlich maneuver, do back blows. Deliver five blows to the person's back with the heel of your hand. Aim for the area between the shoulder blades. Press down hard, as you need to use enough force to dislodge the object. However, keep the force confined to your hands. Do not squeeze the area surrounding the person's ribcage or abdomen. Call emergency services. Call emergency services if the object is not dislodged. Preferably, have someone else call emergency services after the Heimlich fails the first time and you are performing another round of back blows. When an emergency service worker arrives, they can get the object dislodged. At this point, stay away from the choking person. Get the person on their back. If you can't wrap your arms around the person, or if they've fallen, get them on their back. Gently instruct the person to turn on their back and help them as necessary. Kneel at the person's hips. Get on you knees and position yourself on top of the person. Kneel over the person, hovering just above their hips. Position your hands. Place one hand on top of the other. Place the heel of the bottom hand on the person's abdomen. This is the area just below the ribcage but above the navel. Press your hands on the person's abdomen. Using your bodyweight, press your hands into the person's abdomen with a slight upward motion. Repeat doing thrusts until the object is expelled from the person's throat. Call emergency services. If you're unable to expel the object using the Heimlich, call emergency services. If someone is choking and you are unable to help, medical professionals will be needed to remove the unwanted object. When they arrive, answer any questions they have and allow them to help the person. Hold the infant face down. To start, find a firm surface. Lay the infant on the firm surface with their face down. Make sure the infant's head is turned so they can breathe. Kneel near the infant's feet. You can also place the infant on your lap face down. Give the baby five quick blows to the back. Use the heel of your hand. Deliver five quick blows to the area between the infant's shoulder blades. Hopefully, an object will pop out quickly. With an infant, be firm in the blows but do not use harsh force. You do not want to press too hard, as this could hurt an infant. Gravity combined with back blows can provide adequate force to dislodge the object. Turn the infant over. If no object pops out, turn the infant over. Support their head with your hand, keeping the head slightly lower than the feet. Give the infant five chest thrusts. Place your fingers on the lower half of the infant's breastbone. Make sure to keep your hand in the middle of your infant's breastbone and not to one side of another. Press down five times in a series of chest thrusts. If you see the object become dislodged, stop giving chest thrusts. Call emergency services if the objects fails to come out. Immediately call 9-1-1 if the object does not become dislodged. As you wait, repeat the back blows and the chest thrusts. Repeating the steps may cause the object to become dislodged while you're waiting. Make a fist. To start, make a firm fist with your hand. It does not matter which hand you're using. Press your fist against your abdomen. Place the thumb side of your fist against your abdomen. Your hand should be below the ribcage, but above the navel. Wrap your other hand around your fist. Press against your abdomen. Press your hands in your abdomen. Do so over and over again until the object is dislodged. Use quick, upward thrusts as you attempt to dislodge the object. See a physician. You should see a doctor after saving yourself from choking. They will want to make sure there was no damage. You should also call 9-1-1 or go to the ER if you are choking and cannot dislodge the object. | Determine if the person is truly choking. Let the person know you're going to perform the Heimlich. Wrap your arms around the person's waist. Position your hands. Make a series of thrusts. Perform back blows. Call emergency services. Get the person on their back. Kneel at the person's hips. Position your hands. Press your hands on the person's abdomen. Call emergency services. Hold the infant face down. Give the baby five quick blows to the back. Turn the infant over. Give the infant five chest thrusts. Call emergency services if the objects fails to come out. Make a fist. Press your fist against your abdomen. Press against your abdomen. See a physician. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-the-Size-of-a-TV-Screen | How to Measure the Size of a TV Screen | To quickly and easily measure a TV, place the end of the tape measure or ruler in the bottom left hand corner of screen. Avoid measuring from outside of the screen, as the frame normally isn't included in the measurements. Then, extend the tape measure to the top right hand corner of the screen, making a diagonal across the TV. Read the tape measure and make note of the measurement in inches or centimeters, which are the normal units used to measure TVs. | Place the tape measure or measuring stick in the lower left hand corner of the TV's screen. Be sure to start measuring where the actual screen begins, not from the plastic frame of the TV (known as the bevel). Extend your tape measure or measuring stick to the upper right hand corner of the TV screen (diagonally from where you started). Record the length between these two corners. This is the screen's size. Place the tape measure or measuring stick in the lower left hand corner of the edge of the TV. This time, be sure to start measuring where the actual edge of the TV begins, which includes the plastic frame of the TV (known as the bevel). Extend your tape measure or measuring stick to the lower right hand corner of the TV's edge, straight across the base of the TV. Record the length between these two corners. Do the same from the base to the top corners of the TV. Both measurements together provide the width and length for the whole TV, from which measurements you can then work out whether or not the entire TV will fit a space or use the measurements to build a cover or container for it. | Place the tape measure or measuring stick in the lower left hand corner of the TV's screen. Be sure to start measuring where the actual screen begins, not from the plastic frame of the TV (known as the bevel). Extend your tape measure or measuring stick to the upper right hand corner of the TV screen (diagonally from where you started). Record the length between these two corners. Place the tape measure or measuring stick in the lower left hand corner of the edge of the TV. Extend your tape measure or measuring stick to the lower right hand corner of the TV's edge, straight across the base of the TV. Record the length between these two corners. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Mistress | How to Be a Mistress | if you're thinking about being a mistress, make sure you have clear expectations of how you fit in his life to save yourself from feeling frustrated later on. You'll also need to be comfortable with a secret relationship and everything that goes with that, including not spending time outdoors together, not taking cute couples pictures, and having to hide him from your family and friends. If, at any point during the affair, you find yourself feeling emotionally attached or wishing you were his wife, you might want to reevaluate your situation so you don't set yourself up for disappointment. Since talking to friends might not be an option, consider seeing a therapist if you need to work through some of your feelings. | Have clear expectations and an understanding of your role in his life. Know from the get-go that you're not going to be his number one priority. Don't expect him to eventually leave his wife (and if that's something you want, you might want to reexamine your motivations for being his mistress). If you can keep things clear from the beginning, you can have an enjoyable affair for much longer and can save yourself from unneeded frustration and heartbreak. When the relationship starts up, it may be helpful to have a brief conversation about what each of you expects—let him know you don't expect him to be your boyfriend and that your main interest is having fun. Make sure you're comfortable having a secret relationship. If you want to become a mistress, you'll need to embrace the fact that you will be a secret and that, most likely, your lover will have to be a secret from your friends and family, too. This means no cute couples photos, few outdoor activities, and keeping your personal life to yourself. Perhaps you prefer knowing that there's no chance of the relationship getting serious because you simply want to have some fun. If you can adopt the right mindset at the beginning, it could save you a lot of pain and frustration in the long run. Consider the implications for his wife and children if he has any. Chances are that you've thought about this already, but take a moment to check in with your gut. If you're concerned about the implications of your relationship on his wife and family, think about what that might mean later down the road. Will you feel resentful of him? Will it affect the way you view yourself? Make sure that you feel comfortable with your decision so it doesn't affect you negatively in the future. Because every situation is different, there isn't a hard and fast rule to tell you to stop or proceed with this relationship—it's a decision you'll have to make for yourself based on your particular circumstances. Cultivate other meaningful relationships and hobbies. Being the mistress often means that you won't have a go-to date for special events, and you often might spend holidays and special occasions alone. Be prepared for this inevitability and have friendships (and other romantic relationships, too, if you want) so that your life is full and fun. You'll have a lot of downtime, which is great if you have hobbies and other things that you're invested in. Being a mistress could satisfy some of your needs while still leaving you free to focus on other relationships, your career, personal improvement, or health goals. Check in with yourself regularly and know when to move on. Make sure to stay in tune with your feelings, needs, and desires. If you find yourself growing bored or resentful, it might be time to end the affair. Also, if you find yourself daydreaming of becoming your lover's new wife, you might be setting yourself up for bitter disappointment. Protect yourself emotionally as much as you can by putting your own needs first. Give yourself space to develop a romantic relationship with someone other than your lover. You may meet someone you'd like to date, and you deserve that kind of out-in-the-open relationship, too. Steer clear of places where you know his friends and family congregate. One of the key steps to not getting caught is staying out of sight. You probably know where he lives, where his wife runs errands, where his kids go to school, and other intimate details. Avoid those areas, especially if you're meeting up with him in public. If you live or work close to each other and you happen to see him out in public with his family, ignore him. If you have to interact, keep things short, polite, and professional. Keep your belongings out of his home, car, and other personal spaces. Lots of people having affairs get caught because the wife finds something intimate that doesn't belong to her, like lingerie, jewelry, makeup, or other clothing items. Keep all of your stuff at your place or in your purse, and double-check that you aren't leaving anything behind if you're rendezvousing in a mutual location. Similarly, don't send him gifts or packages to his home address or office. Wait to give him things in person so they don't get intercepted by someone else. Don’t call or text him when he’s spending time with his family. Remember, you aren't his priority, and if you want your affair to go smoothly, you need to respect his boundaries and family time. Potentially exposing the affair by contacting him when he's at home could make him resent you and end the affair, and at the very least, it'll make your next couple of interactions pretty tense. It may be hard to do, but you're going to need to let him control the frequency of contact in the relationship. Discourage him from things like getting a second phone for you to use to contact him. If his wife finds it, she'll definitely know that something is going on. Use a code name if you’re going to tell others about your relationship. Keeping quiet about your relationship is the best way to ensure it stays a secret, but if you do want to talk about it, avoid using his real name or other identifying details. As you know, friends can be pretty interested in details, so decide beforehand if you're willing to lie and keep track of your stories, or if you'd rather just feign ignorance. Be prepared to get some serious feedback if you tell friends or family that you're a mistress. People might not be supportive of your choices, so think carefully if you're up to having those conversations with people you love. Avoid posting about the relationship on social media. Even if you think you're being vague and sneaky, someone is eventually bound to notice some telling detail and figure out what's going on. It's best to keep your love life off of the internet completely to avoid getting caught. This means no photos of the flowers he sent, of the trip you took together, the meal you cooked, and other related details that you might otherwise be excited to share. Take weekend trips out of town to enjoy being out in public together. For some quality alone time without the worry of being seen in public, go away together. You'll enjoy going to a new destination for some special one-on-one time. You probably won't be able to take these trips often, just depending on his schedule with work and his family. Aim to take a trip once every couple of months if you can manage it. Keep things drama-free and do fun activities together. You may be limited in what you can actually do on a day-to-day or night-to-night basis, and your time might mainly be spent at your home or a secondary location. That doesn't mean you can't have a good time, though! If you're looking for something to do that's a little out of the ordinary, consider cooking a meal together instead of getting takeout or schedule a couples massage as a romantic gesture. Your affair might last for years, or it may be over within a few months. Commit to enjoying yourself as much as possible and focus on the present instead of worrying about what might happen in the future. Don’t make comments about his relationship with his wife. Even if he complains about his home life and his spouse, avoid making negative comments or comparing yourself to her. Instead, try to refocus attention to the present moment. You could try changing the subject or saying something simple, like, “You don't have to spend time with her right now—let's enjoy our evening together!” It could be really tempting to put his wife down to try and make yourself look even more appealing; try to remember that he already chose you and you don't need to give your input on his marriage. Let him make the move to contact so you don’t come off as needy. The best way to dampen an affair is to get possessive and jealous. Remember, he has a separate life that he has to participate in. Your time together will be a lot more fun and enjoyable if you aren't bombarding him with messages about how you want to spend more time together. The less clingy you are, the more he will want you. Maintaining a casual and nonchalant demeanor may make him chase you even harder. | Have clear expectations and an understanding of your role in his life. Make sure you're comfortable having a secret relationship. Consider the implications for his wife and children if he has any. Cultivate other meaningful relationships and hobbies. Check in with yourself regularly and know when to move on. Steer clear of places where you know his friends and family congregate. Keep your belongings out of his home, car, and other personal spaces. Don’t call or text him when he’s spending time with his family. Use a code name if you’re going to tell others about your relationship. Avoid posting about the relationship on social media. Take weekend trips out of town to enjoy being out in public together. Keep things drama-free and do fun activities together. Don’t make comments about his relationship with his wife. Let him make the move to contact so you don’t come off as needy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-a-Butterfly-Bandage | How to Apply a Butterfly Bandage | If you have a small, shallow cut, you can apply a butterfly bandage to close it and protect it from the elements. Before you apply your bandage, rinse the cut with cool, running water to clean out any dirt or debris. Then, wash around the cut with soap, rinse it off, and pat it dry with a clean cloth. Once you've cleaned around the wound, remove the adhesive backing from 3 butterfly bandages. Hold your cut closed with your non-dominant hand and stick the bandage across the middle of the cut so it forms a cross shape. Add the other 2 bandages above and below the first one so they're parallel with it. Leave your bandages on until they naturally fall off a few days later. | Rinse the cut with cool water. Take a cup full of cool water and pour it slowly over the injury. You can also place the cut under cool, running water. This will flush out any dirt or debris. Avoid pouring antiseptics or hydrogen peroxide over the cut. These harsh cleansers can actually irritate the injury. Wash the skin around the wound. Gently rub soapy water on the skin surrounding the cut. Ensure that soapy water doesn't run into the cut. Then rinse the soapy water away with cool water and pat it dry with a clean cloth. The butterfly bandage will stay in place better if it's secured to clean, dry skin. If you have some, apply a dab of antibiotic ointment onto the wound. This will speed up the healing process and prevent infection. Hold the wound shut with your fingers. Use your non-dominant hand to line up the edges of the cut. Bring the edges together using your thumb and index finger. Keep pressing the cut to keep the wound closed. Set half of the bandage on 1 side and pull it to the other side of the cut. Take the butterfly bandage and remove the backing to reveal the adhesive. Press 1 half of the bandage on a side of the cut. Then bring the other half across the cut and press down on the bandage. Never apply a butterfly bandage lengthwise along the cut. It needs to cross the cut so the wound edges are closed or almost closed. Apply 1 more butterfly bandage above and below the cut. To encourage healing and keep the cut closed, open another butterfly bandage and put it directly above the main bandage you just applied. Open another butterfly bandage and put it directly below the main bandage. Put 2 butterfly bandages vertically across the bandages. Open 2 more butterfly bandages and place 1 vertically to 1 side of the cut. Then put the other butterfly bandage vertically on the other side of the cut. Placing vertical bandages will hold the 3 butterfly bandages in place. You don't need to put a protective covering over the butterfly bandages since this will secure them. Leave the butterfly bandage on until it falls off. After several days the butterfly bandage should start to curl up and peel away from the skin. It's fine if the strips fall off because it means that the cut is healing. Be sure to keep the area clean. Also, avoid picking at the butterfly bandage or you could accidentally open the wound. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Press a clean cloth or towel against the injury for up to 5 minutes. If it's a minor cut, the bleeding should stop. If the cut is more serious and continues to bleed after applying pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, you'll need to get medical attention. If you can't slow the bleeding, go to an urgent care center or emergency room. Inspect the wound to see what type of injury it is. Look at the injury to see if it's a cut, if the skin's been torn, or if the skin's been scraped. Butterfly bandages are useful for holding together shallow cuts with clean edges. If you see torn skin that's jagged, it will probably need stitches. Butterfly bandages aren't effective at covering abrasions. If you see scraped skin, apply a large or liquid bandage. Determine how deep and long the cut is. Use a butterfly bandage if the cut is less than 1/4 in (6 mm) deep and less than 3/4 in (19 mm) long. If the cut is longer or deeper than this, it will need stitches. If you can see muscle or fat, the cut will need stitches in order to heal properly. Avoid using a butterfly bandage on animal bites or joints. Get medical attention if the injury was caused by an animal bite or if there's dirt embedded in the skin. You should also avoid using butterfly bandages on cuts that are on joints such as elbows or knees because the bandage won't be able to hold the skin in place. Don't use butterfly bandages on skin that's oily or hairy since the bandage will have trouble staying in place. | Rinse the cut with cool water. Wash the skin around the wound. Hold the wound shut with your fingers. Set half of the bandage on 1 side and pull it to the other side of the cut. Apply 1 more butterfly bandage above and below the cut. Put 2 butterfly bandages vertically across the bandages. Leave the butterfly bandage on until it falls off. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Inspect the wound to see what type of injury it is. Determine how deep and long the cut is. Avoid using a butterfly bandage on animal bites or joints. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Stuck-Tampon | How to Remove a Stuck Tampon | To remove a stuck tampon, first wash your hands to avoid causing infection while you're removing it. If you can see the string, lightly tug on it to remove the tampon while you crouch close to the ground. Alternatively, lie on your back or get into a squatting position, since these positions can help dislodge the tampon so you can remove it. Then, place your fingers into your vagina and feel around until you locate it. If you still can't reach the tampon, breathe out slowly to relax your muscles and stick a single finger farther in, since it's common for tampons to get caught between the vagina and cervix. You can also make circular motions with your finger to make entering your vagina easier. | Act fast. You need to take care of this problem right away. Don't put it out of your mind because you're really embarrassed. You could be risking your health. Remember this is something that has happened to many, many people. You should never leave a tampon in for 8 hours or more as you could get Toxic Shock Syndrome. Although treatable, it can be fatal. However, if you've had the tampon in for a very short time (like an hour or so), you might want to wait a bit longer and try to remove it again because dry tampons get stuck more easily, and your menstrual flow may help you remove it. Try to remove it yourself first – it should be fairly easy to do this – but if that doesn't work, you will have to call your doctor right away. It can't be said enough - leaving tampons in for too long is very, very dangerous. Relax. If you're tense, you will actually make it worse. Are you sure there is really a tampon inside you or have you just forgotten you took it out? If you're sure it's inside you, remember: It's not really “stuck." It's just that the muscles of the vagina will hold it in place until you remove it. Don't freak out. The vagina is a relatively small closed area, and it's not going to be lost up there forever. This is something that has happened to many, many women, so there is no reason to panic. You might want to take a warm shower or warm bath to help you relax before you try to remove it. Take some deep breaths too. If you are too tense, you will clench the muscles, making the tampon harder to remove. Clean your hands. You're going to want clean hands to remove a stuck tampon because you don't want to introduce germs into the vaginal cavity. Proper hygiene will prevent infection, further complications, and problems. You might also want to clip your nails because you will need to insert your fingers into your vagina to get the tampon. You want to make the process as painless as possible. Find a private space (probably the bathroom is best for hygienic reasons). Take off your lower clothing. It will make it easier to remove the tampon. Pull on the string. If you can see the string, and it's not also stuck inside your body, lightly tug on the string while squatting close to the ground with your feet and knees spread apart, but not wide enough for you to actually be sitting on the ground. You want to lightly tug at the string to see if the tampon comes out on its own because this would be easiest. There should generally be at least an inch of string coming out of you if the tampon is properly positioned. Try different positions if it doesn't come out right away. Prop your feet with something and sit on the toilet. Or put one foot on the bathtub. However, many times the string is stuck inside a woman's vagina with the tampon. It may take a minute or two until you can pull it out. If that's the case, move on to the next step. Sit, squat down, or lie down. It's easier to get a stuck tampon out if you do it while sitting, squatting down, or lying down. You also want to bear down to try to dislodge it. Try changing positions if you can't find it right away. Prop your feet on a trashcan or bathtub, or squat over the toilet bowl for sanitary reasons. Bear down as if you're straining to have a bowel movement or are giving birth or are doing reverse kegels. Sometimes, this can force the tampon out. Bearing down will help ease it into a more easy-to-reach position. Take a deep breath. If you prefer to lie down, lie flat on your bed with your knees bent. Insert one finger in your vagina and feel for the tampon or its string. If you can feel it, start nudging it toward the opening of your vagina. When it gets close enough, grab the tampon with your index finger and thumb. Insert a single finger while exhaling. You are going to have to put your finger into your vagina as far as possible. Make circular motions with your finger between the cervix and vagina. This is where most stuck tampons are. You might need to use your index finger and your thumb. Find the tampon, and insert another finger if you'd only used one at first. Catch the tampon's cotton cylinder between your fingers, and try to pull it out. You will need to pull out the actual tampon probably, not just the string. Don't panic. If you do this too quickly, you could end up pushing it farther in. Once you feel it, just pull it out. Don't dig around for the tampon for more than 10 minutes or so. If you can't get it out, don't panic. Call your doctor. If you feel a string (that somehow got bunched up inside of you), get it under your finger but against the side of your vagina, and slowly pull the tampon out. It's probably easier if you use your longest finger, but all women's vaginas are different, so you might be able to use any other finger, also. Try lubricant. You could also try using a lot of lubricant before reaching for the tampon with your finger. This might make it less painful and easier to do. Don't pour water in the vagina or use soap. It can cause infections. And don't put scented lotions on the vagina; they can irritate the skin. It might also be helpful to use a mirror to investigate what is going on down below. Or you could try peeing into the toilet. The natural process might dislodge the tampon. Use your fingers only. If that doesn't work though - and this is very important - your next step should not be to introduce a foreign object, like metal tweezers, to your vagina. It's worth repeating: Do not EVER use another object to get the tampon! That can be very unsanitary, and it could also get stuck. Foreign objects also could scrape the vaginal walls. You want to remove the tampon in a way that doesn't cause you more problems. Call a doctor. If you can't find the tampon or retrieve it, you need to go to the doctor right away. If a tampon is left inside of you, it could cause an infection and be very dangerous. You could also ask a second person to try to get it first (like your partner), but many women are too embarrassed to do that (if you do, the person should wear gloves). It should be easy for a doctor to remove a stuck tampon. Don't be embarrassed about this; you should realize that this is something that happens all the time, and the doctor has almost certainly seen it before. You never want to risk your feminine health. The doctor can painlessly remove your tampon in their office. First, they'll likely try pulling it out. If that doesn't work, they can use the same tools they use for an examination to slightly open your vaginal canal and retrieve the tampon. Either way, you won't feel any pain. Sometimes women forget they have a tampon in, and then insert another one, causing the first one to get stuck. Try to remember when you inserted a tampon because leaving one in too long can cause serious infections. If you have symptoms like foul odor, vaginal discharge, dizziness, pelvic pressure or pain, or abdominal discomfort, call your doctor immediately. | Act fast. Relax. Clean your hands. Pull on the string. Sit, squat down, or lie down. Insert a single finger while exhaling. Try lubricant. Use your fingers only. Call a doctor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Distance | How to Calculate Distance | To calculate distance, start by finding the average speed the object traveled and the amount of time it was traveling for. Make sure you're using the same units for the average speed and time or else your calculation won't be accurate. For example, if you're using miles per hour for the speed, you would need to use hours, not minutes or seconds, for the time. Once you have your 2 values, just multiply them together to get the distance the object traveled. | Find values for average speed and time. When you try to find the distance a moving object has traveled, two pieces of information are vital for making this calculation: its speed (or velocity magnitude) and the time that it has been moving. With this information, it's possible to find the distance the object has traveled using the formula d = s avg × t. To better understand the process of using the distance formula, let's solve an example problem in this section. Let's say that we're barreling down the road at 120 miles per hour (about 193 km per hour) and we want to know how far we will travel in half an hour. Using 120 mph as our value for average speed and 0.5 hours as our value for time, we'll solve this problem in the next step. Multiply average speed by time. Once you know the average speed of a moving object and the time it's been traveling, finding the distance it has traveled is relatively straightforward. Simply multiply these two quantities to find your answer. Note, however, that if the units of time used in your average speed value are different than those used in your time value, you'll need to convert one or the other so that they are compatible. For instance, if we have an average speed value that's measured in km per hour and a time value that's measured in minutes, you would need to divide the time value by 60 to convert it to hours. Let's solve our example problem. 120 miles/hour × 0.5 hours = 60 miles. Note that the units in the time value (hours) cancel with the units in the denominator of the average speed (hours) to leave only distance units (miles). Manipulate the equation to solve for other variables. The simplicity of the basic distance equation (d = s avg × t) makes it quite easy to use the equation for finding the values of variables besides distance. Simply isolate the variable you want to solve for according to the basic rules of algebra , then insert values for your other two variables to find the value for the third. In other words, to find your object's average speed, use the equation s avg = d/t and to find to find the time an object has been traveling, use the equation t = d/s avg. For instance, let's say that we know that a car has driven 60 miles in 50 minutes, but we don't have a value for the average speed while traveling. In this case, we might isolate the s avg variable in the basic distance equation to get s avg = d/t, then simply divide 60 miles / 50 minutes to get an answer of 1.2 miles/minute. Note that in our example, our answer for speed has an uncommon units (miles/minute). To get your answer in the more common form of miles/hour, multiply it by 60 minutes/hour to get 72 miles/hour. Note that the "savg" variable in the distance formula refers to average speed. It's important to understand that the basic distance formula offers a simplified view of the movement of an object. The distance formula assumes that the moving object has constant speed — in other words, it assumes that the object in motion is moving at a single, unchanging rate of speed. For abstract math problems, such as the ones you may encounter in an academic setting, sometimes it's still possible to model an object's motion using this assumption. In real life, however, this model often doesn't accurately reflect the motion of moving objects, which can, in reality, speed up, slow down, stop, and reverse over time. For instance, in the example problem above, we concluded that to travel 60 miles in 50 minutes, we'd need to travel at 72 miles/hour. However, this is only true if travel at one speed for the entire trip. For instance, by traveling at 80 miles/hr for half of the trip and 64 miles/hour for the other half, we will still travel 60 miles in 50 minutes — 72 miles/hour = 60 miles/50 min = ????? Calculus-based solutions using derivatives are often a better choice than the distance formula for defining an object's speed in real-world situations because changes in speed are likely. Find two points spatial coordinates. What if, rather than finding the distance that a moving object has traveled, you need to find the distance between two stationary objects? In cases like this, the speed-based distance formula described above won't be of any use. Luckily, a separate distance formula can be used to easily find the straight-line distance between two points. However, to use this formula, you'll need to know the coordinates of your two points. If you're dealing with one-dimensional distance (such as on a number line), your coordinates will be two numbers, x 1 and x 2. If you're dealing with distance in two dimensions, you'll need values for two (x,y) points, (x 1 ,y 1 ) and (x 2 ,y 2 ). Finally, for three dimensions, you'll need values for (x 1 ,y 1 ,z 1 ) and (x 2 ,y 2 ,z 2 ). Find 1-D distance by subtracting the value of the coordinates for the two points. Calculating one-dimensional distance between two points when you know the value for each is a cinch. Simply use the formula d = |x 2 - x 1 |. In this formula, you subtract x 1 from x 2 , then take the absolute value of your answer to find the distance between x 1 and x 2. Typically, you'll want to use the one-dimensional distance formula when your two points lie on a number line or axis. Note that this formula uses absolute values (the " | | " symbols). Absolute values simply mean that the terms contained within the symbols become positive if they are negative. For example, let's say that we're stopped by the side of the road on a perfectly straight stretch of highway. If there is a small town 5 miles ahead of us and a town 1 mile behind us, how far apart are the two towns? If we set town 1 as x 1 = 5 and town 2 as x 1 = -1, we can find d, the distance between the two towns, as follows: d = |x 2 - x 1 | = |-1 - 5| = |-6| = 6 miles. Find 2-D distance by using the Pythagorean theorem. Finding distance between two points in two-dimensional space is more complicated than in one dimension, but is not difficult. Simply use the formula d = √((x 2 - x 1 ) + (y 2 - y 1 ) ). In this formula, you subtract the two x coordinates, square the result, subtract the y coordinates, square the result, then add the two intermediate results together and take the square root to find the distance between your two points. This formula works in the two-dimensional plane — for example, on basic x/y graphs. The 2-D distance formula takes advantage of the Pythagorean theorem , which dictates that the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the square root of the squares of the other two sides. For example, let's say that we have two points in the x-y plane: (3, -10) and (11, 7) that represent the center of a circle and a point on the circle, respectively. To find the straight-line distance between these two points, we can solve as follows: d = √((x 2 - x 1 ) + (y 2 - y 1 ) ) d = √((11 - 3) + (7 - -10) ) d = √(64 + 289) d = √(353) = 18.79 Find 3-D distance by modifying the 2-D formula. In three dimensions, points have a z coordinate in addition to their x and y coordinates. To find the distance between two points in three-dimensional space, use d = √((x 2 - x 1 ) + (y 2 - y 1 ) + (z 2 - z 1 ) ). This is a modified form of the two-dimensional distance formula described above that takes the z coordinates into account. Subtracting the two z coordinates, squaring them, and proceeding through the rest of the formula as above will ensure your final answer represents the three-dimensional distance between your two points. For example, let's say that we're an astronaut floating in space near two asteroids. One is about 8 kilometers in front of us, 2 km to the right of us, and 5 miles below us, while the other is 3 km behind us, 3 km to the left of us, and 4 km above us. If we represent the positions of these asteroids with the coordinates (8,2,-5) and (-3,-3,4), we can find the distance between the two as follows: d = √((-3 - 8) + (-3 - 2) + (4 - -5) ) d = √((-11) + (-5) + (9) ) d = √(121 + 25 + 81) d = √(227) = 15.07 km | Find values for average speed and time. Multiply average speed by time. Manipulate the equation to solve for other variables. Note that the "savg" variable in the distance formula refers to average speed. Find two points spatial coordinates. Find 1-D distance by subtracting the value of the coordinates for the two points. Find 2-D distance by using the Pythagorean theorem. Find 3-D distance by modifying the 2-D formula. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Weight-Loss-Goals | How to Set Weight Loss Goals | To set weight loss goals, work with your doctor to decide exactly how much weight you should aim to lose and to review any medications or health conditions that may need to be monitored. Once your doctor approves your plan, set realistic goals, such as losing 1 to 2 pounds per week or adding 30 minutes of exercise to your daily routine, to help you stick to your plan. You can also set up small rewards to keep yourself motivated, like getting a massage or a manicure when you lose your first 5 pounds. As you begin your weight loss journey, invest in a food scale or a set of measuring cups to accurately keep track of how much you're eating. Additionally, start a food journal to track your progress, which can help you see what's working best and what still needs to change. | Go to your doctor. Working with your doctor you can find out exactly how much weight you should be aiming to lose. In addition, your doctor will review any medications or current health conditions you have and determine the safety of weight loss for you. Your doctor can also help you determine whether you're physically capable of strenuous exercises and workouts. They may also be able to give you some basic tips on calorie counting and decide what will work best for you. Set realistic goals. Whenever you're starting any weight loss program (commercial or your own), it's important to start by setting realistic goals for yourself. This will help you determine what type of diet, the length and whether or not you'll need to include physical activity. Goals that are too large or lofty usually lead to discouragement and may cause you to give up. Put a plan on your calendar to motivate you. In general, it's not recommended to lose more than about one to two pounds per week. This is considered safe, realistic, and sustainable weight loss. Diets that promise faster or more weight loss may not be safe and are generally not sustainable for long periods of time. Focus on smaller, more attainable goals. If you have a lot of weight to lose, you may want to set multiple goals for yourself. You can have one long-term goal and a few little goals prior to it. For example: Lose 30 pounds in six months as a long-term goal. Short term goals may include: Lose five pounds in two weeks, 10 pounds in four to five weeks, etc. Buy or make your own calendar to track your goals. Circle the day you plan to start and end your weight loss program. This way, you'll have a specific deadline to meet which will give you a path to follow. You can also denote what days you're going to exercise by marking it on your calendar as well. Post your calendar in a spot where you'll always see it and don't forget to do what it says. If it says you have to do cardio, do it. Assign yourself rewards. Setting up exciting rewards may help you stay motivated throughout your weight loss program. Ensure that these rewards are specific, special things you save for when these milestones are achieved. Set up smaller rewards for when you meet your smaller, more interim goals. Have a larger, more gratifying reward for when you meet your larger, long-term goals. It's generally not recommended to have rewards that are food related — like going out to dinner or having a dessert. Try to pick non-food related rewards like: a manicure, new shoes or a new outfit, a massage, a round of golf at your favorite course, or a new book. Plan for lifestyle changes. Whenever you're trying to lose weight, it's typically recommended to ditch the fad diets and instead make long-lasting lifestyle changes. Small changes to your diet and lifestyle over a longer period of time has been shown to be easier to maintain. You don't want to make big changes quickly for weight loss. You're less likely to keep them up in the long-term. When you're designing your diet, don't go too extreme or follow a program that you know isn't realistic for you. You want to create a diet, eating pattern, or lifestyle that you can follow long-term. Set your daily calorie limit. Regardless of what weight loss plan you follow, you'll inevitably need to cut out calories to lose weight. Decide what total calorie intake you should be eating each day to help you safely lose one to two pounds per week. In general, you'll need to cut out, burn off or do a combination of cutting out and burning 500–1000 calories each day to result in that one to two pound weight loss. You can start by calculating how many calories you typically eat on a "non-dieting" day. Use a food journal app or online calculators to help you figure out this total. Subtract 500–750 calories from this number to get an idea of what your total daily intake should be. There are also some online calculators or apps that can figure out about how many calories you should eat daily for weight loss based on your age, gender, weight, and activity level. Measure portions. To help you maintain a lower calorie diet, it will be helpful to stick to appropriate portion sizes for your meals and snacks. Serving yourself or consuming portions that are too large may slow your weight loss. Invest in a food scale or a set of measuring cups to help you stay on track. Measure each meal and snack to make sure you're on target. Make life easier by finding tupperware, bowls, dishes and cups at home that are a certain portion size. For example, packing your lunch in a tupperware container that is one cup in size. Appropriate serving sizes for most foods are as follows: Protein: three to four oz, Fruit: 1/2 cup chopped or one small piece, Vegetables: one cup or two cups leafy greens, and Grains: one oz or 1/2 cup. Choose a higher protein or moderate protein diet. Depending on what you choose, you'll need to decide whether you're doing a higher protein diet or moderate protein diet. This is the key to creating a plan that you can stick to without being hungry. Some studies have shown that higher protein diets help you lose weight a little faster and help keep it off long-term. Eating a source of lean protein at each meal and snack is great for any weight loss plan. You may need to eat more than one serving at each meal if you're following a higher protein diet. If you typically feel hungry when you've dieted in the past, consider following a higher protein diet. Increased amounts of protein have been shown to help you stay satisfied longer throughout the day. Go for either a low-carb or moderate-carb diet. Diets generally fall into either low-carb or moderate-carb groups. Both have their advantages; choose what will work best for your lifestyle. Low-carb diets have been shown to produce quicker weight loss initially compared to a moderate-carb diet. However, in the long-term, both low- and moderate-carbohydrate diets showed very similar weight loss overall. Low-carb diets are more restrictive. If this is easy for you to follow and you do not miss carbohydrates, following a low-carb diet might be appropriate for you. Some people crave carbs or feel they do better with weight loss when they include a moderate amount of carbohydrates each day. Again, choose what works best for you. If you're going to limit carbohydrates, restrict your choices from the grain group first (bread, rice, pasta, crackers, etc). Most of the nutrients from this food group can be consumed from other foods. You may also choose to limit starchy vegetables (legumes, potatoes, winter squash, and peas) if you're following a low-carb diet. Emphasize fruits and vegetables in your meals. There are a variety of diet styles to choose from. However, most will emphasize that you eat several servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Both fruits and vegetables are low-calorie and very nutrient-dense. They contain a large variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a good amount of fiber. Stick to one to two servings of fruit daily at a maximum. If you're choosing to follow a lower carb diet, you may choose to eat less. Aim for about five servings of vegetables each day. Again, if you're following a lower carb diet, you may choose to focus on non-starchy vegetables instead of higher carb vegetables (like potatoes, peas, or carrots). Drink hydrating fluids daily. One very important component to all weight loss plans is adequate consumption of water and other hydrating fluids. This will help support general health, but may also help manage your appetite. A good rule of thumb to begin with is to drink eight glass of water daily. However, you may need up to 13 glasses daily. This will depend on your gender, weight, and physical activity level. Consider purchasing a water bottle to help keep track of your total fluids throughout the day. Include regular physical activity. If you're interested in losing weight, you may also want to consider including regular physical activity into your week. Keep in mind that changing your diet and also starting an exercise regimen all at once can be daunting. Try changing one thing at a time. Studies have shown that regular activity will help support weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. It's recommended to include 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week and two days of about 20 minutes of strength training each week. If you haven't been participating in regular physical activity, start slowly. Work up to the recommended amounts of time over a few weeks or months. Consider commercial or supervised diets. If you don't want to come up with a diet plan by yourself, you may choose to follow a commercially available or supervised diet program. Or you may choose to base your own diet off of one of these: Try low-carb/high-protein diets. Some commercial programs focus on very low-carb and high-protein eating patterns. These may result in quicker weight loss, but are typically hard to follow long-term due to their overly restrictive nature. Consider low-fat diets. This particular eating pattern focuses on limiting the fat content of your diet. Specifically, most low-fat diets limit trans and saturated fat but also give you limits for heart healthy fats. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet. The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern that focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and smaller amounts of animal protein (like beef or poultry). This diet has been shown to be a healthy option for those with cardiac health problems, and can help prevent heart disease as well. Look into medical weight loss programs. Medically supervised diets are facilitated by doctors and dietitians. They may have you follow a restricted meal plan or use high-protein, low-calorie meal replacements for a short period of time. In addition, they may also use prescription medications and/or vitamin injections and supplements to help suppress appetite and increase energy. Start a food journal. Keeping a journal can be a great component of your weight loss program. It can provide you with the ability to track a variety of factors that may be able to keep you on track long-term. Studies show that people who track their food are more likely to stick to their diets and maintain their weight loss long-term. So no matter what diet you end up following, track your food for the best chance of success. You can track your progress as well. Keep a weekly log of your weight and total weight loss. Also consider making notes about what's working and what's not working about your diet. When the time comes to reevaluate your diet plan, review your notes and make any necessary changes. Reevaluate your plan each month. Whether you follow a commercial diet or your own plan, it's important to reevaluate your progress regularly. This will help you determine if your plan is appropriately working for you. Consider your weight loss. Weigh yourself weekly and then tally up how much you've lost over the entire month. If you're doing well, you may choose to continue with your current plan. If you haven't lost much weight, you might need to take a look at your food diary or calorie levels and adjust as needed. Also consider how easy your plan has been to follow. Have you been physically satisfied with your meals? Are you feeling hungry throughout the day? Are you having a lot of cravings? Make changes to your dietary intake as needed. Build a support group. Find a support group while you're trying to lose weight and when you're trying to maintain your weight loss and healthy lifestyle. Having a support group may help you keep your weight off long-term. Many studies show that those people who relied on a support group of either friends, family members or other dieters, were more successful and were able to keep their weight off long-term. Talk to your friends, family members or coworkers about your new diet. Ask if they'd be willing to join you. You can also find support groups online or find ones that meet in person. | Go to your doctor. Set realistic goals. Assign yourself rewards. Plan for lifestyle changes. Set your daily calorie limit. Measure portions. Choose a higher protein or moderate protein diet. Go for either a low-carb or moderate-carb diet. Emphasize fruits and vegetables in your meals. Drink hydrating fluids daily. Include regular physical activity. Consider commercial or supervised diets. Start a food journal. Reevaluate your plan each month. Build a support group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Ink-Stains-from-Polyester | How to Remove Ink Stains from Polyester | To remove ink stains from polyester, first blot it with a dry cloth to get out as much of the ink as possible. Then, check your fabric's label to make sure you can use detergents. If it's okay to use detergents, apply a stain lifter, like rubbing alcohol, Borax, or a strong soap, to remove the stain. Alternatively, mix ½ teaspoon liquid dish-washing detergent, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 quart warm water into a solution, and soak your material in it for 30 minutes. Once you've applied your stain lifter, rinse your polyester under cold water, and rub the material between your fingers to work out any leftover ink. Finally, wash your fabric like normal in a washing machine, but let it air dry to avoid any residue from the stain setting. | Blot the ink away. If you catch a stain when it happens, you may be able to simply blot it out. This can help remove the stain before it becomes too much of a problem. While some ink will may stay in, blotting out the stain can help. Take a dry cloth and blot the stained area as best you can until it is dry. As you blot, move the cloth to a clean spot each time to avoid smearing the ink around. Check the care label. Before using any product on your clothes, you'll want to check the label inside your garment to make sure there aren't specific instructions for cleaning and to check the makeup of the fabric. Some fabric may contain polyester along with other types of fabric, so you'll want to make sure the different types of fabric can be treated in the same way as polyester if the makeup is mixed. You'll also want to make sure there aren't specific washing instructions. Some fabrics require hand washing while others require dry cleaning. Choose a stain removal method. Once you have blotted out the stain, choose a stain lifter. There are a variety of household products you can use to remove an ink stain from polyester. Rubbing alcohol is a great stain lifter for polyester. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol directly on the ink spot. Then, gently blot with a clean cloth until the ink comes out. Borax can also be used to remove ink from polyester. Add water to make a light paste and then apply it directly to the stain. Let it set for about 30 minutes. Strong soap can also be used to remove ink stains. A laundry detergent or dish soap would work well. Pour it directly on the ink stain and rub the fabric together with your fingers. You may have to use a bit of force. Rinse the stain under cold water. After using the stain lifter of your choice, rinse the garment in cold water. If there is still a bit of ink left, rub the fabric together with your fingers while rinsing. This can help remove what's left of the stain. Spray with hairspray. Using aerosol hairspray, apply a liberal amount on the ink to loosen the stain. This will bring the stain to the surface, which will make it easier to treat. Keep in mind when using hairspray that it can damage some fabrics and surfaces. This is why it's important to always check the care label before treating fabrics. Combine dish-washing soap, white vinegar, and water. Using a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish-washing detergent, one tablespoon white vinegar, and one quart warm water to form a solution. Swirl together until the mixture is consistent throughout. Apply mixture with a cloth. Take a clean, white cloth and soak it in the mixture, and then generously apply to the stained area. Allow the stain to soak in the solution for about 30 minutes. Rub the polyester fabric together with your fingers. Pressing the stained fabric together, rub the polyester until you see the stain begin to disappear. This will help the solution to lift the ink stain from your fabric and should remove any stain that remains. Rinse the garment. Rinse your clothing under cold running water. Do this until all vinegar and soap is rinsed out of the garment. Squeeze the garment occasionally to make sure it rinses completely. Leaving soap and vinegar in the garment can cause damage to the clothing. Wash your garment as usual. Now that you've removed the stain, you can throw your garment in the washing machine and launder as usual. Make sure to follow any specific care instructions. Check to make sure your garment is stain free. Although you hopefully were able to remove all of the stain before you washed your garment, it's possible that some of the stain remained before you put your clothing in the washing machine. Make sure before you proceed to drying your garment that all of the stain has been removed. If some of the ink stain still remains you can try washing it again and possibly treating it with a more powerful cleaner. Let your garment air dry. Allowing your garment to air dry is the safest way to dry it to prevent any stain from setting as this is caused by heat. If you are sure you have removed all of the stain, you can dry your garment in a dryer. However, it might be safe to air dry as it can be hard to tell if the stain is gone if the garment is damp. | Blot the ink away. Check the care label. Choose a stain removal method. Rinse the stain under cold water. Spray with hairspray. Combine dish-washing soap, white vinegar, and water. Apply mixture with a cloth. Rub the polyester fabric together with your fingers. Rinse the garment. Wash your garment as usual. Check to make sure your garment is stain free. Let your garment air dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-1k-Followers-on-Instagram | How to Get 1k Followers on Instagram | To get 1K followers on Instagram, choose a theme for your account and try to keep your content within that theme to maintain cohesiveness and appeal to a specific group of people. Next, post unique, quality photos and videos consistently, and always attach relevant and trending hashtags to your posts. To increase your visibility even more, follow and interact with other Instagram users. | Follow people who share interests with you. While it's okay to follow as many people as possible in an attempt to get them to follow you back, try following accounts that post things that can inspire you (and vice versa). These accounts will be more likely to follow you back, making your time-use much more efficient than if you indiscriminately followed people. Like people's photos. For every 100 likes that you leave, you'll get around 8 follows back, provided that you like photos on average, non-celebrity accounts. While you most likely won't be able to climb your way to 1000 followers on this method alone, it's a good place to start. Leave meaningful comments on photos. It's a well-documented fact that commenting on people's Instagram photos leads to an upswing in followers. Unfortunately, this also means that a lot of people will leave one- or two-word responses on photos in hopes of receiving a follow. Leaving a well-thought-out comment will increase the odds of the creator following you back. On a DIY home office photo, for example, you might say "Wow, I love what you've done with your office! Would love to see a tutorial!" instead of "Nice" or "Looks good". Message users who have a low number of followers. Sometimes it's best to leave a considerate message for someone whose content you enjoy; not only will this most likely make their day, it will also encourage them to follow you, especially if you already followed them. Keep in mind that messaging someone can be seen as an intrusion on their privacy. Be polite and respectful when messaging other users. Never ask for a follow from someone whom you message. Post consistently. As the people who follow you will come to find out, you may only post once a week—and that's fine! However, if you have a reputation for posting once a week, stick to that model (or even post more often occasionally). Failing to meet your established posting schedule will result in losing followers. This is less a method for gaining followers and more a method for retaining the ones that you have. Try not to post more than a couple of times per day. Post at the right time of day. Mornings (7 AM to 9 AM), early afternoon (11 AM to 2 PM), and mid-evening (5 PM to 7 PM) are all peak activity areas for Instagram, so try posting during these times. These times are based on ET (Eastern Time), so you may need to adjust to fit your timezone. If you can't make these times, don't worry—several studies have shown that posting during these times, while helpful, is not a deal-breaker. Choose a theme for your profile. Themes do two very important things: they focus and organize your content, and they ensure that people will always know the general persuasion of the content they're going to see on your profile. People can also see the way you are. Themes can also help streamline your content creation process, since having some boundaries is often better than having none at all. Add a relevant, informative bio. Your bio should mention your theme, your website (if you have one), and something interesting about you or your process. Everyone has something that makes how or why they do what they do interesting—find yours and mention it here! You can also add tags to your bio if you have a specific tag associated with your content. Use a captivating profile picture. If you have something that captures the essence of your theme, your content, and your personality, use it. If not, find something that comes close—people should be able to take a look at your profile picture and your bio and know approximately what to expect. Link your Instagram to social media. You can link Instagram to Facebook , Twitter, Tumblr, and more, allowing you to post your Instagram information anywhere that you frequent. In this way, you'll be able to pull in more follows from people who already follow you on these other social media platforms. This can make you stand out more. Never make your Instagram posts private. One downside of attempting to garner Instagram growth is that you can't protect your account against people who you don't know, as doing so will alienate future followers. Keep your account public and easily followable, and you'll have a stream of follows trickling in. Use tags in all of your photos. A common way of tagging involves writing a description, putting several spaces under the description (often using periods as place-holders), and then tagging as much as is relevant. Experiment with popular tags. Places like https://top-hashtags.com/instagram/ list the top 100 hashtags of the day, so try placing a few of these in your posts' description boxes. Keep in mind that some tags are bound to be so popular that they make your post hard to find. Don't exclusively use popular tags. Create your own hashtag. If you like, you can create your own hashtag, or take one that's not used all that much and make it your own. Try working this tag into as many posts as possible as a sort of signature for your profile. Geotag your pictures. Geotagging your photos means including the location where the picture was taken in the post, which will allow people in the surrounding areas to find your photos. Avoid using unrelated tags. Don't place tags that don't pertain to your photos in the description, as doing so is often considered spam. | Follow people who share interests with you. Like people's photos. Leave meaningful comments on photos. Message users who have a low number of followers. Post consistently. Post at the right time of day. Choose a theme for your profile. Add a relevant, informative bio. Use a captivating profile picture. Link your Instagram to social media. Never make your Instagram posts private. Use tags in all of your photos. Experiment with popular tags. Create your own hashtag. Geotag your pictures. Avoid using unrelated tags. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Auto-Body-Painter | How to Become an Auto Body Painter | If you're dreaming of being an auto body painter, you can get started by gaining some painting experience and reaching out to local companies. Take a course in auto body painting if a local college offers it. Or, try to get an apprenticeship as an auto body painter, which will teach you the basics and may lead to a full-time job later. Don't just search online for opportunities. Drop by local auto body shops, introduce yourself, and ask if they need any help. That way, you'll get to talk to them face to face and make a good impression. Leave them with your resume, highlighting any painting experience you have. You should also get your driver's license, since many auto body painting jobs will require you to move the cars yourself. | Complete your high school diploma or GED. Before you can begin your career as an auto body painter, most employers will require you to have graduated from high school or received your GED. If you have not yet done so, you might consider taking classes at a community center or community college to achieve this requirement. You may be able to improve your chances of getting work as an auto body painter or make your transition into this role smoother by taking a high school shop or automotive class, if one is available to you. Some high schools allow dual enrollment, which means you can take a class not offered at your school somewhere else. You'll have to inquire with a teacher or school counselor first, but you might be able to take a shop class at a community college your junior or senior year. Get a license and maintain a clean driving record. Auto body painters, in many situations, will be required to move the vehicles of customers. To do so legally, you'll need a license. Since you'll also be responsible for the care of expensive vehicles, many employers also desire a clean driving record as proof of your responsibility. Familiarize yourself with manual transmissions. Over the course of your career as an auto body painter, at some point you'll likely have to work on a manual transmission vehicle, also called a stick shift. Because of this, many employers require auto body painters to be able to drive both manual and automatic transmission cars. You might be able to get a lesson in driving a stick shift from a family member or friend. Be patient when doing so. It may take you some time to get the hang of driving a manual. Acquaint yourself with auto body painting responsibilities. There are many other tasks you'll be expected to handle to prepare vehicles for painting. This could involve removing rust, dirt or debris from the surface you will be painting, filling in cavities or dents to create a smooth, even surface, and taping off boundaries for detail work. You'll also need to be able to select the correct kinds of paint and equipment you'll need to use for a particular project. This information is often taught in courses on auto body repair/painting, or through on-the-job training. Find a job related to auto body work. This is a good way of getting a peek at the basics before trying to get a job as an auto body painter. Be attentive while you're on the job, and ask coworkers you are comfortable with questions about how the process works and the techniques that are used. Many companies promote from within. If you start working the front desk of an auto paint shop and express interest in becoming a painter, you may be able to get trained in the position and transfer from your desk position. You may be able to start off work with an auto body shop as an apprentice auto body painter. This will give you valuable, on-the-job training that you can mention in your resume and at interviews. Write your resume. In your resume, you'll want to highlight any experience you might have that's related to automotive work. This might involve working in a body shop, tinkering with classic cars as a hobby, or even artistic experience, like a degree in art or painting. You may want to bring finished pictures of automotive work you've done in the past to any interviews you have to supplement your resume. Network with people involved in the auto industry. If you're into the automotive scene, it's likely you know other people who share your interest. These people may be able to tip you off about a job opening or refer you to an auto shop they work at or take their vehicles to. Be clear and direct with your automotive friends when telling them you're looking for a job as an auto body painter. You might connect with people involved in the automotive industry through networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. Apply with local auto body paint shops. You might wait until there is a posting online or in the newspaper for an open position as auto body painter, but this can result in wasted time. There's nothing wrong with putting in an application even if there are no openings. Many companies keep resumes on file in case a position opens in the future. You may not be called back immediately for an interview, but that could happen eventually if your resume is on file. Follow up with potential employers. There may be many people applying for the same position you are. To set yourself apart from others and to express serious interest in the job, you should follow up your interview with a call politely inquiring about the status of your application. Practice in your free time, if possible. The professional equipment for auto body painting can be expensive, so you may not be able to afford the tools to do this on your own. If you do, however, you can get off-the-job experience painting or touching up the cars of friends and relatives. You may be able to save up money to invest in auto body painting equipment of your own. Once you are experienced, you might even do your own auto body painting on the side for supplemental income. Get certified or take a course in auto body painting. Many trade schools and community colleges offer courses in auto body and paint technology. By completing a course or certification program, you'll become more desirable to potential employers. Many community colleges and trade schools have open admissions policies, so there's little risk you'll be turned down unless the program is already at capacity. Complete an associate's degree. If you have little or no experience in the auto body field, receiving an associate's degree can improve your chances of being accepted as an apprentice or auto body painter's helper. Employers often look at further education as a sign that potential employees have the skills necessary to learn the trade. An associate's degree in an automotive related field, like auto body collision repair, will be looked at more favorable than other degrees, but even one in an unrelated field will show you have the perseverance to learn new things. Gain experience with the tools of the trade. Hands-on experience with automotive related hand tools and other aspects of automotive work will also improve your chances of being chosen for a position as an auto body worker. This information can be added to your resume or included in your cover letter. Become ASE certified. The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a certificate program for automotive painters. You'll have to get some auto body painting experience,as the certification requires you to have at least 2 years of automotive painting experience or at least 1 year of training that meets ASE standards. Obtaining the voluntary certification means passing a written examination. You must retake the examination approximately every 5 years to keep the certification. | Complete your high school diploma or GED. Get a license and maintain a clean driving record. Familiarize yourself with manual transmissions. Acquaint yourself with auto body painting responsibilities. Find a job related to auto body work. Write your resume. Network with people involved in the auto industry. Apply with local auto body paint shops. Follow up with potential employers. Practice in your free time, if possible. Get certified or take a course in auto body painting. Complete an associate's degree. Gain experience with the tools of the trade. Become ASE certified. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-Something | How to Get Out of Something | If you don't feel like doing a social activity, you can either be honest or tell a white lie to get out of it. Say that you're sick if you want an excuse to avoid something. Make sure to choose an illness that's quick to recover from, like a stomach bug or migraine, so you don't attract too many questions. Alternatively, apologize and say that you're too swamped with work to do the activity. If you'd rather be honest with your friend about why you can't do something, give them a short but clear explanation. For example, if they invite you to a party with people you don't like, be polite by saying something like, “Thanks for the invite, but I don't get on so well with that crowd.” You can also just say no outright with a short statement like, “Sorry, but I'll have to pass” or “Thanks for inviting me, but I need some time alone.” | Give an honest explanation. Being honest about your feelings is not easy, especially if you think you will disappoint someone. Showing complete transparency can be a healthy way to get out of doing something that you have a good reason for avoiding. Your honesty may be well received, and it may open up an important dialogue between you and another. On the other hand, you might find yourself wishing that you'd stayed quiet. Be tactful when you approach the conversation. Find a time to talk privately with the person. Use a friendly and firm voice that communicates your true feelings about the situation. Provide an alternative if appropriate. For example, if your parents want to do something with you, but you have too much homework, let them know. Try saying, “I know this is important to you, but catching up on work is really my top priority right now. Let's eat together tomorrow when I'm finished with this essay.” Communicate dislike for others softly. If you're invited to a party with people you don't care for, for example, say something like, “It is so nice of you to invite me, but I don't get along so well with that crowd.” A conversation with your boss might be a bit harder. Maybe you really hate the job you've been assigned, but you don't want to quit completely. Try saying, “Ms. Bartlett, I wanted to talk to you about the project. I'm trying my best but it's been weighing me down and I need to take break. Can we talk about a different topic for my next assignment?” Fill your days with activities that keep you from accepting invitations. Set a day and time for the things you need to do to have a productive week. That way you'll have a concrete reason to not do something if you get an invitation or are asked to do something extra for work or school. Pre-booked personal activities might include times dedicated to working, exercising, or family time. If you are a student, you might designate certain evenings for an extracurricular activity or have a homework day on the weekend. If you're asked to attend an event, you can say, “Sorry, but I have soccer practice that day.” Remember to do the thing you say you are going to do. Your goal is not to be labeled dishonest. Although you won't be lying by saying you have to do something else, someone might get offended if you pick another activity over doing something with them. This is more likely to happen if people know that you've made exceptions to your scheduled activities in the past. Stick to your schedule or be prepared to explain yourself. Just say “No. ” Sometimes you just do not want to do something, and that is usually understandable. Even so, turning down an invitation or getting out of responsibilities can be difficult. You probably don't want to make the other person feel bad or cause problems. If you do not want to do something, it is likely because it causes some kind of physical or emotional discomfort. Remember that you have to take care of yourself too. Don't please other people at your own expense. Use short and direct phrases to say “no” without going into too much detail. You can say “No” and still be gracious and kind. Try saying, “Thank you for inviting me, but I have to pass.” Keep it short and direct. You have a right to say “no” to things, especially if they are not within your responsibilities. Suggest a new plan. Maybe you made plans to do something and later realized that you really aren't feeling up for it. This doesn't always mean you have to cancel. Try suggesting a new plan that you and the others involved might enjoy. For example, if you made plans to go to the park, but you really would rather stay home and relax, try inviting your friends over instead. You can say, “Hey, I still want to hang out, but I'm feeling lazy. Can we hang out at my place instead? I'll make some snacks.” Rescheduling is another way to get out of something you aren't up for in the moment. Try saying, “Something came up. Can we change dinner to Monday night?” Blame shift. Avoid taking the heat for a failed project, scheduling errors, or any situation in which you receive negative attention, by pointing to other people's mistakes. Although shifting the blame is not the most noble way to get yourself out of something, it happens often. People in work environments have even admitted to taking the blame for something they did not do. Shift blame without using names. If you don't want to get your coworkers in trouble, explain the facts and details of what went wrong without mentioning specific people. Remember to point out the things that were beyond your control or given responsibilities. Flake out at the last minute. With modern technology it is much easier to declare that you are not going to be where you said you would be or do what you said you would do. Send a text, tweet, or Facebook message to say that you just won't make it. The plus side is that social media allows you to avoid any disappointing looks or sighs of discontent. Keep your message short and sweet. Try writing, "Hey everyone, I'm not going to make it today." Say that you are sick. Illness is the golden standard of getting out of something, because people can't question how you feel. Beware that some people might be suspicious if the sickness was unknown until just before the activity. Use an illness that is easy to recover from and doesn't bring on too many questions. Things like a 24 hour stomach virus or a migraine work well because real recovery is quick. That way you can show up the next day as if nothing happened. Sickness may still be the best way to get out of school or work, because you are allotted sick days. However, you may use up a valuable sick day that you later need when you are truly unable to get out of bed. Say that you have too much work. This a very common reason for avoiding plans. Even if you do not have work, you can tell the person that you are swamped with paperwork or tests to study for. Most people will not probe you too much. Additionally, telling people that work or school is the problem will shift the blame from you to your boss or teacher. If the plan was to meet a friend or coworker, call them up and say, “I'm sorry, I've got too much work to do. Can we raincheck?” You might be trying to get out of something with your parents. Try saying, “Dad, I just feel like I need to study more for the math test. I really want to get a good grade.” It helps if you actually have a test or paper coming up. Even if you don't end up studying, at least you won't get caught in a lie if your parents happen to check with your teachers. Say that you’re broke. This excuse works well if you are invited to dinner, a show, or a weekend trip. Even if the activity requires only transportation, you might still claim that you need to cut back on train or gas expenses. Note that the person may offer to buy the ticket for you or pay for your drinks. If this is the case, say, “I wouldn't feel comfortable with that. I need to be frugal and stay home a little more.” Say that you need to take care of someone else who is sick. Your spouse, child or parent needs a nurse for the night. You may need to fill your spouse in on the lie so that they can cover for you in the future. Wait until you receive the reminder from the organizer to cancel. This only works if you received a written invitation. If that is the case, wait for the reminder to break the news. Let the organizer know that you did not get the first invitation and made other plans. Be careful with email invites. Some people use applications that allow them to see if a receiver has opened an email. Slack off. If you do something poorly, or show disinterest, people might stop asking you to do it. This may be at work, school, or in social environments. If your boss gives you task you don't like, find clever ways to avoid doing it. Spend more time on something you like doing, wait until the last minute to do it, or turn it in late. Avoid showing enthusiasm when you complete your assignment. Consistent social invitations may be harder to get out of. Show up late to the events and leave early. Spend most of the time on your cell phone so you don't have to talk to anyone. The host may stop inviting you if you are boring enough. Say you're having technical difficulties. We use many machines in the 21st century. Sometimes things break. Use the technology around you to get out of something. Point to transportation problems. Try saying that your car won't start or that there's been a train accident. This can either buy you some extra time or completely prevent you from doing something. Blame your phone or computer. Phones and computers have difficulties often enough that you can use this excuse at least once. Say that your computer broke down or your phone won't turn on. Avoid the situation completely. Get out of something by leaving, not showing up, or not doing whatever you had to do. Don't say anything, just act like everything is fine. This, of course, may have negative consequences. Pretend to be on your cellphone. This is a very common way to avoid all forms of social interaction. As long as you're in an environment where cell phones are allowed, you can take out your phone and pretend to get an important call or text message. Excuse yourself from the situation and pretend to be deeply engaged in conversation. Say you have an emergency. This may be used right after you pretend to receive an important phone call. Go back into the room, state that you just got an important call, and say you have to leave. Remember to make your excuse believable and relatively unverifiable. If you have children, try saying, “My son isn't feeling well. I have to go pick him up.” If you are on a date, try to look disappointed and say, “My roommate locked herself out, and I have to go let her in. Let's meet up later.” Go to the bathroom. This can be hard to pull off if the bathroom is within eyesight. If not, however, going to the bathroom may be your best escape route. No one will question this need, and they probably won't go looking for you until at least five minutes have gone by. A short trip to the bathroom may be all the time you need to get out of something. For example, if you're in class and you don't want to participate in an activity, ask your teacher to use the bathroom. Take your time so you miss the full activity. You don't always have to use the bathroom as an excuse for leaving. You can say that you're going to get more popcorn from the concession stand, drinks, or anything you might need in the moment. That way, you have a real reason to take your coat and bag with you. | Give an honest explanation. Fill your days with activities that keep you from accepting invitations. Just say “No. Suggest a new plan. Blame shift. Flake out at the last minute. Say that you are sick. Say that you have too much work. Say that you’re broke. Say that you need to take care of someone else who is sick. Wait until you receive the reminder from the organizer to cancel. Slack off. Say you're having technical difficulties. Avoid the situation completely. Pretend to be on your cellphone. Say you have an emergency. Go to the bathroom. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Moister-Christmas-Cake | How to Make a Moister Christmas Cake | To make a moister Christmas cake, try adding 1 cup of applesauce to the cake batter. Also, if your recipe just calls for egg whites, replace half of them with egg yolks since recipes that just use egg whites can dry out. You can also cover the cake with aluminum foil during the last third of its cooking time, which will lock in moisture. If you usually use stick margarine, replace it with real butter since margarine can make a cake less moist. | Create a 1:1 ratio of egg whites to egg yolks. In some cases, recipes that use solely egg whites can turn out dry. If you don't mind ruining your cake's color, add some yolks into the mix to promote moisture—replacing half the egg whites is a good rule of thumb. For example, if your recipe asks for 4 egg whites, use 2 egg yolks and 2 egg whites. Remember that this won't work for certain recipes, such as those that ask you to whip up your egg whites and fold them into a batter. Measure the flour correctly so you’re not adding too much. An excess of flour can cause tough, chewy Christmas cake that's just not moist enough. There are 2 habits that commonly lead to flour overuse: scooping flour directly from a canister, or tapping the cup onto the counter and topping it off with an additional amount of flour. Always lightly spoon your flour—this means no packing it in—into dry measuring cups and level it off with the flat side of a knife. If you have a flour bag, use a smaller measuring cup for the initial scoop and then spoon the flour into a larger measuring cup. You can also use a large tablespoon to transfer the flour into a measuring cup. Dry measuring cups don't have spouts. Spouts are not ideal because they make it difficult to level the flour with your knife. Use real butter instead of stick margarine. Most Christmas cakes call for some butter, but never use stick margarine. Stick margarine has a different composition that will throw off your cake's texture and make it less moist. Always use room temperature butter! Anything on the warm or cool side is prone to ruin the heating process and in turn ruin your cake's moisture content. Avoid reducing the sugar content in your recipe. Although you might be tempted to reduce the sugar content of your Christmas cake for dietary reasons, this is a bad idea. Not only does sugar attract water, it also holds it. This is great for retaining moisture during baking as it prevents the water loss that can occur due to evaporation. Swap white sugar with brown sugar if you don't mind changing the color of your cake. It's more effective at retaining water. Brush your cake's layers with sugar syrup. If you're splitting your cake into layers and notice it's looking dry, sugar syrup is a great remedy. Pour an equal amount of water and granulated sugar into a pot and boil it until it dissolves. Afterward, let it cool and then apply it to each layer of your cake with a pastry brush. Sugar syrup can also add flavor to your cake. You can also add some vanilla extract, your favorite liqueur, or instant coffee to taste if you'd like—the possibilities are endless! Add 1 cup (240 mL) of applesauce to your cake. Regardless of what your cake's recipe calls for, applesauce is a great way to promote moisture. For recipes with reduced fat levels, this is especially useful. Not only that, it's great for taste as well! Low-fat cakes are considered to be anything with 3 grams or less of fat per 100 calories. If you make your own applesauce, keep the peels for a chunky texture or remove them for a thin texture. Check your cake's temperature only after the minimum baking time. After you let your Christmas cake sit in the oven for the minimum recommended time, open the oven door. Now, insert a digital thermometer into the center of the cake and check the reading—it should be about 210 °F (99 °C). If not, leave it in the oven until it reaches this temperature, but never anything higher or it will get dry and crumbly! Be sure not to touch the bottom of your cake's pan with the digital thermometer or you won't get an accurate temperature reading. Don't check the temperature before the minimum baking time—opening the oven door during this period will ruin your cake! Always take temperature as fast as possible to avoid cooling the cake down. Use an oven thermometer to track oven temperature. Many home ovens are actually colder or hotter than the temperature dial reading. In addition, they are prone to cold spots and hot spots, which can change the baking time of your Christmas cake recipe and lead to overcooking—the main culprit of dryness. Take note of the regions that tend to get hotter and colder with your thermometer and try to find a happy medium. Purchase oven thermometers from big-box suppliers or kitchen stores. Use baking strips to protect the outer layer of the cake and prevent drying. Baking strips keep the edges of your pan cool and promote a level and moist cake. Since Christmas cakes are dense and contain fruits, slow baking times are ideal. Place your dry baking strip around the cake's pan and thread the strip through the strap. Now, remove the strip and run it under cold water. After it's saturated, squeeze the excess water out and then place the strip around the pan. Finally, tighten any loose straps. Purchase baking strips from big-box and kitchen stores. Swap standard baking strips with aluminum foil or old towels soaked in water. Cover the cake with aluminum foil during the last third of its cooking time. Aluminum foil helps to reduce evaporation of the steam produced by the cake as it cooks and keeps more moisture in. The layer should cover the cake but it doesn't need to seal completely. If you're using baking strips, skip this step. | Create a 1:1 ratio of egg whites to egg yolks. Measure the flour correctly so you’re not adding too much. Use real butter instead of stick margarine. Avoid reducing the sugar content in your recipe. Brush your cake's layers with sugar syrup. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of applesauce to your cake. Check your cake's temperature only after the minimum baking time. Use an oven thermometer to track oven temperature. Use baking strips to protect the outer layer of the cake and prevent drying. Cover the cake with aluminum foil during the last third of its cooking time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Promotion-Company | How to Start a Promotion Company | To start a promotion company, create a business plan that outlines your investment and startup costs, services offered, client strategy, and projected income for the first 2-3 years of operation. Next, register your company, obtain a business license, and purchase the equipment you need to get started. Then, cultivate a social media presence and create a website that reflects your brand and vision. Finally, reach out to potential customers with email campaigns, flyers, posters, and magazine ads! | Gain experience in promotional work. Before starting a promotion company, you'll want to gain some experience in the area. One way to do so is to spend a few years working in an existing promotion company to learn the ropes and establish contacts. This will allow you to witness a number of large promotional campaigns from inception to end and build your experience, as well as your professional network. You will also avoid assuming any personal financial risk for shows when you work with a large company. However, working with a large company is not the only path to success. You can also start with an artist or set of small events and then build your career from there. Working on your own places you in charge, with all of the associated risks and rewards that come from that. Decide which market niche you want to focus on. Some promotion companies specialize in entertainer promotions, while others specialize in branding and promoting products or companies. Determine whether you want to focus on event coordination, television and radio guest appearances, marketing materials and distribution, or ticket sales. You can also offer all of these services as a comprehensive package if you have the right connections. You can also start in one area in which you can find work and expand from there as your career progresses. For example, it is relatively easier to get work producing promotional materials than as an event promoter. Once you have established yourself with effective marketing materials, you can branch out from there. Investigate the competition. Look for other promotion companies in your area that serve your chosen niche. If there are major promotion companies in your area that cover one specific area, you may have to reassess your strategy and choose a niche that still has potential for a new player. You can then look at similar companies' pricing models so that you can figure out a pricing strategy for your own. Draw up your business plan. This will not only serve as a blueprint for the start up of your promotion company, but also as a reference tool to periodically review your company's performance. Include your investment costs, client acquisition strategy, business associates, and projected income for the first two or three years of operation. You also need to include your startup costs, services offered, and strategies utilized. Your strategy section might include, for example, a timeline of your preparations made before an event. Write in a marketing analysis section that includes your target demographic, an analysis of the industry, and an assessment of the local market for your services. Raise the investment money you need. Luckily, starting a promotion company does not require a large amount of startup money. You can easily work from home with a laptop and phone in the beginning if you're willing to meet with clients at their location. You may also need a varying amount of money to buy promotional materials, pay venue advance payments, and for other incidental expenses, depending on your services offered. If you are printing promotional materials, you will also need a printer or money to pay a printing service. Reduce your capital needs by looking for venues without large advance deposits, working on word-of-mouth advertising, and keeping ad spending low. Register your promotion company. Register with you city using a doing business as (DBA) name. You'll receive a business license, after which you can legally start doing business. Check with your local chamber of commerce to see if there are any special permits or licenses you need. If you are founding an actual company, like an LLC or partnership, you will need to decide on a structure for it. You'll then have to file articles of organization with your state to officially register the company. You may also be responsible for signing up to collect state sales tax and for buying insurance coverage. Check with your local branch of the Small Business Administration (SBA) for more information. Purchase business equipment. Buy a computer and a phone that you can use for business purposes. Make sure to use a dedicated phone for business purposes, rather than just using your cell phone. If you need any other office or production equipment, be sure to purchase them as cheaply as possible to reduce your startup costs. Get acquainted with industry contacts. You will need to have a network of industry professionals that you can use to support your events or create materials for you, particularly if you intend to offer a full suite of services. Make a list of contractors such as printers, caterers, event organizers, and luxury limo services. Look through reviews and local listings to find the best services. Their professional service and products will make your promotion company look good as well. Create an online presence. Set up a website with links to your social media profiles on social networks so clients can always reach you. Make sure your website looks professional, as potential customers can be quickly turned off by an amateurish or unhelpful one. On social media, make profiles for your business that are separate from your personal profiles. Then, fill them with posts and content that reflect your "brand." Update your profile pictures, information, and other profile features regularly as changes as required. Make sure to keep your image consistent across platforms as well. Print business cards. Make sure to have them on you at all times. You never know when you might meet an artist or event planner in need of a promoter. Make sure that your business cards are professional, contain all of your up-to-date contact information, and are eye-catching or otherwise memorable. Reach out to potential customers. Market your promotion company with email campaigns to potential customers, flyers, posters, and ads in trade magazines or entertainment magazines. Remembering to keep your marketing strategies within the bounds of what you can afford. In addition, focus your advertising towards your target customer. For example, a promotion company specializing in rap music concert promotion should not advertise on the classical music radio station. Build up a network. A large part of any type of promotion is utilizing your network to get work and to generate hype for your events. The first step of building a network is to impress people and companies that you work with or for. Make yourself valuable and they will remember you the next time they need promotional work done. Then, make sure to regularly stay in touch with your past customers. You also need a network of dependable support companies, like caterers or printers. Serve your first clients. Now that your business is set up, you'll need to work with your first clients to get started. If you can't find any work, try looking for a church or local nonprofit that needs promotion services. You may not get paid, but you can make connections and get a chance to showcase your skills. In any case, remember that you'll need to start small and prove yourself before big jobs will start rolling in. Consider partnering with an existing company to gain reputability and experience. Expand your business. As time goes on and you earn more lucrative jobs, you can expand your operations by offering new services or hiring additional employees. You may also choose to branch out into other markets, such as a different genre of music or different kind of event. You can also expand into different regions or even internationally. Just make sure to establish contacts in the new area first so that you can better understand the market there. | Gain experience in promotional work. Decide which market niche you want to focus on. Investigate the competition. Draw up your business plan. Raise the investment money you need. Register your promotion company. Purchase business equipment. Get acquainted with industry contacts. Create an online presence. Print business cards. Reach out to potential customers. Build up a network. Serve your first clients. Expand your business. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Minion-Cake | How to Make a Minion Cake | To make a minion cake, frost and stack 4 cakes on top of one another. Then, roll yellow fondant over the majority of the cake and use blue fondant to create the jumper and straps. Use the excess yellow fondant to make the arms and a small piece of white fondant to make the eye, which you can color with chocolate. Finally, use black rope licorice to make the goggle, mouth, and hair. | Make the fondant the night before. Start by cleaning and sanitizing a space on your counter where you will knead the fondant dough. Mix the marshmallows and water and melt in a double boiler. Stir frequently with a greased spoon. Remove from the heat when the marshmallows are completely melted. Gradually stir in the sugar. Divide the fondant for coloring. With a greased knife, cut away a small amount of white fondant and reserve this for the eye. Remove one quarter of the fondant and set it aside in a greased bowl (for the blue fondant). Make the yellow fondant. Grease your hands and counter space with vegetable shortening. Add several drops of yellow food coloring to the large fondant ball and begin kneading on the greased countertop. Add more food coloring as needed to achieve minion yellow. Knead for about 8 minutes, until you have an elastic ball and the food coloring has been worked through. Re-grease your hands as needed if they stick to the dough. Add water by the half tablespoon as necessary if the fondant cracks or tears during kneading. Make the blue fondant. Re-grease the countertop and your hands, and repeat the coloring and kneading steps with the quarter ball of fondant using blue food coloring. Make the white fondant. Repeat the greasing and kneading for the smallest ball of fondant, without adding any coloring. Rest the fondant. Cover each fondant ball with a thin layer of shortening, wrap each ball in plastic wrap, and seal them in plastic bags. Refrigerate overnight or longer. It will keep in the refrigerator for a couple weeks, and can be prepared well in advance. Fondant can be used immediately if you haven't prepared it the night before, but it's best to let it rest. Prepare your kitchen. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Grease the cake pans. You will need three 8-inch round cakes and one 8-inch half-sphere cake (made in a hemisphere or ball pan). You can prepare the round cakes one at a time if you only have one 8-inch round cake pan. Combine the liquids. Mix together the milk and vinegar in a medium bowl. Whisk in the canola oil, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Then, pour the liquids into the dry mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter. Divide and bake. Divide the cake batter evenly into the four cake pans. Bake for about 35 minutes. Allow to cool. You can tell if cakes are ready if you stick a toothpick into the center of the cake and it comes out clean. Combine the oils. Start by beating together the shortening and margarine until fluffy. Electric beaters work best. Use a wooden spoon if you don't have beaters. Add the remaining ingredients. Add in the sugar and continue beating until creamy. Add in the milk and vanilla. Beat the mixture for about 5 minutes. Switch to a whisk at this point if you aren't using electric beaters. Assemble the body. If the tops of the round cakes are slightly rounded, cut off a thin slice so they are flat on top. Place your first round cake on a flat cake plate or base. Layer the three round cakes by placing them on top of each other with a layer of frosting in between each layer. This will help hold the cake layers in place. Spread a layer of frosting on the top cake, and place the half-sphere cake on top (round side up). Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Remove the cakes from the fridge, and place on a flat surface. Cover it with another generous layer of frosting, which will act like glue for the fondant. Roll out the fondant. Generously sprinkle corn starch on a clean countertop and grease a rolling pin. Remove the yellow fondant from the plastic bag and wrap. Roll it out on the corn starched countertop to a thickness of 1/16 inch. Cover three quarters of the body with yellow fondant. Without stretching it, lay the fondant over the top of the cake. If any tearing occurs, gently repair it with your fingers by pressing the ripped edges back together. You want to cover the top three quarters of the cake with yellow fondant. Smooth the fondant down around the sides of the cake so it's flat and wrinkle-free. Press any excess toward the bottom. Use scissors to trim off any excess from the bottom. Create the blue jumpsuit. Sprinkle your countertop with a fresh coating of corn starch, and re-grease the rolling pin. Remove the blue fondant from the plastic bag and wrap, and roll it into a rectangle that's about 1/16-inch thick. Cut off two long strips for straps and set aside. With the remaining fondant, wrap the bottom quarter of the cake with blue fondant, making sure to slightly overlap the bottom portion of the yellow fondant. Smooth it out as you press it to the sides of the cake. Carefully trim the excess from around the base. Roll out a two-inch by two-inch square with the excess to place in the center of the jumpsuit like a kangaroo pocket. Set aside. Make minion arms. Using the excess yellow fondant from the body, roll out two one-inch thick cylinders that are about 10 inches long. Attach one arm on either side of the body, about one third of the way up from the base. Mold the fondant from the top of the arm into the fondant of the body to attach them. Put the arms in the pocket. Bend the minion arms slightly to make an elbow so that they reach around to the front of the body. Trim off any excess if the arms are too long. Make hand shapes by molding balls on the ends of each arm. Position the hands in the front of the body and press them into place. Mold the kangaroo pocket piece around the hands and wrists so that it looks like the minion's hands are in the pockets. Position the jumpsuit straps. Connect the back and the front of the jumpsuit with the straps, going around the top of the arms. Press the straps into place with gentle pressure, and trim if necessary. Use dots of licorice to make buttons where the straps meet the jumpsuit. Frost the dots of licorice and press them into place. Make the eye. With the greased rolling pin, roll out the small ball of white fondant to a thickness of 1/16 inch on a corn starched surface. Cut out a circle using a cup or round cookie cutter. Place the round fondant piece in the center of the top quarter of the minion body and press it into place. Frost one side of a chocolate button. Gently (but with enough pressure to make it stick) press a chocolate button into the center of the eye. Trim a small piece of black rope licorice to make a dot for the pupil. Frost one side and press this into the center of the chocolate button. Make the goggle. Cut two lengths of black rope licorice long enough to encircle the white eye. Cover one side of each with a thin layer of frosting, and wrap the licorice pieces, side by side, around the eye. Cut two lengths of licorice long enough to wrap around the head like a band. Frost one side of each, and wrap them around the circumference of the head in tandem to create the goggle band. Create a mouth. Cut a length of licorice to your desired length, and frost one side. Position it in the center of the minion, under the eye and between the arms. Press it into place. Give the minion hair. Cut several two-inch pieces of licorice. Poke the same number of holes into the top of the head, and insert the licorice pieces into the holes. | Make the fondant the night before. Mix the marshmallows and water and melt in a double boiler. Divide the fondant for coloring. Make the yellow fondant. Make the blue fondant. Make the white fondant. Rest the fondant. Prepare your kitchen. Combine the liquids. Combine the dry ingredients. Divide and bake. Combine the oils. Add the remaining ingredients. Assemble the body. Roll out the fondant. Cover three quarters of the body with yellow fondant. Create the blue jumpsuit. Make minion arms. Put the arms in the pocket. Position the jumpsuit straps. Make the eye. Make the goggle. Create a mouth. Give the minion hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Spanish | How to Teach Spanish | To teach Spanish, start by covering basic topics like pronunciation and accent marks before moving into more difficult aspects like verb conjugations. Next, demonstrate informal and formal pronouns, and try to vary your lessons to include teaching techniques like games and role playing. Then, teach your students common vocabulary words and full sentences so they can communicate properly, and encourage your students to speak only Spanish in class. | Teach pronunciation first. One foundation that teachers won't want to forget is pronunciation. Students often have significant problems with pronunciation that can interfere with the rest of their learning. Take time to tackle the sounds of the various Spanish vowels and consonants before going onto more involved lessons. Students having English as their first language shouldn't be afraid of Spanish phonetics because they're going from a very complex system into a much simpler one. Vowels in Spanish do not vary in length or pitch, and when a variation occurs it is not meaningful. Much of Spanish pronunciation is phonetic (things are pronounced the way they look), although students may struggle to become familiar with the Spanish “r” sound (rolled on the top of the mouth) and the fact that “ll” is pronounced as a “y” sound. Focus on the pronunciation of accents and stress marks in words. Stress, however is of paramount importance since a differing stress can change a word entirely. Connected with stress are weak forms, (word level) and rhythm (sentence level). Again, English speaking students are in luck again, as the Spanish system is easier than the English system. For example, “piso” (pronounced “PEA-so”) means “I tread,” “floor,” and “apartment.” “Pisó” (pronounced “pea-SO”): “s/he/it treaded,” leading to misunderstandings in both languages if not mastered properly. Compare the English words “command” & “transfer” when you shift the stress, to show students the difference between stressing the second syllable or the first syllable. Spanish is a relatively easy language to learn (especially when compared to the thorny English language with its incongruous spellings and word meanings). Handle verb conjugations. One of the most significant concepts in teaching Spanish is conjugating verbs and helping students to understand how these words change with tenses and use. Most of the Spanish verbs are regular, having either an -er, -ar or -ir verb form. Make sure students master the common verb forms, and they will be on their way to a better understanding of the language as a whole. Show students online resource and websites that show conjugation charts. Make it clear to the students that these are foundational, and they need to memorize regular verb conjugations, as well as the irregular verbs. Go over irregular verbs like “ir. ” Much like English, Spanish has a substantially irregular verb form for “to go,” translated “ir.” Include the word changes from “ir” to “va” (you [forma] go) and “fue” (he went), etc. in beginning verb conjugation. This is a crucial verb that students simply need to memorize. Teach informal and formal pronouns as necessary. Another large portion of basic Spanish language teaching is the pronouns. Students may want to know only the informal, or only the formal pronouns. Use discretion in how the pronouns are approached, but make sure students know how to use them in any case. Spanish, unlike English, has both an informal “you” (tu) used when speaking to peers, and a form “you” (usted), used when speaking to elders. Clarify to students when they should use each form, but encourage use of “tu” in the classroom. You will also need to teach students gender, as nouns in Spanish have either masculine or feminine gender. Provide vocabulary for common situations. It's important to bulk up your students' vocabulary memorization through their classroom years. Rather than teach them esoteric vocabulary, focus on easily-applicable words that are relevant to their lives. Think about the specific needs of a student group. Spanish has many cognates (words that have similar sound and meaning) with English. For example, you students can easily tell what “hamburgesa” means. This is where many experienced Spanish language teachers talk about Spanish for tourism, Spanish for work, or discipline-specific vocabulary. Since you are teaching students, it can be useful to teach vocabulary related to school supplies and academic studies. Also teach vocabulary related to common interests for teens: food, technology, music popular media (TV and film), etc. Focus the classroom on speaking Spanish. While students to need to be able to read written Spanish and write in Spanish, the learning will feel more engaging for them if they regularly speak in the classroom. Encourage your students to make mistakes and try for more complex phrases and ideas. Correct your students if they make serious or frequent errors, but in general, your role should be to encourage students and push them forwards, not to criticize them. Teach full sentences and common expressions. Teachers should aim at teaching full sentences, as students will be unable to communicate (at any level) if they are only familiar with unconnected vocabulary words and verb-conjugation charts. Give your students common expressions like: ¿Quién va repartir los cuadernos de trabajo hoy? (“Who is going to distribute the workbooks today?”) ¿Alguien ha visto un texto en Español de camino al Colegio? (“Has anyone read a text in Spanish on their walk to school?”) ¡Venga, que tenemos mucho trabajo ! (“Come, we have a lot of work!”) ¡Vaya trabajo chapucero, lo siento pero vas a tener que repetirlo! (“You've done sloppy work, I'm sorry but you're going to have to repeat it!”) ¡Muy bien, cada día trabajas mejor! (“Very good, each day you're doing better work!”) Vary classroom activities. For the most effective Spanish teaching, professionals recommend going from “closed” to “open” activities, where teachers first teach the vocabulary (“closed”), then break the students up into groups and allow them to use it in practice (“open”). Books on “Teaching Games” and “Role Playing” are helpful. For instance, “Who's Who” is a game that provides plenty of activity. This kind of approach often promises to deliver plenty of Spanish language/culture skills to students. Divide students up into pairs or small groups, and ask them to have a short conversation. More experienced students may be able to act out a short, funny skit in Spanish. Bring Spanish or Mexican culture into the classroom. Especially if you are teaching students who may one day travel to a Spanish-speaking country, it's valuable to familiarize students with Mexican, Latin American, and Spanish culture. (This also provides a great opportunity to present new vocabulary.) You can also bring in Spanish-language media, such as popular films or music. Inform your students about: Common national foods of Mexico and Spain. Mexican holidays, like Day of the Dead. Pronunciation differences between Mexican/Latin American and European Spanish (including the Castilian “lisp”). Tailor teaching to the skill level of a student group. Basic students will want to know the very basic items like verbs, pronouns, and introductory vocabulary. More advanced students will want to be taught how to use Spanish in different situations, and even some Spanish vernacular (as their level allows). Put items like numbers, days of the week and colors up front. These helpful single words are used in a vast variety of situations, and when students get these lists in their head, they are more able to form Spanish sentences. Rhymes and songs are powerful tools to convey them. Encourage students to speak Spanish in the classroom. Especially with earlier levels of Spanish, you will need to introduce new concepts, vocabulary, tenses, and conjugations in English. However, having your students speak Spanish as often as possible will improve both their familiarity with the language and their pronunciation. Once students can speak enough Spanish to be conversant—usually around their third year of high-school Spanish—you can mandate that students speak only Spanish in your classroom. At this point, your students will understand the language well enough that you will not need to speak English to them at all. | Teach pronunciation first. Focus on the pronunciation of accents and stress marks in words. Handle verb conjugations. Go over irregular verbs like “ir. Teach informal and formal pronouns as necessary. Provide vocabulary for common situations. Focus the classroom on speaking Spanish. Teach full sentences and common expressions. Vary classroom activities. Bring Spanish or Mexican culture into the classroom. Tailor teaching to the skill level of a student group. Encourage students to speak Spanish in the classroom. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rent-a-Car | How to Rent a Car | When renting a car for your trip, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind. Always compare prices from different companies to find the best deal. Check any additional fees for things like mileage, additional drivers, underage drivers, and child seats. You can usually make a reservation online or by phone. When you're ready to collect your car, head to the pick-up location, sign the contract, and pay the fee. It's best to use a credit card if you can, since they'll often cover some of your insurance. Also, some companies only accept credit cards for car rentals. Before you drive your car, check it over and take a photo or video of any existing damage so they can't charge you for it. | Compare prices online. You should check travel websites such as Kayak, Hotwire, Expedia and Priceline as well as agency websites like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Alamo. Compare their rates for their most basic, economy-size cars. Find the best deal for your location and the period of time in which you'll need a rental. In the majority of situations, you're best off sticking with one of these agencies, as they are the most widely used and reputable: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National. Before you decide on an agency, look into and/or ask about their additional fees. These fees can change what agency provides the best deal all things considered. Some common fees include: Underage-driver fees: Additional charge for a driver under 25. Airport surcharges: Additional charge for picking up a rental at the airport. Mileage fees: Additional charges for going over a certain miles per day cap. Additional driver fees: Additional charges for having more than one person drive the rental. Consider the size you will need. You can rent a car in any size, from compact to SUV. Keep in mind that the definitions of terms like "compact" and "luxury-sized" can vary. Most agency websites will include examples of models or how many passengers can fit in each car size. Consider booking a flight and a car together. If you plan on renting a car after landing from a flight, it's worth looking into booking your flight and rental car together. This can often save you money, as better deals and rates will be offered. You can book a flight and a rental car together either with travel websites like http://www.priceline.com/ or with airline websites like https://www.southwest.com/. Add features that you will need with your rental car. These might include a GPS system or car seats for the kids. These additions can be factored in while you're going through the online rental process. Different car models will have different options, so keep that in mind as you choose a car size and model In most cases, you'll be much better off financially by providing these kind of extras yourself, instead of renting them. Avoid extra features unless you absolutely need them and can't provide them yourself. Include the cost of insurance, if you are going to need it. Many personal auto policies and credit card companies include coverage for rental cars, but you also have the option to buy additional coverage. These offers will most often be made at the time of rental. Look for an option to view policies on the rental website you choose to use. Before you make any rental decision call your insurance company to learn about their car rental policy. Most personal auto insurance policies extend whatever coverage you have for your main vehicle to any rental. Expect to pay for insurance and other upgrades on a daily basis. For example, collision insurance might cost you $9 per day of your rental. For example, if you're using Enterprise.com, you'll see an option in the top right corner to "view policies". There you can view their policies for things such as "Personal Accident Insurance" and "Roadside Protection". Prepay for your rental car or simply make the reservation and pay when you pick up the car. Most rental car companies will hold your reservation without any form of payment, while others will require a credit card number. Make your reservation by phone if you do not want to use an online system. You can call the company you plan to use and reserve a pickup time, date and location with a customer service agent. Go to the location where you have reserved your rental car. If you are renting a car after flying into an airport, follow the signs to rental cars. Often times, the agency's policy will include a large surcharge for picking up at the airport, so consider taking a shuttle to your hotel or the downtown area instead, and picking up a different location. Find out if the rental car company will pick you up. Call and ask about this service. Local car rentals can sometimes be arranged so that a customer service representative will pick you up at home or work and drive you to the rental car company to get your car. Review your rental contract. Make sure all of the information is correct, and the price you were quoted when you reserved is reflected in the contract. Discuss any questions with the customer service agent. Pay for the rental. If you didn't pay online, you'll be required to pay when you arrive at the pick-up location, before you leave with the rental. Provide the reservation number as well as your driver's license and credit card. It's often recommend to pay with a credit card when possible. Credit card companies will often cover some of your insurance, which makes using a credit card in this instance a smart option for many. Different car rental companies have various policies on whether debit cards can be used. It's worth calling the rental place beforehand to ask about their policy when it comes to debit cards. Some require a credit card and will not accept debit cards. Others will allow you to pay at the end with a debit card, but require a credit card in order to rent the car. Some will allow you use a debit card only if you're dropping the car off where you picked it up. Some require a pre-authorization charge that puts some of your funds on hold until you drop off the car. Check the car carefully before you leave the car lot. You want to make sure any scratches, dents or problems are documented so you are not held liable for these when you return the car. Be thorough here. You want to look for problems both big and small. Make sure the windows work properly. Make sure there's no loose parts, dysfunctional lights, leaks, or anything that could be considered damage. If there is, record and take a picture or video of it. Leave with the rental. Collect the keys and a copy of your contract and drive the car off the rental lot. Check the policy before crossing state or national boundaries. Be sure to tell the rental company if you're crossing a country border in the rental. You'll need special insurances that can be purchased. Depending on the agency, there may be additional fees for crossing state lines as well. Fill the car with gas. Some rental car contracts give you the option of returning the car without a full tank of gas, but you will be charged extra. Try to find a gas station a few miles from the drop off location. But be aware that the gas stations that are closest to the rental location will likely have the highest prices. Many agencies will offer to allow you to pay for the final fill-up upfront, but this is often a bad deal, money-wise, despite the convenience. Clean out the inside of the car. Do not leave any trash behind for the agency to clean out, or you will be charged. Make sure you check both the front and back seats thoroughly and remove all of your possessions before you leave the car. Check under all the seats for any items that might have rolled under there. Bring the car back to the rental agency at the agreed upon date and time. Do not be late; some agencies will charge you for another full day if you bring the car back even 30 minutes later than you said you would. Check with the agency beforehand to find out their exact policy on late returns. Also be aware that some agencies will even charge a fee for returning the car too early. Once again, it's best to ask for their policy regarding this sometime before the time comes to return the car. Hand over the keys and wait for your receipt. If you want to pay with a different card or with cash, make sure they take the charge off the card you initially used. | Compare prices online. Consider the size you will need. Consider booking a flight and a car together. Add features that you will need with your rental car. Include the cost of insurance, if you are going to need it. Prepay for your rental car or simply make the reservation and pay when you pick up the car. Make your reservation by phone if you do not want to use an online system. Go to the location where you have reserved your rental car. Review your rental contract. Pay for the rental. Check the car carefully before you leave the car lot. Leave with the rental. Check the policy before crossing state or national boundaries. Fill the car with gas. Clean out the inside of the car. Bring the car back to the rental agency at the agreed upon date and time. Hand over the keys and wait for your receipt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-an-Artichoke | How to Eat an Artichoke | To eat an artichoke, start by steaming it for 50 minutes or microwaving it for 10 minutes. After you've cooked the artichoke, peel the outer leaves off and use your teeth to scrape off the tender, edible parts at the base of the leaves. Then, remove and discard the smaller, translucent leaves that are near the center of the artichoke and use a spoon to scrape off the prickly fibers that are beneath them. You'll be left with the artichoke heart, which you can eat as is or add to your favorite recipes. | Cut off the sharp leaf tips with an artichoke knife or scissors. This is optional, but it makes eating the artichoke "much" easier later on. Don't boil the artichoke. Artichokes are steamed. You may place it in a few inches of water and bring the water to a low boil, but only a low boil, then cover. Do not cover them entirely, just a few inches. If you cover them too much with water they will turn brown. Steam for about 50 minutes. You will know when it is done when you can pierce the stem with a fork quite easily - it should feel like you are piercing a soft fruit. You can also microwave them, individually wrapped in plastic, for 8-15 minutes, or put them in a pressure cooker for 20 minutes. You know it is done when you pull at a leaf and it comes away with little resistance. Drain them upside down. Take the outer leaves off one by one and hold like a potato chip. Take a look at it - you should be able to see the edible part pretty clearly. It's lighter in color and down at the base of the leaf, where it was attached to the heart. Coat the tip (the part that was attached to the heart of the choke) in whatever dip has been offered. Some common dips are: Mayonnaise (try mixing with a little bit of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce) Mixture of garlic and butter Mixture of oil, salt and vinegar Melted butter Ranch dressing Gently nibble or scrape off the tender bits of the bottom of the leaf by putting the leaf in your mouth, closing your teeth on it, and pulling the leaf outwards. The "good part" will detach from the more woody, fibrous part of the leaf easily and leave the tasty bit for you to savor. Discard the leftover leaves in a container or in a pile on your plate. Continue until you get to the smaller center leaves that don't have much meatiness to them. These leaves look a bit different than the outer leaves and often have a translucent quality with a bit of purple on them. Pull off the center leaves. Depending on how well-cooked the artichoke is, you can sometimes lift off the smaller inner leaves all together for one last dip in the sauces and bite the ends off delicately (but don't eat the sharp tips). They cover a finer, almost hairy growth just on top of the heart of the artichoke. Some people call this part the "choke," which is what you will do if you eat it, as it is very prickly. Remove the choke using gentle strokes with a spoon. If cooked well, the choke will scrape off easily. What remains after the choke is removed is the coveted heart. Many people will try different implements, but a spoon is best and leaves a clear clean heart with no choke left on it. Eat your heart out. The heart of the artichoke is the most prized portion and often the only part restaurant chefs use in their recipes, but at home you can savor the whole artichoke experience. Enjoy. | Cut off the sharp leaf tips with an artichoke knife or scissors. Don't boil the artichoke. Drain them upside down. Take the outer leaves off one by one and hold like a potato chip. Coat the tip (the part that was attached to the heart of the choke) in whatever dip has been offered. Gently nibble or scrape off the tender bits of the bottom of the leaf by putting the leaf in your mouth, closing your teeth on it, and pulling the leaf outwards. Discard the leftover leaves in a container or in a pile on your plate. Continue until you get to the smaller center leaves that don't have much meatiness to them. Pull off the center leaves. Remove the choke using gentle strokes with a spoon. Eat your heart out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Blushing | How to Avoid Blushing | To avoid blushing, try taking a deep breath and relaxing your muscles, which can help quickly fade any redness on your face. Also, try exercising for at least 30 minutes before an event you're worried about blushing at, which will lower your blood pressure so you're less likely to blush. You can also meditate or do some yoga to relax your body and prevent blushing. | Snap out of it by relaxing your body. When you blush, you can quickly help fade the redness by relaxing your muscles, particularly in your shoulders and neck. Try to let go of the tension that you are suddenly holding on to. Keep your posture upright and your legs balanced. In order to relax, try: Remembering to breathe in and out (deeply if you can). Reminding yourself that this isn't the first time you have blushed and it probably won't be the last time. This can be oddly comforting. Smiling. Smiling may help as our cheeks naturally redden when we smile; smiling also helps us feel happier , which may destroy any social anxiety. Don't fixate on blushing. Many people fixate on their blushing when it happens, worsening their social anxiety. And research shows that the more we think about blushing, the more we blush. If you can find a way to stop fixating on blushing, chances are you'll actually blush less! Consider calling attention to it. If a person's on a date and they do something incredibly awkward, one way that they'll save the situation is by calling attention to it: "Well, now, that was clumsy. I promise I'm only a klutz half of the time!" By calling attention to the awkwardness and putting it out in the open, they've unmasked it. The awkwardness usually leaves right then and there. You can do the same thing with blushing. It's obviously not something you can do every time, in every situation, but consider it a tool you can use. Your blushing often gets worse because you're afraid of people uncovering your anxiety. If you defuse the anxiety before other people have time to realize it, you have no reason to blush anymore. Try rehearsing thought exercises. In order to help you feel both cooler (as in physically colder, but also street-wise) and to distract you from the blushing itself, try several thought exercises: Imagine jumping in an ice-cold lake. Imagine diving deep down to the bottom of the lake while feeling the cold water wash over your limbs and skin. It'll help you cool down and should relax you a bit. Imagine people in their underwear. For some odd reason, this public-speaking trick really works. It makes you feel like everyone else is human, and that you're not the only one who makes mistakes. More often than not, it'll make you chuckle. Compare your situation to other people in the world. You feel embarrassed because you need to get up and talk in front of your class, perhaps. That's a piece of cake compared to fighting for your life or struggling to find food. Remind yourself of how good you have it. Understand what blushing is. Blushing is the involuntary rushing of blood to the face, usually brought on by social anxiety. Blushing causes redness and sometimes perspiration. Blushing is made worse by the fact that the face has more capillary loops and more blood vessels than other skin areas, making blushing in the face particularly visible. Understand that blushing can be caused for no "social" reason at all. Most people blush when they feel uncomfortable in a social situation. Other people blush for no apparent social reason at all. This kind of unprovoked blushing is called idiopathic craniofacial erythema. Understand that some people have a legitimate phobia of blushing, called erythrophobia. People suffering from erythrophobia may wish to seek out counseling as they try to overcome their fear. Try to prevent blushing in the first place, if possible. Find out when you blush. Is it when you're angry, or when you're nervous? Is it when you look at or think of a certain someone? Is it when you're put in the spotlight? Don't necessarily try to avoid whatever makes you blush, but try to condition your body to believe that there is no reason to blush when it comes along. This is the first step in beating the blushing. Make a list of all the recent times you remember blushing, especially if you blushed social situations. Write the outcome of the social situation. Were you made fun of? Did people notice? In most cases, decent people don't think that blushing is a problem and don't point it out. And why should they? It's not something that you can control. Start understanding that blushing isn't always as important as you think it might be. Don't feel responsible for blushing. Whatever you do, don't feel responsible for blushing. It is involuntary. Train your mind to understand that your conscious thoughts have nothing to do with this autonomic bodily response. You are not to blame, and you are not guilty of anything. If you let go of feeling responsible for blushing, there's a good chance you'll find yourself blushing less often. Stop caring. Not only is your blushing much less noticeable than you probably think, but it's also helpful to remember that most people either find blushing to be cute or endearing. There are benefits to being a blusher. They include: People who witness someone blush find the blusher to be more sympathetic, softening their social judgments of the person. In this way, blushing may help build better social bonds. Researchers believe that people who blush are better at relationships, reporting higher levels of monogamy and trustworthiness. Work out strenuously before you feel you might get embarrassed. This does two things: your face will have a natural red hue that looks more "normal," and you'll lower your blood pressure so much that you could become effectively immune to blushing, based on how hard and long you work out, for anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Even if your redness from working out fades, this temporary immunity will continue. Find helpful relaxation techniques. Prime your mind and your body to relax before the blushing sets in through meditation or gentle exercise. Feeling relaxed and in control could help you prevent blushing from occurring in the first place. Try yoga. Yoga is the perfect mind/body exercise that will help center your thoughts and provide enough physical stimulation to get blood flowing throughout your body, not just in your face. Experiment with different types of yoga; there are dozens. Find the style that best suits you. Try gentle meditation. Meditation can mean so many different things. One form of meditation that you can try is simply becoming aware of your body and shooting that awareness out to the very edges of your body, achieving a kind of release. Focus first on the thoughts in your head, and then gradually move your awareness to the edges of your body, until you are aware of your body as a whole. | Snap out of it by relaxing your body. Don't fixate on blushing. Consider calling attention to it. Try rehearsing thought exercises. Understand what blushing is. Try to prevent blushing in the first place, if possible. Don't feel responsible for blushing. Stop caring. Work out strenuously before you feel you might get embarrassed. Find helpful relaxation techniques. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-All-Natural-Face-Masks | How to Make All Natural Face Masks | It's easy to make an all-natural face mask with lots of natural products you already have at home, like eggs, avocado, or bananas. To make a face mask with egg, beat 1 egg white until it's frothy. Then add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the mask to your face and leave it until it's dry. For an avocado face mask, mash the flesh of an avocado in a bowl and mix it with a few drops of honey. Leave it on your face for 5 minutes before rinsing it off. Alternatively, mash a ripe banana in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Leave this one on your face for 15 minutes before rinsing. | Mix avocado and honey to help hydrate dry skin. Slice an avocado in half and remove the central pit. Scoop out one half of the avocado and place it in a small bowl, along with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey and a fistful of oats. Mash and stir the avocado with the other ingredients until they form a paste, which you can rub onto your face with your fingertips. Put the avocado mixture on the driest parts of your face first. Continue spreading the avocado paste around until your entire face is covered. You can substitute pumpkin for the avocado. Pumpkins are rich in vitamins A, C, and E and have natural exfoliating properties. Look for canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) at the grocery store and mix that with the other ingredients you're using to make the mask out of. Keep the mask on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Use lemon and olive oil to exfoliate and hydrate your skin in one go. Accomplish 2 things at once by mixing together one lemon's worth of juice with 0.25 cups (59 mL) of olive oil in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients together until they're thoroughly mixed before spreading the oil mixture onto your face. Use your fingertips to apply the mask in parts. Use short, circular motions as you rub the mask into your skin—this makes the exfoliating process more effective. Try almond oil if you'd prefer not to use olive. Let the oil mixture soak into your skin for around 10-20 minutes before washing it off with cool water. Scrub off dead skin with a mix of brown sugar and coconut oil. Combine 2 tbsp (25 g) of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of coconut oil and mix them together thoroughly. Use the tips of your fingers to dip into the brown sugar mixture and apply it over your skin. Apply it in circular motions to exfoliate any dead skin cells from your face. For maximum effect, let the mask sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. This mask is especially good for people with dry skin. Add orange juice to a mashed banana for glowing skin. Peel and banana and slice it in half. Place one half of the banana into a small bowl and mash it with a fork before adding 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey and orange juice. Apply the mixture directly to your face with your fingers, covering all portions of your skin. Leave the mask on your face for around 15 minutes before washing it away with lukewarm tap water. Don't worry if the mask seems lumpy, as that's an inevitability of working with bananas. The best part of this mask is that it's great for any type of skin. Combine papaya and honey to even out your pigmentation. Balance out your skin by mixing 2 tablespoons (30 mL) and ½ cup (115 g) of mashed papaya together in a small bowl. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and can easily be applied to your face. Scoop some of the mask mixture onto your fingertips and rub it all over your face. After you've finished applying the mask, let it sit for 15-20 minutes before you rinse it off with cool water. Make sure you apply the mixture to dark spots on your face. Combine yogurt and honey for an anti-inflammatory mask. Combine 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of plain, unflavored yogurt with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey. Mix these ingredients together thoroughly until they create a consistent mixture. Scoop some of the mask onto your fingertips and gently rub it over your skin so it covers all parts of your face. Leave the mask on for around 10-15 minutes before washing it off with cool water. This mask is great if you're dealing with redness or sunburn. Achieve softer skin with a mask of strawberries and yogurt. Trim the stems off of 4-5 ripe strawberries and mash them up in a bowl. Mix 3 tbsp (21 g) of ground almond powder into the strawberries, along with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of plain yogurt. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together. Apply the mask all over your face with your fingertips, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off. After making this face mask, be sure to apply it within a day, or else the ingredients might go bad. If you plan on applying this mask later in the day, be sure to refrigerate the mixture. Stir orange juice and egg whites together to shrink your pores. Separate an egg white from the yolk and dump it into a small bowl. Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of orange juice along with ½ tsp (1 g) of turmeric powder. Beat the egg whites, juice, and powder together until they form a liquid mixture. Use the tips of your fingers to spread ample amounts of the mixture all over your face. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. Turmeric is useful because it helps to brighten portions of your skin that look uneven. Blend cucumber and yogurt together to soothe your skin. Peel the cucumber and slice it into thin, circular pieces. Next, place these slices in a blender along with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of plain, unflavored yogurt. Purée the ingredients until they're thoroughly mixed, then pour them into a smaller bowl for easier application. Use your fingertips to rub the mask mixture all over your face, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing it off with cold water. Refrigerate any of the leftover mask mixture in an airtight container. Enjoy using this mask for up to a week! Get rid of blemishes with a honey and chamomile mask. Use 2 bags to prepare a cup of chamomile tea. After the tea cools, pour at least 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of tea into a small bowl of 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of raw honey and 1 tsp (6 grams) of (nutritional) yeast powder. Stir the ingredients to ensure that the mixture is thick enough to apply to your face. After rubbing it onto your face with the tips of your fingers, let it soak into your skin for about 20 minutes. When you're ready to remove the mask, wash it off with cool water. If you'd prefer a spicier route, mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of honey with 1 tsp (2.64 g) of cinnamon instead. | Mix avocado and honey to help hydrate dry skin. Use lemon and olive oil to exfoliate and hydrate your skin in one go. Scrub off dead skin with a mix of brown sugar and coconut oil. Add orange juice to a mashed banana for glowing skin. Combine papaya and honey to even out your pigmentation. Combine yogurt and honey for an anti-inflammatory mask. Achieve softer skin with a mask of strawberries and yogurt. Stir orange juice and egg whites together to shrink your pores. Blend cucumber and yogurt together to soothe your skin. Get rid of blemishes with a honey and chamomile mask. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Glass-in-Minecraft | How to Make Glass in Minecraft | To make glass in Minecraft, start by gathering some sand and fuel. Then, open your furnace and put the sand in the top square and the fuel in the bottom square. After a few seconds, glass should appear in the square to the right. Transfer the glass to your inventory and you're finished! | Gather sand. It doesn't matter whether you use normal sand or red sand. Both turn into ordinary glass. Put the sand in a furnace. Craft a furnace out of eight cobblestone if you don't have one already. Place it on the ground, then right click to open the smelting window. Move the sand into the top square. Add fuel. Put coal, wood, or any other fuel into the bottom square of the furnace. As long as there's fuel in the furnace, it will turn each block of sand into a block of glass. Each block takes a few seconds to make, so be patient. Take the glass from the furnace. The glass will appear in the results square in the smelting window. In the default Minecraft skin, glass looks like a light blue, mostly transparent cube. Place your glass. Glass is a full-sized block that is completely transparent to light. You cannot recover the glass block by breaking it, so don't put it down until you're sure you want it there. A tool with the Silk Touch enchantment can recover the glass block intact. Turn your glass blocks into panes. You can turn six glass blocks into 16 glass panes. These are thin, vertical blocks you can use as windows. In the PC edition, make a rectangle in the crafting area three squares wide and two squares high. Glass panes can look strange or even invisible when they aren't connected to anything on the sides. When you place other blocks next to them, the panes will automatically change shape to connect to them. You cannot make glass panes horizontal (flat). If you want to make a glass floor, use glass blocks instead. Dye your glass blocks different colors. To make stained glass, place eight glass blocks in a ring around the crafting area. Put a dye of any color in the center to get eight stained glass blocks. Stained glass is not available in Pocket Edition as of Update 0.16.2. It will be released in a future update. You can make many dyes by placing a single flower in the crafting area. Ink sacs, bone meal, lapis lazuli, and cocoa beans are also dyes. Craft glass bottles. Interested in brewing potions ? First you'll need to make glass bottles. Make a "V" shape in the crafting area using three glass blocks. This creates three glass bottles. To fill a bottle with water, hold it in your quick slot bar and use it on any body of water. | Gather sand. Put the sand in a furnace. Add fuel. Take the glass from the furnace. Place your glass. Turn your glass blocks into panes. Dye your glass blocks different colors. Craft glass bottles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Cake-Disasters | How to Fix Cake Disasters | To fix a cake disaster where your cake turned out burnt or overdone, start by carefully cutting off the top or bottom of the cake if it's burned, as well as any burnt parts on the edges. Then, heat equal parts sugar and water on the stovetop to make a simple syrup, and add a flavoring, like vanilla extract. Next, brush the syrup mixture on the cake, which will help moisten it. Finally, decorate your cake with other moist ingredients to make it less dry, like buttercream, fruit, and chocolate. | Cook an unrisen cake that's still doughy a bit longer. If you check a cake and it still has batter in the middle, it may just not have had time to rise yet. Put it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to make sure you don't overdo it. You may still get your cake to rise. Crumble the cake and mix it with frosting to make cake balls. Mix in store-bought or homemade frosting, adding just enough so the mixture comes together when squeezed. Roll the mixture into balls, and then toss in coconut, sprinkles, or cocoa powder. You can also coat the cake balls with melted chocolate and let them cool. This trick also works for a cake that's too dry. Create a cake dome out of 2 thin sheets of cake if the cake didn't rise enough. Slice a 1-layer cake in half with a large bread knife to make 2 thin sheets. Lay plastic wrap in a large mixing bowl to use as a mold, and put one layer of the cake in the bottom of the bowl. Trim off any extra cake around the top until you have a mostly even circle. Add frosting or mousse to the middle of the cake bowl you've just made, then place the other layer of cake on top. Trim off any excess cake sticking over the edge so it all fits in the bowl. Place the cake in the refrigerator to set before turning it out on a plate. You can pour melted chocolate over the dome or smooth frosting on the round part of the dome for decoration. Fill a sunken cake with candy for a festive effect. If just the center is sunk in, frost the cake as normal, then use it as a bowl for holding candies. Fill it with unwrapped candy, such as coated chocolate pieces, gummy bears, fruit candies, or any other candy you like. You can also fill the sunken cake with mousse or lemon curd and put frosting over the top instead. This makes a quick and easy pudding or dessert dish. Turn a sunken cake into an ice cream cake to please the young at heart. Scoop softened ice cream into the sunken center of the sunken cake and smooth it out. Freeze the cake for about 30 minutes, then take it out. Add frosting across the top of the ice cream and around the edges, just as you'd normally frost a cake, to finish the ice cream cake. For a simpler topping, cover the cake in whipped cream and decorate with maraschino cherries. Make a trifle from broken cake pieces for a lovely layered dessert. Layer pieces of the cake in a large trifle dish or mixing bowl. Add a sprinkling of alcohol for flavor, if you wish, then add layers of things like pudding, frosting, fruit, mousse, or whipped cream in any combination. As you layer, add enough of each ingredient to spread it across the dish. Repeat layering until all the cake is used up. Make the top look extra special. Create a smooth layer on top with whipped cream or frosting, then top with chocolate curls or sprinkles for decoration. Cover a cracked cake with frosting to hide its imperfection. Frosting will hide small cracks perfectly. If it's severely cracked, use a little frosting to try to "glue" the pieces back together; do this by spreading the frosting down into the crack and pressing it back together. Then cover the whole cake top with a thin layer of slightly softened frosting, creating a crumb layer. Let this set, then add a second, thicker layer of icing for decoration. If done well, it'll be hard to even notice it was cracked. Don't overdo the frosting crack infill though; too much frosting will make the whole experience sugary and unpleasant to eat. Flip a cracked cake over to create a smooth top. If the cake just has cracks on top, you can always just use the bottom as the top. That way, you have a nice, smooth surface to work with. The base will be less firm though, so don't be surprised if it crumbles on the plate; this solution is best for home use. Another option is to level the cake by slicing off a thin layer at the top to make it smooth. Use a bread knife to cut an even layer across the top. Create cake bark from the broken cake for a fun treat. Melt milk, dark, or white chocolate or candy melts and pour the melted chocolate onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate out thinly. Let it cool for 30 minutes, then crumble the cake over it in an even, thin layer. Press the cake into the melted layer. Spread another layer of chocolate on top and let it cool. The chocolate and cake will set together. To serve, break into individual pieces. Trim off the burnt parts from the cake. Use a large bread knife to slice off the top or bottom if it's burned. Trim off any burnt parts around the edges by running the knife just under them. Take care to trim off only the burnt portion of the cake, as the rest of it is usually just fine. Think of this step as being like scraping off the burnt layer of a piece of toast, except cake isn't quite as dry, so you'll need to use a knife to gently cut the burnt parts off. Brush simple syrup on a dry, overcooked cake, to moisten it. Add 1 part sugar and 1 part water to a small pot and set it on the stove. Heat the mixture until the sugar melts, stirring constantly. Take the syrup off the heat and add a flavoring, such as an extract or rum. Let the syrup cool and brush a thin layer on the top of the cake before you add icing. It may help to poke holes in the cake with a fork to help it absorb the syrup. Layer a dry cake with moist ingredients to make it less dry. If you don't have time to make a simple syrup, apply a thick layer of buttercream frosting in the middle of the cake. Then use moist ingredients on top to decorate, such as fruit or chocolate. If your cake is only 1 layer, you'll need to cut it in half with a large bread knife to add frosting to the middle. Release a cake from the pan with a knife. If your cake is stuck in the pan, slide a sharp knife between the pan and the edge of the cake all the way around. Use your hands to whack the sides and bottom of the pan a bit to help release the cake, then leave it to cool for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, try to turn out the cake again. If it still comes out a mess, see the suggestions above for turning it into trifle, cake balls, or another broken-cake recipe. Level an uneven cake with a sharp knife. Sometimes, your cake may rise unevenly. If that's happened to you and you want an even top, just use a sharp bread knife to cut off the uneven part. You now have an even and smooth top for frosting. Refrigerate cake layers if they tear when you try to cut them. Warm cake layers are more likely to crumble or tear. If you're trying to cut layers in half, leave them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to cool down, then try again. Finished. | Cook an unrisen cake that's still doughy a bit longer. Crumble the cake and mix it with frosting to make cake balls. Create a cake dome out of 2 thin sheets of cake if the cake didn't rise enough. Fill a sunken cake with candy for a festive effect. Turn a sunken cake into an ice cream cake to please the young at heart. Make a trifle from broken cake pieces for a lovely layered dessert. Cover a cracked cake with frosting to hide its imperfection. Flip a cracked cake over to create a smooth top. Create cake bark from the broken cake for a fun treat. Trim off the burnt parts from the cake. Brush simple syrup on a dry, overcooked cake, to moisten it. Layer a dry cake with moist ingredients to make it less dry. Release a cake from the pan with a knife. Level an uneven cake with a sharp knife. Refrigerate cake layers if they tear when you try to cut them. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Your-Retainer | How to Find Your Retainer | It can be frustrating when you lose your retainer, but with a bit of careful thinking, you might be able to find it. Try to remember the last place you were when you had it, then check there. If you don't find it there, look everywhere that you've been since you last had it. Some common spots you might look include in the bathroom, on top of shelves, under your bed, in your backpack, or even in the trash. Ask your family or friends for help if you still can't find it. They may be able to remember the last time they saw it. | Stop and think. Before panicking and running all over looking for it, sit down and think about what you were doing the last time you remember having it. Try to mentally recreate the scene: where were you? Who were you with? What were you doing? Try to reconstruct a detailed memory, including how you were feeling, the flavor of food you might have been eating, the scents in the room, and any other details you can remember. Try to remember the events that followed your last memory of having it with you. If you last took it out to eat chips and have a soda, think about what you did next. Did you go put your dishes in the sink? Perhaps you brought your retainer with you to the kitchen. Did you run to the restroom? Perhaps you took it there. Or perhaps you put it under your napkin while you were eating, and folded the napkin and then inadvertently disposed of the whole thing. In that case, it may be in the trash. Stay calm. Otherwise, your stress hormone level will rise, causing you to have a fast pulse and sweaty palms. These intense emotions cloud your judgment and memory, can easily distract you from being able to recall where you last had it. If you feel yourself start to panic, take a few deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Sit down and close your eyes for a few minutes before resuming your search. Look everywhere. If you've retraced your steps and still cannot find it, it is time to start looking in more unexpected places. It could easily be in the bathroom, in your room, backpack, or locker. Just because it wasn't in your nightstand doesn't mean it's not under your bed. Take a systematic approach to your search; you are more likely to be successful if you treat each room or location like a crime scene and carefully analyze it, rather than if you start throwing other items around and digging through things in a panic. When you enter a room to search, begin on one wall or section of the room, and then work in a circle until you've searched the entire room. Remember to search in levels, including ground level (looking under furniture and on the ground), in drawers and on desks and tables, and on top of higher furniture and shelves. Ask around. Don't be embarrassed to tell your parents, friends, or roommate that you've lost your retainer. It's a better alternative to having crooked teeth because you didn't wear your retainer. Let people know where you saw it last and see if they happened to see it. Some people are unfamiliar with retainers and may not realize it is not trash. For example, if you lost it in a restaurant or cafeteria, be sure to tell those working there that you've misplaced it; they may have tossed it in the garbage without realizing. Get help. If all else fails, ask someone to help you search. Other people won't feel the same anxiety you might be feeling, so they can search with a clear head. They might also be able to help see things you've overlooked. In the case of parents, remember that they'd probably rather help you find your retainer than pay for a new one! Wear your retainer. If it's in your mouth, you won't lose it. This is especially helpful in the early stages when you are just getting used to this new addition to your routine. In most cases, for at least the first month, the only reasons you should remove it is to eat, brush your teeth, or play contact sports. After that, you should wear it every night for two years, and then at least three nights a week for the rest of your life. Be consistent. Keep your retainer in the same place every time you remove it, so that you won't have to spend time searching for it in the future. Keep it somewhere convenient, out of the reach of children and pets. A shelf in your bedroom or in a bathroom medicine cabinet can be a good option. Never wrap it in a napkin. The most common way that retainers are lost is when they are removed at a restaurant or in the cafeteria and wrapped in a napkin so that no one will see them, and then inadvertently discarded with the trash. It might be embarrassing to have your retainer on display for the whole table to see, but probably not as embarrassing as having to ask a restaurant hostess to dig through the trash to find your lost retainer. Use memory strategies. When you do have to remove your retainer in a situation where you can't quickly put it in its normal place, use memory strategies to remember where you've put it. If you put your retainer down mindlessly, it will be harder to remember where you've put it later. But if you are mindful of where it is when you put it down (what psychologists call "effortful processing"), you can use recall strategies to remember. Say where it is, out loud, as you put it down. For example, "I'm putting my retainer on the counter next to the aloe vera plant." Saying things out loud makes your brain consciously think about your action, which can help you remember what you did later. Tell someone. When you take your retainer out, tell whoever you are with where you're putting it. You can even text a friend! That way, if you can't find it later, you can always ask. This has the same benefit of saying it out loud, but with the added benefit of having a second person to help remember. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a meditative practice that involves focusing on sensations, sights, sounds, and other details of the present moment. By making an effort to be mentally present in your day-to-day routine, you can avoid mindlessly setting your retainer down and instead train yourself to think consciously about the moment as you remove it. Get a case. There will always be those times when you have to remove your retainer and have nowhere to put it discreetly, such as when you're eating at a restaurant or when you want to chow down on popcorn at the movie theater. It is worth it to spend a little money on a case, just as you would for glasses or anything else you need to keep track of. Choose a case in a very bright color, so that it will be eye-catching and easy to spot if you misplace it. If it does happen to get thrown in the trash, it will be easier to find. If you carry a purse or backpack, keep the case in the bag at all times. That way, when you remove the retainer, you can stash it right back in a special pocket in your bag so you don't forget where it is. Consider a carrying case with a clip for added security. You can clip the case onto a loop on your clothes or in your bag so that you don't drop it inadvertently. These are available from Amazon or websites like Dentakit. Motivate yourself to keep it safe. Retainers are costly, so if you know that you will suffer a financial setback by losing it, you might do a better job of keeping it safe. If your parents typically pay for your retainers, resolve to pay for your own replacement if you lose it. Knowing that you will have to give up allowance or work odd jobs to pay for a replacement can be a great motivator! If you typically purchase your own retainers, promise yourself a reward if you manage to not lose it before it's time to replace it again. The reward might be something you've been wanting to purchase for yourself like new shoes or a belt, a day at the spa, or a truffle from the candy store. Make sure it is something you wouldn't normally reward yourself with, so that it will be motivating to you! The only way these motivators will work is if they encourage you to practice memory strategies and make an effort to remember where you put your retainer, so commit to putting in the extra cognitive work! Call your orthodontist. It's important to get a new retainer if you absolutely cannot find yours. Otherwise, your teeth will shift and you will lose whatever progress you have made in shifting them. Call if you haven't found your retainer after a few hours. Your orthodontist will want to schedule an appointment promptly to prevent tooth relapse, and it will take a few days to have new retainers made. Be prepared for the replacement cost. Retainers are expensive, and most cost a couple of hundred dollars (US) per piece (top or bottom). Ask your dentist or orthodontist about her replacement policy for lost retainers. Also ask if you can get a reduced rate if you purchase more than one retainer at a time, so that you can have a backup on hand if you need it again. | Stop and think. Stay calm. Look everywhere. Ask around. Get help. Wear your retainer. Be consistent. Never wrap it in a napkin. Use memory strategies. Get a case. Motivate yourself to keep it safe. Call your orthodontist. Be prepared for the replacement cost. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Fun-Giving-Your-Dog-a-Flea-Bath | How to Have Fun Giving Your Dog a Flea Bath | To make bath time fun for your dog, give it treats before, during, and after the bath and bring in its favorite toys to make bath time seem more like a reward than a punishment. For a flea bath, choose a flea shampoo that acts on both live fleas and flea eggs to fight the existing infestation and prevent a reoccurrence. Because flea shampoo has strong chemicals in it, give your dog its bath with the windows and doors open, or outside in a kiddie pool if possible. Be very careful to keep the shampoo out of your dog's eyes and ears because the harsh chemicals can cause irritation. | Explore ways to make bath time fun for your dog. While bath time is usually thought of as a stressful activity for both dogs and people, there are small things you can do to make bath time fun. Find ways to show your dog how to associate bath time with happy memories. Expose your dog to water during times other than bath time. Take your dog to the beach or a dog park near a body of water. Allow him to enter the water at his own pace. If your dog has positive associations with water, he might be less nervous about bath time. Allow your dog to spend time in the bathroom, near the tub, on a regular basis. Bring some of his toys into the bathroom and let him play in the tub when it's empty. This will help build positive associations regarding the bath tub. Use treats and toys. When you start bath time, try using treats and toys to help your dog enjoy herself. This can make bath time less stressful for both of you. Give your treats dog before, during, and after a bath. This way, she might be excited about the prospect of bath time as it means she'll get tasty food. You want your dog to see bath time as a reward rather than a punishment. Bring your dog's favorite toys into the tub as long as they are waterproof. Allowing your dog to play with her toys during bath time can make the event more fun for both you and your dog. Maintain a positive attitude. Many people struggle to have fun because they get caught up on momentary hassles. Keep perspective and focus on the positives in the situation. A positive attitude can help you have fun despite troubling circumstances and if you're in a good mood your dog will feel happier and safer. Take your dog for a long walk before his bath. This can be calming and relaxing for both you and your dog. This way, you'll both go into the bath in a positive mood. Try to keep calm and avoid feelings of frustration when bathing your dog. If you're in a negative mood, your dog will pick up on this. Try to go into the situation in good humor. This will help you stay calm, which will keep your dog calm as well. Choose a shampoo. The first thing you need to do is choose the right shampoo. There are many different flea shampoos on the market. Make sure you select a brand that works for you and your dog. Aim for a shampoo that acts on both live fleas and flea eggs. This way, you'll fight both the existing infestation and prevent a reoccurrence. A common ingredient in flea shampoo is pyrethrins, a powerful insecticide. This product is usually safe for medium-sized or small dogs but may not be safe for a small dog or a puppy. Ask your vet if you're unsure if pyrethrins is safe for your dog. If you're unsure what product to buy, call your vet. He or she should be able to give you an informed recommendation based on your dog's health, size, and medical history. Find a well-ventilated area. Anytime you give your dog a flea bath, especially if you're using a shampoo with pyrethrins, you should find a well-ventilated area. If possible, give your dog a flea bath in a pool outside. If not, keep windows and doors open during the bath. Take precautions to keep the shampoo out of your dog's ears and eyes. You do not want any shampoo to get in your dog's eyes or ears. This can cause irritation. Place cotton balls in your dog's ears before the bath. Consider covering your dog's eyes with a rag or bandanna. However, some dogs may become nervous and tear off a blindfold. If your dog does this, be very, very careful when washing around the dog's face. In the event shampoo gets in your dog's eyes, flush the eyes thoroughly and then call your vet. Bathe your dog. Once you've found the right area, you can begin bathing your dog. Fill a bath with lukewarm water and place your dog inside. Get your dog wet first. You can use a hose or a bucket to dampen your dog's coat. Follow all instructions when applying the flea shampoo. If you need protective gloves, wear them. Do not apply any more shampoo than recommended on the bottle. Lather your dog thoroughly. Pay attention to hard to reach areas, such as the stomach, paws, and legs. Be very careful when washing around your dog's head to avoid getting soap in her ears or eyes. Rinse. Once your dog is lathered thoroughly, rinse him off. Make sure you get all the shampoo out as excess shampoo can cause irritation. You may have to rinse your dog off several times. Lightly squeeze your dog's fur and see if any suds are present to check if he is completely rinsed off. Dry off your dog. Once your dog is rinsed, drain the water. Allow her to shake off in the tub and then rub her down with an old towel. If you have a long-haired dog, you might want to try using a hair dryer. Just make sure it's turned to a lower heat setting to avoid burning the dog's skin. Invest in a flea collar. Be aware that the majority of flea collars don't work. The only effective flea collar is the Seresto collar, which is a prescription product available from your vet. If you prefer a collar, then talk to your vet. You can buy a flea collar from your vet. You can also find one at a pet store or buy one online. A flea collar should be snug without causing discomfort. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the collar. Always cut off any excess portion of the collar so your dog does not chew on the end. Flea collars lose effectiveness with time. Check the label of your flea collar to see when it should be replaced. Ask your vet about medication. Certain medications can prevent your dog from being getting fleas. They also may help treat existing flea infections. Products like Capstar and Frontline Plus are effective flea treatments. Ask your vet for a prescription. Rid your home of fleas. If your dog had fleas, you'll need to take efforts to rid your home of fleas. Fleas can leave your dog and get into the carpet and furniture. Vacuum your home thoroughly. Vacuum below drapes, under the edges of furniture, and anywhere your pet sleeps. Every time you vacuum, place the vacuum bag in a sealable plastic container and throw it out immediately. Get a product that will kill fleas and eggs and spray it around your home anywhere you needed to vacuum. Read the instructions on the bottle to see if there are any safety precautions you can take when using the spray. Wash your pet's bedding each week, as well as any toys or carrier containers your pet uses. Use once-a-month topical insecticides. Topical insecticides are sprays applied to a dog's shoulders. They are very effective in preventing flea infestations and should be applied once a month. Ask your vet about a topical insecticides. He or she should be able to write you a prescription or may have the spray available at the clinic. | Explore ways to make bath time fun for your dog. Use treats and toys. Maintain a positive attitude. Choose a shampoo. Find a well-ventilated area. Take precautions to keep the shampoo out of your dog's ears and eyes. Bathe your dog. Rinse. Dry off your dog. Invest in a flea collar. Ask your vet about medication. Rid your home of fleas. Use once-a-month topical insecticides. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Drug-Abuse-Counselor | How to Become a Drug Abuse Counselor | If you're interested in becoming a drug abuse counselor, start by improving your skills in areas like compassion and communication, since you'll be working with people who need a great deal of understanding. You should also be flexible enough to work in various settings, such as hospitals, homeless shelters, and nursing homes. Along with the right qualities, you'll need to obtain at least an associate's degree in something like addiction studies, and work under the supervision of a licensed counselor before obtaining your certification. | Research your state's legal requirements. Requirements vary to become a substance abuse counselor. Usually, however, you must meet minimal education requirements, receive clinical training, and pass a certification exam. For information on your state's requirements, you can call the National Board of Certified Counselors during operating hours. You can also check the website for more information. Select your desired level of education. Refer to your state requirements here to see the minimum level of education required in your state. In some states, an associate's degree is enough to become a substance abuse counselor. In other states, you may need a master's degree. Consider getting a degree higher than required, however, as you may want to move at some point in your career. A more advanced degree can make you employable in more states. A two year associate's degree may be enough in some states. This will qualify you for a lot of entry level positions, such as an adolescent counselor. While this degree path can save you time and money, it will limit where you can work. In most states, a higher degree is required. A bachelor's degree is a good middle ground between an associate's and a master's. This will prepare you more thoroughly for the career, and expand the states where you can work. These degrees typically take four years. A master's degree is the best way to assure you'll be employable across states, and will provide you with a more advanced understanding of counseling and addiction. You will also be qualified to work in private practice facilities. The length of master's degrees vary, but they can last from one to two years. Work on developing the right qualities. Before launching into your career, you'll need to improve your skills in a variety of areas. Throughout the education and training process, keep these skills in mind. Take on hobbies, volunteer work, and jobs that help you prepare for a career in substance abuse counseling. Compassion is key to your training. You will be working with people who need a great deal of understanding. Volunteering to help those in need can help build a sense of compassion. Be on the lookout for volunteer work in your area. You will also need great interpersonal and speaking skills. Look for part time work and volunteer positions that involve working with others. Speaking skills are important. In addition to talking to addicts, you may participate in community outreach programs. You can also try to take on work that requires public speaking. For example, join a debate team in high school or college. Learn about the career path. Before you embark on your journey, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the career. Being a drug abuse counselor can be incredibly rewarding. You will have an opportunity to have a direct, positive impact on other people's lives. However, the career can also be frustrating at times and incredibly demanding. Make sure you're ready for the commitment associated with drug abuse counseling. You will be working with people addicted to a variety of substances. You will be going over and enacting treatment plans with your clients, and may work with the families and guardians of clients you help. It is your job to help someone stay sober after developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Many counselors work beyond the hospital setting. You may find yourself participating in community outreach programs to warn others of the dangers of substance abuse. You will hear a lot of devastating stories as a substance abuse counselor. Also, not all your clients will improve quickly, if at all. Patience, empathy, and a strong will are vital for a career in substance abuse counseling. Select your school. If you choose to go to college, look for affordable schools in your area with counseling programs. Many schools will have degree paths very specific to your field. A school with a path in something like addiction studies, for example, would be a good choice for a substance abuse counselor. Remember your desired level of education. If you need a bachelor's degree, make sure the school you choose offers a four year degree path. If you plan on going on to a master's program, aim high in your undergraduate choice. A renown undergraduate program can stand out on a grad application. Talk to addictions counselors at local hospitals. Ask them about their education level and for recommendations for programs. If you're still in high school, you can talk to your high school counselor. In some states and at some clinics, a high school diploma and a certification from a training program will be enough education. If you don't want to pursue college, you can explore this route. Take the right classes. Once you've found your school, you will major in something like counseling or psychology. You may also major in something more specific, like addiction studies. A college counselor will be able to steer you down the educational pathway that best meets your goals. You will take general psychology classes, as well as courses on different types of counseling. You will also take theoretical classes that explore different schools of thought regarding how and why addiction occurs. There may also be clinical work in your program. You may take classes or internships in which you work in a real hospital setting. Stock up on elective courses that help you develop the skill set of a drug abuse counselor. For example, you can take a class on debate and communications to build speaking skills. Keep your grades up. This is especially important if you plan to continue your education beyond your first degree. Good grades will also demonstrate a clear understanding of the material, which can look good on a resume after graduation. Make a plan for studying and stick to it. Decide on a specific time and place to go each day to work. Study a little every day. This way, you'll retain more information, which can help you when exams roll around. Go to every class, take notes, and pay attention. The information you gain in lectures and class discussions is invaluable, so make sure you take advantage of every minute of class. Complete your master's degree upon graduation, if applicable. If you decide to further your education, do so once you graduate. Apply for a variety of master's programs that offer relevant degree tracks. Talking to a career counselor in your college can help direct you to the proper career paths. A master's program entails more intense training. You will look into a variety of methods specifically used to treat addiction, and also explore contemporary approaches to treating addiction. Master's programs can take one to two years to complete. Secure internships during school. An internship is often a foot in the door to employment after graduation. It can also stand out on your resume when seeking work. At some point in college, take on an internship to bolster your resume. You can talk to your college career counselor and professors about internship leads. You can also ask other students who've had internships before for advice on applying. You can intern at a hospital, mental health clinic, counseling center, or rehabilitation center. Make sure to give your internships your all. A good recommendation from an advisor at your internship can help land you a job upon graduation. Seek further training, if necessary. If you have a bachelor's or master's degree, training is likely unnecessary upon graduation. However, if you only have a high school diploma or an associate's degree, you may have to complete a training program in addictions counseling to become a counselor. If you went to college or university, you usually do not need further training beyond obtaining you certification by passing a licensing exam. If you don't have at least a bachelor's degree, you may need to take a training course in addictions counseling. Many jobs, however, will provide on-the-job training once you are hired. Check your state's requirements by calling the National Board of Certified Counselors or checking their website. Gain clinical experience. In most states, you need a set amount of clinical experience to obtain certification. Clinical experience can come in the form of a training or apprenticeship program. You will work under the supervision of a licensed counselor while getting in your clinical experience hours. The number of clinical hours very, but in most states it's 2,000 to 3,000 hours. Clinical training may begin as part of a master's or bachelor's program. You may be required to begin clinical training at some point during your academic career. If it's not part of your program, you can gain clinical experience through your first job. Many hospitals, mental health clinics, and other organizations offer clinical training to qualified candidates. Make the most of your training time. Not only does training prepare you for your career, your supervisors here can provide references and job leads down the road. Study for your exam. Once you've completed your training, you will have to take a state exam to receive your license. This exam will be an overview of theories, practices, and histories behind addiction and counseling. You can usually find exam study guides online, catered to the specific exam administered in your state. You should also refer back to the texts you study during school, as different theories and practices will come up on your exam. Make sure you have a place to study that's quiet and free of outside distractions. It should also have good lighting and a comfortable place to sit. Make a study schedule and stick to it each day. You need to study a little each day instead of cramming studying into a single session. Take breaks as you study. You'll become burnt out if you study a single subject for hours. About every hour, take a 5 minute break to recharge. Complete the licensure exam. You will have to check with the National Board of Certified Counselors to find the exam specific for your state. Most exams contain a variety of multiple choice lessons you must complete in a set amount of time. You should be able to schedule an exam test date online at a testing center near you. Depending on your state, there may be fees associated with the exam. While exams vary by state and certification, you can expect to be tested on much of what you've learned about addiction and counseling up until this point in your career. Rules vary depending on the specific exam, but you usually have a set amount of time to complete the exam. Things like cell phones and electronics should be powered off in the exam room, and you will not be able to chat with other participants during the exam. Usually, you will take the exam on a computer. In the event you don't pass, you can take the exam again in 3 months. You will have to pay the accompanying fees again. Obtain certification in your state. State requirements for licenses vary, but you will usually have to present a certification assuring you passed your exam. You will likely also have to send in information regarding your education, such as transcripts, as well as certification associated with completing clinical training. There may be fees associated with receiving your license. Write a solid resume. Once you've obtained your license, your job search will begin. Start by writing a quality resume that lists all your relevant experience. This is a valuable tool to send to prospective employers. Choose a format and stick to it. You can download resume templates online or format the document yourself. Make sure choices, like your font, are consistent throughout. A resume should list only relevant experience. List the experience related to the job you want. Your part time pizza delivery work in college will not be of interest to an employer. However, your volunteer work at a rehab center will. Add any accomplishments you have. This will of course include things like your certification, but it can also include any rewards, grants, and scholarships you received on the road to becoming a counselor. Search for work. A drug abuse counselor typically works in places like nursing homes, hospitals, halfway houses, rehabilitation centers, and mental health hospitals. Check these kinds of institutions to see if they're hiring. If you have connections, return to them during your job search. See if they're hiring at a place where you interned, or the institution where you received clinical training. Practice good interview skills. When you are called into an interview, make sure you practice good interview skills. Use positive body language and answer questions with confidence to help land the job. Make sure to maintain eye contact, smile and nod to show you're listening, and sit up straight. If you don't understand a question, ask the interviewer to clarify. Read up on the hospital or rehab center before coming into the interview. Make sure you know its general philosophy and goals. This will show you're invested in the job. Strive to avoid burnout. During your time as a counselor, you will need sources of support. Your job will be taxing, as you'll be working with people that come from troubled backgrounds. Many of your clients will struggle with sobriety. To avoid burnout, seek outside support. Reach out to loved ones. Having strong connections with friends and family members can help you avoid burnout. You can also look into things like religious and social communities for support. You should consider seeing a therapist as well. This can help you cope with the stress of your job. | Research your state's legal requirements. Select your desired level of education. Work on developing the right qualities. Learn about the career path. Select your school. Take the right classes. Keep your grades up. Complete your master's degree upon graduation, if applicable. Secure internships during school. Seek further training, if necessary. Gain clinical experience. Study for your exam. Complete the licensure exam. Obtain certification in your state. Write a solid resume. Search for work. Practice good interview skills. Strive to avoid burnout. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Plastic-Furniture | How to Paint Plastic Furniture | If you want to spruce up your plastic furniture with a fresh coat of paint, start by cleaning off any dirt and mildew with a mixture of hot water and an ammonia-based cleaner. Once your furniture is clean and rinsed, sand the surface with a piece of fine-grit sandpaper so the paint will stick better. Before you begin painting, make sure you are in a place that is well-ventilated, like a garage, and that any surfaces are covered with newspaper or a tarp. Then, apply a coat of primer designed for outdoor use. Once the primer has dried, evenly cover the furniture with a satin finish spray paint in the color of your choice and let it dry for 24 hours. | Clean the furniture. Fill a bucket with hot water. Add an ammonia-based cleaner to help remove mold or mildew on older furniture. Use a sponge to wash the entire surface of the piece you'll be painting. Spray the furniture with a hose. Use a pressurized nozzle attachment if you have one. Make sure to spray every surface of the furniture from multiple angles to ensure a complete rinse. To clean brand new plastic, wipe down with a cloth soaked in paint thinner. An all-purpose cleaner, such as dish soap, will work if the furniture is not too dirty. Dry the furniture with a cotton towel and allow it to air dry completely. Ensure the furniture is completely dry before proceeding. Protect other surfaces. Choose an area with good ventilation to paint your furniture. A garage with the door open or a flat surface outdoors are ideal. Cover the surface of the ground with a material you don't mind dropping paint on, such as newspaper or a tarp. Use painter's tape to cover any surfaces of the furniture you do not wish to paint. For example, if you only want to paint the surface of a table, tape off the top portion of each leg. Sand the furniture's surface. If the piece you're working on has been painted before, it will need to be lightly sanded. It is often worth sanding a bare plastic surface, as this will help primer and paint better adhere to the furniture. Use sandpaper or a sanding sponge with fine -grit to gently brush the entire surface. Test your sanding material in an inconspicuous spot on the furniture. Reduce pressure or use sanding equipment with a finer grit if any visible scratches appear. After sanding, wipe down the surface of the piece with a tack cloth to remove dust. Skip to priming if the furniture is already smooth. Old furniture that has sat in the sun may be ready to paint after cleaning and drying. New plastic furniture will likely benefit from a light sanding. Consider priming the surface. Once the surface is clean, dry, and smooth, it's ready to prime. Though combination paint and primer sprays exist for use on plastic surfaces, use a primer if you wish to paint your furniture in a color of paint that is not available for plastic materials. Choose a primer designed to be used on plastic materials that are stored outdoors. These will be available at your local home improvement store, and will come in a spray can. Shake the can and spray the entire surface you intend to paint. Apply the primer in a steady back-and-forth motion while holding the can's nozzle 12-18in (30-45cm) from the surface. Apply a coat of spray paint. Use a combination paint and primer designed for use on plastic or prime the surface with a plastic-specific primer first. A satin finish is recommended for plastic surfaces. Hold the can upright, with the nozzle 12 in (30cm) from the surface. Evenly spray the entire surface in sweeping, back-and-forth motions. Allow the first coat to fully dry. Once the paint is dry to the touch, assess whether you need another coat. This is up to you. If you used a paint and primer combo, you'll likely want to do at least one more coat. Once you're happy with the paint coverage, let the piece dry for 24 hours before use. Don't remove any painter's tape until the piece is completely dry! Sand the furniture's surface. Prepare the surface of the furniture by washing it with warm water and an all-purpose cleaner. After rinsing and allowing it to dry, use fine grit sand paper to remove any visible scuffs in the plastic's surface. Sand the rest of the furniture's surface lightly, as this will help the primer adhere to the furniture. Use latex-specific primer. Apply a full coat of a primer designed for use with latex paint. This will help ensure your paint adheres to the furniture you're painting. Since plastic does not hold paint as well as other materials, an adhesion primer is vital to make your top coat last. Use 100% acrylic latex paint indoors. If you're painting a piece of furniture that will be kept inside your home, you'll want a paint that is less likely to release odor or gas. Further, paint of this type will be more resistant to stains and will be easier to clean than other option. Go with either a satin or semi-gloss finish. This sort of paint will have more color options in liquid form. Ask someone at the paint counter of your local hardware store for a sample portion of whichever color you favor, as this will be especially cheap and will likely be enough to cover a plastic chair, for instance. Use a synthetic brush, or soak a bristle brush in water overnight before use. | Clean the furniture. Protect other surfaces. Sand the furniture's surface. Consider priming the surface. Apply a coat of spray paint. Allow the first coat to fully dry. Sand the furniture's surface. Use latex-specific primer. Use 100% acrylic latex paint indoors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Measuring-Tape | How to Read a Measuring Tape | To read a measuring tape, line the zero mark up at the edge of the item you're measuring, then stretch the tape all the way across the item. Try to keep the tape straight to ensure an accurate measurement! Then, look at the point where the tape meets the end of the item you're measuring and read the nearest large number. The large numbers are the units you're measuring, like inches or centimeters, and the markings between the large numbers correspond to fractions of that unit. | Use the big, numbered markings for inches. On a tape measure labeled with imperial units, the most prominent marks are usually the one-inch marks. These are typically marked by long, thin lines and fairly large numbers. Every 12 inches, there will often (but not always) be a foot marking. This is usually in a different color than the other markings — often red in contrast to the normal black markings. After each foot marking, the numbers next to each inch mark will either repeat from 1 - 11 again or keep counting. This can vary from tape measure to tape measure. Note that the line next to the number marks each inch, not the number itself. Use the bigger marks between two inch markings for half-inches. A half-inch mark is always centered between any two one-inch marks. It almost always has the second-longest marking (after the one-inch marks). There will be one half-inch mark between each one-inch mark, but there are two half-inches per inch. Note that, starting with half-inch marks, not all lines may be labeled with numbers. In this case, you need to use the markings on either side to guide you. For example, the half-inch mark between inches three and four stands for 3 1/2 inches, even though it's not labeled. Use the smaller lines between half-inches for quarter-inches. After half-inches come quarter inches. These markings are smaller (and sometimes skinnier) than half-inches but usually bigger than the densely-packed marks around them. They are evenly spaced between each half-inch mark and one inch-mark. There are four quarter-inches in one inch. Note that lines marking a quarter of an inch sometimes aren't any different in size from eighth-inch marks. In this case, keep in mind that two eighths of an inch make a quarter. Count to the second eighth-inch marking after the inch marking — this is the quarter-inch (and the line in the same spot on the other side of the half-inch mark is the three-quarter inch.) Use the small, regular marks for one-eighth-inches. Smaller still than the quarter-inch markings are the one-eighth-inch markings. These markings are centered between the inch marking and the quarter-inch marking, the quarter-inch marking and the half-inch marking, and so on. There are eight one-eighth inches per inch. Use the tiny, densely-packed marks for sixteenths of an inch. The shortest lines of all on most measuring tapes are the sixteenth-inch marks. There are 16 of these tiny marks per inch — four in each quarter-inch. Note that some very precise measuring tapes will mark down to one-thirty-second of an inch or even one-sixty-fourth of an inch! Use the same pattern for recognizing these miniscule measurements. Add the inch segments to determine total length. When you are measuring a length, getting an accurate value just means seeing where the tape lines up. First, mark the spot where the measuring tape lines up with the edge of the thing you're measuring. Find the nearest inch before this point. Then, find the nearest half-inch before this point. Then, the nearest quarter-inch, and so on. Add up your inches and fractions of inches until you have an accurate measurement. This is a lot easier than it sounds — see below for an example. Let's say that we've measured past the one-inch mark, past one quarter-inch mark, and past one eighth-inch mark. To find our measurement, we need to add: 1 (our inches) + 1/4 (our quarter-inches) + 1/8 (our eighth-inches). Since there are two eighth-inches in a quarter-inch, we can rewrite this as: 1 + 2/8 + 1/8 = 1 3/8 inches. Adding fractions like 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and so on can be tricky. If you need help, see our article on how to add fractions with unlike denominators. Use the big, numbered markings for centimetres. On most metric measuring tapes, centimetres are the most prominent markings. Centimetres are usually labeled with large lines and, next to each line, a number. As with inches, the line marks each centimetre, not the number itself. If you have a measuring tape longer than one metre (100 centimetres), usually, the metre(s) will receive a special marking as well — often in a different color than the rest of the markings. After each metre, the centimetre markings may start over again from zero or continue counting. This varies from measuring tape to measuring tape. Use the smaller markings between centimetres for 0.5 centimetres. Some (but not all) metric measuring tapes will have medium-sized marks evenly spaced between each centimetre mark. These mark half-centimetres. These marks are usually not labelled with a number. The metric system is in base ten, which makes it much easier to work with decimals compared to imperial measurements. For this reason, it's usually fine to refer to half-centimetre markings in decimal terms (i.e., 1 1/2 centimetres becomes 1.5 centimetres.) Use the small, densely-packed markings for millimetres.The small, tight, narrow lines between centimetre markings represent millimetres (or one-tenth-centimetres). There are ten millimetres in a centimetre (and, thus, one thousand in a metre.) If your measuring tape doesn't have 0.5 centimetre markings, the fifth millimetre after each centimetre marks the 0.5 centimetre. Add the centimetre segments to determine the total length. To measure with a metric measuring tape, first find the nearest centimetre before the distance you're measuring, then the nearest millimetre. You can use a 0.5 millimetre mark to help guide you if your measuring tape has them. Your measurement (in centimetres) will be a decimal where the tenths place is indicated by the millimetre marking. For example, see below: Let's say that we measure past the 33 centimetre mark to the sixth millimetre marking. In this case, we can find our distance in centimetres like this: 33 + 0.6 = 33.6 centimetres If we wanted our distance in something other than centimetres, however, we would need to shift the decimal place to compensate. For example, let's say that we want the answer above in metres. In this case, since there are 100 centimetres in one metre, we could use a conversion factor like this: 33.6 × 1 metre/100 centimetres = 0.336 metres In general, to go from centimetres to metres, shift the decimal two places to the left, and to go from metres to centimetres, shift it two places to the right. Catch the hooked end on one side of the object you're measuring. If you're using a retractable tape measure (the kind that comes in a small metal or plastic box that automatically sucks the tape back up when you're done with it) note that the end of the tape will almost always have a small metal notch at the zero mark. This is useful for holding the tape in the right place as you measure, so you may want to start by catching it on the edge of the object you're measuring. On the other hand, if you're measuring something that can't be latched on to (like, for instance, the distance across a door frame), just press this metal notch into one side of the object. Stretch the tape across your object. With the zero mark in place, pull back on the box to let more tape out. You can use one hand (or a friend) to hold the end of the tape in place as you pull it back. Let tape out until it stretches all the way across the distance you're measuring. Try to keep the tape straight as you do this — if you let it sag (which is easy to do if you're measuring long distances), the results you get will be skewed. Take a reading directly from the tape. Now, look at the point where the tape meets the end of the thing you're measuring. The nearest number below the end of the tape is your number of units you're measuring and the markings between this number and the one above it correspond to fractions of the unit. For example, if you are measuring across the front of your dresser and the edge of the dresser lines up right after the 24 inch marking, this means that your dresser is between 24 and 25 inches wide. If, for instance, it's three 1/8 inch marks past 24 inches, it is 24 3/8 inches wide. You can also try putting a kink in the tape, then lining up this kink with the edge of what you're measuring. This is handy in certain situations, like for instance, when you're measuring into a tight corner. Use the lock switch to keep the tape at the same length. Most retractable tape measures will have a button or sliding switch that, when pressed, keeps the tape measure from being sucked back in. Some even lock automatically. You can use this to easily compare the sizes of different lengths and objects. For instance, the lock feature is useful for: Quickly seeing which of two objects is bigger Seeing whether something will fit through a certain space Keeping the tape available for multiple quick measurements Keeping a certain distance "handy" to avoid having to re-measure Hold one end of the tape down at the start of your distance. A manual tape measure (which looks a little like a long, skinny ribbon or a ruler made out of flexible material) lacks some of the convenient features of a modern retractable tape measure, but with the proper technique, it works just as well. To start taking a measurement, grab the "zero" end and line it up with the start of the object or length you want to measure. Part of the problem with manual tape measures is that they're most useful for measuring only short differences because you have to be able to hold the zero end in place while you move the other end into position. Thus, most manual tapes won't be much longer than the human arm span. If you need to measure beyond your reach, you can try keeping the zero end of your tape measure in place with a weight or getting a friend to help. Stretch the tape across your distance. Now, take the slack of the object and lay it in a straight line across the object or distance you want to measure. Be sure to keep the tape tight to ensure an accurate measurement, but don't stretch it — most modern measuring tapes are made out of semi-flexible plastic. Take a reading directly from the tape. Just as you would with a retractable tape measure, look for the spot where the end of the object or distance you're measuring lines up with the tape measure. The distance indicated on the tape measure at this point is the distance you've measured. For instance, let's say you hold one end of a tape measure in the tips of your fingers and stretch the other end all the way to the crook of your armpit to determine how long your arm is. If the tape measure stretches exactly halfway between the 27 and 28 inch markings, this means that your arm is 27.5 inches long. If measuring around a round object, pinch the tape where it overlaps. One advantage of ribbon-style tape measures over retractable tape measures is that their flexibility allows them to measure around objects. To do this, place the zero end of the tape on the object, wrap the tape all the way around it in as straight of line as possible, and note the point where the tape measure first passes the zero marking once again. This point is the distance around your object. For example, if you want to find the distance around your wrist, place the zero end of the tape measure on top of your wrist, wrap the slack around and underneath, then line it up with the zero end on top. If it is, for instance, six inches at this point, then your wrist has a circumference of about six inches. | Use the big, numbered markings for inches. Use the bigger marks between two inch markings for half-inches. Use the smaller lines between half-inches for quarter-inches. Use the small, regular marks for one-eighth-inches. Use the tiny, densely-packed marks for sixteenths of an inch. Add the inch segments to determine total length. Use the big, numbered markings for centimetres. Use the smaller markings between centimetres for 0.5 centimetres. Use the small, densely-packed markings for millimetres.The small, tight, narrow lines between centimetre markings represent millimetres (or one-tenth-centimetres). Add the centimetre segments to determine the total length. Catch the hooked end on one side of the object you're measuring. Stretch the tape across your object. Take a reading directly from the tape. Use the lock switch to keep the tape at the same length. Hold one end of the tape down at the start of your distance. Stretch the tape across your distance. Take a reading directly from the tape. If measuring around a round object, pinch the tape where it overlaps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Thor-Hair | How to Do Thor Hair | Thor wears his hair several different ways throughout the movie series, so no matter the length of your hair, you should be able to do a Thor hairstyle! If you have short hair, you'll want to shave the sides and the back of your head short with electric clippers, then use gel to spike up the top. For shoulder-length hair, you'll want to part your hair in the center while it's still wet. Then, add some gel to give it Thor-like texture, and let it air dry. If you have longer hair, try out Thor's hairstyle from “Thor: The Dark World.” To do this, you'll need to give yourself a low half-ponytail then place a second hair tie a few inches down from the first. You can also make a small braid from the hair on the side of your head and tuck it into the half ponytail. | Grow your hair out if you have short hair. If you want Thor's shoulder-length hairstyle, you'll have to be patient and grow out your hair. Grow your hair out until it's long enough to pull back into a ponytail and comes down to about your shoulders. You should be able to comb your sideburns behind your ears. Shampoo your hair. Put a dime sized amount of shampoo in your hand and then rub it through your scalp. Agitate your hair with the shampoo so that suds start to form. Continue agitating your hair for another 2-3 minutes. Then, rinse your hair thoroughly under hot or warm water until there is no more shampoo in it. Condition your hair. Conditioning your hair will soften it and make it easier to style. Put a dime sized drop of conditioner in your hand and run it through your hair while it's wet, making sure to spread it through all of your hair. Let the conditioner soak in your hair for up to 10 minutes before rinsing it out with warm or hot water. Rub hair gel or wax into your hands. Purchase a hair holding product like pomade, gel, or wax online or at a salon. Check the label and choose a hair product that will help give your hair a matte finish so that your hair looks similar to Thor's hair. Put a dime sized drop of wax or gel into the center of your palm and use your other hand to rub the wax or gel into your hands. Work the gel into your hair from back to front. Lightly rub the gel into your hair until you no longer have product on your hands. The gel will help set your part and will add volume to your hair. Brush your hair back with a comb while it's wet. Get any knots out of your hair while you comb your hair back. Comb your sideburns behind your ears. Create an off center part with a comb. Thor's part is on a slight angle, which isn't natural for most people. Use the tip of the comb to create a part slightly off center towards the left side of your head. Then, run the tip of the comb towards the back of your head. Comb your hair to each side of your head to create the part. Blow dry your hair. Set the options on your blow dryer to a low heat and medium speed. Blowdrying your hair will help your part set. Run your fingers through your hair while you blow dry it. Make sure not to disrupt the part while you blow dry your hair. The product should stiffen and hold the part in place. Let your hair air dry. Stop blow drying your hair when it's mostly dry and let the rest of it air dry. Your hair should now look like Thor's hair when it was shoulder length. Grow your hair out long. In order to get Thor's braid, you'll need to grow your hair out past your shoulders. Make sure your hair runs at least 2 inches (5.08 cm) past your shoulders before trying to braid it. This hairstyle was popularized in the movie "Thor: The Dark World." Pull back the top portion of your hair into a low ponytail. Use both hands to pull back the hair above your ears. Bunch the hair in your hands so that it forms a ponytail on the back of your head. Hold the ponytail with one hand. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie. Grab a hair tie with your other hand and wrap it around the ponytail on the back of your head to secure it. The hair tie should be wrapped around your hair close to your head. You can also tie a piece of string around the ponytail to hold it in place. Wrap another hair tie around the ponytail. Move down a couple inches from the first hair tie and wrap another hair tie towards the end of the ponytail. This will make your ponytail look more like Thor's hair. Seperate a small portion of hair on the side of your head. Take some excess hair on the side of your head and separate it into three separate parts. You'll use this hair to create another smaller braid on the side of your head. Braid the three strands of hair. Cross the left strand of hair over the center strand, then the right strand across the center strand. Continue to do this until the hair is totally braided. Finish the braid by securing it with a elastic band or string. Shave the sides and the back of your hair with electric clippers. Wet your hair with water, then plug in your electric clippers. Use a 3 1/2 sized guard on the sides and back of your head. Work the electric clippers over the sides and back of your head, leaving the hair on top of your head untouched. Cut the top of your hair with scissors. Manually clip away the hair on the top of your head so that it's an inch and a half (3.81 cm) long. You will most likely need someone else to do this for you. Use electric clippers to make two lines an inch above your ears. Look at reference photos from "Thor Ragnarok" so that you know exactly how the lines look. Press the electric clippers against your head to make two lines above each of your ears. The two lines should be cut at a 30-degree angle. Don't put a guard on the clippers if you want to make sharp, straight lines. Make another line in the back of your head. Look at a photo of Thor again, then have someone else put an angled line right under the crown of your head. This will finish the cuts that are in Thor's shorter hairstyle. Put gel in your hair so that it's spiky. Spray hairspray in your hair while it's wet or rub gel or wax into your hair with your hands. Run your hands back through your hair so that it's spiky on the top and your bangs stick straight up. You should now have what looks like Thor's shorter haircut. | Grow your hair out if you have short hair. Shampoo your hair. Condition your hair. Rub hair gel or wax into your hands. Work the gel into your hair from back to front. Brush your hair back with a comb while it's wet. Create an off center part with a comb. Blow dry your hair. Let your hair air dry. Grow your hair out long. Pull back the top portion of your hair into a low ponytail. Secure the ponytail with a hair tie. Wrap another hair tie around the ponytail. Seperate a small portion of hair on the side of your head. Braid the three strands of hair. Shave the sides and the back of your hair with electric clippers. Cut the top of your hair with scissors. Use electric clippers to make two lines an inch above your ears. Make another line in the back of your head. Put gel in your hair so that it's spiky. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stand-up-for-Yourself | How to Stand up for Yourself | If you're having trouble standing up for yourself, practice projecting confidence by standing up straight when you walk, holding your head high, and looking people in the eyes when you talk to them. Learn to say “no” when people ask you to do things that you don't want to do, even if it's hard. As you get more confident, speak up when someone says or does something that puts you down. For instance, if someone insults you, calmly but firmly say something like, “That's very hurtful. Please don't say that again.” | Have confidence. Developing a strong sense of self-confidence is the first step towards standing up for yourself. If you don't have any confidence or belief in yourself, how can you expect other people to? It's easy for others to spot when someone is down on their luck and lacking in self-confidence -- which makes them an easy target. If you're confident, people will be less likely to tease you or identify you as weak. Confidence has to come from within, so do whatever it takes to make you feel better about yourself. Learn a new skill, lose some weight, repeat positive affirmations daily -- nothing will change overnight, but your confidence will grow in time. Set goals for yourself. Goals give you a sense of purpose and control over your own destiny, and they help you realize what you truly want. This is an essential part of standing up for yourself and preventing others from walking all over you. Motivate yourself by setting an ambitious but achievable goal over the next few weeks, months or years of your life. It could be anything -- a promotion at work, a top grade in your next college paper, or running a half-marathon -- as long as it's something that gives you a sense of self-worth. When you finally achieve your goals, remember to take a moment to look back on how far you've come and appreciate how much you have achieved. Make a vow that you will never let yourself regress into the unfulfilled person you once were. Develop a good attitude. Your attitude is everything -- it impacts how other people perceive you and even how you see yourself. Your attitude sets the tone of your voice, the quality of your thoughts, and is reflected in your facial expressions and body language. Remember that attitude is infectious. If you're bubbly, happy , and bright about things, you'll encourage those around you to feel good about themselves and the world around them. If you're morose, pessimistic, and down about everything, you'll soon infect others with the same negativity. We naturally prefer to be hanging around the person who makes us feel good about ourselves, and we're more inclined to listen and respond positively to someone who has a good attitude. By the same token, we're more likely to dismiss a person who tries to play the shrinking violet, the victim, or the permanently oppressed. Make the choice to feel and have a positive attitude and you're on your way to standing up for yourself. Feel good about yourself physically. While you don't need to look like an iron man or iron woman, your appearance does matter and looking fit, strong and healthy will give you greater confidence and help you to stand up for yourself. Choose an activity that you enjoy doing -- whether it's weight training, running, dancing or rock climbing -- and throw yourself into it. Not only will you look and feel better physically, but you will also have a lot of fun and become a more interesting and fulfilled person in the process! You should also consider starting a martial arts or self-defense class. The inner discipline taught will improve your confidence a great deal and the moves you'll learn to defend yourself will double your confidence and allow you to stand up for yourself should you ever find yourself in a physical fight. Be assertive. Assertiveness is the key to standing up for yourself. It isn't just a cliché, it's a bona fide means for improving your chances of getting what you want and for being heard properly. Being assertive enables you to express your wants, needs, and preferences in a way that shows you're prepared to stand up for yourself while still respecting the other person. It involves being open and honest about your thoughts and feelings while trying to work towards a mutually satisfying solution. When asserting your feelings and opinions, it's recommended that you use "I" statements, rather than "you" statements, as this is less accusatory and will prevent the other person from going on the defensive. For example, instead of saying "you never ask for my opinion", say something like "I feel ignored when you make decisions without me". Assertiveness is, for the main part, a learned skill, so don't feel bad if it doesn't come naturally. There are many excellent books and courses on assertiveness training available. You might like to start by reading the classic When I Say No, I Feel Guilty , by Manuel J Smith, and Your perfect right: A Guide to Assertive Living , by Robert E. Alberti. See also How to be assertive and Communicate in an Assertive Manner. Learn how to say no. Learning how to say no is one of the hardest but most important ways of standing up for yourself. If you tend to be a "yes" person who never wants to let anyone down, you risk becoming a door-mat who everyone walks all over and takes advantage of. For example, if your boss keeps asking you to work late when your co-worker has no problem skipping out the door at 6 pm, it can be very difficult to say no. But if this extra workload is putting your personal life and relationships under pressure, you need to put your foot down. Don't put someone else's needs above your own -- learn to say no when necessary. Learning to say no will help you to stand up for yourself with friends as well as people who intimidate you. Think about that friend who keeps borrowing money but never pays it back; assertiveness will enable you to ask for that money back and to say no next time, all while maintaining your friendship. People may be taken aback at first, but they will learn to accept your new-found determination and may even come to respect it. Recognize your body language. The manner in which you stand, walk, and sit makes a big impression on people. Positive body language can be used to garner respect, agreement, and trust , while negative body language (slouching, trying to shrink away) is practically an invitation to being pushed about. Using open body language shows people that you are self-assured, confident and not to be messed with. Open body language includes leaning forward, making eye contact, standing with your hands on your hips and feet apart, using slow and deliberate gestures, facing your heart to people when you meet them and uncrossing your arms or legs. Closed body language, on the other hand, sends negative signals and could leave you open to attack. Closed body language includes crossing your arms, clenching your hands, using fast and evasive gestures, fidgeting, avoiding eye contact , and turning your body sideways. Practice standing up for yourself. For many shy people, standing up for themselves is not something that comes naturally, but that's okay. All you need to do is practice -- soon you'll become more confident and more assertive about making your voice heard. Sometimes you may fail to stand up for yourself simply because you cannot articulate what needs to be said at the right moment. Take the time to write out good responses to difficult situations and practice them with a friend using a timer. Have your friend pretend to be a difficult or intimidating person who showers you with put-downs. Put on the timer for about 2 minutes and respond away! Keep doing this until you get the hang of it. You can also practice standing up for yourself in small, everyday situations. For example, rather than quietly accepting the wrong coffee when the barista gets your order wrong, learn to say "excuse me, I asked for non-fat milk. Could you please make me another?" Soon you'll have the confidence to tackle bigger, more important issues! Stay away from negative people. Another aspect of standing up for yourself is trusting your instincts about other people and learning to act on them. For example: If another person is bringing you down with their negativity, don't hang around them; start to politely but firmly distance yourself. You don't owe difficult people any explanation as to why you're spending less time around them. Avoid bullies , negative Nellies, and sarcastic Sams. You don't gain anything from being in their presence and you're not doing them any favors by putting up with their nonsense or rewarding them for bad behavior. Remember -- keeping away from sources of discomfort and trouble is not running away; it is an important part of learning to stand up for yourself because it demonstrates that you won't let nonsense and nastiness impact your life. Defend yourself in a calm and reasonable manner. Defend yourself verbally when attacked, provoked, or sidelined and take care of yourself when someone tries to put you down, box you in, or even hurt you physically. Don't just stand there smoldering; it's far better to speak your mind. Even if the end result doesn't change, you've demonstrated to yourself and others that you won't stand for disrespect. More often than not, a polite but firm clarification of the disrespectful comment or behavior will be enough to draw attention to the need for it to change, especially where there is an audience. For example: "Excuse me but I was next in line and I'm in just as much of a hurry as the person who pushed in." Avoid whispering, mumbling, or speaking too quickly. The tone of your voice and the speed of your delivery are an important part of clarifying what you want and how confident you're feeling. Naturally, the manner in which you defend yourself will depend on the situation and if someone is volatile, always put your safety first. Don't be aggressive. You should never resort to outright aggression in the process of standing up for yourself. Being aggressive, or even violent, is counter-productive and will not win you any friends. Acting aggressively -- verbally or otherwise -- is like acting out your pain in full technicolor. It's not a constructive way to get what you want and will simply turn people against you. You are far more likely to achieve a positive result if you approach any issues as calmly and objectively as possible. You can still stand your ground and be firm and assertive without having to raise your voice or get angry. Avoid being passive aggressive. Be wary of taking passive aggressive responses toward people and situations. Passive aggressive responses are ones in which you begrudgingly do things against your will and end up filled with resentment and anger , hating people who "make" you feel this way, feeling depressed and helpless. This negatively affects your relationships and can take a huge toll on your physical and emotional health. Most of all, a passive-aggressive approach to life will never enable you to stand up for yourself. Try to turn negatives into positives. Another way of standing up for yourself is to take the negatives thrown at you and transform them into good things. In the process of turning attacks inside out to find the good, you'll often find that feelings of jealousy or insecurity are at the root of the attack. For example: If someone claims you're bossy, rather than letting it cause you to shrink some more, take this as evidence that you're a natural leader , able to manage people and projects well, and a proactive change agent. If someone claims you're shy, take it as a compliment that means you're not ready to jump on the latest bandwagon but like to reflect over the consequences first and then make up your mind. If someone says you're too sensitive or emotional, let this be a sign that you've got a big heart and aren't afraid to let everyone see it. Or maybe someone suggested you're not career-minded enough – for you, that confirms you're living a stress-free life that will help you to live longer. Don't give up. No matter how hard you try to increase your confidence, there will be days when you feel that you're backsliding. Rather than seeing this as a defeat in your attempt to learn to stand up for yourself, see it for what it is – a day or so where things went temporarily off-track before you feel better and bounce back. Some tricks to help the bounce-back process include: Fake it till you make it. Even if you don't feel confident, act as if you do. Be consistent in your approach. People will grow to expect that the person you are now is a person who stands up for himself. Expect some people to find your more assertive stance challenging. It can take time to reshape the patterns you've formerly established with people who used to walk all over you. In some cases, you'll find you no longer want to be a part of their lives; take it as it comes. | Have confidence. Set goals for yourself. Develop a good attitude. Feel good about yourself physically. Be assertive. Learn how to say no. Recognize your body language. Practice standing up for yourself. Stay away from negative people. Defend yourself in a calm and reasonable manner. Don't be aggressive. Avoid being passive aggressive. Try to turn negatives into positives. Don't give up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Good-Job | How to Get a Good Job | Getting a good job can be a challenge, but with hard work and persistent effort, you'll get there! Start by searching job sites that specifically target your desired field for higher quality opportunities. When you find companies that interest you, read employee reviews or ask current workers if they enjoy working there. Then, when you're applying for jobs, make sure your resume incorporates keywords and applicable skills that directly relate to the job you're applying for. Make your resume stand out by using cool formatting and changing up the font and color. | Balance talent with passion. “Do what you're passionate about” is common advice, but it isn't entirely accurate. While it's important to like the job you have, it's equally important to have some natural skill or talent for the type of work you're involved in. Identify your "motivated skills." These include any skills you've actually enjoyed developing, even if you haven't had the opportunity to develop them much. When looking for new jobs, try to find an opening that will allow you to continue using and developing these abilities. The keyword, however, is "skill." If you aren't able to do the job correctly, both you and your new employer will be dissatisfied, no matter how much interest you have in the task. Evaluate the path to each goal. It's possible to get a good job at nearly any level of experience, but you probably won't get your “dream job” right away. Before you set your sights on your ideal, though, make sure that you can handle the path you'll need to travel on your way there. For example, most successful authors have faced prolonged periods of financial strain, tedious self-improvement, obscurity, and rejection before achieving their status. If you aren't prepared to do likewise, you probably shouldn't make "successful author" your career goal. Avoid over-committing to an uncertain path. You can accept a job offer without determining whether or not you'll enjoy the work, but you should avoid dedicating large amounts of time or money to a certain career path before you've made that determination. Don't be afraid of job hopping while you're searching for the right job, especially if you can demonstrate that each move actually follows along the same path. It's natural to quit when you realize you're in the wrong place, and sticking it out any longer than that is ultimately bad for both you and the company. Avoid going to graduate school if you're still uncertain about that field of study. The amount of time and money you'll spend will force you to look for high-paying work in that field simply for the sake of returning your investment and paying off your debt, even if you end up hating the field once you get into it. Know when to quit your current job. It's actually relatively common to quit your current job before finding new work, but before you hand in your resignation, you should make sure that you're in a position to stay financially afloat while you search for a new source of income. If you hate your current job, it's better to quit sooner rather than later. Continuing to stay at that job can drain your energy and lower your self-confidence, making it more difficult to find a new job as time passes. On the other hand, make sure you can afford to quit. If you're unable to support yourself financially while you search for work, you'll feel rushed and may end up settling for another lousy position. If you don't have a current job or already quit your old one, consider looking for temporary work while you continue looking for permanent work. While there's no guarantee, the right contract or part-time position may even turn into a full-time job. Break out of your search routine. If you've every searched for a job before, you've probably got the basics down. Oftentimes, though, the really great jobs won't be found in the places everyone else is looking, so you'll need to break away from these basics and try something new. Skip generic job sites. It's possible to find a good job through these websites, but since they're so popular, they'll be flooded with poor jobs that don't relate to your desired field. Job sites that target your desired field or job type will give you a higher volume of higher-quality results. Search for a good company. A good work environment can be just as important as the tasks you'll perform at work. Search for companies that interest you, then look for reviews or ask current workers if they enjoy the experience there. Increase your efforts. Evaluate how much effort you're currently putting into the job search. If you aren't happy with the current results, you may need to search more actively and more often. Instead of calling five contacts each week, try to call an average of five contacts each day. Attend two to three times more networking events than you currently attend. Consider relocating. The right position might exist somewhere outside your current city. Determine if relocation is a viable option, and if it is, broaden your search parameters to include jobs located in promising locations. Research the city and state before blinding relocating, though. Some areas thrive more in times of economic downturn than others. Additionally, the cost of living in certain locations can be much higher than what you might be used to, so a higher paying job in these states might actually give you less financial support than a lower paying job in less demanding locations. Make allies. Get on friendly terms with others who are currently looking for work. Share advice and experiences with one another, and consider passing along possible job opportunities when it seems appropriate. For instance, if you spot a job opportunity that seems perfect for one of your allies, forward it along with a note of support. With any luck, your ally will return the kindness when the opportunity presents itself. Answer quickly when opportunity knocks. Respond as soon as possible when you hear about a new job opportunity that might fit your needs. Don't let procrastination stand between you and your new career path. As a general rule, you should apply for a job the same day you hear about the opening. If you need to contact someone about the position before you can submit your application, call that individual during normal business hours the following business day. Improve your resume. You've probably read about the importance of a good resume countless times, but that's because it really is extremely important. Depending on the size of the company, an employer may see hundreds—or even thousands—of different resumes throughout the hiring period, so you'll need to make yours stand out if you want them to pay attention. Brush up on the basics of making your resume before doing anything else. Yours needs to have some essential components before you work on the bells and whistles. You can tweak your resume by changing the font type and color, or by printing it on nice stationary. If you feel especially daring, you can try creating an infographic resume or an Internet landing page that can serve as an interactive resume. Regardless of the format used, you should avoid redundant phrasing. You may also need to tweak your resume based on the job you're applying for to better highlight your applicable skills. Ace the interview. If you're fortunate enough to get called in for an interview, you need to make the interview a success from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. Your appearance will be the first thing the hiring manager notices about you. Business casual is usually a safe bet, but it's better to call the company beforehand and specifically ask about the dress code for the interview. Prepare to answer common questions. Research some common interview questions and learn about the intent behind those questions. You don't need to create a script for yourself, but you should practice answering some of the usual questions beforehand so you can present an impressive answer. Converse as naturally as possible. While you should always answer the questions asked to you, don't recite off your answers like a machine. Try to develop the tone of the interview into a professional yet natural conversation. Doing so makes you seem more likable and more confident. Follow up. You should follow up with a company twice after the interview. Express your gratitude the first time and inquire about the position during the second time. Your first follow-up should happen immediately. Try to send an email or make a phone call the same day as your interview. Your second follow-up should happen three days to one week after the interview. If you haven't heard back from the company by then, call and ask if you're still being considered for the position. Accept rejection. Very few people land the first job they apply for. Everyone will get rejected. When it happens to you, accept the rejection gracefully and quickly move beyond it. Accepting rejection means accepting that rejection is part of the process without adopting the attitude of a reject. Instead of despairing and lowering your sights, keep pressing forward along the path you've set for yourself. Demand respect. Conventional advice tells you to bend over backwards pleasing a prospective employer, but in reality, issuing one-sided and unconditional respect to a prospective employer without demanding some basic level of respect in return will probably lead you to a miserable work environment. Everyone has his or her own breaking point, but as a general rule, look for potential employers that stick to their promises and commitments. If you were promised a phone call by Wednesday and you don't hear back until the following Tuesday, it could suggest that the company doesn't value its employees' time or needs. As a result, the working environment might easily devolve into a negative one. Focus on the good. You probably know what you don't want in a job, but you won't be able to know if a job is “good” based on that alone. Focus on the positive qualities of a potential offer instead of fixating only on an absence of negative qualities. Think about the times you've enjoyed work in the past and ask yourself what circumstances made that enjoyment possible. Ask yourself if this new job offer can create circumstances similar to those. Adjust your perspective on money. The highest paying job is not necessarily the best job—in fact, it may not even be a “good” job in terms of overall satisfaction. Make sure that you can earn enough to support yourself, but don't assume that more money equals more happiness. More money isn't always a bad thing, of course, but you need to weigh it against other factors. For instance, you'll probably be better off in a job that meets your financial needs at 40 hours a week than you would be with a job that pays 15% more but demands 60 hours a week, especially if the two jobs are similar in scope. Look beyond the glitz and glamour. Many jobs come with small perks that seem more significant than they actually are. When evaluating each supposed benefit, ask yourself if it's truly important before factoring it into your decision. Unnecessary perks usually include special privileges, titles, and status. In other words, being the "First" Assistant Manager isn't necessarily better than being a "Secondary Assistant Manager" unless the pay and responsibilities reflect the change in title. Similarly, use of the company car probably won't mean much to your long-term job satisfaction, so it ultimately shouldn't weigh into your decision. Expect every employer to have some downfall. No job is perfect. Even if you land a good job, you will undoubtedly have the occasional bad day at work. To that end, you shouldn't necessarily decline a job offer on the basis of one or two small flaws. Similarly, you shouldn't assume that a job will be perfect just because it seems to be from the outside looking in. Both employers and employees present their best sides during the hiring process, so there are bound to be a few downsides you weren't aware of. Always maintain a realistic perspective before accepting any job to avoid major letdowns once you start working. | Balance talent with passion. Evaluate the path to each goal. Avoid over-committing to an uncertain path. Know when to quit your current job. Break out of your search routine. Increase your efforts. Consider relocating. Make allies. Answer quickly when opportunity knocks. Improve your resume. Ace the interview. Follow up. Accept rejection. Demand respect. Focus on the good. Adjust your perspective on money. Look beyond the glitz and glamour. Expect every employer to have some downfall. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Aloe-Leaves | How to Store Aloe Leaves | To store aloe leaves, you can refrigerate or freeze them so they're ready to use whenever you need them. To keep a whole aloe leaf, wrap it in plastic, making sure to cover the cut end where it used to connect to the rest of the plant, and put it in your refrigerator. When you're ready to use the leaf, take it out and unwrap it. It should keep in your refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. For longer-term storage, place your aloe leaf in a plastic freezer bag and put it in the freezer for 6 to 8 months. When you want to use the leaves, put them on the counter and allow them to come up to room temperature, which should take 2 to 3 hours. | Keep a whole aloe leaf in the fridge for 4-5 days. Wrap the leaf in plastic wrap, taking care to cover the cut end where it used to be connected to the rest of the plant. Once you're ready to use the leaf, simply unwrap it from the plastic wrap and begin the process to extract the gel. Use a permanent marker to write the date on the plastic wrap so you remember how long you have before you need to use it. Freeze aloe leaves for long-term storage. Simply take your aloe leaf, place it into a plastic freezer bag, and set it in the freezer. Your aloe leaf will have the best consistency and taste (if you're going to eat it) if you use it within 6-8 months, though technically it will stay good for much longer than that. For an extra measure of protection, you could even wrap the leaf in plastic wrap before putting it into the plastic bag. Defrost frozen aloe leaves by leaving them on the counter. Let them come to room temperature, which may take anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on the size of the leaf. Never defrost a frozen aloe leaf in the microwave—this'll change the consistency and will drastically decrease its health benefits! Rinse the aloe leaf under cool water. Use a leaf you either purchased at the store or one that you trimmed from a plant you have at home. Rinse off any visible dirt or sticky residue that you notice on the leaf. Let the leaves air dry. If you are using a leaf you just got from a plant at home, set it upright in a glass or jar for about 15 minutes before moving on. This will allow the aloin (a red/yellow liquid) to drain out of the leaf. Aloin can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems if it's consumed. Trim off the top and bottom parts of the leaf. Use a clean cutting board and a sharp knife to trim off the top quarter of the aloe, as well as the bottom quarter (where the leaf attached to the rest of the plant). These sections generally don't contain much usable aloe gel. Be cautious when handling the aloe leaf that you don't cut your hand on the spikes that run along each side. Cut off both spiked sides from the aloe leaf. Place the aloe leaf so that it's flat against the cutting board. Then, cut away the spiked sides by running your knife along the length of the leaf. Try to cut away as little of the actual meat of the leaf as possible. Using a smaller, sharp knife gives you more control than if you were to use a larger chef's knife. Peel the top and bottom exterior of the leaf using a vegetable peeler. Keep the leaf flat against the cutting board. Take your vegetable peeler and start peeling from the top of the leaf. Work your way down to the bottom of the leaf, removing the exterior skin in sections until it's gone. Flip the aloe over and repeat the peeling process on the other side. When you're done, the green exterior of the aloe should be gone, leaving you with the opaque gel from the center. If there are small streaks of green you can't remove with your peeler, use your knife to carefully slice them away. The aloe will be sticky and a little slimy. Try to keep your hand that holds the peeler/knife as dry as possible to keep the utensil from slipping. Dice the raw aloe gel into small cubes. Take your knife and slice the aloe into small, equally-sized cubes, taking care to not cut your hands in the process. At this stage, you could really leave the aloe in whatever size you prefer—small cubes are a good size for using in smoothies or drinks later. You can leave the diced aloe on the cutting board as you work your way down the leaf, or you can place it into a small, clean bowl set off to the side. Store fresh aloe gel in the fridge for up to 10 days. Place the gel in a clean, airtight container and leave it in the fridge while you use it in beauty products, drinks and smoothies, and for sunburn care. Label the container so you'll remember how long it's good for. If the gel is getting close to the 10 day mark, you can freeze what remains so that none of it goes to waste! Place the gel into small resealable bags if you want to freeze it. Depending on how you are planning to use your aloe (as additions to a smoothie or beverage, in beauty products, or for burn relief), place various-sized handfuls of the diced aloe into small, resealable bags. Sometimes aloe gel can get discolored when it's frozen. Adding vitamin E to the gel can help prevent this. You could also gently blend the diced aloe for 30 seconds and then pour it into ice cube molds. Make sure to label the baggie with the item description and the date upon which you placed it into the freezer. Store the aloe in the freezer for up to 8 months. When you first place the baggies into the freezer, take caution to not stack anything else on top of them to prevent them from getting squished and freezing in strange shapes. If you are freezing multiple baggies, try to not squeeze too many bags together in a small place. When they freeze, they could mold to one another, making it difficult for you to extract a bag when you want to use one in the future. Defrost frozen aloe on the counter or use it in its still-frozen form. You can add a few cubes of aloe to a smoothie. You can defrost it and mix it with honey or coconut oil to make hair and face masks. You can rub it over sunburn to help it heal faster. There are plenty of ways to use aloe gel! Never put frozen aloe into the microwave—it'll change the consistency and decrease the medical benefits. Blend your harvested aloe in a blender for 30 seconds. Use peeled, cubed aloe harvested from a leaf you bought at the store or trimmed from a plant you have at home. Pulse it in the blender until it has a smooth consistency. You don't have to blend the aloe, but it does make it easier to mix in with the honey and gives the mixture a smoother texture. Measure out how much aloe you have. Use a food scale or a measuring cup to divvy out the quantity of aloe you are using. Then place the measured aloe into a clean bowl. If you are using a food scale, you could just place the clean bowl on the scale and measure the aloe directly into that so you don't dirty more dishes. Mix the aloe with an equal amount of honey. Use 100% natural, raw honey, which you can purchase at health food stores or possibly at your local grocery store. Put the honey into the bowl with the aloe vera, and use a spoon to mix them together until it has a smooth consistency. Honey is a great product to use to store aloe because it never goes bad. Mixing equal amounts of aloe and honey extends the shelf life of the aloe exponentially. This is also a great way to preserve raw aloe gel that is on the brink of expiring. Store the aloe-honey in a glass, airtight container for up to 3 years. Keep the mixture in a cool, dry place. Make sure the container is clean and dry before you use it. You could even divide the aloe-honey between several small glass jars and give them as gifts. Create a cute label and pair them with other beauty-care essentials for a fun spa package. Use the aloe-honey on your face or as an addition to beverages. You can use aloe-honey on your face to help clear up acne. You can also put it on your hair as a moisturizing mask. You could use it as a sweetener in hot teas, or add it to your morning smoothie to sweeten it up a little bit. You could even bake with the aloe-honey. If you have a recipe that calls for honey, simply substitute this mixture in its place. | Keep a whole aloe leaf in the fridge for 4-5 days. Freeze aloe leaves for long-term storage. Defrost frozen aloe leaves by leaving them on the counter. Rinse the aloe leaf under cool water. Trim off the top and bottom parts of the leaf. Cut off both spiked sides from the aloe leaf. Peel the top and bottom exterior of the leaf using a vegetable peeler. Dice the raw aloe gel into small cubes. Store fresh aloe gel in the fridge for up to 10 days. Place the gel into small resealable bags if you want to freeze it. Store the aloe in the freezer for up to 8 months. Defrost frozen aloe on the counter or use it in its still-frozen form. Blend your harvested aloe in a blender for 30 seconds. Measure out how much aloe you have. Mix the aloe with an equal amount of honey. Store the aloe-honey in a glass, airtight container for up to 3 years. Use the aloe-honey on your face or as an addition to beverages. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Make-Coffee | How to Make Coffee | To make coffee, first decide which method you want to use. A few options include a conventional coffee maker, a french press, or a pour-over dripper. To brew coffee in a coffee maker, first fill the reservoir with water. Use about 6 ounces (180 mL) of water for every cup of coffee you want to make. Next, put a filter in the basket located under the lid of the coffee maker. Measure 1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds per cup of coffee into the filter. Then, close the lid and start the coffee maker. Pour and enjoy! To make coffee with a French Press, first heat two times the amount of water than coffee you want to make. While the water is heating, measure 2 - 3 tablespoons of coffee grounds into the press. When the water is almost boiling, remove it from the heat. Pour enough hot water into the press to completely saturate the grounds. Stir the mixture gently. Let the coffee sit for 30 seconds. Then, fill the press up with water and let the coffee steep for an additional 4 minutes. Finally, put the lid on the press and slowly push down the plunger until it reaches the bottom of the press. Serve and enjoy! To make coffee in a pour-over dripper, heat about 20 oz (600 ml) of water in a kettle. Set the pour-over coffee dripper over your mug and place a filter in it. When the water is almost boiling, pre-wet the entire filter by pouring some of the water through it. Empty the water from the mug. Next, add 2 - 3 tablespoons of coffee grounds to the filter. Now, start to pour the water over the coffee grounds, starting from the outer edge of the filter and moving towards the center in a spiral. Once all the grounds are wet, let the coffee “bloom” for about 30 seconds. Then, slowly pour the remainder of the water over the grounds, pausing occasionally to allow the coffee to drip down into the mug. Serve and enjoy! | Fill the French press with medium-ground coffee. Remove the lid and plunger first, then add the coffee. You will need 2 tablespoons (14 g) of ground coffee for each serving. Don't use coarsely-ground coffee, or it will clog the mesh and make it difficult to clean. Don't use finely-ground coffee, or it will go through the mesh and into the brewed coffee. Pour boiled water into the French press. Bring some water to a complete boil, then let it sit off-heat for about 10 seconds. Measure out 8 ounces (240 mL) for each serving of coffee, and pour it into the canister. Insert the plunger and press down on it partway. Press the plunger jut enough so that the mesh filter is just above the water level. Don't press down on it all the way yet. Wait 3 to 4 minutes before pressing the plunger down the rest of the way. Hold the French press steady with one hand while you press down on the plunger with the other. Push down on the pump slowly until you reach the bottom of the French press. Pour the coffee into a mug and serve it. If you'd like to, you can flavor the coffee with some milk and sugar. Be sure to clean the French press afterwards with water and a mild detergent. Let the plunger and canister dry separately. Don't reassemble them until everything is completely dry. Place a coffee dripper on top of your mug and insert a paper filter. A coffee dripper looks like an upside down cone set atop a saucer. Place the coffee dripper on top of the mug with the saucer part touching the rim, and the cone part sticking up. Insert a coffee filter into the cone. You can use this same method to prepare coffee using a Chemex brewer. Simply insert a coffee filter into the top part, then proceed with the method. Use the same type of filter you would use inside a coffee machine. You can use either the envelope type or the cup type. Consider running hot water through your filter, then discarding the water. This will take the paper flavor out of the filter. Add 1 tablespoon (7 g) of ground coffee into the filter. For a stronger brew, use 2 tablespoons (14 g) instead. You can use pre-ground coffee, but your brew will tast much better if you use freshly-ground coffee beans instead. Pour enough boiled water into the filter to saturate the ground coffee. Bring some water to a complete boil, take it off the heat, then let it cool for about 10 seconds. Pour enough of the water over the ground coffee to saturate it. Don't add all of the water just yet. You want the coffee to "bloom" first, which will take about 30 seconds. This is when it soaks up the water and turns a little bubbly. Add the rest of the water. Plan on using about 6 ounces (180 mL) of water total. To prevent overflow, pour the water into the filter 1 inch (2.5 cm) at a time, letting it drain each time. If you pour all 6 ounces (180 mL) of water into the coffee dripper, it may not drain fast enough. As a result, it may overflow. Remove the dripper and serve the coffee. Once your mug is filled, lift the dripper off. Discard the filter and the ground coffee beans. Add some creamer and sugar into the coffee, then serve it immediately. Discard the paper filter and coffee grounds immediately. Rinse the coffee dripper to keep it clean and prevent residue. Pour filtered or bottled water into the reservoir. How much water you use depends on how many servings of coffee you want to make. In general, you will need 6 ounces (180 mL) of water for each serving of coffee. You can measure the water using the carafe, or you can use a measuring cup. Use filtered or bottled water; avoid tap, distilled, or softened water. If your brewer has serving lines, refer to those instead. Some brewers call for extra water to make up for water loss due to evaporation. Insert a paper filter into the holder, if needed. Open up the filter compartment and take a look inside. Some coffee makers have a mesh filter basket, which can take the place of a paper filter. If your coffee maker does not have a filter basket, insert a paper filter now. There are different types of paper filters for coffee makers. Some are shaped like cups while others look like envelops. Choose the one that's right for your coffee maker. If your coffee maker has a mesh filter basket, you don't need an extra filter. The mesh will filter out the coffee grounds. Add the coffee grounds into the filter. Again, how much coffee you add depends on how many servings you plan to make. In most cases, you will need 1 tablespoon (7 g) of ground coffee for each serving. If you prefer stronger coffee, use 2 tablespoons (14 g) instead. Whether you use fine, medium, or coarse grounds is up to you. For even better tasting coffee, grind up whole coffee beans, and use those instead. Brew the coffee. Slide the filter back into place or close the lid (depending on your machine's design). Turn on the coffee maker and wait for it to finish brewing. How long this takes depends on how much water you put into the reservoir. In most cases, this will take about 5 minutes. Listen for the dripping noise from your coffee maker. Once it stops dripping, your coffee has finished brewing. Turn off the coffee maker and remove the filter. Some coffee makers automatically switch off while others do not. If your coffee maker is not an automatic one, you'll need to turn it off yourself once it stops dripping. Once the coffee maker has been turned off, pull out the filter and discard the grounds. Be careful when opening the coffee maker. Sometimes, it will release hot steam, which can burn you. Don't lean right over it. Remove the pot and serve the coffee. You can serve the coffee as-is, of you can sweeten it with milk, creamer, or half-and-half. For even sweeter coffee, add some sugar, maple syrup, or other sweetener. Enjoy the coffee immediately. If you are vegan or lactose-intolerant, try a non-dairy milk, such as soy, almond, or coconut. Be aware that flavored creamers and some non-dairy milk already come sweetened, so you won't need the extra sugar. Don't let the coffee sit too long. Not only will it grow cold, but it will also taste stale. Fill the bottom chamber of the percolator with hot water. If you have not already, remove the top chamber and filter basket. Heat some water, then pour it into the bottom chamber of the percolator. Keep filling until the water level is just below the steam valve. A percolator is also known as a "stovetop espresso maker" or a "moka pot." For best results, use filtered or bottled water. Add the filter basket, then fill it with coarsely-ground coffee. How much coffee you use depends on the capacity of the percolator. In most cases, there will be a fill line. Otherwise, use 1 to 2 tablespoons (7 to 14 g) of coffee for every 6 ounces (180 mL) of water. After you fill the filter basket, pat the coffee down. Screw the top chamber back on. Hold the percolator steady with 1 hand, then screw the top chamber back on. Be aware that the percolator may be hot from the water already, so it might be a good idea to handle it with an oven mitt or a pot holder. Heat the percolator on the stove over medium heat. Place the percolator on top of the burner. Turn the heat up to medium, and allow the water to get hot. Leave the lid off so you can observe the brew in progress, and remove when done. Make sure the handle is not directly over the heating element, be it gas or electric! Remove the percolator from heat once the coffee finishes brewing. As the water comes to a boil, coffee will begin to fill the upper section. It will start out dark, then lighten up as the brewing progresses. When the coffee stream becomes pale or blonde, it is ready. This entire process should only take about 5 minutes, but it may take longer/shorter. Replace the lid and pour the coffee into a mug. Once the upper chamber is pull, use an oven mitt or a pot holder to put the lid back on. Lift the percolator up by the handle, and pour out the coffee. Add some creamer or sugar, if desired, and serve immediately. The pot will be hot, so handle it with care! Drape a tea towel to the top of a mug. Use your hand to tuck the handkerchief into the mug, creating a 3 to 4-inch (7.62 to 10.16-centimeter) deep pocket. You can also use a bandana, handkerchief, cotton fabric, or muslin fabric as long as they are clean. Make larger servings by placing the tea towel over a mason jar. You will need to increase the amount of coffee grounds and water later on, however. If the fabric has a loose weave, fold it into a square first. Secure the tea towel to the rim of your mug. You can use binder clips, paper clips, or clothespins. You will need at least two clips, one for each side, but four would be more secure. Alternatively, wrap a rubber band around the top of the mug, cinching the tea towel to it. Add medium-ground coffee into the tea towel. Freshly-ground coffee would work the best, but you can use pre-ground if you have nothing else. You will need 1 to 2 tablespoons (7 to 14 g) of coffee for each serving. The more coffee you add, the stronger the brew will be. Don't use finely-ground coffee, or the grounds will filter through the tea towel and get into the brewed coffee. Don't use coarsely-ground coffee. They will get clogged between the fine weave of the tea towel. Heat some water. It would be best if you heat the water to somewhere between 195 to 205°F (91 and 97°C). If this is not possible, simply boil some water, then let it sit off-heat for about 30 seconds. You don't want to use too-hot water, or it will spoil the taste of the coffee. Add the water gradually into the tea towel. Pour enough water to cover the coffee grounds. Wait 30 seconds, then add half of the water. Wait another 30 seconds, then add the rest of the water in 4 portions. Don't add the water all at once, or it won't drain fast enough and lead to overflow. Wait for the water to drain through, then serve the coffee. Once the water has finished draining, about 2 minutes, un-clip the tea towel and lift it out of the mug. Serve the coffee immediately, with cream and sugar, if desired. Discard the coffee grounds immediately and rinse the tea towel. Be aware that the ground coffee may stain the towel. Buy freshly-roasted, good-quality coffee beans. There are different types of coffee beans, each coming from different regions. Some regions produce higher-quality coffee than others. For example, Arabica beans will be much higher in quality than robusta. You can buy pre-ground coffee, but if you want your coffee to taste better, grind the beans yourself. Only grind what you will use in a single brew. Ground coffee loses its freshness even faster than whole beans. Store the beans properly and use them within 1 week. Keep the coffee beans at room temperature in an airtight container, preferably glass or ceramic. Do not store the coffee in the fridge or freezer; this causes the coffee to absorb moisture and odors. If you must store ground in the freezer, use it within 3 to 5 months. Don't let ground coffee go to waste! If it lost its freshness, use it in a coffee scrub. Use a good-quality filter. Oxygen-bleached or dioxin-free paper filters work well. You can also use a long-lived, gold-plated filter instead. Avoid using a cheap filter, as it will affect the taste of the coffee. Paper filters will sometimes give your coffee a papery taste. To prevent this, run hot water through the filter first. Use filtered or bottled water. Don't use tap water, unless you know that your city has high-quality water. If you are going to use tap water, let it run for a few seconds before filling the pot; make sure that it is cold. Never use distilled or softened water. This will result in poor-tasting coffee. Make sure that the water is hot enough. The water need to be between 195 to 205°F (91 and 97°C). Water that is too hot or too cold will result in poor-tasting coffee. If you are not using a coffee machine, let the water come to a full boil first, then let it cool for 30 to 60 seconds before adding it to the coffee grounds. Serve the coffee soon after it finishes brewing. The longer you wait, the less-flavorful it will be. If you will be keeping it in a thermos, be sure to drink it within 1 hour. The longer coffee sits, the more stale it will become. Keep the coffee maker clean. Rinse the pot and the filter basket with hot water. Wipe it dry with a clean towel, then put it back together. This will prevent the build up of grounds and caffeol (coffee oil), which can make future cups taste bitter. Clean your coffee maker once a month with vinegar. Rinse it thoroughly afterwards. | Fill the French press with medium-ground coffee. Pour boiled water into the French press. Insert the plunger and press down on it partway. Wait 3 to 4 minutes before pressing the plunger down the rest of the way. Pour the coffee into a mug and serve it. Place a coffee dripper on top of your mug and insert a paper filter. Add 1 tablespoon (7 g) of ground coffee into the filter. Pour enough boiled water into the filter to saturate the ground coffee. Add the rest of the water. Remove the dripper and serve the coffee. Pour filtered or bottled water into the reservoir. Insert a paper filter into the holder, if needed. Add the coffee grounds into the filter. Brew the coffee. Turn off the coffee maker and remove the filter. Remove the pot and serve the coffee. Fill the bottom chamber of the percolator with hot water. Add the filter basket, then fill it with coarsely-ground coffee. Screw the top chamber back on. Heat the percolator on the stove over medium heat. Remove the percolator from heat once the coffee finishes brewing. Replace the lid and pour the coffee into a mug. Drape a tea towel to the top of a mug. Secure the tea towel to the rim of your mug. Add medium-ground coffee into the tea towel. Heat some water. Add the water gradually into the tea towel. Wait for the water to drain through, then serve the coffee. Buy freshly-roasted, good-quality coffee beans. Store the beans properly and use them within 1 week. Use a good-quality filter. Use filtered or bottled water. Make sure that the water is hot enough. Serve the coffee soon after it finishes brewing. Keep the coffee maker clean. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Someone | How to Find Someone | To find someone online, search for them using their name, age, hometown, former workplaces, any nicknames they have, or even their last known cell phone number. If search engines aren't turning anything up, try looking up their information on social media sites or the white pages. You can also use search engines made specifically for finding people, like ZabaSearch or Pipl. | Write down all the vital information you know about this person. Trying to find somebody using their name alone will probably cast too wide a net. Make your hunt more targeted by including information such as: Full name and nickname Age and date of birth Schools attended Hobbies, likes and dislikes, team sports (especially at schools) Places of work Old addresses and phone numbers Friends, family members, and neighbors Search for variations on the person’s name and/or nickname. Every time you find a page or clue that suggests other parts of the profile, write it down in the profile. For example, you might find "Bea Harrington" mentioned in a newspaper in Albany, NY and a “Beatrice R. Harrington” in a brochure in Dallas, TX. Write down both of those locations in the profile with question marks. If you find another indication that the person with that name is in one of those locations, put a tick next to that location every time. To pull up exact matches only, put quotation marks around each version of their name. (If you're unsure as to spelling, don't use quotation marks.) Plug it into major search engines (Google, Yahoo, etc.); the more variations and engines you try, the more info you're likely to find. If you suspect that the person has gone to another country, especially one where a different language is spoken, try a foreign search engine. Many major search engines have different versions for different countries (Australia, China, etc.). Try those. When searching for a woman who might have gotten married and changed her name, try adding "né" in the search box with every variation (née is a word used to indicate that the person is using their maiden name). Vary your online searches by including other details about the person. After you've done a full sweep on the person's name and nickname, do a second with a slight modification such as their hometown, age, high school, former workplace, etc. Repeat as necessary. If you know of a particular website this person may be associated with, you can search within the site on Google with something like "site: stanford.edu Beatrice Harrington" to focus on those results. Use a search engine designed specifically to find people. These allow anyone to perform people searches. Try ZabaSearch.com or Pipl.com, for example. Use filters to narrow your results when applicable. Lost Trekkers is another place to find lost people. Choose the country, mode of transport or other option, and leave the details in the relevant forum. You will need to register to place an ad. You can search through existing posts to see who might be looking for you or the same person you're looking for. Search for the person’s last known cell phone number. Since cells are mobile and their numbers can be transferred to new phones or providers, people's cell numbers are much less likely to change them their home numbers. Though reverse-tracking a cell phone number usually costs money, you might get lucky by simply searching for the number on various search engines. If the person has listed or advertised their phone number anywhere on the Internet, it's likely to turn up. Put the entire phone number in quotes and experiment with hyphens, periods, and parentheses to separate the numbers. In the US, a phone's three-digit area code can be traced back the location where a cell phone was issued, which might help you pinpoint another area where the person has lived or worked. The next three digits of the number are the exchange area; most exchange areas cover a small town, or a section inside a city, say a 10 x 10 block area. You can contact the phone companies in that area, or get a phone book from the area, and make a map of the exchange area, based on like exchanges in the book. If you have a phone number and ZIP code, you can cross over the maps and get an even smaller area to search. Search the online white pages. Type in the person's name and any other details you find relevant. However, if you don't specify location, you'll get results from all across the country, which is useful if the person has moved. Sometimes, searching by last name only will pull up a family member that you recognize. If the white pages show a list of associated people, you might find the person's name listed there. This can be useful in cases where the person you're looking for has changed their last name after marrying, for example. Search the person's ZIP code if known. If you have a 9-digit ZIP code, it can be tracked to the exact block within a city or town. Now you can search in directories in that area for this person. If they are not in that directory, call directory assistance for that area. Many times people will have an unlisted number, which, while not in the book, is often in directory assistance. Search social networking sites. Some people specify that they don't want their public profiles to appear in search engine results, in which case you'll need to go straight to the source. Try searching things like Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google profiles. If given the option, be sure to narrow down the results by specifying a hometown or school, etc. To search all the major social networking sites simultaneously, use a search engine like Wink.com. Consider more non-traditional searches. Sometimes Facebook and Google don't exactly give you the information you're looking for. If there are...special scenarios this person may have run into, you can focus on them instead of the general information every website will warrant. Most states have court search websites where all you have to do is (after acknowledging the terms and agreements, of course) enter a person's name and all their run-ins show up in a nice list. If nothing else, it's juicy and may give you their location (if they're in-state). If it's been a while since you've seen hide or hair of this person, consider searching the SSDI -- the Social Security Death Index. While there's no national website, most states have records of their inmates. A quick Internet query will turn up what your state's site is (make sure it's.gov). The National Personnel Records Center is a pretty comprehensive list of military records. Post an ad. If you know where the person is located, post an ad in the local online bulletin board (e.g. Craigslist). Explain who you're looking for and why. Leave a form of contact information that you don't mind having spammed (ex. an email address you set up specifically for this purpose). If you want a long-term ad, build a simple website that uses their name as a keyword. If they ever search their own name, your site might turn up. If you don't know the person's location but you do know which schools they went to, what their career is, or what hobbies/interests they pursue, try posting on forums and e-mail lists ("listservs"). Keep the person's privacy in mind; don't reveal any incriminating information that you know about them. Carefully consider posting in a friend-finder forum. Friend-finder forums are available and are moderated by "search angels" or volunteers who use special people search tools. However, it's unlikely that the person you're searching for will appreciate having their relevant details distributed to strangers online – especially the kind of person who has managed not to leave a paper trail thus far. Ask around. Get in contact with other people that knew the specific person you're searching for (or can put you in touch with someone who does). Ask them questions about when they've last seen them, talked to them, or any personal information like last known email addresses or phone numbers. Be sure to explain why you're looking for this person. They may not tell you anything to protect the person's privacy, but they'll probably tell the person that you're looking for them, and the person might want to get in touch with you. Leave your name and phone number behind for that purpose. Look into organizations that the person might have joined or been associated with. It could be a hobby, church, non-profit, or professional organization. Ask for a copy of their membership directory, if available, and check for the person's name there. This is also a good place to find people who may know something. If they can't tell you exactly where the person is, they may be able to get you one step closer. Consider forking over some dough. If you're really hard up to find this person, spending some change may get you the info you're looking for. Sites like www.intelius.com (which is actually used by zabasearch.com) often have more comprehensive files but charge for their data. If you're willing, it could solve your troubles. If the internet doesn't or won't do it, consider hiring a private investigator. If you're having no luck, or you don't have enough time to track this person down, it may be better to pay a professional to do this. Make some phone calls. Though it might be a bit awkward, the best way to get to the person is through their network. Whatever you know of them last, get the people in those circles on the phone. Whether it's a boss, an old girlfriend, or a neighbor, make the call. It sure beats driving all over the place. Be sure to be friendly and to appear sane. The world is so full of negative media nowadays that a stranger inquiring to us about a friend of ours comes off as really shady. You might get a few nasty responses, but you also may strike gold. Visit the courthouse. Though an online search should warrant similar results, sometimes a good trip on foot to your local courthouse (or whatever courthouse is in the person's vicinity) can churn up new information. Find the public records office and make good with the clerk. Who knows? Maybe there's something back there that could get you on the right track. Fair warning, there may be a charge. It should be fairly insignificant. Just be glad they're not handing out your public records, too, like candy. Call the police. Once you're fully confident this person is indeed missing, alert your local law enforcement. Unfortunately, people disappear every day and there is a routine to this event. Be sure to give them all the person's information: age, height, weight, hair color, eye color, skin color, distinguishable features, what they were wearing when they disappeared, etc. Give them a current photo and their fingerprints (if you have them), too. File a notice online. NMAUPS (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) is the largest system in America for missing persons. Make a notice online so everyone, law enforcement included, will have access to the information. You'll be able to update it accordingly and see if anyone else has posted further information. There's also the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council -- if your person fits into any of those categories, consider filing something on their respective sites. Thoroughly search their social profiles. Whether it's a child, a teen, or a full-fledged adult, search their social profiles (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) for clues as to what may have happened. They may have posted something that leads to something you were unaware of. Look at their friends' profiles too -- the information may be on there instead. If you're so inclined, you may wish to contact these friends to ask if they've heard anything. Sometimes people seek refuge in others they don't have to see face-to-face. Post pictures around town. Hopefully this person is still within the area -- and if they are, posting pictures around town is the only way you'll be able to alert those in your vicinity. Others will be able to keep an eye out and contact you if they see anything. Include all the vital information (like what you gave the police) and be sure to include several contact phone numbers. Give at least your first name and stress that you can be called day or night. Search your home, the surrounding area, and local hospitals. In cases like this, it's impossible to sit at home and help someone else will handle everything. Once you've exhausted all the nooks and crannies of your home (or theirs), expand it to the neighborhood, then the town, and eventually contacting hospitals. It's not the happiest of events, but it's necessary. When contacting hospitals, be sure to describe the person you're looking for. They may not be in under their real name. Bring a current photo to make the process go more quickly. Alert friends, family, and neighbors. The more people that can be on the lookout, the better. Not only should you exhaust your social network, but exhaust theirs. Whether it's the barista at Starbucks that they see every Monday through Friday morning or the afternoon crossing guard, let them know. If possible, contact these people with the information and a picture too. The ones who are acquaintances may need the picture to jog the memory. Alert the media. Once you've done all the groundwork for your area, alert the media. The best way to reach a large amount of people is through local TV stations, newspapers, and other publications. Hopefully someone has seen something somewhere. Remember that everyone is on your side. There's no need to be embarrassed, ashamed, or guilty to this situation. You are doing what you can to make sure this person returns home safely. | Write down all the vital information you know about this person. Search for variations on the person’s name and/or nickname. Vary your online searches by including other details about the person. Use a search engine designed specifically to find people. Search for the person’s last known cell phone number. Search the online white pages. Search social networking sites. Consider more non-traditional searches. Post an ad. Carefully consider posting in a friend-finder forum. Ask around. Look into organizations that the person might have joined or been associated with. Consider forking over some dough. Make some phone calls. Visit the courthouse. Call the police. File a notice online. Thoroughly search their social profiles. Post pictures around town. Search your home, the surrounding area, and local hospitals. Alert friends, family, and neighbors. Alert the media. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Air-Fry | How to Air Fry | Before cooking in an air fryer, reduce the cooking temperature specified in the recipe by 25 degrees F. Then, spray your fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and load your food. Make sure to leave some room at the top for air flow to ensure that your food cooks evenly. During cooking, open up the fryer every 5 to 10 minutes to rotate the food or give it a good shake. Additionally, check to see if the food is done when you shake or rotate it, since air fryers typically cook faster than conventional cooking methods. | Lower the cooking temperature by 25°F (15°C). Recipes typically specify the temperature at which you need to cook or fry a food. Lower the specified temperature down by 25°F (about 15°C). Preheat your air fryer to that temperature before adding in your food. There are also a number of online charts and resources you can look up to help you determine the right cooking temperature for a specific food if a recipe does not specify this. Adjust your cooking time down by 20 percent. Along with temperature, your cooking time typically needs to be adjusted down with an air fryer. It may take a little trial and error to get things just right, but a general guideline is to reduce your cooking time by about 20%. If a recipe calls for a food to cook for 20 minutes, for example, you would cook them in your air fryer for about 16 minutes. Use about two tablespoons of oil. Air fryers use much less oil than regular fryers. For fresh foods, you will one to two tablespoons of your favorite oil per basket. Toss the food in this before placing in the air fryer. For frozen foods and foods that have been battered, spray the basket with an oil mist or cooking spray. Once you have placed the food in the fryer, lightly spritz the tops with the same oil. Most any oil works for an air fryer. Load your air fryer but don't overcrowd it. Overcrowding your fryer will stop the air from circulating effectively. To make sure you get evenly cooked, crispy food each time, load your fryer up until the tray if covered. Leave room at the top for air to flow through, and fry in small batches if necessary. Shake your food every five minutes. Open up your air fryer and give your food a good shake or rotate every five to ten minutes. Smaller snacks like fries and mozzarella sticks can be shaken, while larger chicken breasts or cuts of meat should be completely rotated to expose their opposite side. Check your food to see if it's cooked when you shake it. Air fryers typically cook faster than conventional cooking methods, so it is important to monitor your food while it's cooking. Check to see if your food is done every time to you go in to shake or rotate it. Careful monitoring will help you avoid burning your delicious meal. Remove your food when it's crispy and golden brown. Take your food out of the air fryer when it is golden brown. Check to make sure meats like chicken are cooked all the way through. If not, they may need to finish in an oven. Once your food is done, dry it by dabbing it with a paper towel, then serve it while it's still hot and crispy. Look at the temperature range. If you plan on frying more than one type of food in your air fryer, you will need one that has an adjustable range of temperature. Warming up frozen wings will typically need a different temperature than frying fresh chicken. Look for a fryer with the widest possible temperature range to maximize the types of food you will be able to fry. Check out the size of the tray. The size of the tray determines the amount of food you can fry. If you plan on only frying enough for one or two people, or if you have limited kitchen space, a smaller fryer could work for you. If you plan to use your fryer for large groups of people or big events, you may want one with a bigger capacity. The average air fryer is able to hold about two pounds (0.9 kg) of ingredients. If you want a higher capacity fryer, look for one that exceeds the two pound mark. Decide what extra features you want. Some air fryers have extra features like timers or large scale displays. Think about what other features you may need. If you plan on using your fryer to warm up frozen snacks, for example, a timer might be useful since these often have quick cooking times. Consider whether you want to hand clean your fryer. Some fryers have components that can be put in the dishwasher. Others need to be completely cleaned by hand. Think about whether you want to use the dishwasher or hand wash parts like your fryer tray. Keep in mind that the body of your fryer has electrical components, and will always need to be cleaned by hand. Set a budget for your fryer. Air fryers come at a variety of price points. Larger fryers and fryers with more features generally tend to be more expensive. Price isn't necessarily a marker of quality, though. You can get a good fryer for as little as $50. Set a budget for your fryer and search both in store and online to find something that fits your needs. | Lower the cooking temperature by 25°F (15°C). Adjust your cooking time down by 20 percent. Use about two tablespoons of oil. Load your air fryer but don't overcrowd it. Shake your food every five minutes. Check your food to see if it's cooked when you shake it. Remove your food when it's crispy and golden brown. Look at the temperature range. Check out the size of the tray. Decide what extra features you want. Consider whether you want to hand clean your fryer. Set a budget for your fryer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prune-a-Spider-Plant | How to Prune a Spider Plant | You'll only need to prune your spider plant briefly once a year to keep it healthy. Prune it each spring when its leaves can easily grow back. Sterilize a pair of pruning shears by wiping their blades with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Then, cut away any yellow, brown, or otherwise damaged leaves. If its leaves continue to turn yellow, tip the plant out of its pot and trim the sides and bottom of the roots so it will have more space when you return it to the pot. If your spider plant is overgrown, cut away the excess leaves near the base of the plant. | Use a household cleanser to sterilize your pruning shears. Spray or wipe the cutting blades of your pruning shears with a standard household cleanser or rubbing alcohol. Dry the blades completely once you've finished sterilizing them. While you can use a 10% bleach solution, the bleach will corrode the blades on your shears if you regularly use it on the shears. If you'd like a natural product, use a mild household cleanser. You can also use rubbing alcohol or white vinegar. Cut away any leaves that are brown or yellow. Take your clean shears and cut off damaged leaves near the center of the spider plant. Avoid simply cutting off the brown part of the leaf, since this will leave an open wound on the leaf. If the leaves aren't a healthy green, the plant may be getting too much sunlight. Move the plant to an area where it gets 4 to 6 hours of sunlight. Tap water with too much fluoride or chlorine can also damage the leaves. Consider filtering the water or using distilled water. Prune foliage at the base of the plant if it becomes overgrown. Spider plants usually grow around 12 in (30 cm) in diameter and 12 in (30 cm) tall. If your plant is getting too large for its space, cut away healthy, growing leaves near the base of the plant until you've removed some of the excess growth. You may want to re-pot overgrown plants. Choose a container that's a 3 to 4 in (7.5 to 10 cm) larger in diameter. Trim the roots of the spider plant if it becomes root bound. If the leaves on your spider plant continue to turn yellow, tip the plant out of its pot to check its roots. Use your shears to prune the roots by trimming away the outer sides and bottom of the roots. Try to remove about 1 in (2.5 cm) of roots so your plant will have more space and soil when you put it back in the pot. Remember to add new soil to the pot so your plant gets enough nutrients. Ensure the soil stays moist and the plant is protected from direct sunlight while it's recovering from the pruning. Being rootbound means that the plant's roots have taken up all the space inside the pot, meaning that the plant won't grow anymore until you prune it. Do a regular pruning in the spring. Spider plants that thrive can grow out of their containers and begin trailing over the sides. If your plant is 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm), consider pruning it annually. If you do a severe prune, you can go a few years in between pruning. Consider doing root pruning every 2 years or so if your spider plants are growing a lot of foliage. Plan to propagate when there are lots of baby plants. As your spider plant grows, it will send off little baby shoots that look like smaller versions of the parent plant. If too many baby spider plants grow off the plant, the main plant will droop over to the side. To keep the main plant growing strong, remove and propagate the baby plants or discard them. Prune the stem between the baby and main spider plant. If you want to remove some of the baby plants that are growing off of the main plant, take your shears and cut the baby stem near the base of the main plant. Discard the baby plant or trim the stem and propagate the baby plant. Plant the baby spider plants in separate containers. Choose baby spider plants that have roots growing at their base and set the root of one of the plants into a new container filled with soil. The container should have holes at the bottom for good drainage and be 4 to 5 in (10 to 12.5 cm) larger than the width of the baby plant. Press well-draining soil around the base of the plant. If the baby plants don't have roots, put them in a container with water. Keep them in the water until they sprout roots. Replace the water in the container every few days, or when it becomes oily or dirty. Water the new spider plant until water runs out of the bottom. It's important to thoroughly soak the roots of the baby spider plant in its new pot. Water it frequently to keep the soil moist. They should take root and start growing within a few weeks. After a few weeks, the new spider plant should put on new growth. Let the soil dry out a bit in between watering. | Use a household cleanser to sterilize your pruning shears. Cut away any leaves that are brown or yellow. Prune foliage at the base of the plant if it becomes overgrown. Trim the roots of the spider plant if it becomes root bound. Do a regular pruning in the spring. Plan to propagate when there are lots of baby plants. Prune the stem between the baby and main spider plant. Plant the baby spider plants in separate containers. Water the new spider plant until water runs out of the bottom. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Door-Hinge-Pin | How to Remove a Door Hinge Pin | To remove a door hinge pin, start by making sure you have a hammer, a screwdriver, and a nail punch or nail set. Next, lodge a book under the door to keep it from toppling over while you unpin it. Then, use your hammer to push the nail punch up and under the pin until it dislodges. Once the pin is up a few centimeters, you can use your screwdriver to pry it all the way up. For stability, take the bottom hinges out first, then the top. If the door has a triple hinge, remove the middle pin first. | Make sure you've got the right tools. Before you take to removing the hinge pins, it's good form to make sure you have all the things you'll need with you. Most important are a hammer and a wedge, nail punch, or nail set to knock the pin out, and a screwdriver to further pry it once it's partway out. Avoid using a regular nail to knock out the hinge pins. It is likely to bend. Lodge a book underneath the door for support. You're going to be destabilizing your door, so it's really important there's some kind of support to keep it from toppling over while you're in the midst of unpinning it. Sliding books underneath the crack in the door will give the door a surface to sit on while you remove the pins. If you have another set of hand ready, the second person can serve this purpose by holding the door steady while you tend to the following step. Force the pin up from the door hinge. Taking a hammer and your nail punch, gently ram the pin upwards. Put the flat end of the nail against the pin, and tap it up with the hammer. Continue to tap it up, gradually increasing the force until the pin is finally lodged upwards. This is better to do with a number of smaller moves than one big force; being too quick and brash may result in the pin getting scratched or damaged. Give it a spray with a lubricant like WD-40 if there's persistent difficulty in getting it to nudge up. Nudge the pin loose and remove it. Once you've got the pin to come unstuck a few centimetres at the top, you can use an old screwdriver to pry it up further. Tapping the hinge with a hammer can loosen it up. If this isn't working, try ramming the pin up with a few more taps from the hammer. For the sake of stability, take off the bottom hinge first, followed by the top. If the door is triple-hinged, take out the middle one first. Some may recommend using a chisel, but it's best to use a cheap flathead screwdriver for this. There is a risk it will be damaged, so it's best to use one you don't care much about anymore. Remove the door. Once all of the pieces are removed, it's time to take the door down. Be very careful, as doors can be very heavy. It's highly recommended you get two people to carry it down. If you have to do it on your own, take extra care to keep it from toppling over. Keep your hinge pins close at hand. While the most difficult part of taking off a door happens at the end, when it comes to reattaching it, it gets way easier at the start. Due to the fact that keeping an unhinged door stable is tricky work, it's a good idea to keep your hinge pins very close so that as little time will be spent grabbing for them. Putting them in your back pocket will give you an easy time getting them when you need them. The easiest thing is to have someone holding the pins nearby. They can hand them to you as needed. Place books along the bottom of the door arch. If you remember how many books you needed to fill the door crack before taking the book off, it's recommended you use the same combination again. Otherwise, you may need to do a bit of trial and error before you find an elevation that accommodates the natural crack. Place them at the bottom of the arch for proper support. Situate the door in the hinges. Next, you will want to lift up the door and hook it in place with the hinges. This is much more easily done with two people, with one on each side of the door. Locking in the doors will be much easier if you have the books or platform to compensate for the crack underneath it. Replace the pins. Once the door is in relative alignment with the hinges, it's time to get the pins in. Take them out and lightly tap them in until the pin is at least slightly intersecting with the hinge and door. To help alleviate the gravity concerns, you should start with the top pin, then the bottom. If the door you're working with has a middle hinge, leave that one for last. Once the pins are in part way, give them some tapping with the hammer, gradually increasing the level of force until it's completely in. The pin should be fully seated in the hinge. Spray the hinges with an oiled lubricant. Now that your door is nicely replaced, it's time to give it a finishing touch. A good thing to do is to give it a casual spray with a lubricant like white grease. WD-40 will dry out quickly. This will ensure the hinges are quiet and slick. | Make sure you've got the right tools. Lodge a book underneath the door for support. Force the pin up from the door hinge. Nudge the pin loose and remove it. Remove the door. Keep your hinge pins close at hand. Place books along the bottom of the door arch. Situate the door in the hinges. Replace the pins. Spray the hinges with an oiled lubricant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Vest | How to Make a Vest | To make a no-sew T-shirt vest, choose a shirt, turn it inside out, and lay it flat on a work surface. Fold the shirt in half vertically and use a washable pen or marker to draw a line where you want the neckline to be. Then, cut off the sleeves, taking care to cut through the folded shirt so that both sleeves are removed. After that, cut the neckline along the line you drew and unfold the shirt. Cut a straight line down the center of the shirt, this time cutting through just the top layer. At this point, your vest is ready to wear, but you can add embellishments, like buttons or patches, if you'd like! | Choose a T-shirt and turn it inside out. You can use any size T-shirt, but try to find an extra-large if you'd like the vest to be flowy and loose. Then, turn your T-shirt inside out and lay it flat on a work surface. If you'd like a more structured vest, you can use an old-button down shirt instead of a T-shirt. Keep in mind that this vest would also have a folded collar. You can use a T-shirt with a V-neck or rounded crew neck depending on the look you want for your vest. Fold the shirt in half vertically and smooth the fabric. Bring 1 side of the T-shirt over to the other side so the sleeves and edges of the shirt line up. Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps in the shirt so the fabric will be even when you begin cutting. Use a pen to draw the shape of your vest. Take a washable pen or marker and make a line where you want the neckline to be. For example, if you want to make a deep V-neck, angle a ruler from the top of the shirt to the bottom point of the neckline. Then, draw a line with the marker. You'll also need to draw a rounded armhole that's as large as you like. If you don't want the vest to be narrow across the shoulders, don't cut a large armhole. Instead, just cut the sleeves off, but leave the seams in place. Cut out the sleeves. Use a sharp pair of scissors to carefully cut out the armhole. Remember to cut through the folded shirt so you cut the other sleeve at the same time. If you're concerned that the fabric will move around on you while you're cutting through the sleeves, pin them in place with safety or sewing pins. Use scissors to cut the neckline before you unfold the shirt. Carefully cut along the line you drew for the neck and ensure that the scissors cut through both layers of the folded T-shirt. Discard the scraps and then turn the shirt right side out as you unfold it. Cut a straight line down the center of the shirt. Remember that you're only cutting through the top (front) layer of the shirt. If you're concerned that you won't be able to cut a perfectly straight line, use a ruler and mark a line down the center before you cut. Your T-shirt should now look like a loose vest. Add buttons to 1 side of the vest if you want to be able to secure it. Stitch as many buttons as you like to 1 side of the vest's front edge. Then, line up the other side of the vest so you can cut a small slit for each button to slide into. For a more professional look, you can use a sewing machine to hem the edges that you cut. To decorate your vest, even more, add fabric paint embellishments or iron-on patches to give the vest a little personality. Cut the fabric to as wide and long as you'd like the vest to be. Unfold about 1 ⁄ 4 yards (1.6 m) of fabric on a flat work surface. Then, use sharp scissors to cut the fabric so it's twice as long as you want the vest to end up. You'll also need to cut the fabric so it's as wide as you want the vest to be. Since you're folding this fabric before you cut it, you'll need to keep it twice as long as you want the vest once you fold it. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and horizontally. Since the fabric should already be as wide as you like and twice as long as it needs to be, you can just fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Then, fold it horizontally. Your fabric should now look like a rectangle. Draw a curved line in the upper corner of the folded fabric. Use a ruler and make a mark 3 inches (7.6 cm) across from the upper corner of the folded fabric. Then, measure and mark 2 inches (5.1 cm) down from the upper corner of the folded fabric and draw a curved line to connect the 2 marks. You can mark on the fabric with chalk or washable marker. Cut out the curved line to make the neckline. Try to cut as smooth a line as possible so the neckline of your vest looks even. You can discard the scrap of fabric you cut out. Unfold the fabric and cut the center of the vest so it opens. Depending on the type of fabric you used, you might still be able to see a fold like from when you folded the fabric in half. You can use this as a guide or just cut a straight line from the bottom center of the front up to the neckline that you cut. Your fabric should now look like a vest and you can try it on. Trim the edges of the vest if desired. Decide if you'd like to cut more of the front fabric at an angle near the neckline, for instance. You can also style your vest by cutting the bottom edges into curves or points. Open your pattern and choose a vest size. Purchase a vest pattern from a craft store, thrift store, or yard sale. You can also find patterns at some libraries or search for printable patterns online. Since most patterns offer different sizes, read the pattern and pick the size that closely matches your measurements. For example, you might find a stylish waistcoat vest for men or a pattern for a simple infant vest. Cut out the pattern pieces. To make it easier to cut out the pattern size you need, take a highlighter or colored marker and draw along the lines for your pattern size. Then, use scissors to cut out each pattern piece. You'll probably need to cut out 1 to 3 pieces for a basic vest. Fold your fabric and place the back pattern piece on the fold. Follow your pattern instructions and fold about 1 yard (0.91 m) of fabric lengthwise. It should be wide enough to fit the back pattern piece. If you're making a simple vest, you might have 1 pattern piece that you cut for the front and back of the vest. You may want to pin the fabric in place to keep it from moving around as you work. Cut out all of your fabric pieces. If you placed a pattern on the fold, cut around the pattern, but don't cut the folded side. When you remove the pattern and unfold the fabric, you'll see a large back piece for the vest. Then, cut out the 2 front pattern pieces. For the front pieces, you won't cut on the fold since you'll need 2 smaller fabric pieces. Lay the front pieces on top of the back piece. Place the back piece of fabric so the patterned side is facing up. Then, arrange the 2 front fabric pieces on the back piece so the pattern faces down. If you're using felt, it doesn't matter which side you lay up or down since the fabric is the same on both sides. Sew the shoulders and sides of the vest leaving space for armholes. Use a sewing machine to stitch a straight line across the top of the vest. This will make the shoulders. Then, sew both sides of the vest. Remember to leave about a ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) seam allowance. To secure your stitches, it's a good idea to make a few forward and back stitches when you start sewing. Turn the vest right side out and embellish it if you like. Try on the vest to ensure that it fits properly and decide if you'd like to add buttons. You could even add fringe or binding along the edges. To give your vest a professional look, consider hemming the raw edges of the fabric. Keep in mind that you don't need to do this if you used fleece. | Choose a T-shirt and turn it inside out. Fold the shirt in half vertically and smooth the fabric. Use a pen to draw the shape of your vest. Cut out the sleeves. Use scissors to cut the neckline before you unfold the shirt. Cut a straight line down the center of the shirt. Add buttons to 1 side of the vest if you want to be able to secure it. Cut the fabric to as wide and long as you'd like the vest to be. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and horizontally. Draw a curved line in the upper corner of the folded fabric. Cut out the curved line to make the neckline. Unfold the fabric and cut the center of the vest so it opens. Trim the edges of the vest if desired. Open your pattern and choose a vest size. Cut out the pattern pieces. Fold your fabric and place the back pattern piece on the fold. Cut out all of your fabric pieces. Lay the front pieces on top of the back piece. Sew the shoulders and sides of the vest leaving space for armholes. Turn the vest right side out and embellish it if you like. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Can-Meat | How to Can Meat | To can meat, start by getting a pressure canner, which is the only way to get rid of all bacteria and contaminants. Next, prepare the meat by trimming the fat off and cutting it into cubes or strips. Then, brown the meat in a skillet and, if you like, season it. Once the meat is ready, fill the canner with a few inches of water, and place it on the stove to simmer. Scoop the meat into the jars, leaving 2 inches of space at the top, and pour water or broth on top of the meat. After wiping the rim, close the jars, put them in the canner, turn the heat up, and process for 65-90 minutes. | Get a pressure canner. This type of canner heats the jars of food to 240 °F (116 °C), which is necessary in order to ensure that all the bacteria and other contaminants are killed. Since meat is a low acid food, and does not contain natural preservatives, using a pressure canner is the only safe way to can it. Pressure canners are available new at kitchen supply stores, but you may be able to borrow one or find a used one online. Consider getting a jar lifter to use with the canner. This tool is used for moving the jars out of the steaming water when the canning process is complete. Do not use a simple bath canner to can meat. Bath canners do not raise the internal temperature of the meat to a high enough level to kill the contaminants. Use canning jars and lids. Canning jars are made of glass and come in convenient sizes. You can buy new jars or reuse old ones, but make sure the lids are new. Reusing old lids isn't safe, since they won't properly seal the second time around. Jars come in quarts, pints and half pints. Choose the size that fits the needs of your family. It makes sense to can a meal's worth of meat in one jar. Set up your workspace. Before you start canning, take the time to set up your work area in the kitchen. Be sure the surfaces you'll be using are clean. Lay out your cutting board and knife, paper towels and some vinegar for wiping the rims of the jars. Place your jars within reach of the cutting board so you'll be able to transfer the meat to them right away. Keep the lids and rings away from the meat area to prevent them from getting bits of fat or grease on them. Take safety precautions. When used correctly, modern pressure canners rarely cause the types of accidents that older models used to cause. They have safety features in place to prevent them from exploding with pressure buildup. That said, it's important to handle the machine with care. Take the following precautions before you start canning: Keep children and pets away from the kitchen. The machine gets very hot, and a small child could pull it down from the counter. Kids and pets underfoot could cause you to trip and break a glass jar. It's best to keep them out of the kitchen while you're concentrating on canning. Check the vents in your pressure canner. Each time you use it, check to make sure the vents aren't clogged. If they are, dangerous pressure could build up in the machine. Make sure the pressure gauge is accurate. If it's not, too much pressure could build up without you realizing there's a problem. Be ready to stay close by at all times. Don't leave the kitchen while you're using the pressure canner. Trim the fat from the meat. Removing the fat from the meat, whether it be chicken, pork, beef, venison, or another type of meat, allows you to can prime cuts rather than wasting space with fat. It also prevents fat from getting on the rim of the jar. Fat that creeps into the lid area can prevent the jar from sealing correctly. Cut the meat into cubes or strips. Rather than canning an entire wedge of meat, it's a good idea to cut it into cubes or strips, so each individual piece gets hot enough during the canning process. As you cut the meat, remove any pieces of bone or gristle. If you're canning ground meat, you can skip the cubing step. Form the meat into patties or can it loose. It's easier to cut the meat while it's cold, rather than cutting warm meat. Brown the meat. Heat some oil in a cast iron skillet and brown the meat for several minutes on each side. This shrinks the meat, allowing you to pack more in each jar. Browning meat also brings out a good flavor that will improve over time as the meat sits in the jar after canning. It is not necessary to cook the meat; you can can it raw instead, unless you're canning ground meat. Season the meat with spices before cooking it if you'd like. You could also wait until you're ready to use the meat to season it. Get the canner ready. Fill it with a few inches of water and place it on the stove. Turn on the heat and let it simmer. Place the lids in the hot water and let them stay there until you're ready to use them. Fill the jars. Scoop meat into the jars, stopping two inches below the top of the jar. Pour either water or broth into the jar and fill it to within an inch of the top. You need the extra headspace, so don't fill the jars all the way to the top. Wipe and close the jars. Use a paper towel soaked in vinegar to wipe the rim of the jars, making sure to remove any traces of fat or oil. Use tongs to lift lids and place them on the jars one at a time. Screw the rings onto the jars so that they are firmly in place. Place the jars in the canner. Use the jar lifter to set them into the canner. Fit as many as you can in the canner at once. Close the lid on the canner and lock it in place. Depending on the type of canner you are using, either leave the pressure weight off or leave the petcock open. Be sure to read the instructions on the canner to make sure you complete the process correctly. Don't stack jars on top of one another. Turn up the heat and watch the steam and pressure. The canner is working effectively when it begins producing large amounts of steam. Once the jars are inside and the heat is turned up, it should begin producing the appropriate amount of steam within 10 to 15 minutes. The pressure should hold steady at between 10 and 12 pounds, depending on your pressure canner model and altitude. If it rises above that, turn the heat down a little. Process the jars for the duration of time needed for the type of meat you are canning. This may be anywhere from 65 to 90 minutes, and it changes depending on whether the meat is raw or cooked. It's important to process the jars for exactly as long as is recommended for safety purposes. Stay in the kitchen while the pressure canner is working, and monitor the pressure gauge. If it drops too low or high, adjust the heat on the stove as necessary. Turn off the heat and let the jars cool. When the correct amount of time has elapsed, let the pressure return to zero and the jars cool a bit before you remove them from the pressure canner. Move the jars from the canner to the counter. Open the lid of the canner and remove the jars with the jar lifter, then set them on a dishtowel. Make sure your workspace isn't too drafty or cold; the cool air could cause the hot jars to crack. Set the jars a few inches apart so they cool properly. You'll hear popping noises as the lids seal. Don't touch the jars as they cool, or they may not seal properly. Check the seals after the cooling process is finished. They should be slightly indented. Store the jars. Jars that have been properly sealed can be stores on shelves in the pantry or another cool, dark area. Label the jars with their contents and the date before storing them. Don't store jars of meat in the sunlight or in a warm area. Jars that did not seal should be refrigerated or put through the canning process again. | Get a pressure canner. Use canning jars and lids. Set up your workspace. Take safety precautions. Trim the fat from the meat. Cut the meat into cubes or strips. Brown the meat. Get the canner ready. Fill the jars. Wipe and close the jars. Place the jars in the canner. Turn up the heat and watch the steam and pressure. Process the jars for the duration of time needed for the type of meat you are canning. Turn off the heat and let the jars cool. Move the jars from the canner to the counter. Store the jars. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Plurals-and-Possessives-in-Writing | How to Use Plurals and Possessives in Writing | f you want to use plurals and possessives in writing but you're not sure where to begin, remember that plurals are used to indicate when there is more than one of something. For example, “I had a box of cakes, but I only ate one cake,” indicates that the box was full of more than one cake. Alternatively, if you want to indicate ownership of something, use the possessive form by adding an apostrophe and an “s.” For example, “I ate one cake from the girl's box of cakes,” indicates that a cake was eaten from a box of cakes owned by the girl. | Use the plural form to indicate more than 1 of something. For example, "I installed 1 door of the 2 doors I bought." The plural "doors" indicates that more than 1 door was purchased. Use the possessive form to indicate ownership of something. For example, "The boy's dog chased the girls down the street." The possessive "boy's" shows that the boy owns the dog that chased the girls. Add an apostrophe and an “s” to change a word into the possessive form of that word. Know that there are exceptions to the rules. Most words will follow the basic guidelines for transforming a word into a plural or possessive form. However, there are some words that do not follow the rules. It takes time and practice to identify if a word is an exception. Having a quality dictionary is helpful in these situations. Put an "-s" after most nouns to make the word plural. "Cat" means there is a only one cat. "Cats" means that there is more than one cat. This covers most words in the English language. An "-s" without an apostrophe is also used to show the plural of an acronym in all capitals (such as "POWs" for "prisoners of war" or "RBIs" for "runs batted in") or for decade labels such as the 1880s or 1950s. (When the decade label is abbreviated, such as "'50s" for "1950s", an apostrophe is used before the number 50 to show the truncation.) An apostrophe -s may be used to indicate a plural for single lowercase letters, abbreviations with periods or other abbreviations where the "s" alone would be confusing such as "x's". Generally, apostrophes are only used for lower-case letters. Capital letters and numbers, such as used in "MP3s," do not require an apostrophe. In general, an apostrophe is not used to indicate a plural. Abbreviations for units of measure do not have plural forms, while abbreviations used to indicate parts of writing either take no plural ("ch" for "chapter" or "chapters") or a single letter for the singular and a double letter for plural ("p" for "page", but "pp" for "pages"). Be on the lookout for compound nouns. Certain compound words require identifying which word is the word being pluralized. For compound words such as "daughter-in-law" or "attorney general", the first word is pluralized ("daughters-in-law" or "attorneys general"). Put an "-es" after words that end with "-ch", "-sh", "-x", "-z", "-s" or sounds like these letter combinations. For example, the plural of "ditch" is "ditches", the plural of "brush" is "brushes", the plural of "fox" is "foxes", the plural of "fuzz" is "fuzzes" and the plural of "dress" is "dresses." If the word already ends in "-e", the plural is formed by adding an "-s": the plural of "judge" is "judges", and the plural of "phrase" is "phrases." Some plurals of words ending in "-s" double the final "s" before adding the plural suffix. The plural form of "bus" may be written as either "buses" or "busses", depending on whether "bus" refers to a vehicle ("buses") or an electronic component ("busses"). Put an "-es" after words ending in "-o" preceded by a consonant. The plural of "tomato" is "tomatoes", and the plural of "zero" is "zeroes." Words ending in "-o" followed by a single consonant that English gets from another language typically form their plurals by adding "-s". The plural of "piano" is "pianos". Some words ending in "-o" preceded by a consonant can form their plurals using either "-es" or "-s." The plural of "tornado" can be written either "tornados" or "tornadoes", and the plural of "volcano" can be written either "volcanos" or "volcanoes". Put an "-es" after words ending in "-y" preceded by a consonant. First, however, you need to change the "-y" to an "-i." For example, the plural of "berry" is "berries", and the plural of "lady" is "ladies." This rule does not generally apply for proper names that end in "-y": the plural of "Tony" (the man's name or the theater award) is "Tonys." A few words ending in "-y" preceded by a vowel also change the "y" to an "-i"; the plural of "money" can be written as "monies." Put an "-es" after some words ending in an "f" sound. You will need to change the "-f" to a "-v." The plural of "calf" is "calves", the plural of "knife" is "knives" and the plural of "leaf" is "leaves", except when referring to the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team. However, the plural of "proof" is "proofs", not "proves", which is a form of the verb "to prove." Some words ending with "-f" can form their plurals by either adding "-s" or changing the "f" to a "v" and adding "-es", such as "hoof" ("hoofs" or "hooves") or "staff" ("staffs" or "staves"). For some words, the preferred form depends on usage; the plural of "dwarf" is "dwarfs" when referring to short real people and "dwarves" when referring to a race in fantasy literature. It is helpful to consult a dictionary if you aren't sure whether you need to convert the "-f" to a "-v". Be aware of mutated plurals. Mutated plurals have irregular plural forms. For example, “children” is the plural of “child” and “women” is the plural of “woman.” Latin and Greek words are another form of mutated plurals. These nouns maintain their Latin and Greek form when they are plural. For example, "criterion" or "phenomenon" form their plurals by dropping the "-on" and adding an "-a" ("criteria", "phenomena"). Other unusual plurals include "mice" (plural of "mouse"), "geese" (plural of "goose"), and "feet" (plural of "foot"). "Sheep" and "moose" are the same as singular or plural nouns in English. Be aware of collective nouns. Collective nouns are singular when they refer to a group and plural when they refer to an individual. Some common collective nouns are “group,” “staff,” “team,” family,” “audience,” committee.” Staff is singular in this sentence because the the group is acting as a unit: “The staff is very satisfied.” Staff is plural in this sentence because the sentence is referring to what individuals are doing: “The staff are working in different locations this week.” Names of companies ,organizations and sports teams are considered singular. The sports team, the “Tennessee Titans,” is singular even though there is an “s” on the end. American and British English conventions differ on whether to use plural verbs with collective nouns. American English usually uses singular verbs with collective nouns, such as "The crowd is going wild for this team." British English may use a singular or plural verb with collective nouns, such as "The crowd are going wild for this team." Form the possessive of a common or proper singular noun by adding an apostrophe followed by an "s. " This rule can be applied to all singular nouns, whether they end in "s" or not. For example, "Agnes's book," "Mary's book," and "the dog's toy" all follow this rule. Form the possessive of a plural noun by adding an apostrophe. If the word ends in an "s," add an apostrophe after the "s." If the word does not end in an "s," add an apostrophe followed by an "s." If you want to make an irregular plural noun possessive, you need to add an apostrophe followed by an “s.” The possessive form of "lions" would be "lions' ", while the possessive form of "children" would be "children's", as in "The children's toys fell into the lions' den at the zoo." Form the possessive of a personal pronoun without using an apostrophe. The correct forms of the third person singular "he", "she" or "it" are "his", "hers" and "its", without apostrophes. The correct form of the first person "I" is "my" if the item possessed is named and "mine" if it isn't. Similarly, the possessive forms of the first person plural "we" are "our" and "ours", respectively; for "you", they are "your" and "yours", respectively; and for "they", they are "their" and "theirs", respectively. Form the possessive of compound nouns carefully. The placement of an apostrophe is different when the nouns act separately or together. In this sentence, the compound nouns are acting separately: “Jane's and John's bikes are in the garage.” Both Jane and John have their own bike in the garage. In this sentence the compound nouns are acting collectively: “John and Jane's bike is in the garage.” This sentence indicates that John and Jane share possession of a bike. Just think if the entities share ownership over what they possess, then they also share the apostrophe. If they own separate things, then they each need their own apostrophe. While the first component in a compound noun, such as "daughter-in-law" or "attorney general", may pluralize the first word in the compound, the possessive is always appended to the last word in the compound, as in "daughter-in-law's" or “attorney general's.” In the case of the plural possessive, it would be acceptable to write "daughters-in-law's" or "attorneys general's", but it would be less confusing to show possession with a prepositional phrase, such as "of my daughters-in-law" or "of the attorneys general." | Use the plural form to indicate more than 1 of something. Use the possessive form to indicate ownership of something. Know that there are exceptions to the rules. Put an "-s" after most nouns to make the word plural. Be on the lookout for compound nouns. Put an "-es" after words that end with "-ch", "-sh", "-x", "-z", "-s" or sounds like these letter combinations. Put an "-es" after words ending in "-o" preceded by a consonant. Put an "-es" after words ending in "-y" preceded by a consonant. Put an "-es" after some words ending in an "f" sound. Be aware of mutated plurals. Be aware of collective nouns. Form the possessive of a common or proper singular noun by adding an apostrophe followed by an "s. Form the possessive of a plural noun by adding an apostrophe. Form the possessive of a personal pronoun without using an apostrophe. Form the possessive of compound nouns carefully. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Take-Care-of-a-Runt-Puppy | How to Take Care of a Runt Puppy | A runt puppy usually needs a bit of extra attention, but if you keep it warm and help it gain weight, it can still thrive. Runt puppies are often rejected by their mothers, so watch to see if your runt puppy is able to nurse. If it isn't, you'll need to take care of it on your own. Place the puppy in a separate whelping box to keep it protected. Put down a towel with a heating pad to keep it warm, since runts are prone to hypothermia. Hand feed it puppy milk from a pet nurser bottle every 2 to 3 hours. You'll also need to feed it puppy colostrum, which is a replacement for the antibodies found in its mother's milk, within the first 24 hours to keep its immune system strong. After feeding it, gently stroke the area around its anus with a warm, damp cotton ball until it goes to the bathroom since newborn puppies can't go on their own. After 3 and a half weeks, start weaning the puppy by blending high-calorie puppy food with puppy milk. | Check if the pup is nursing. The biggest danger a newborn runt faces is being rejected by its mother when it tries to nurse. After the pups are born, start observing them while they nurse. If the smallest can't get to a teat, you might have to start hand feeding it yourself. Sometimes the mother will help a runt latch onto a teat. If she ignores the pup, pick up the puppy and bring it to her teat. If the puppy still won't latch or if the mother refuses to nurse the puppy, you'll have to hand feed it. Feed the pup with a bottle if it can suckle. If the pup can suckle, you can just feed it every two to three hours with a pet nurser bottle. The pup will suckle until it's full, then reject the bottle. If possible, put on a pair of surgical gloves and squeeze milk from the mother's teat into a sterile cup, then transfer the milk to the bottle. If you can't express milk from the mother by hand, ask the vet for puppy milk substitute or buy it from a pet store. Talk to your vet for more advice. Learn how to tube feed the pup if necessary. Tube feeding with a syringe and catheter is necessary when a newborn puppy is too weak to suckle. Gently insert the catheter into the pup's mouth and allow the pup to reflexively swallow it. Then, slowly depress the syringe plunger for three seconds, or until you've given it about half of the milk. Make sure there's no milk bubbling out of the puppy's nose. Rub its belly to burp it after feeding it the first half, then give it the rest of the meal. Before feeding the puppy yourself, have a vet or vet technician show you the proper technique. Have them demonstrate the process and provide you with the right sized equipment. If you do not do this, you may risk harming the puppy by accidentally pushing food into its lungs. This can cause drowning or pneumonia. Feed the puppy colostrum within the first 24 hours. After giving birth, the mother produces a liquid filled with antibodies called colostrum. If the pup hasn't nursed within the first day after being born, it won't receive these antibodies and will have a weak immune system. If you can't express colostrum from the mother within the first several hours after delivery, ask the vet for a supply. If you're a breeder, it's a good idea to get a supply of colostrum from the vet just before the litter is born. Help the pup eliminate after feeding it. Newborn puppies can't go to the bathroom on their own, so their mother licks their rear end to help them eliminate. If the runt's mother has rejected it, you'll need to stimulate its elimination reflex until it's three weeks old. After feeding it, gently stroke the area around its anus with a warm, damp cotton ball or soft cloth. Weigh the pup daily. After birth, a runt puppy generally weighs around 25 percent less than its littermates. You'll need to monitor its weight every day for at least a month to make sure it's getting proper nourishment. Its weight should increase by five to ten percent per day, and its birth weight should triple after three weeks. Call the vet if your pup isn't gaining weight. If all goes well after a month of weighing it daily, you can switch to weighing it weekly. Invest in a digital gram scale, and check its accuracy by weighing an object with a known, constant weight. Start weaning the puppy around three and a half weeks. To start weaning, blend high-calorie dry puppy food with milk or puppy milk substitute. Offer it in a bowl, and allow the pup to check it out and start nibbling. Over the course of three weeks, gradually decrease the amount of milk you use and the time you spend blending the mush. By seven weeks, the pup should just eat dry food and drink water. Continue to monitor its weight during the weaning process. If it loses weight, call the vet. Keep the pup in a separate whelp box. A number of issues can cause a newborn runt to be underweight and weak. Most causes are developmental and not contagious, but you should still separate the pup from the litter. If a parasite or communicable disease is to blame, you wouldn't want an outbreak on your hands. In addition, runts of the litter are often fragile and have weak bones, and keeping it separate will help prevent injury. If you think that the puppy may be sick, take it to the vet as soon as possible. Place a heating pad covered with a towel in the box. All puppies under two weeks old need help maintaining their body temperature, but runts are especially prone to hypothermia. Use a heating pad to warm one side of the whelp box, so the pup can move to the other side to cool off if it gets too hot. Use a thermometer to measure the box's ambient temperature. It should stay between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 and 32 degrees Celsius) during the first week. Gradually decrease it to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius) during the second week. By the fourth week, maintain a temperature of around 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22.2 degrees Celsius). Check for dehydration regularly. Gently pull the skin between the pup's shoulders. It should immediately snap back into place. The pup is dehydrated if the skin lags or doesn't spring back quickly. A runt is more prone to dehydration than its littermates, so you should check for dehydration regularly. Rehydrate the pup under a vet's advisement. Call the vet if your pup is dehydrated. The vet may instruct you to mix a solution for the dog using common ingredients. Follow their instructions exactly. With their approval, administer the solution with a dropper. In cases of severe dehydration, the vet will have to inject a hydrating solution subcutaneously, or beneath the pup's skin. Take the mother and her litter to the vet within 48 hours. You should schedule a routine vet exam after whelping even if the entire litter appears healthy. If you notice any problems, such as a runt or fading puppy, call the vet as soon as possible. Runts are common and often just need to be fed well and monitored. However, you'll want to err on the side of caution and rule out medical problems. Have the vet check for potential health issues. An underweight and weak pup could have an underlying health problem, such as heart or liver issues. It or the mother could also have a parasitic, viral, or bacterial infection. Depending on their findings, the vet will inform you about treatment options. Ask the vet about supplements and immune support. Even if they didn't identify any specific issues, the vet might recommend action beyond simply monitoring the pup's weight. They might advise supplements to help strengthen the runt's developing bones. If the pup hasn't consumed colostrum, they'll likely recommend you keep it away from other dogs and vaccinate it early. | Check if the pup is nursing. Feed the pup with a bottle if it can suckle. Learn how to tube feed the pup if necessary. Feed the puppy colostrum within the first 24 hours. Help the pup eliminate after feeding it. Weigh the pup daily. Start weaning the puppy around three and a half weeks. Keep the pup in a separate whelp box. Place a heating pad covered with a towel in the box. Check for dehydration regularly. Rehydrate the pup under a vet's advisement. Take the mother and her litter to the vet within 48 hours. Have the vet check for potential health issues. Ask the vet about supplements and immune support. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Okay-with-Being-You | How to Be Okay with Being You | If you're trying to work out how to be okay with being you, start by learning to be your own best friend so you can look after and feel good about yourself. You can do this by treating yourself the same way you'd treat someone you care about, like a best friend. For example, if you say things like “I'm stupid” or “I'm ugly”, then ask yourself: “Would I say that to my friend? No, so why am I saying it to me?”. Once you realize this is not a nice way to treat yourself, stop doing it by reminding yourself every time that it's your mean voice and you're not going to listen anymore! And instead, tell yourself what you're good at, like: “I'm a great basketball player” or “I'm an ace at math!”. | Be your own friend. Often we set higher expectations for ourselves than we do for others. Try instead to treat yourself the same way you would treat a close friend. Don't say anything about yourself (out loud to others, or even just in your head) that you wouldn't say about someone you care about. Celebrate your strengths. Scientists have proven that by focusing on developing and appreciating our strengths, we are more likely to live fulfilling lives. Make a list of three of your strengths. These can be specific (such as, “I am good at chess”) or broad (such as, “I am courageous”). Include at least one specific and one broad example on your list. Stop and appreciate these parts of yourself. Say out loud, “I like that I am courageous.” Brainstorm one way to further develop each of these strengths. If you listed “I am good at chess,” consider entering a chess tournament. If you listed “I am courageous,” perhaps go white water rafting. Forgive yourself. If you are not okay with being you, there may some guilt living under the surface. Forgiving yourself is not easy, but it can be transformative. In order to try to forgive yourself, perform a ritual release. Write a letter confessing your secret. Explain everything you feel guilty about in vivid detail. Destroy the letter. Send it into the ocean or burn it. Say to yourself, “I put my guilt in the past.” Repeat this ritual as many times as you need to. Be kind to yourself. Many people have internalized the belief that taking care of yourself is selfish. When in reality, being kind to yourself is one of the most responsible things you can do. If you take better care of yourself, you will begin to feel worthy of such care. As a result, you will soon be okay with being you. Here are some ideas: Set specific times when you don't work. Give yourself permission to relax during these moments. Work out. Get those endorphins pumping! When you do make it to the gym, thank yourself for showing up. Get enough sleep. Don't sacrifice this essential human need. Plenty of sleep will help you stay physically and emotionally strong. Make an affirmation. An affirmation is a simple, positive, present tense statement about yourself. Think of such a statement and use a dry erase marker to write it on your bathroom mirror. Say it out loud first thing in the morning, and again every time you enter that room. It is okay to feel silly at first! This feeling will pass, and in time, this will help you be okay with being you. Some examples include: I am a good writer. I am a strong person. I love you, ____ (fill in your name). Discover your unique preferences. Uniqueness is what makes someone interesting, attractive, and confident. Begin your journey to self-acceptance by creating a list of things that you enjoy. Try not to let the opinions of others influence this list. What type of music do you like? What sorts of food do you enjoy? Which colors appeal to you? What types of clothing do you like? Develop your style. In order to be okay with being you, you must embrace and cultivate what “being you” looks like. Look over the list of preferences you created, and put it into action. Put together an outfit like the one you saw in the magazine. Download some new music from an artist you like. Order some food from a restaurant you love. Try to do at least one thing every day that is uniquely you. Expand your horizons. Chances are you have only been exposed to a tiny fraction of what life can offer you! Deepen your pool of preferences by finding new things to love and new ways to express yourself. Travel someplace new. Try a fashion, food, or music that you've never tried before. Try to do something once a week that is new. Express yourself. Tapping into your creative side will bring you more in touch yourself. Finding a channel for your unique flow will help you connect with yourself and others, heal old wounds, or just have fun. The only person you need to impress is yourself! In time, this creative outlet will further help you accept yourself. Keep a journal. Go dancing. Make a collage. Do this once or twice a week. Get in touch with your core values. Sit down and make a list of your five core values. Do you believe in integrity or honesty? It is straightforwardness or kindness? Could it be boldness or style? By honing in on your core values, you will have a better grasp on what you need to be okay, as well as what you need in a friend. Look at who you surround yourself with. If the people around you are negative and judgmental, this may make it difficult for you to accept yourself. Seek people in your life who are supportive. Seek people who appear to be okay with themselves. Minimize the time you spend with people who complain constantly or instigate unnecessary drama. Create a support system. Building a network of supportive people is essential to being okay with yourself. This could be a more formal network, like a literal support group led by a therapist, or a more informal gathering of friends. By empathizing with others, you also improve your ability to empathize with yourself. Attend a meeting or organize a gathering where your friends can come together and receive support. Do this at least once a month. Do something nice for others. Scientists have proven that not only are we happier when we are nice to others, but we actually live longer! Being nice to others can help you be okay with being you. Make an effort to do something nice for others without expecting anything in return, and soon you'll be more okay with you. Compliment the cashier's jacket. Give up your seat on the bus. Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen. Kind gestures can be small or large. Practice gratitude. Anytime you feel self-doubt creeping in, change gears and focus on gratitude instead. List five things you are grateful for in that moment. Take a moment to really pay attention on each one: how does it feel to have that in your life? Think about a physical attribute that you like. Do you have great hair? Think about an aspect of your personality. Are you good at school? Think about a person in your life. Are you close with your mom? Aim for acceptance. When we are not okay with ourselves, we are often not okay with others. This equation works both ways. If you let go of judgment and try to accept others, you will soon start accepting yourself. If you find yourself making an assessment of the actions, choices, or identity markers of someone else, just let it go. Remind yourself that it's not your concern. | Be your own friend. Celebrate your strengths. Forgive yourself. Be kind to yourself. Make an affirmation. Discover your unique preferences. Develop your style. Expand your horizons. Express yourself. Get in touch with your core values. Look at who you surround yourself with. Create a support system. Do something nice for others. Practice gratitude. Aim for acceptance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Forget-About-a-Girl-You-Like | How to Forget About a Girl You Like | If you want to forget about a girl you like, know that it may be hard and painful at first, but you'll feel better with some time. Instead of focusing on your feelings for her, try to keep yourself busy with fun activities like hanging out with your family and friends or pursuing a new interest like joining a sports team. Since it's easier to let go of someone the less you interact with them, unfollow her on social media so you're not tempted to check up on what she's doing. If possible, try to change up your routine too so you don't run into her in places you normally would. For example, you can take a different route to class if you know she's usually somewhere along your regular path there. | Accept that you have feelings for her. It's normal to want to avoid thinking about how you feel, but this just makes you think about it more. The only way to stop feeling this way is to acknowledge your emotions. Put your feelings into words, and tell yourself it's okay to have them. Say, “I really thought I had a future with her. She has everything I wanted in a girl, and I don't know if I'll find that again.” Then, tell yourself, “These feelings are normal and it's okay for me to still have them.” Focus your thoughts on something else that is important to you. While ignoring your thoughts won't make them go away, replacing them might help you stop thinking about her. Think about your best friend, your pet, or a goal you have. This distraction might help you temporarily stop thinking about the girl you like. For instance, you might listen to your favorite album and try to remember all of the lyrics. Just make sure it isn't an album that reminds you of the girl. As another option, play a strategy game like Chess, Monopoly, or Total War: Warhammer. Focus your thoughts on trying to win the game. Confront the reasons why you can’t be with her. Whether she's a crush or an ex, there's a reason things didn't work out between you. Reflect on the time you've spent together and why you're apart now. Then, make a list of the reasons things didn't work out to help you accept what happened. If she's an ex, reflect on the good and bad of your relationship, as well as why it ended. If she's a crush, think about why you never got into a relationship. Perhaps she is dating someone else or has expressed that she just wants to be friends. Talk to a trusted friend or relative about your feelings. Be honest about how you feel and let them comfort you. Additionally, listen to any advice they can offer. Your family and friends likely see things differently than you because they have an outside view of the situation. You might say, “I really loved this girl, and now I'm worried I'll be alone forever.” If you can, reach out to multiple friends and relatives so you have a big support system. See a counselor or therapist if you’re struggling with your feelings. You might find that nothing is helping you feel better, and that's okay. A counselor or therapist can help you recognize your feelings and use mental strategies to move past them. They'll also help you build your self-esteem so you feel more confident. Look for a counselor or therapist online or ask your doctor for a referral. If you have insurance, some of your sessions may be covered. Make a schedule for your day so your time is occupied. You won't have time to think about the girl you like if you're busy doing something else. Make a schedule for yourself by first listing the most important things you need to do. Then, plan some fun activities to help yourself feel better. Finally, decide how you will occupy yourself during your free time. In the early morning, you might go for a jog, check your newsfeed, and play with your pet. During mid-morning through the afternoon, you might attend school or go to work. If you don't have either, go out with your friends, take an online class, or pursue a hobby. It's common to have free time late in the day, so plan multiple activities. Make a dinner date with your family or a friend, then watch a movie or do something creative. You might also work on your homework or read a book. Pursue your interests to improve your self confidence and meet people. Try to have as much fun as possible. Not only will this help distract you from your pain, it will also help you feel good about yourself and potentially meet a new girl. For instance, you might do something like: Try out for a sports team. Draw or paint. Do improv. Learn an instrument. Plant a container garden. Write stories. Spend time with your family and friends to help you feel better. Your family and friends can be a great support when you can't stop thinking about a girl you like. Recruit them to help you have a good time so you avoid dwelling over your feelings for the girl. This will help you remember that you aren't alone. Ask family members to enjoy dinner or a movie with you. Invite your friends over for a game night or to binge watch a TV show. Go out for coffee. Plan a fun outing to an arcade, laser tag, or bowling. Get rid of items that remind you of her. Donate gifts and trinkets to a local thrift shop, and toss any paper mementos, like notes or photos. Don't forget to go through your phone or computer to delete photos, messages, and other content that makes you think of her. If you're struggling to let go of these items, ask a friend or relative to help you. If you don't think you're ready, put the items in a box and place it somewhere out of sight. Then, let it go when you feel up to it. Try to avoid seeing her until you’ve moved on. If it's possible, stay away from places you know she's likely to be. Switch up your routine so that you're less likely to see her. Use this as a opportunity to try a new coffee shop or restaurant, as well as a new path to work or class. Sometimes you can't avoid seeing a person, and that's okay. Just do your best to minimize encounters with her. Talk to someone else to distract you if you can’t avoid seeing her. If you must be in the same room as her, start a conversation with someone else to keep you occupied. As another option, you might do something on your phone, read, or write down your thoughts to help you avoid interacting with her. For example, you might share a class with the girl you can't stop thinking about. Before and after class, try to talk to another classmate, or use your phone if it's permitted. During class, focus on the lecture and challenge yourself to take a lot of notes. Participating in class will also help you keep your mind on the topic and not the girl you like. Unfollow her on social media sites and don’t check her pages. While social media is great for staying connected, it can make it really hard to let go of someone. It's normal to want to check up on her, but this will just make it take longer to get over her. Instead, cut all ties on social media. This will help you get her out of your thoughts. If you have mutual friends that post photos of her often, you might want to unfollow them, as well. You can always re-follow them later when you've moved on. Ask mutual friends not to tell you about what’s going on in her life. Don't ask them to share stories or updates about her. Instead, let them know that you're trying to let go of your feelings and aren't interested in what's going on with her. This will help you get your thoughts off of her. Say, “I'm trying to stop thinking about Emily, so please don't tell me what she's been doing lately.” Focus on your personal goals instead of on her. Make a list of what you want most in life, such as getting your dream job or running a marathon. Then, write out the steps you need to take to reach that goal. Next, carve out some time in your schedule so you can start tackling those steps. Soon, you'll be moving forward in life and leaving her behind. Work on self-improvement so your life feels more complete. When you find yourself obsessing about someone, it's often because you feel like you're missing something in your life. Fortunately, you already have the tools to fix that because you're the only one who can complete yourself. Adopt new habits to help yourself feel more like the person you want to be. You might try the following: Spend time on your relationships with family or friends. Do 30 minutes of exercise 5-7 times a week to support your health. Organize your living space. Start a new hobby. Set and pursue a new educational or career goal, like going to college or getting a promotion. Spend time with other girls to help you see new possibilities. Hang out with your female friends or try to make a few new friends. Don't worry about if you want to pursue them romantically. Just recognize that other girls are out there, and each one is awesome in her own way. This will help you realize that you will find another great girl when you're ready to look for love again. Don't compare other girls to the girl you like because you'll start thinking about her again. Start dating again when you feel ready. Don't rush to date again because you need time to heal. However, it's good to open up your heart again when the time is right. When you're ready, ask a new girl on a date or accept her invitation, if she asks first. Start slowly. When you go on a first date with a new girl you like, take it easy and have fun. Don't talk about the girl you liked before. Otherwise, the girl you're interested in now might think you're not ready to date again. | Accept that you have feelings for her. Focus your thoughts on something else that is important to you. Confront the reasons why you can’t be with her. Talk to a trusted friend or relative about your feelings. See a counselor or therapist if you’re struggling with your feelings. Make a schedule for your day so your time is occupied. Pursue your interests to improve your self confidence and meet people. Spend time with your family and friends to help you feel better. Get rid of items that remind you of her. Try to avoid seeing her until you’ve moved on. Talk to someone else to distract you if you can’t avoid seeing her. Unfollow her on social media sites and don’t check her pages. Ask mutual friends not to tell you about what’s going on in her life. Focus on your personal goals instead of on her. Work on self-improvement so your life feels more complete. Spend time with other girls to help you see new possibilities. Start dating again when you feel ready. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Dog-Diapers | How to Buy Dog Diapers | Before buying dog diapers, weigh your dog and measure its waist to ensure you pick a size that will fit snuggly. Once you figure out the size, decide if you want reusable cloth or single use disposable diapers. If your dog needs to wear diapers consistently for a long time, pick cloth diapers, which are less expensive. Alternatively, choose disposable diapers if convenience is the most important factor. You'll also need to choose between a male wrap band, which you place around your dog's middle, or a full diaper. For extra security, opt for a harness diaper, which uses a harness to hold the diaper in place. | Identify your dog’s needs. Dog owners may use dog diapers for a number of reasons. They can be used to deal with incontinence, during house training, or if a female dog is in heat. Urinary incontinence is typically associated with senior dogs who have lost the ability to control their bladders as a result of muscle weakness or a decrease in hormones that influence bladder control. Female dogs that have not been spayed will have an estrus cycle. A dog diaper can help to minimize the mess associated with a female dog in heat. Bleeding usually lasts from 7-10 days, but the dog can remain in heat (able to become pregnant) for as long as 4 weeks. Most dog trainers will recommend against using dog diapers during house training but they can be used if you have to leave the dog alone for a significant amount of time to minimize accidents. Take the dog to your veterinarian. Your pet may be suffering from a medical condition that is causing their incontinence. The veterinarian will confirm a diagnosis and try to determine the cause. The veterinarian may be able to treat the condition, which might stop the dog's incontinence. There are a number of medical conditions that are associated with urinary incontinence. These include: a spinal injury or degeneration, urinary tract infections , protruding intervertebral discs, prostate disorders, or some type of congenital abnormalities. If the veterinarian prescribes a treatment, you may still want to purchase dog diapers to use during the course of treatment. Weigh the dog. Dog diapers come in different sizes that correspond to the weight and waist size of the pet. You will need an accurate weight measurement to determine the correct size of dog diaper for your pet. Take large dogs to the veterinarian to get weight measurements. Most veterinary offices will have a walk-on scale designed for animals. Weigh smaller dogs at home. Step on a scale and record your weight. Pick up the dog and weigh yourself again. Subtract the combined weight of you and the dog from your weight. This number is the dog's weight. Measure the dog's waist. Dog diapers need to fit snuggly at the waist to ensure they will not slip off or allow urine to leak from the front. Make sure the dog is standing. Ask a friend to help keep the dog in the proper position if necessary. Wrap a cloth measuring tape around the dog's waist. Make sure to measure far enough towards a male dog's torso to cover the end of his penis. If you measure too close to the hindquarters, the diaper may not cover the urethral opening making the diaper useless. Decide between cloth or disposable dog diapers. When shopping for dog diapers, you have the choice of cloth diapers that are reusable or single use disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are an eco-friendly option that you can clean and reuse. They do require the owner to clean the diaper, which some owners would prefer not to do. If your dog will need to wear diapers consistently for a long time, cloth diapers will be less expensive than disposable diapers in the long run. Cloth diapers usually come in a pack of 2 so your dog can wear one while the other is in the wash, though you can buy more if you'd like to clean them less often. Disposable diapers are convenient and easy to use. There is less clean up and they can be more easily adjusted than many cloth diapers. Disposable diapers are good for short-term use and tend to be less expensive than cloth diapers. Choose your diaper type. There are three primary types of dog diapers: a male wrap band, a full diaper, and a diaper that uses harnesses to stay in place. A male wrap band is essentially a band that goes around your dog's middle. These can be used on male dogs who are marking or spraying in your home. A full diaper is a diaper that looks very similar to a human diaper, but has a hole cut for a tail and fits dogs. A harness diaper is a full diaper that uses harnesses, that resemble suspenders, that go around the dog's shoulders to hold the diaper in place. Deal with fecal incontinence. Dog diapers are primarily designed to help with urinary incontinence. If your dog is suffering from fecal incontinence, you can purchase a dog diaper that is specifically designed for fecal incontinence. Check the packaging of the diapers. If they can be used for fecal matter, this will be written somewhere on the package. If your pet is suffering from fecal incontinence, be sure to check your dog's diaper often and be prepared to clean the area with gloves and disinfecting wipes. Determine how many diapers you will need to purchase. This number will vary from dog to dog. Disposable dog diapers are typically sold in packs of 12 or 24 diapers. Cloth diapers may be sold in single packages or in packages that contain 3 or 4 diapers. Note how many times per day the dog typically urinates. If you are purchasing diapers for your female dog's estrus cycle, you should anticipate changing the diaper at least twice a day for up to 2 weeks. Buy a large enough package of disposable dog diapers so that you can use a new diaper every time the dog urinates. It is unhealthy for a dog to wear wet diapers for long periods of time and can lead to diaper rash. Purchase 2 cloth diapers with disposable liners to begin with. If you find that you need more than 2 cloth diapers, purchase additional diapers. Keep in mind that disposable diapers will be more economical for temporary use, but cloth dog diapers are more cost effective for long term use since you can reuse them. Look for dog diapers online or in-store. You can purchase dog diapers from most large retailers, at pet stores, or online. You will probably find more options to choose from in a larger pet store. Check each brand's dog diaper size chart. Using the weight and waist size measurements that you took earlier, find the size that best corresponds to your dog's measurements. The number of sizes that a brand will have available is dependent upon the manufacturer. There are typically fewer sizes in cloth diapers. Consider buying the next size up if you have a male dog. Especially when you use disposable dog diapers, you may find that the size that corresponds to your dog's measurements doesn't adequately cover the dog's genital area. Male dogs need the diaper to fit higher on their waists to prevent leakage. Look for dog diapers with soft linings. Continued use of dog diapers can cause broken or irritated skin. Dog diapers with soft, absorbent linings can help keep the dog from developing diaper rash. Treat diaper rash and discomfort. Your pet's skin can become red, chafed, and sore from extended diaper use. You can avoid diaper rash by changing the dog's diaper each time it urinates, so it does not experience extended contact with the urine. Unscented baby wipes are a convenient way to clean your dog and to soothe irritated skin. You can also use hypoallergenic baby powder to dry the area. | Identify your dog’s needs. Take the dog to your veterinarian. Weigh the dog. Take large dogs to the veterinarian to get weight measurements. Measure the dog's waist. Decide between cloth or disposable dog diapers. Choose your diaper type. Deal with fecal incontinence. Determine how many diapers you will need to purchase. Look for dog diapers online or in-store. Check each brand's dog diaper size chart. Look for dog diapers with soft linings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pamper-Yourself | How to Pamper Yourself | To pamper yourself, try soaking in a hot bath with some bath salts or essential oils. To make your bath even more relaxing, light candles and put on soothing music. You can also pamper yourself by getting into comfy clothes and lying down with a good book or magazine. Or, you can find a calm, quiet place to do some yoga and practice meditating. | Have a spa day. For a very luxurious day, head to a spa where you can rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Spas often have hot tubs and cold plunges where you can soak and bubble, but also offer services like massages and facials. Alternatively, you could set up your own spa at home. Click here to learn how to give yourself a facial and click here to learn how to give yourself a relaxing massage. Soak in a hot bath. Soaking in a hot bath can be both peaceful and rejuvenating. Draw a hot, steaming bath for yourself and add some bubble bath, bath salts, or essential oils to give your tub an added touch of luxury. To make your bath even more relaxing, light some candles and put on some of your favorite music. Don't forget to pour yourself a cold glass of water (or wine) to bring into the bathroom with you. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure. After you have soaked in the tub, break out the polish and toe dividers and paint your nails a funky color (or a darker color if that's more your thing). Or, take it one step further and give yourself a French manicure. Alternatively, you could go to the salon to get your nails done. Try aromatherapy. Bring a pot of water to a boil and then add some essential oil (the scent is up to you) to the boiling water. Once the water is steaming, remove the pot from the stove, place a towel over your head and the pot, and breathe in the scented steam. Scents that may help you to relax include: Lavender. Jasmine. Cedarwood. Bergamot. Practice restorative yoga. Restorative yoga classes can help you to stretch away the tightness and kinks in your muscles. These postures aim to make you feel calm and balanced while also giving your muscles a gentle stretch. Run an online search to find restorative yoga classes near you. Indulge in a treat you wouldn’t normally buy. This does not necessarily need to be food, but instead could be tickets to that band's show that you've been wanting to see. Of course, the treat could also be a cupcake filled with custard, but that decision is up to you. Buy yourself some new clothes. Go on a shopping spree and outfit yourself in a new wardrobe (or at least a new outfit). Part of pampering your body is wrapping it up in comfortable, lovely clothes. If you don't feel like going on a shopping spree, you could also spend some time simply trying on your fanciest outfits you haven't worn in awhile, or going through your clothes and picking out some to sell so that you can go on a shopping spree in the future. Do a hobby that you often don’t have time for. Have you been meaning to finally try that linoleum carving kit you bought? Maybe half of your garden has gone to seed, or you have a mountain that you've been meaning to climb. Whatever your hobby may be, set aside some time to pamper yourself by doing that hobby. Put on some comfy clothes and read. Get into your comfiest pajamas and wrap yourself in your softest robe. Sit in your favorite chair and pick up that book you've been halfway through for the last three months and finally let yourself relax and read. If books aren't really your thing, pick up your favorite magazine, newspaper, or blog and catch up on some lit. Curl up and watch an engaging movie. When pampering yourself, you don't have to ask anyone's opinion on what to watch, or argue with anyone about your pick. Instead, watch the movie you've been wanting to watch for ages that keeps getting vetoed by your partner or family. Watch a chick-flick without guilt, or a documentary without being afraid you're going to bore your friends. This day is all about you after all. Try meditating. Meditation is about releasing your worries and allowing yourself to mentally decompress. Find a quiet, calm place, sit down, and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing and let your worries float away from you. If meditating isn't really working, practice some breathing exercises. These can help you to release the tension that has built up in your body and will help you to destress. Consider your goals. Thinking about the things that you are really passionate about can often get swept aside in the madness of the present. When pampering yourself, set aside sometime to consider your life and what you hope to attain. Create a bucket list, or revisit a past bucket list that you made and consider how your goals have changed (if, indeed, they have). Practice some self love. Look in the mirror and list everything about yourself that you love. Tell yourself that you are amazing, and that you deserve to be loved. Think of the things you have accomplished, and the experiences you have had. At the same time, consider the things you would like to improve, without thinking negatively about those things. For example, instead of thinking 'I suck at managing my time”, tell yourself, “I am going to work harder to manage my time well”, and go buy yourself a fantastic organizer. Spend time with people you love. If you have been working a lot, or have been very busy, set aside some time to pamper your heart by making plans with the people you love. Plan a day of activities, or simply decide to go see a movie with some friends. When you surround yourself with people you love, you may find that you are more relaxed and happy. Plan a getaway for you and your partner. Pampering yourself can also involve pampering your partner. Spend some time planning a getaway for you and your beloved. It doesn't mean that you need to go far; simply scheduling a day trip could be a great way to pamper yourself. Consider booking a hotel for a night for a change of scenery, or driving to the beach or a lake. Play with an animal that you love. People are not the only creatures that can make you feel loved. Spend some quality time with your pet to pamper yourself emotionally. Go for a walk with your, curl up and watch a movie with your cat, or ride your horse on a wooded trail. If you don't have a pet, consider volunteering at an animal shelter. You may just end up with a pet when the day is done. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in awhile. Catching up with a dear friend can also be a great way to pamper yourself emotionally. You could even plan a skype date with your friend, so that you could giggle together no matter where in the world the both of you are. | Have a spa day. Soak in a hot bath. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure. Try aromatherapy. Practice restorative yoga. Indulge in a treat you wouldn’t normally buy. Buy yourself some new clothes. Do a hobby that you often don’t have time for. Put on some comfy clothes and read. Curl up and watch an engaging movie. Try meditating. Consider your goals. Practice some self love. Spend time with people you love. Plan a getaway for you and your partner. Play with an animal that you love. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in awhile. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Texture-a-Ceiling | How to Texture a Ceiling | Before you apply texture to a ceiling, paint a layer of primer over the whole ceiling and let it dry. When you're ready to paint, either choose a pre-textured paint or you can mix a special sand into latex or oil-based paint. Dip your roller or brush into the paint and gently shake it to remove the excess paint, then apply the paint in a criss-cross pattern. If you want the ceiling to be more textured, add another layer after the first one has dried. | Protect your walls and furniture. First, remove as much furniture as possible from the room. Cover all remaining furniture, as well as your floors, with drop clothes. Tape off or otherwise cover ceiling fixtures. Finally, tape plastic sheeting around the ceiling's perimeter to protect your walls. You will also want to remove any faceplates which are on your ceiling, such as vent covers. Repair any cracks or inconsistencies in the ceiling. You will want to be sure that the base layer of your ceiling is in prime condition. Repair cracks in plaster and generally ensure that the ceiling is as smooth as possible. Cracks can worsen over time and inconsistencies (as well as cracks) will be made more visible by the texture of the ceiling. Some cracks and inconsistencies can be fixed with spackle, but others may be structural and should be addressed by an inspector or contractor. Paint a priming layer on your ceiling. Paint a coat of paint primer on your ceiling before adding the texture. This can help to reduce the appearance of a previous color but it will also help the new paint adhere to the wall. Choose a primer in a color as close as possible to your final color. Mix your textured paint. There are a number of ways to texture a ceiling. You can buy pre-textured paint (which will likely be the easiest option). You can also texture the ceiling by adding materials to either latex or oil based paint. Purchase material that is meant for texturing paint, such as special sand, and mix it according to the manufacturer's instructions, as well as your own preference. Generally, you will mix 1 part of the additive to every ten parts of paint. This works out to roughly 1 ½ cups of texture for every gallon of paint. Test your paint. Once you believe you have the paint mixed properly, you will want to do a small test patch to ensure you are happy with the texture. Try to do the test patch in a corner of the room or otherwise in a less visible area. Adjust your paint as necessary. Paint the ceiling. Use either rollers or a brush to paint the ceiling. Apply the paint in a W, X, or N shape in order to make sure that paint is applied in all directions. You will want to be sure to remove excess paint from the brush or roller before applying, since otherwise it will just drip into your face! Ew! If the paint won't go on your roller (because it is too thick), you can try putting it on a trowel or similar tool first, spreading it in the general area you wish it to go, and then switching to a roller to even the texture. Visualize and paint the ceiling in sections. Divide the ceiling into sections and complete the sections one at a time. These do not need to be formally divided. Painting the ceiling in sections will make it easier to make sure you get everything, keep you organized so you get done faster, and help keep you motivated. Let it dry thoroughly. When you have painted the whole ceiling, make sure to let it dry completely before doing anything else (if any changes or additions need to be made). This usually takes a minimum of several hours. Adding more paint, texture, or touching the drying paint too much will pull the drying paint off and make your ceiling look uneven. The ceiling will dry faster if you increase the air circulation in the room. Texture the ceiling with a rag. Use slightly contrasting colors of paint, applied with a rag to get a textured appearance to the ceiling. You can also use a sponge in a similar manner to get another texture. Texture the ceiling with thickened paint. You can mix joint compound into the paint in order to get a faux plaster look. You can buy either a mix or the prepared compound. You will likely need a great deal of the material (at least 6 lbs of the prepared compound) but how much will depend on the area you are covering and how thick you want it to be. Texture the ceiling with a special roller. You can also use textured rollers to get other textures to your paint without having to apply multiple coats. You can use shaggy rollers or other textured rollers. These should generally have examples of their final textures on the packaging. | Protect your walls and furniture. Repair any cracks or inconsistencies in the ceiling. Paint a priming layer on your ceiling. Mix your textured paint. Test your paint. Paint the ceiling. Visualize and paint the ceiling in sections. Let it dry thoroughly. Texture the ceiling with a rag. Texture the ceiling with thickened paint. Texture the ceiling with a special roller. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-the-Love-of-Your-Life | How to Get the Love of Your Life | To get the love of your life, try to be proactive and put yourself out there since the more people you meet, the greater the chance you'll find your soulmate. For example, you could set up an online dating profile, download a dating app, or attend a speed dating event. You could also try joining a club or picking up a new hobby so you can meet new people who have similar interests as you. Then, once you meet someone, try going on a few dates to see if you have good chemistry. Try not to get discouraged if things don't work out with someone you're dating. That just means you're one step closer to finding the right person. | Give yourself permission to find love. Being in a relationship takes time, commitment, and vulnerability. Loving yourself first allows you to share love with others. Strong, loving relationships are built on trust, honesty, and communication. You must be willing to meet these expectations if you are looking for someone to call "the love of your life." Make an online dating profile. Online dating allows you to meet people that specifically fit your guidelines. About 15% of Americans have used a dating website, which gives you a large pool for potential partners. There are many websites and apps to choose from, including ones that are specific to your interests, religion, or occupation. Successful profiles have playful usernames, short but humorous summaries, and a recent photograph. Go to local events. If you want to meet people in your area, seek out large local events where you might find someone with a common interest. One survey found that a high percentage of people reported meeting their significant other at sporting events, music festivals, and charity events. Join a club or start a new hobby. The best way to meet people with common interests is through an organization or class. You can find a knitting circle, start ballroom dancing classes, or join a board game club. If you are passionate about a cause, volunteer at a charity. Check your local newspaper or a meet-up website to find social organizations in your area. Try speed dating. Speed dating is a great way to meet many single matches in a short period of time. Awkward conversation is cut short as you are limited to a few minutes with each potential beau. If you both like each other, you can trade numbers, but if there no chemistry, you don't have to flounder on an awkward first date. Keep it casual for the first date. The beginning of a new relationship can be exciting, but first dates can be awkward, especially if you don't know your date very well yet. Meeting up for coffee or drinks is an easy way to maintain a relaxed atmosphere while getting to know the other person. The first few dates you go on can be an important foundation for the rest of your relationship, and making sure the other person is comfortable will increase the odds that they will want to go on more dates. Plan dates that allow you to talk. Movies, plays, and other performances may be fun, but they prevent you from getting to know your date. For first dates, try dinner, coffee dates, drinks, or activities like bowling, visiting a museum, or going to a local fair. These allow you to talk and get to know each other, an important basis for a long-lasting relationship. Touch them in non-sexual ways. While you should not initiate physical contact that your date is uncomfortable with, light touching around the arms and shoulders can signal interest and enhance attraction. Try sitting next to your date instead of across from them. Gently touch their shoulders as you are talking to them or brush against them if you are walking together. If the other person draws away or does not return the contact, it is a sign they are uncomfortable with the touch. Do not continue physical contact. Furthermore, this may be a sign of disinterest. Make eye contact. While you might be shy around a new date, making eye contact not only boosts attraction but it can make you more memorable to your date. Extended eye contact can even make you feel like you're in love with someone. Keep their gaze for several seconds, and remember to blink! Strive for emotional intimacy. If you are looking to call someone the "love of your life," an emotional bond is key. Rushing the physical side of a relationship does not necessarily prevent an emotional bond, but it can make the emotional landscape more difficult to navigate. Couples that have strong friendships with one another also have higher sexual satisfaction and romance in their relationships Appreciate your date. In the early stages of a relationship, you can express your interest in a date by laughing at their jokes, complimenting their positive qualities, and asking thoughtful questions about their interests. Talk about common interests. Avoid touchy topics like religion or politics. Certain subjects like hobbies, travel, jobs, and activities are great conversation starters and can reveal much about your date. Good questions include: What is your favorite book/movie/TV show? Have you seen the latest ____? Do you have pets? Are you a dog person or a cat person? Do you play sports? Do you like to compete in any local leagues? What do you do for a living? Do you enjoy your job? How did you get into that field? What is your dream vacation? Do you like to travel? Where is the most exciting place you've ever been? Practice active listening. Especially as your relationship develops, listening to your partner will strengthen your bond. Make eye contact and don't interrupt. Rephrase what they said by using “I” statements, e.g. “I understand that you don't like this because…” or “What I hear is that you are struggling with…” Read their body language. If your partner is closing themselves off physically, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Watch to see if they are frequently crossing their arms, avoiding eye contact, or facing their body away from you. Their voice may also be louder and more confrontational. These might be signs for you to open up dialogue. Tell your partner if something is wrong. Open with a line about how much you love them before gently bringing up what is bothering you. Avoid blaming them, and don't use phrases like “you must” or “you should.” Allow your partner to respond to start a strong dialogue. For example: “Can we talk? I love you very much, but I have been struggling lately with _____. This makes me feel _____.” Emphasize to your partner that you want to work on the relationship using “we” phrases. “How can we work on this?” “Is there a way for us to solve this?” Continue going on fun dates. If your love is really for life, you will need to maintain it so that the passion does not fade. Even when you are married with children, find time to be alone with each other. Go on interesting dates. Try new activities together. These will increase bonding throughout your life. Communicate with your partner. Lack of communication is a major source of tension in relationships. Disagreements and arguments are a part of every relationship, but communicating with your partner when you are unhappy can smooth over the bumpy aspects of your love. Don't bottle up your feelings inside. Be honest with your partner, and be accepting when they are honest with you. Maintain boundaries. Just because you are together forever does not mean that you have become the same person. Boundaries are an important way to keep a healthy space for yourself while forming a framework that encourages communication and support. You can maintain your own social life and hobbies, and you don't have to share your passwords or social media accounts with your significant other. Just as your significant other should respect your boundaries, remember to respect theirs. If they have a passion or hobby that you don't share, let them pursue it. Compromise and negotiate. If you are making major decisions together, make sure that both voices are being heard in the relationship. There should be an equal power dynamic between both partners, and this means that sometimes you will have to compromise or even concede to the other partner. At the same time, your partner should be doing the same for you. Take care of yourself. Identify your needs and take care of them. Practicing healthy habits in other aspects of your life can promote a healthy relationship. Exercise, eat healthy foods, meditate, get plenty of sleep, socialize, and work towards success in your job. By taking care of yourself, you can better take care of others. | Give yourself permission to find love. Make an online dating profile. Go to local events. Join a club or start a new hobby. Try speed dating. Keep it casual for the first date. Plan dates that allow you to talk. Touch them in non-sexual ways. Make eye contact. Strive for emotional intimacy. Appreciate your date. Talk about common interests. Practice active listening. Read their body language. Tell your partner if something is wrong. Continue going on fun dates. Communicate with your partner. Maintain boundaries. Compromise and negotiate. Take care of yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hot-Fudge | How to Make Hot Fudge | To make hot fudge syrup, heat heavy whipping cream and golden syrup over medium-low heat. Next, add cocoa powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan, and stir them together with a heavy-duty whisk. Continue to cook the liquid for 2-3 minutes or until it begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat. If you have a candy thermometer, make sure the mixture doesn't exceed 240 °F. Add the butter and chocolate to the liquid, stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated, and serve! | Add heavy whipping cream and syrup to a saucepan and combine over medium-low heat. The syrup you add to this recipe will keep the hot fudge from getting hard when it hits something cold, like ice cream. If you decide that you want your fudge to get hard when it hits cold ice cream, substitute the syrup for extra sugar, or try removing the syrup altogether for a slightly less sugary fudge. You may choose either golden syrup or corn syrup. Golden syrup is made from sugar cane, while corn syrup is made from — you guessed it — corn. Golden syrup has a richer, more complex flavor profile than corn syrup, although it's more expensive. In America, most corn syrup is genetically modified. Add the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to the cream and syrup, stirring until combined. Stir with a heavy-duty whisk until all the ingredients are combined and the liquid has taken on a distinctly chocolate color. Continue cooking liquid until it just begins to simmer, about 2 or 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the burner. If you can, make sure the temperature of the liquid does not exceed 240° F (115° C). This will ensure that hot fudge doesn't seize up and become hard. In sugar boiling points, this is known as a soft boil. If the liquid exceeds 240° F, it will go into a hard boil and the sugar will become firmer. For hot fudge, this is not ideal. Add the butter and chocolate to the pot. Stir to incorporate. As the fudge begins to cool, it will thicken up, although it will still retain its liquid form. Add any additional flavorings to the fudge. At this point, the fudge will taste amazing. But if you want to spice it up a bit by adding something exotic, sweet, or refreshing, here are some suggestions. Only 1 teaspoon of any of the following is needed: Orange or mint oil Lavender oil Rum Vanilla extract/essence Serve and enjoy! Serve over a sundae , a regular old scoop of homemade ice-cream , or even waffles for a decadent treat. Add the butter, chocolate chips, and condensed milk to a small saucepan. Gently melt the ingredients together over a low-medium heat. Do not bring to a boil. Stir constantly. This will prevent burning and also helps the melting process. Keep stirring until the sauce turns smooth. Remove from the heat. At this stage, you have two options: Serve immediately. Pour into a sterilized jar with an airtight lid. Place in the refrigerator and use as needed (simply reheat when you want to use it). Pour the evaporated milk into a heavy-based saucepan. Add the chocolate chips and sugar. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat. Add the butter and vanilla. Stir the butter until it melts. Let stand to cool for 5 minutes. Serve. Pour over ice cream, dessert pie or other sweet treats, as needed. This will add a very chocolatey flavor. Store unused hot sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Reheat to reuse. | Add heavy whipping cream and syrup to a saucepan and combine over medium-low heat. Add the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to the cream and syrup, stirring until combined. Continue cooking liquid until it just begins to simmer, about 2 or 3 minutes. Add the butter and chocolate to the pot. Add any additional flavorings to the fudge. Serve and enjoy! Add the butter, chocolate chips, and condensed milk to a small saucepan. Gently melt the ingredients together over a low-medium heat. Stir constantly. Remove from the heat. Pour the evaporated milk into a heavy-based saucepan. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Let stand to cool for 5 minutes. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Children-to-Stop-Touching-Their-Faces | How to Get Children to Stop Touching Their Faces | Kids are constantly touching the world around them, which is a normal part of how they learn and grow. Unfortunately, if they then touch their face, they might introduce germs or viruses into their nose, mouth, or eyes. If your child is old enough to understand, explain that touching their face a lot could make them sick. You can also gently remind them to take their hands off their face any time you notice them touching it. Offer them something else to do with their hands, like playing with blocks or a fidget spinner. Since you can't completely prevent face touching, make sure your child washes their hands often with soap and water so they don't introduce a lot of germs. | Explain why it's important if your child is old enough. Once your child is about 3 years old, you can begin having conversations with them about avoiding germs, including the importance of washing their hands and how touching their face can spread germs to their nose and mouth. While just knowing this information probably won't help them break the habit, it can help set the groundwork so they'll understand when you remind them later on. For instance, you might say something like, "If you touch something with germs on it, then touch your face, you can get really sick. That's why it's important to wash your hands, but it's important to keep your hands away from your face, too." You might also include something along the lines of, "I know it can be really hard to remember sometimes. I forget, too! Maybe we can help each other remember not to touch our faces." Remind your child any time you see them touching their face. While you don't want to criticize your child or put them down when they forget, it is important to point out when you see them with their hands around their face or mouth. Sometimes, just becoming aware that they're doing it will be enough to help them stop doing it. Including a special nickname in your remind may help your child feel like you're on their team. For example, you could gently say, "Hands off your face, buddy!" or "Don't chew your nails, pumpkin!" Praise your child when you notice that they aren't touching their face. It can be hard to remember sometimes, but look for opportunities to let your child know when they're doing a good job of keeping their hands away from their face. Positive reinforcement can be a really powerful motivation for kids to keep trying when they're learning something new. You can use encouraging words or even offer small treats or stickers as a reward. For instance, you might say something like, "I noticed you were doing a really great job not chewing your nails today. You get a sticker on your behavior chart!" Offer your child something they can hold or do with their hands. Children often touch their face or mouth without thinking about it. Many times, it's just because they're bored and they're looking for a way to stimulate themselves. If you think that might be the case, try giving your child a toy they can hold onto, like an action figure with movable parts or a fidget toy. Putty and slime can be good toys for keeping your child's hands engaged, as well. If you have a smaller child, keep an eye on them to make sure they don't put the toy into their mouth since they could pick up germs that way. Help your child break habits like thumb sucking or nail-biting. While simple reminders may be enough to stop your child from casually touching their face, it can be a lot harder if they have an ingrained habit like biting their nails or sucking their thumb or fingers. If that's the case, try talking to your pediatrician about how to discourage those habits, like using a bitter-tasting substance on their nails so they won't want to put them in their mouth. It may also help to give your child something to distract them. For instance, you might offer them a crunchy snack like granola, a piece of bubble gum, or a drink with a straw. Don't criticize or shame your child for habits like nail-biting or thumb sucking, as that can actually make the problem worse. Sanitize surfaces that your family touches regularly. Use a disinfectant spray or antibacterial wipes to clean your countertops, doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, and any other objects that people might touch. That way, if someone did have germs on their hand, they won't be transferred to the next person who comes by and touches that surface. Use alcohol wipes to disinfect your phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Teach your child to wash their hands frequently. Supervise your child when they wash their hands to ensure they're using soap and water to wash their hands for at least 15-20 seconds. As they wash, make sure they wash the backs of their hands, their palms, in between their fingers, and under their fingernails. Your child should wash their hands before they eat or help prepare food, after using the restroom, after they cough or sneeze, and any time their hands get dirty. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to cleanse your child's hands if they need to wash but aren't around a sink or soap. Show your child how to sneeze into their elbow. Tell your child that when they need to sneeze, they should hold their arm up across their face and turn their head so they sneeze into the crook of their arm. This can help keep their germs from flying across the room or getting on their hands. If your child sneezes into their hands, they could then spread germs by touching surfaces in your home. Remind your child that if they wipe their nose or sneeze into a tissue, they should throw the tissue into the trash right away to avoid spreading germs. Help your child get plenty of sleep. Getting a good night's sleep is essential for a child's developing immune system. Try to keep a regular bedtime and waking time for your child, even on the weekends. Make sure their room is cool, dark, and comfortable at night, and keep your home as quiet as possible so your child can sleep well. Between the ages of 1 and 2, children need 11-14 hours of sleep a night, including naps. Between 3 and 5, kids need 10-13 hours a night, including naps. From the ages of 6 to 12, your child needs 9-12 hours of sleep each night, and they probably will not take a nap. Teens who are 13-18 years old need about 8-10 hours of sleep every night. Make sure your child eats a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies. It can be hard to get kids to eat healthy food, but try to make it more fun for them by allowing them to help you choose and prepare healthy meals for the whole family. For example, you might work together to make a colorful tossed salad, then serve that alongside grilled chicken and a whole grain roll. Choose healthy snacks like apples, carrot sticks, and whole-grain toast with peanut butter rather than processed foods high in carbs and sugar. The nutrients found in whole, healthy foods can help strengthen your child's immune system, helping them fight off germs they may come into contact with. If you're concerned your child isn't getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, ask your pediatrician if they should take a daily multivitamin. | Explain why it's important if your child is old enough. Remind your child any time you see them touching their face. Praise your child when you notice that they aren't touching their face. Offer your child something they can hold or do with their hands. Help your child break habits like thumb sucking or nail-biting. Sanitize surfaces that your family touches regularly. Teach your child to wash their hands frequently. Show your child how to sneeze into their elbow. Help your child get plenty of sleep. Make sure your child eats a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Ceiling-Fan | How to Install a Ceiling Fan | To install a ceiling fan, attach the downrod to the fan body, then lift the fan up to the ceiling. Either use a hanging mechanism or ask someone to help you hold the fan in place while you connect the wiring. Connect the neutral, or white, wires first by twisting the ends of the wires together and securing them with a wire connector and electrical tape. Do the same for the ground wires, which are either green or bare, then connect the remaining wires together. Tuck the wires into the fan box, then screw the canopy over the fan box and attach the fan blades. | Turn the electricity off at the circuit breaker box. When working with electricity or wiring, you should always cut power to the area before you touch anything else. Locate the circuit breaker box in your home and turn off the power to the room or area your fan will be installed in. Some homes will have multiple breaker boxes, with one main and several sub-breaker boxes in different places. If you have multiple breaker boxes, turn off power at the sub-breaker box and the main box before beginning work. Remove any screws holding the old fixture in place. Use a ladder or step-ladder to safely climb up towards the roof to give you access the fixtures. Hold the fixture in place with one hand as you remove any screws securing it to the roof. Once they have been taken out, the old fixture should be able to detach from the ceiling. If there is no fitting where you want to install your new ceiling fan, you should call a licensed electrician to install one for you. You will need to run wiring through your walls, which is very difficult to do and can be very dangerous if done wrong. If you cannot hold the fixture in place while you remove the screws, get somebody else to help. This will reduce the chance of the fixture falling from the ceiling and make it easier to unscrew. Disconnect the wires from the old electrical fixture. Locate the point where the wires from the fixture are held to the wires coming from the ceiling with plastic connectors. Ensure the fixture is supported by something other than the wires and begin unscrewing and removing each plastic connector. Once disconnected, lower the fixture from your ceiling and discard it or store it somewhere safe for future use. Do not cut any wires or attempt to rewire anything in your ceiling without help from a licensed electrician. If the wiring is different than you anticipated, stop immediately and call a professional to help. Always make sure something is supporting any fixtures you remove or install as you work on them. Don't let the fixture be held up only by wires, as this may damage them. Ask a friend to help if you need them. Remove the old ceiling box. The ceiling box is a circular metal fitting that other fixtures attach to. Look for any screws or nails holding the old ceiling box in place and remove them. Push the circuit box further into the ceiling, or attempt to pry it out to remove it. If you can access the space above the ceiling box and get a better look at it, it may be easier to remove. If not, use a flashlight to look at it from below and work out the easiest way to remove it. Few standard ceiling boxes will be sturdy enough to hold the weight of a spinning ceiling fan. You shouldn't use the existing ceiling box unless you are absolutely certain it is rated for a ceiling fan. If you're unsure, remove it and replace it with a new ceiling box that has a weight rating above the weight of your ceiling fan. Ask at your local hardware store or look online to find one that will be strong enough. If you're unsure whether or not your ceiling box will be able to hold your fan, look inside it for any markings or model numbers that will help identify it. Look online or ask at your local hardware store to make sure that the weight rating for your box is more than the weight of your fan. Some ceiling boxes will have cable clamps that secure the wiring in place. If you notice a metal fixture tightly holding the wiring, look for a screw on the fixture's side. Loosen this screw and slip the cable clamp over the end of the wiring to remove it. Purchase a fan box with a hanger bar if the fixture is between two ceiling joists. A hanger bar is an extendable rod that will hold taut between two ceiling joists and give you something to attach the fan to. Purchase a fan box with a hanger bar from your local electrical store and use this if your fan will be installed between two ceiling joists. Use a small flashlight to look into the hole in your ceiling where your new ceiling box will be installed. If you don't see a long piece of wood directly above the hole, it is likely your ceiling box is being installed between two joists. Locate the studs in your ceiling to be sure. Choose a screw-fastening fan box if you have access to a single ceiling joist. If the opening in your ceiling is directly below some wooden framing, use a fan box that can be screwed directly into the framing. Purchase a fan box without a hanger bar from your local hardware or electronics store. Look through the hole where you will be installing your ceiling box for a wooden joist directly above the hole. If you can easily screw something into the joist, use a screw-fastening fan box. Cut around the hole to make sure it is the right size. A fan rated ceiling box may be bigger or slightly thicker than a standard ceiling box. Hold the fan box up to the hole and trace around it with a pencil. Use a drywall saw to cut away excess ceiling until the fan box will fit in. Be careful when cutting not to saw through any wiring in the ceiling. Keep the saw as shallow as possible to prevent hitting anything unintended. Feed the cables through the new electrical box. Lift the new ceiling box towards and into the ceiling. As you do so, thread the wiring coming from the ceiling through the central hole in the ceiling box. If the fan box comes with a cable clamp, thread the wiring through this as well. Push it over the wires until it sits on the face of the fan box, and tighten the screws on the cable clamp to hold the wires in place. Secure the fan-rated ceiling box in place. If you have a fan box that attaches directly to a ceiling joist, hold the box against the joist and use the provided screws to fasten it in place. If you need a hanger bar, position the bar between the two joists. Use an adjustable wrench to rotate the bar and extend it, rotating until the bar is held securely in place between the two joists. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach the fan box to the hanger bar. Attach the ceiling plate or bracket. The ceiling plate or fan bracket is the fixture that your fan will be suspended from. Hold the ceiling plate up to the fan box and pull all of the wires through the hole in its center. Use the provided screws to tightly secure the ceiling plate in place. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when working with specific parts. The method for attaching ceiling plates and brackets may vary, but it needs to be done correctly to keep the fan attached to the ceiling. If you have a ceiling medallion or any molding to go around the fitting, attach it now. This will be a decorative piece that surrounds the fitting and is secured to the roof. Use a small amount of urethane-based adhesive to hold it to the roof, before securing it in place with four finishing nails. For a better-finished appearance, cover the nail holes with caulk or spackle. Purchase a fan kit. This will contain all of the parts you need to assemble and mount a new ceiling fan. Fan kits should be available from your local hardware store, as well as online.Make sure to buy a fan that fits the size of the room where it will be installed. Use a 36 in (91 cm) fan for a room less than 144 square feet (13.4 m ) Opt for a 42 in (110 cm) fan for a room between 144 square feet (13.4 m ) and 225 square feet (20.9 m ) Choose a 52 in (130 cm) fan for anything larger than 225 square feet (20.9 m ). Attach the downrod to the fan body. The downrod is the long metal pipe that is used to distance the fan from the ceiling. Keeping the body of the fan on the ground, thread the wires attached to the fan through the downrod. Sit the downrod in place on the top of the fan body. Tighten the locking screws around the base of the downrod until it is securely attached to the fan body. If you're unsure about the way your specific fan is constructed and put together, check the manufacturer's instructions for more advice. Some fans may have multiple locking screws to hold the downrod in place. Make sure you tighten all of them to prevent the downrod and the fan body from disconnecting when mounting the fan. There are a few factors that can change the required length for your downrod. If your roof is angled, you will need to use a downrod to prevent the fan blades from hitting the roof. If your ceilings are taller than 8 feet (2.4 m), you should use a downrod that is at least 10 inches (25 cm) long to get the best air circulation. If you have a ceiling less than 9 feet (2.7 m) high, you should use a hugger ceiling fan kit, specially designed for lower ceilings. These will have a much shorter downrod, or may not have a downrod at all, allowing them to sit as close to the ceiling as possible. Lift the fan up to the ceiling. Use a ladder or step-ladder to carefully lift the fan assembly up towards the ceiling. Most fans will have some method to suspend them just below the ceiling while you connect the wiring. If your fan does not, ask someone else to hold the fan in place as you do so. It may be easiest to climb up the ladder and get a friend to pass the fan up to you. Make sure your ladder is secure and that you can stand on it safely with a friend if you need to. If at any point you don't feel safe, call a licensed electrician to help. Connect the neutral wires. The neutral wire provides a return path for the current coming into the fan, and will usually have a white insulate covering. Hold the two neutral wires together and twist the stripped ends together. Use a plastic wire connector to hold them together and secure it with electrical tape. Wiring schemes will vary between different ceiling fans. Check the manufacturer's guide if your wires differ, or call a licensed electrician. Connect the ground wires. The ground wire will usually be green or entirely bare, and is used to prevent electrical shocks. Find the two ground wires, twist them together and secure with a plastic wire connector. Use electrical tape to keep the wires and the connector in place. Make sure the ground wire coming from the ceiling is attached to the ground screw in your fan box, as this connection is crucial for the ground wire to serve its purpose. If you don't have a ground screw, or you don't know how to ground a wire, call a licensed electrician. Connect the remaining wires together. Any remaining wires will be hot wires, used to provide power to the fan and any light fittings attached to it. These will usually be black, but may be a different color in different wiring schemes. Twist the remaining wires together and secure them with a plastic wire connector and electrical tape. This method will make one switch control the fan and any light fittings that are a part of it. Look to your manufacturer's guide for advice on wiring for other control methods, or consult an electrician. Tuck the wires into the fan box. Carefully push the wires coming from the ceiling back into the fan box to secure them. As you do, make sure the wire connectors and electrical tape stay secure and no wiring is exposed. Exposed wiring could lead to a dangerous short-circuit and further issues. If you see any exposed wiring, immediately secure it and cover it fully. Screw the canopy over the fan box. The canopy will lift up from the downrod and cover the wiring and socket used to hold the fan in place. Use the provided screws to secure the canopy to the fan box and keep the fan together. Attach the fan blades. One by one, lift the fan blades up to their mountings on the fan motor. Slot them into place according to the manufacturer's guide, and use the provided screws to tightly secure them to the motor. Make sure the screws are as tight as you can make them. Loose screws will cause the fan blades to wobble and potentially come loose as the fan is running. Install any light fixtures. Many fans will have space for a light fixture on the underside. These will usually be very simple to wire up and secure into place. Check your manufacturer's guide for instructions on how to install the lighting fixture into your specific fan. The wiring for the lighting fixture will generally follow similar rules as wiring the fan. Connect the wires of the same color together and secure with connectors and electrical tape to prevent short-circuiting. Turn the power back on and test your fan. Go back to the circuit breaker box or boxes and restore power the necessary sections of your home. Turn the fan on at the wall and watch it for a few minutes to make sure it is working as intended. | Turn the electricity off at the circuit breaker box. Remove any screws holding the old fixture in place. Disconnect the wires from the old electrical fixture. Remove the old ceiling box. Purchase a fan box with a hanger bar if the fixture is between two ceiling joists. Choose a screw-fastening fan box if you have access to a single ceiling joist. Cut around the hole to make sure it is the right size. Feed the cables through the new electrical box. Secure the fan-rated ceiling box in place. Attach the ceiling plate or bracket. Purchase a fan kit. Attach the downrod to the fan body. Lift the fan up to the ceiling. Connect the neutral wires. Connect the ground wires. Connect the remaining wires together. Tuck the wires into the fan box. Screw the canopy over the fan box. Attach the fan blades. Install any light fixtures. Turn the power back on and test your fan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Ski-Instructor | How to Become a Ski Instructor | To become a ski instructor, start by researching the requirements for the country you want to teach in since every country has a different certification process. You should also decide what type of skiing you want to teach, like alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and children's skiing. Also, consider what level you want to teach since you'll be required to complete more training if you want to teach advanced-level ski classes. Once you have an idea of what kind of instructor you want to be, sign up for training at a local ski instructor school. | Research the requirements in your country of interest. Different countries have different governing bodies for their ski instructors, which means that different countries have different certifications. Therefore, you will need to find out which organization governs certification where you would like to teach. Most of the organizations responsible for governance of snow sports training are members of the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), the worldwide association for ski instructors, which determines minimum standards for ski instructor certification. Before signing up for a ski course, make sure the governing body of the country where your course will take place is a member of ISIA in order to be certain you will obtain a valid qualification. It would be wise to obtain your certification in the country where you would like to teach; however, some countries will allow you to teach with certifications from other countries. Decide which type of skiing you would like to teach. There are several types of skiing, including adaptive alpine skiing, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, and telemark skiing. You can also specialize in children's skiing or freestyle skiing. Make sure that you find a course that will allow you to learn how to instruct the specific type you are interested in. Decide what level of certification you would like to achieve. Although the names and levels of certification may vary by country, generally speaking, they are more or less similar. You may decide later on to continue to higher levels of certification, but it is good to have an ultimate goal in mind as this may change your career opportunities. For example, in the USA, the levels of certification include: “Registered”, “Level I”, “Level II”, and “Level III” Prepare to become a registered member. As a registered member, you are not certified to teach. Instead, you will be learning more about what it means to be an instructor as well as the fundamentals of skiing. At this point, there is no examination, and you do not need to do any special training (although you should be practicing and improving your own skills). You simply have to register with the body that governs skiing instruction in your country; in this case, the PSIA-AASI. During this time, you should attend training seminars in your area to understand what your country expects from a certified ski instructor. Understand that is your responsibility to initiate training during this time. Prepare to become a Level I ski instructor. As a level I certified ski instructor, you will be allowed to teach beginning and novice skiers. In order to earn a level 1 certification you must be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the sport and know how to interpret the snow as it pertains to teaching. They can typically only teach on groomed runs. During this time, you should spend time reading and studying to understand different techniques used in skiing, as well as how to teach them. You can also spend time instructing others in order to put into use what you are studying. You can also attend seminars, discuss what you're learning with other instructors, and watching videos about skiing. Train to become a Level II instructor. To get to level two, you are required to demonstrate your ability to teach clientele proper ski technique and how to choose appropriate ski technique. For this certification, you must pass a three day exam. Level II instructors are also able to teach nearly all clientele in many different conditions. For this level, you will also likely need to attend an on-slope training and assessment course that will last at least two days. Depending on your country, you may also have on-line or in-person learning modules that you will need to complete. Train to become a Level III instructor. This is the highest certification level. In order to become a level III instructor, you must be an expert skier and must also pass a four day process of certification. Only 10-20% of candidates are able to successfully complete this certification. Find a school that can train you to become an instructor. There are a myriad of choices when it comes to schools for ski instructors. These schools are located all over the world, but it is probably best to choose a school in the country where you would like to teach. Begin by searching online using the terms: “ski instructor school” plus the country where you want to learn. If you know other ski instructors you can ask them if they have any recommendations for good schools as well. Research a few chosen schools carefully. Training courses can be very time consuming and expensive. Before committing to a school, take the time to find out the details of your school. The best way to do this is to call the school or arrange an appointment to find out what kinds of certification they offer, whether the certification will be recognized by the governing body of the country, and if they will help you find a job. You can also ask if they provide equipment for their courses, if they provide accommodations, how much time you will spend on the slopes, etc. You should also look for reviews of the school online. If you know any former students of the school, ask them to tell you about their experience. Sign up for a lesson from a professional ski instructor. Although this is not required, it is probably a good idea to take a lesson (from a Level III instructor if at all possible), especially if you have not skied in awhile. Even if you are an expert skier, it certainly won't hurt to have a refresher lesson, especially since you may have forgotten some of the more fundamental aspects of skiing. Taking a class will also give you a better idea of the job of a ski instructor and the opportunity to observe different styles of ski instruction. You will need to adjust your training style depending upon the capabilities and personalities of your customers. Practice your skiing skills. Although you do not need to be an expert to be a ski instructor, you need to be a high intermediate skier. Many people take ski lessons to advance their skills beyond those of a beginning skier. Learn and perfect a couple of complex moves that you can teach your customers. This will also help in attracting and keeping your clientele. Enroll in the course of your chosen school. If the school is not local for you, make sure you have arranged transportation to the course as well as a place to stay during the course. Ensure that you have submitted all of the proper paperwork and paid all of the required fees. If the school does not provide equipment, make sure you have arranged equipment rental or that you will be able to bring your own equipment with you on your train, plane, or bus (if you are using public transport). Apply for a job as a ski instructor. It is best to do this during the summer months, as ski resorts want to be fully staffed by the first snowfall. There is usually not a predetermined opening date for ski resorts, as the weather cannot be accurately predicted that far in advance. Keep in mind when applying for jobs that the best paying positions will be given to applicants with the highest level of certification. As your teaching experience and certification level improves so will your pay. If you have a hard time finding work, consider an internship. Though these may not pay well (or at all), they offer a good way to get some experience, which can pave the way to a job. Keep current on the latest ski methods. Trends are constantly changing so your ski style will need to also. Take as many training classes as you can to learn new styles and teaching methods. This will keep you competitive with other ski instructors and improve your reputation, which will also increase your clientele. | Research the requirements in your country of interest. Decide which type of skiing you would like to teach. Decide what level of certification you would like to achieve. Prepare to become a registered member. Prepare to become a Level I ski instructor. Train to become a Level II instructor. Train to become a Level III instructor. Find a school that can train you to become an instructor. Research a few chosen schools carefully. Sign up for a lesson from a professional ski instructor. Practice your skiing skills. Enroll in the course of your chosen school. Apply for a job as a ski instructor. Keep current on the latest ski methods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Serve-Rum | How to Serve Rum | If you want to take a shot of just rum, which is called drinking it “neat,” stick to a high quality rum with a 40% ABV and no flavorings. Pour that rum into a small glass, warm it between your hands, and sip at it slowly so you can enjoy its full flavor. To make a simple mixed drink, start with 2 ounces of light or dark rum and add Coke to taste. Pour it over ice and serve. | Try a simple mixed drink. Mix rum with just 1 other beverage, such as a soda. This is an easy way to enjoy any quality of rum. It's also a drink that can be made at virtually any bar. Go for the classic Rum and Coke by starting with approximately 2 fl oz (59 mL) of light or dark rum and adding a dark cola to taste. Pour over ice, garnish with a lime wedge, and serve. Try a spicier mixed drink, called a Dark 'n' Stormy, by filling a highball glass with ice, adding 2 shots of Gosling's Black Seal Rum, and topping it off with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. (Note that Gosling Brother's Ltd. trademarked the name of this drink, so legally, it must be made with Gosling's rum.) Make a mojito. Try a classic rum cocktail, the mojito. Use light rum, mint leaves, lime, sugar, and club soda for this refreshing drink. Put several wedges of lime and fresh mint leaves into a glass and muddle them to release their flavors if you wish. Add ice and 2 fl oz (59 mL) of light rum. Fill the rest of the glass with club soda, then stir in sugar to taste. Try adding other fruit flavors to a mojito, like strawberry or pineapple, by adding either the fresh fruit or juice. Get fruity with a daiquiri. Make a daiquiri by mixing light rum with fresh lime juice and simple syrup (sugar boiled into a syrup consistency). This drink typically uses nearly any combination of fruit juices with the basic ingredients. Build on the basic recipe of 2 fl oz (59 mL) of light rum, ⁄ 4 fl oz (22 mL) of fresh lime juice, and ⁄ 4 fl oz (7.4 mL) of simple syrup with fruits like banana, strawberry, pineapple, etc. Line the rim of a glass with brown sugar and a fresh wedge of whatever fruit you use for a common daiquiri presentation. Serve the drink neat in a martini glass. Try a more complex Mai Tai. Make a Mai Tai by using a few more specialty ingredients than other rum cocktails. Use orgeat—a high-quality almond sugar syrup—and orange curacao—a liqueur from a dried citrus peel—to make this refreshing drink. Combine 2 fl oz (59 mL) of dark rum with ⁄ 4 fl oz (22 mL) of lime juice, ⁄ 4 fl oz (7.4 mL) of simple syrup, ⁄ 2 fl oz (15 mL) of orange curacao, and ⁄ 4 fl oz (7.4 mL) of orgeat and pour over ice. Top with a lime wedge and a mint leaf. If you don't have the specialty ingredients for this cocktail on hand, you can substitute cheaper almond syrup for orgeat and triple sec for orange curacao. Buy a high-quality rum. Stick to a quality “sipping rum” to enjoy it neat, meaning at room temperature with no other additions. Look for bottles sourced from the Bahamas and Latin American countries for more traditional varieties. Look for higher quality in light rum by avoiding flavored or “over proofed” varieties, like Bacardi 151. This type of liquor has 75% ABV or higher, rather than the typical 40% ABV. Look for higher quality in gold rum by avoiding brands that color the rum artificially to achieve the traditional amber color. While alcohol companies aren't required to list ingredients, you can generally count on more expensive brands for rum that isn't dyed. Look for higher quality in dark rum by buying a more expensive variety. For spiced rum, avoid cheaper brands that simply dye light rum darker. You want gold or even dark rum that is infused with spices like anise, cinnamon, pepper, and rosemary. Sip rum slowly. Pour rum for sipping into a small glass. Warm the glass in your hands and sip slowly to enjoy the full flavor. Smell the aromas of the rum from a distance so you don't hurt your nose, and take small sips to let the flavor access all parts of your tongue. Drink sipping rum at room temperature, or on the rocks if you wish. Try a unique rum like rhum agricole or cachaça. Look for specialty alternatives to traditional rum for a new experience. Rhum agricole and cachaça use only fresh-pressed juice from sugar cane, so they have a very different flavor from traditional rim. These specialized, “pure” forms of rum are considered such because they use the fresh sugar cane juice rather than molasses and use little to no other ingredients in processing. Try rhum agricole or cachaça neat to experience the full flavor. Cachaça is also typically used in a Caipirinha, a cocktail popular in Brazil, where cachaça is the national liquor. Try hot buttered rum. Enjoy the flavors of rum when heated in this simple drink. Use a variety of fresh spices and butter to add a rich flavor to the rum. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with butter. Put in a mug with 3 fl oz (89 mL) of dark rum and fill up with hot water. Try a creamy variation of this drink by adding heated milk to the mixture instead of or in addition to the water. Add rum to hot chocolate or coffee. Brew your favorite coffee drink or classic hot cocoa, then add 1–2 fl oz (30–59 mL) of rum for a boozy twist. Use a hot chocolate packet, or make your own by heating whole milk and adding rum and bittersweet chocolate or cocoa powder. Add rum to any freshly brewed strong coffee, including espresso drinks like an Americano or latte. Sweeten to taste with sugar or your sweetener of choice. Make a rum hot toddy. Use rum to make a traditional hot toddy. Add honey and spices to this classic warming drink with medicinal origins. Put 1 fl oz (30 mL) of a spiced rum, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey, and a quarter of a lemon in a mug, then fill it with hot water and stir to melt the honey. Add cinnamon sugar to taste. Substitute spiced rum for a gold or dark rum if you wish, and add more of your own fresh spices and garnishes if you wish, like orange peel. | Try a simple mixed drink. Make a mojito. Get fruity with a daiquiri. Try a more complex Mai Tai. Buy a high-quality rum. Sip rum slowly. Try a unique rum like rhum agricole or cachaça. Try hot buttered rum. Add rum to hot chocolate or coffee. Make a rum hot toddy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Factor-a-Cubic-Polynomial | How to Factor a Cubic Polynomial | To factor a cubic polynomial, start by grouping it into 2 sections. Then, find what's common between the terms in each group, and factor the commonalities out of the terms. If each of the 2 terms contains the same factor, combine them. Finally, solve for the variable in the roots to get your solutions. | Group the polynomial into two sections. Grouping the polynomial into two sections will let you attack each section individually. Say we're working with the polynomial x + 3x - 6x - 18 = 0. Let's group it into (x + 3x ) and (- 6x - 18) Find what's the common in each section. Looking at (x + 3x ), we can see that x is common. Looking at (- 6x - 18), we can see that -6 is common. Factor the commonalities out of the two terms. Factoring out x from the first section, we get x (x + 3). Factoring out -6 from the second section, you'll get -6(x + 3). If each of the two terms contains the same factor, you can combine the factors together. This gives you (x + 3)(x - 6). Find the solution by looking at the roots. If you have an x in your roots, remember that both negative and positive numbers fulfill that equation. The solutions are -3, √6 and -√6. Rearrange the expression so it's in the form of ax3+bx2+cx+d. Let's say you're working with the equation: x - 4x - 7x + 10 = 0. Find the all of the factors of "d". The constant "d" is going to be the number that doesn't have any variables, such as "x," next to it. Factors are the numbers you can multiply together to get another number. In your case, the factors of 10, or "d," are: 1, 2, 5, and 10. Find one factor that causes the polynomial to equal to zero. We want to determine which factor makes the polynomial equal zero when we substitute the factor for each "x" in the equation. Start by using your first factor, 1. Substitute "1" for each "x" in the equation: (1) - 4(1) - 7(1) + 10 = 0 This gives you: 1 - 4 - 7 + 10 = 0. Because 0 = 0 is a true statement, you know that x = 1 is a solution. Do a little rearranging. If x = 1, you can rearrange the statement to look a bit different without changing what it means. "x = 1" is the same thing as "x - 1 = 0" or "(x - 1)". You've just subtracted a "1" from each side of the equation. Factor your root out of the rest of the equation. "(x - 1)" is our root. See if you can factor it out of the rest of the equation. Take it one polynomial at a time. Can you factor (x - 1) out of the x ? No you can't. But you can borrow a -x from the second variable; then factor it: x (x - 1) = x - x. Can you factor (x - 1) out of what remains from your second variable? No, again you can't. You need to borrow another little bit from the third variable. You need to borrow a 3x from -7x. This gives you -3x(x - 1) = -3x + 3x. Since you took a 3x from -7x, our third variable is now -10x and our constant is 10. Can you factor this? You can! -10(x - 1) = -10x + 10. What you did was rearrange the variables so that you could factor out a (x - 1) out of the entire equation. Your rearranged equation looks like this: x - x - 3x + 3x - 10x + 10 = 0, but it's still the same thing as x - 4x - 7x + 10 = 0. Continue to substitute by the factors of the free term. Look at the numbers that you factored out using the (x - 1) in Step 5: x (x - 1) - 3x(x - 1) - 10(x - 1) = 0. You can rearrange this to be a lot easier to factor one more time: (x - 1)(x - 3x - 10) = 0. You're only trying to factor (x - 3x - 10) here. This factors down into (x + 2)(x - 5). Your solutions will be the factored roots. You can check whether your solutions actually work by plugging each one, individually, back into the original equation. (x - 1)(x + 2)(x - 5) = 0 This gives you solutions of 1, -2, and 5. Plug -2 back into the equation: (-2) - 4(-2) - 7(-2) + 10 = -8 - 16 + 14 + 10 = 0. Plug 5 back into the equation: (5) - 4(5) - 7(5) + 10 = 125 - 100 - 35 + 10 = 0. | Group the polynomial into two sections. Find what's the common in each section. Factor the commonalities out of the two terms. If each of the two terms contains the same factor, you can combine the factors together. Find the solution by looking at the roots. Rearrange the expression so it's in the form of ax3+bx2+cx+d. Find the all of the factors of "d". Find one factor that causes the polynomial to equal to zero. Do a little rearranging. Factor your root out of the rest of the equation. Continue to substitute by the factors of the free term. Your solutions will be the factored roots. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Contact-Credit-Karma | How to Contact Credit Karma | If you need to get in touch with Credit Karma for anything, you can easily contact them online. All you need to do is head to the request page on Credit Karma's website and fill out the online request form. Alternatively, email them at [email protected]. Don't forget to include your full name and date of birth in your email so they can check your account. Most issues should be resolved within 30 days, but credit report problems can sometimes take longer. | Visit the request page on Credit Karma's website. You can either search for the term "Credit Karma Submit a Request" using your search engine and click the first result or go to the following link https://help.creditkarma.com/hc/en-us/requests/new. Select an issue from the drop-down menu. Click on the drop-down menu to pick the issue you require help with. The options are: I need help setting up a new account. I need help managing an existing account. I have a question about something I'm seeing on the Credit Karma site. I need help with my taxes. Follow the on-screen prompt after you select your issue. When you select the issue you need help with, you'll be brought to a new page with different questions based on the issue you selected. If your issue was regarding setting up a new account, you'll be asked to select your country from a drop-down. If you need help with an existing account, you'll be presented with another drop-down menu with 4 options to choose from. You will also be presented with a drop-down menu containing 4 options if your issue was regarding something you saw on the site or if you have a tax question. Type in your first and last name. After you've selected what you require help with, you'll be asked to fill in your first and last name. If you also use a middle name or an initial, be sure to also provide that information in the first name field. Fill in your email address. This is necessary as Credit Karma will need to be able to contact you with a response to your query. You will need to enter a real, working email address that you have access to in order to get a response from Credit Karma. Enter your date of birth. Credit Karma needs your date of birth so they can locate your account on their system. Enter your date of birth in the YYYY-MM-DD format. Write a description of your issue in the provided field. You can tell Credit Karma more details about your issue using the last box on the page. Make sure you provide plenty of details about your question or problem so Credit Karma can help you resolve your issue as quickly as possible. Try to be as concise as you can while still providing all the relevant information. The less writing the staff member has to read, the faster they can help you with your query. Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page when finished. Have a quick look over the page to make sure you've entered all the correct information and when you're finished, click the "submit" button to send the form to Credit Karma Support. Email [email protected] for help with your query. If you have a question about anything involving Credit Karma, send your email to this address. Emailing the company is more direct than the other steps although it may take a little longer to receive a response. Type your issue in the subject line. The reasoning behind this is it allows Credit Karma to sort through emails and give them to the relevant team members who can help you with your issue. You don't need to type out a full question, simply use a keyword which will tell Credit Karma what your issue is. For example, if you have a question regarding setting up a new account, make "New Account Issue" or something along those lines the subject of your email. Write a clear email outlining your issue. For fastest resolution of your problem, the email should be as short as it can possibly be while still conveying the entirety of your problem. Explain your issue as concisely and clearly as possible. You want the Credit Karma staff member to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, and shorter emails make that much easier. Include your date of birth and first and last name in the email. This will allow the Credit Karma staff member dealing with your query to easily find your account on their system. There might be a lot of people with the same name as you on the system but date of birth will significantly narrow the results. Sign off your email at the end. After you've finished telling Credit Karma your issue, end the email politely and thank them for their time and help. For example: "Thank you for your time and patience in helping me with this issue. I would be very appreciative if you could solve this problem for me. Kind regards, [Your name]." Wait for a response. Of course, how long it takes to receive a response to your email depends on the complexity of your issue. Account set up and management issues should generally be resolved within a couple of weeks. Most issues should be resolved within 30 days but credit report problems can take longer. Ask a question on the Credit Karma forum. Type in your question at this link: https://www.creditkarma.com/all/advice. The Credit Karma website says that: A good title is short and descriptive. Your issue should be understandable from the title. You'll be able to add more details on the next page. You have 100 characters to type in your question. Fill in the additional details. On the next page, you'll be given the option of adding in additional details that you couldn't fit in the question bar. Make sure you provide all of the relevant info about your query. This will help the staff member deal with your problem in a more efficient and effective manner. Select the category for your question. A drop-down menu will provide you with a multitude of options for you to choose from regarding what category your question falls into. These include but are not limited to auto insurance, banking, credit cards, mortgage, saving money, student loans, and taxes. Click submit and wait for a response. Credit Karma's Help Center is very active and questions are answered by both members of the Credit Karma support team and members of the public. Your question should be answered shortly after it's posted. | Visit the request page on Credit Karma's website. Select an issue from the drop-down menu. Follow the on-screen prompt after you select your issue. Type in your first and last name. Fill in your email address. Enter your date of birth. Write a description of your issue in the provided field. Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page when finished. Email [email protected] for help with your query. Type your issue in the subject line. Write a clear email outlining your issue. Include your date of birth and first and last name in the email. Sign off your email at the end. Wait for a response. Ask a question on the Credit Karma forum. Fill in the additional details. Select the category for your question. Click submit and wait for a response. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Concealer | How to Make Concealer | If you want to make concealer out of makeup you already have, start by squeezing a small amount of moisturizer into a small container. Since some moisturizers can clog pores, opt for a one that is non-comedogenic if you tend to get acne easily. With your moisturizer squeezed out, add in an equal amount of powder that matches your skin tone and stir until they are mixed. Once your concealer is mixed evenly, apply it to your skin with your finger or a clean concealer brush. Don't be afraid to get creative with your concealer by adding oils. For example, mix in a couple drops of rosehip oil to help fight acne. | Use moisturizer as a base. To begin, squeeze a small amount of moisturizer into your hand or a small container. If possible, use moisturizer that is non-comedogenic: that will not cake onto your skin and create acne. Some moisturizer products will cake onto your skin and clog your pores, creating an ideal environment for acne. If you tend to get acne, then a non-comedogenic moisturizer might truly be a wiser choice. Mix in powder that matches your skin tone. If you don't have the exact color, add lighter and darker powder until you have a mixture that is thick and opaque enough to serve as a concealer. Aim for about equal parts powder and moisturizer. You may need to go through a bit of trial and error to get the proportions right. Alternatively, look for tinted moisturizer. You may be able to find a moisturizer product that matches your skin tone, which will remove the need to color the concealer. Apply it to your skin. Use the homemade concealer in the same way that you would a store-bought product. Don the concealer into the spot that you want to cover up, and feel free to use more if the first dollop isn't enough. Use your finger or a brush. You may find that a small, clean concealer brush affords you a bit more precision and yields better results than just a finger. It's also more sanitary. Get creative. Don't be afraid to mix various natural oils, pigments, and thickening agents. You don't need to use commercial moisturizers and synthetic chemical products. Research the effects and interactions of the various ingredients before you put them onto your skin! Choose your oils. Poke around a local apothecary, drugstore, or health-food store for good candidates. Consider adding vitamins and supplements for added effect. Vitamin E, for instance, can help the skin heal more quickly. Rosehip oil and sea buckthorn oil are supposed to help fight acne. Argan oil can help heal your skin and prevent signs of aging. Thicken the mixture. Use beeswax; cocoa butter; cupuacu butter; shea butter; aloe vera gel; and/or a vegetable-based emulsifying wax. Each thickening agent has its own unique properties, but they are largely interchangeable when it comes to concealing. Look for recipes that use a specific mix of butters, oils, and herbs. Mix your colors. You can buy pure pigment at beauty-supply stores. Try to get a pigment that matches your skin tone. If you can't find something that fits, a beauty professional might be able to help you pick the right pigments to mix together. Use Vaseline as the base. Any petroleum jelly will do. A little bit of Vaseline goes a long way, so try not to use too much. Scoop a glob of Vaseline into a small bowl or the palm of your hand. Add pressed powder. Mix thoroughly. Powder helps to set foundation and concealer, which can be useful when you're working with something as oily and viscous as Vaseline. Try to use crushed-up pressed powder, as it is easier to mix and transport than loose powder. If you use loose powder, however, you might be able to get a bit more coverage out of your concealer. Apply to the spot you want to cover. This do-it-yourself concealer will probably not be as effective as most commercial products, but it should hold you over in a pinch. | Use moisturizer as a base. Mix in powder that matches your skin tone. Aim for about equal parts powder and moisturizer. Apply it to your skin. Get creative. Choose your oils. Thicken the mixture. Mix your colors. Use Vaseline as the base. Add pressed powder. Apply to the spot you want to cover. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Social-at-a-Party | How to Be Social at a Party | To be social at a party, start by smiling a lot and making eye contact with people so you look approachable and friendly. If you find someone you don't know, start by introducing yourself, asking for the person's name, and then asking some simple questions like “What do you do for fun,” or “How did you end up living here.” As you chat, look for ways to connect, whether it's through a common friend or interest or wearing a similar shirt. | Look approachable. If people are avoiding you or not coming up to talk to you, assess your body language. Notice if you're crossing your body and try to uncross your arms and legs. If you're looking down (or on your phone), look up and try to make eye contact with other people. Smile and look friendly. If you appear open and friendly, people are more likely to approach you. Stand near the action of the room. If you're standing far from the crowd, it may be harder for people to approach you. Introduce yourself to people you don’t know. Find someone you don't know and introduce yourself. Keep it simple and don't overthink it. Once you know each other's names, you can start a conversation or find things you have in common. For example, go up to someone and say, “Hi, I'm Liv. What's your name?” Ask questions to get to know people better. Asking questions shows that you're interested and engaged in conversation. Make a point to ask open-ended questions so that the person can elaborate on their answers and build on the conversation. You'll get to know each other better and keep the conversation going. Ask questions such as, “How did you end up in Los Angeles?” and, “What kinds of things do you do for fun?” Talk to new people as they arrive. Meeting new people is easy if you're the first person they interact with once they get to the party. If you notice somebody new show up, go up to them and introduce yourself. If there's food at the party, offer to get them a drink or show them the food table. If you and the person are of age to drink alcohol, offer them a drink. Find ways to connect with people. Search for things about someone else you can connect with. You might find someone who attends the same school or university as you, is from your hometown, or is wearing a similar shirt. You have more things in common with most people than you might think. Comment on what you have in common. For example, say, “I like your shirt! I have the same one.” Move around the room. Avoid staying in the same place all night. Get in the habit of moving around and seeing the room from different vantage points. This will help you observe what other people are doing and if you want to meet other interesting people present at the party. Moving can help you seem alluring to others and might keep people guessing. Aim to move every 10-15 minutes or so. Join groups slowly. If a bunch of people are together talking and you want to join the group, hang back for a moment and listen in to the conversation. You don't need to walk up and contribute right away. Wait until you're caught up on what's being discussed, then chime in with a question or a statement. For example, if people are talking about sports, say, “I couldn't believe the game last night!” If people are talking about school, say, “Who else has an exam tomorrow?” Start an activity to get people engaged. Especially if it's a big party, it's likely that people will break off into smaller groups. Suggest a card game or board game and invite people to play with you. It may be easy to talk to people while you play the game and being in a smaller circle can make you feel more comfortable. Put on some music and get people to dance. Ask people you don't know, “Do you want to play cards? We're getting some teams together.” Include others in group conversations. If you successfully join a conversation with other people and someone new walks up, invite them to join the conversation. Let them know what everyone is discussing or invite them to contribute to the discussion. For example, say, “Tim just got a puppy and we're discussing dogs. What do you think about having a puppy?” Bring friends to the party. It's easier to be social if you know other people at the party. Meet up with your friends at the party or go altogether. Knowing that your friends will be there can help you feel more comfortable and at ease. Make sure you can invite people to the party and it's not invite-only. Invite people that you know well so you can talk comfortably around them. Hang out with friends to start. Assuming you're not at the party alone , lean on the people you know. It's okay if you feel shy or want to hang out with familiar people at first. Feel comfortable and at ease before you go meet new people. Meet friends of friends. If you want to meet new people but feel shy, have a friend introduce you to their friends. It can be nice to have something in common and know the same people. Ask a friend to introduce you to the people they know at the party. For example, ask your friend, “Who do you know here? Can you introduce me?” Avoid socializing with only your friends. Parties are a great time to meet people. While it's cool to be with your friends at the beginning, make an effort to meet other people as well. This will help you make new friends who you can hang out with at future parties. You can always create a group that is a mix of new people and old friends. Ease your symptoms of anxiety. If you start to feel anxious before or during the party, focus on ways to decrease those feelings. Find a technique that works for you and do it before and during the party. You want to feel comfortable and put the focus on others, not yourself. For example, challenge negative thoughts about your performance, awkwardness, or that you don't fit in. Replace your negative thoughts with rational and optimistic thoughts instead, such as “I'm an interesting person” and “Making a new friend can be fun.” Take some deep breaths when you start to feel nervous or anxious. Build your social confidence. Building your social confidence helps you look and feel more comfortable in social settings. Tune into how others feel and look at their social cues so that you can respond better and focus less on yourself. Notice if someone looks bored, enthusiastic, or engaged and take their cues to continue the conversation or not. When you have a great interaction, remember what you did well and try it again. If you experience a failed interaction, don't lose hope. Nobody has perfect interactions all of the time. Try again later or with someone else. Don’t give up if you feel uncomfortable. There may be times you feel awkward or uncomfortable, especially at the beginning of the party. Stick with it. Even if you feel uncomfortable, this doesn't mean you will feel this way the rest of the night. Work through your discomfort. For example, set a challenge for yourself. Go talk to someone you haven't met, even if it's a brief conversation. Having a challenge can help you be motivated and push you slightly outside of your comfort zone. If you couldn't break the ice with the first person you met, remember that you might do better with the next person. The more people you meet, the easier it might become. Talk to a therapist if you struggle with social anxiety. If going to a party fills you with fear and you want to run away, you may suffer from social anxiety. Assess your symptoms and talk to a therapist about how you feel. Your therapist can help you manage your symptoms and help you to cope with potentially scary situations. Look for a therapist who specializes in working with people with anxiety disorders. Find a therapist by calling your insurance provider or contact a local mental health clinic. You can also ask your physician or a friend for a recommendation. | Look approachable. Introduce yourself to people you don’t know. Ask questions to get to know people better. Talk to new people as they arrive. Find ways to connect with people. Move around the room. Join groups slowly. Start an activity to get people engaged. Include others in group conversations. Bring friends to the party. Hang out with friends to start. Meet friends of friends. Avoid socializing with only your friends. Ease your symptoms of anxiety. Build your social confidence. Don’t give up if you feel uncomfortable. Talk to a therapist if you struggle with social anxiety. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bless-a-House | How to Bless a House | To bless your house, start by cleaning and de-cluttering it so it's nice and clean when you bless it. Then, light a pink candle, which symbolizes love and kindness, and carry it into each room in your house. When you enter a room, state your intention for it. When you're finished, let the candle burn for an hour and open all of your East-facing doors and windows to let in fresh air and light. | Perform a Christian blessing. The blessing of a Christian household is an ancient tradition which can be found in the Protestant, Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches, amongst others. The blessing may be performed by an ordained priest or pastor, or by the owner of the house themselves. If you would prefer to have your house blessed by an ordained priest, invite him to your house to perform the blessing, and he will be happy to oblige. Normally, the priest will walk from room to room, sprinkling each with holy water. As he walks, he may recite one or more passages from the holy gospel. If you prefer to bless the house yourself, use anointing oil (which can simply be cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil, blessed by a minister) to mark a cross on each of the windows and doors inside the house. As you mark the sign of the cross, utter a simple prayer asking God to bless the room. For example "In the name of Jesus Christ I ask for Your peace and joy to inhabit this room," or "May Your Holy Spirit flow through and fill this home up with Your Spirit." Perform a Jewish blessing. There are an abundance of Jewish traditions associated with moving into a new house, or simply blessing an old one. When moving into a new home, Jewish families are required to affix a mezuzah (parchment inscribed with Hebrew phrases from the Torah) to each of the doorways in the house. As the mezuzah is installed, the following prayer is recited "Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to affix a mezuzah". It is also believed that Tuesday is the best day for moving into a new home, that bread and salt should be the first items to enter the house, and that shortly after moving in a Chanukat Habayit or housewarming party should be held, where friends and family gather and words of the Torah are spoken. During the housewarming party, it's tradition to eat the first fruit of the new season while reciting the shehecheyanu blessing, as follows: "Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion." Perform a Hindu blessing. Hindu house blessings vary greatly according to different regions. In some places the housewarming ceremony is second in importance only to a couple's wedding day. However, across all regions the house blessing must be performed on the morning the homeowners move into their new home. An auspicious move-in date must be chosen by the local Hindu priest, who must also perform the ceremony. On the day, it is traditional (in some regions) for the homeowners to supply a gift tray or dakshina for the priest's use throughout the ceremony. This gift tray usually contains items such as raw, washed rice, mango leaves, ghee, coins, herbs, spices, fruit and flowers, among others. During the ceremony, the homeowners will often sit in front of the fireplace, wearing their best clothes and repeating mantras. The priest will usually recite a prosperity prayer to the Hindu gods, asking for prosperity, purity and serenity to be bestowed upon the people of the house. Contact a priest at your local Hindu temple for information on how the housewarming ceremony is performed in your region. Perform an Islamic blessing. Muslim people bless their house mainly by reciting prayers - usually there is no official ceremony that needs to be performed. However, certain prayers and traditions are recommended: Upon moving into a new house, it is a good idea to perform a two cycle prayer, asking Allah to bestow baraka (blessing), rahma , (mercy) and dhikr (remembrance) upon the home. You can also recite a prayer to protect your home from the evil eye and the envy of others using the following Prophetic Supplication: "I seek refuge for you in the perfect words of Allaah from every devil, harmful thing, and accusing eye." It is also recommended that you invite your friends and family over for dinner, as feeding others is viewed as a charitable act, and a way of showing gratitude to Allah. At this dinner, you and your guests may recite passages from the Qur'an together. Aside from blessing your house when you first move in, you can also bless your house every time you step through the door using the following prayer: "I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allaah from the evil of that which He has created". Repeating this prayer three times will ensure no harm comes to you while you are in the house. Perform a Buddhist blessing. In Buddhism, a ceremony known as Khuan Ban Mai is performed (in certain regions) when a new house is built to protect the house and its inhabitants. The ceremony is performed by a group of nine monks, who must be invited to the house early on the morning of the ceremony. The monks then perform a ritual involving sacred lustral water and wax candles. As the wax melts and drops into the water, it is believed to wash away evil and sorrow. The monks also chant prayers in the Pali language, while passing a white string through each of their hands. The vibrations from the chanted prayers are believed to pass through the string, protecting the houses and its inhabitants. After the ceremony, the monks sit down to a meal prepared by the host family and their friends and neighbors.They must finished their meal before noon. Then one monk sprinkles holy water in each of the rooms of the house, before they all leave. Once the monks leave, the rest of the guests sit down to eat the remaining food. In the afternoon, they perform the thread ceremony, where the guests wrap a white thread around the homeowners and offer them their blessing. Clean and de-clutter your home. It is important to clean and de-clutter your home before you perform a house blessing. This will put you in a more positive frame of mind and invite fresh energy into the home. Invite friends and family. It's a nice idea to invite friends and family to share in the house blessing ritual with you. Ask them to stand in a circle and join hands. Light a pink candle. Pink symbolizes love and kindness, and will invite these energies into your home. Share blessings. Pass the pink candle to each person in the circle. Whoever is holding the candle should share their blessings for the home and homeowners. Example blessings include "may this home be a sacred dwelling for you and your family" or "may those who enter this home feel peace and love". Walk to each room of the house and state your intention for it. After the blessing, you may want to carry the pink candle into each room of the house and state your intention for it, whether it's the bedroom, the baby's room or the kitchen. Allow the pink candle to burn for an hour. When the ceremony is complete, place the pink candle in a central location in the house and allow it to burn for at least an hour. Open all East-facing doors and windows. This allows the life-giving energy of the sun to stream into your home, bringing energy, life and light. | Perform a Christian blessing. Perform a Jewish blessing. Perform a Hindu blessing. Perform an Islamic blessing. Perform a Buddhist blessing. Clean and de-clutter your home. Invite friends and family. Light a pink candle. Share blessings. Walk to each room of the house and state your intention for it. Allow the pink candle to burn for an hour. Open all East-facing doors and windows. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Beans-in-Cotton | How to Grow Beans in Cotton | If you have any dry bean seeds, you can easily grow them in damp cotton balls. All you'll need to do is fill plastic cups or glass jars ¾ full of damp cotton balls. Then, bury the beans 1 inch apart with 2 or 3 to a cup. The beans only need 30 minutes of direct sunlight every day. The rest of the time, keep them in a well-lit area away from windows. When the cotton balls start to get dry, water them to keep them damp. Your beans should start to sprout after about 3 days. Once they've reached 8 inches, they'll be ready to replant in soil. | Choose the types of dry beans you want to grow. You can grow any type of dry bean using cotton balls. Purchase a packet of bean seeds if you want instructions for how to grow them in the ground after they sprout, or use any type of whole, dry beans if you just want to experiment. To keep the plant compact, opt for a bush bean plant. This will not require a trellis or pole to support it and it will only grow to about 2 ft (0.61 m). If you opt for pole beans, then the vine may grow to 15 ft (4.6 m), so it will need plenty of room to climb. Soak the beans in water overnight to speed up the growing process. Place the beans into a bowl or cup and fill it with water. Then, let the beans soak in the water at room temperature overnight. This will help to soften up the outer shells of the beans and make it easier for the plants to sprout. Don't use hot water as this could partially cook the beans. Use cool or lukewarm tap water. Fill a plastic cup or glass jar about 3/4 full of cotton balls. Don't pack the cotton balls down. Keep them loose in the cup or jar. Fill it until the topmost cotton balls are about 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) from the top of the jar or cup. You can also place the beans into plastic baggies if you don't have any cups or jars to use. However, you'll have to transfer the bean sprouts to a jar, plastic cup, or the ground once they run out of room. Moisten the cotton balls with water so they are just damp. Drizzle about ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 c (30 to 59 mL) of water over the cotton balls to wet them. Don't add too much water or the beans might not spout. Only add enough to moisten the cotton balls without excess water in the bottom of the cup. Space 2-3 beans 1 in (2.5 cm) apart on an indentation in the cotton. Poke your finger into the cotton to make a shallow indentation for the bean seed to rest in. Make 2 to 3 indentations per cup that are 1 in (2.5 cm) apart from each other. Place the beans just on top of the indentations in the cotton. Don't push them down into the cotton or burrow them inside of a cotton ball. Don't try to sprout more than 3 beans per cup as they will not have enough room to grow. Place the beans in a sunny spot for 30 minutes per day and a well-lit area the rest of the time. The beans will need to get 30 minutes of bright sunlight each day and then you can transfer them to a well-lit spot that is not in direct sunlight for the rest of the day. This is important since too much sunlight can stop the seeds from sprouting. Do not place the beans in a dark place, such as a cupboard. Water the beans when the cotton starts to get dry. In warm temperatures, you may need to do this every 2 days, and in cold temperatures, you may only need to water them 2 times per week. If the beans don't sprout, this may be because they are not getting enough sunlight or because the cotton is too dry or too wet. Watch for the beans to sprout after about 3 days. The beans should start to sprout by this point, but if not, keep watching them for a few more days. If nothing happens within 1 week, start over with new beans. Plant the sprouts and cotton in soil when they're 8 in (20 cm) tall. Measure the bean plants once per week to track their growth. They're ready to transfer when they are 8 in (20 cm) tall. Keep the bean sprouts with the cotton you planted them in when you are ready to transfer them to the ground. Do not separate the bean roots from the cotton or you may kill the plants. Space bush beans 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) apart with 2.5 to 3 ft (0.76 to 0.91 m) between rows. Use a ruler or tape measure to check the distances. Dig the holes deep enough so that they will cover the cotton and bean roots completely. Then, transfer each of the bean plants and cotton to one of the holes. Cover the cotton with about 1 in (2.5 cm) of soil. Spacing the beans too close together may cause them not to grow, so make sure that they are at least 3 in (7.6 cm) apart. Plant 6 pole beans around poles spaced 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.22 m) apart. Make a mound of dirt and then thrust a 6 to 8 ft (1.8 to 2.4 m) tall pole through the center of it. Plant the 6 bean plants in a circle around the pole so that each plant is equidistant from the pole—about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) from it—and the other plants. Dig the holes deep enough to cover the cotton and bean roots completely. Then, transfer each of the plants to the holes and cover the cotton with about 1 in (2.5 cm) of soil. Water the beans once per week in dry weather or when the soil is dry. Right after you first plant the beans, water them well. Then, check the beans on a weekly basis or more often in very hot, dry weather. If it rains, you can skip watering them for up to 1 week, so check the weather forecast often. You can check the soil by inserting your finger 1 in (2.5 cm) into it next to a bean plant. If it feels dry, it's time to water the plants. Fertilize the soil around the plants with a 10-20-10 fertilizer. Spread the fertilizer over the soil around the plants and between the rows. Use 2 to 3 lb (0.91 to 1.36 kg) of fertilizer per 10 by 10 ft (3.0 by 3.0 m) area of earth. Mix the fertilizer in with the top 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of soil around the plants. You can purchase 10-20-10 fertilizer in a home improvement store or nursery. Pick the beans when they are ready to harvest. Tug gently to remove the beans from the plant so that you do not damage it. The plant may continue to grow beans after the first harvest. The amount of time it takes for the beans to be ready will depend on the type of beans you are growing, so check your seed packet if you're unsure. For example, green beans are ready when they are about the size of a pencil. Be careful not to let the beans get any bigger than this as they will become tough and stringy. | Choose the types of dry beans you want to grow. Soak the beans in water overnight to speed up the growing process. Fill a plastic cup or glass jar about 3/4 full of cotton balls. Moisten the cotton balls with water so they are just damp. Space 2-3 beans 1 in (2.5 cm) apart on an indentation in the cotton. Place the beans in a sunny spot for 30 minutes per day and a well-lit area the rest of the time. Water the beans when the cotton starts to get dry. Watch for the beans to sprout after about 3 days. Plant the sprouts and cotton in soil when they're 8 in (20 cm) tall. Space bush beans 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) apart with 2.5 to 3 ft (0.76 to 0.91 m) between rows. Plant 6 pole beans around poles spaced 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.22 m) apart. Water the beans once per week in dry weather or when the soil is dry. Fertilize the soil around the plants with a 10-20-10 fertilizer. Pick the beans when they are ready to harvest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Casino-(Card-Game) | How to Play Casino (Card Game) | The object of the popular card game Casino is to capture cards from a layout of face-up cards. Casino is best played with 2 to 4 players who sit across from the dealer. After the dealer takes the Jokers out of the deck, they should deal 2 cards face-down to each player. The dealer then puts 2 cards face-up in the middle of the table. Pass out 2 more face-down cards to every player and 2 more face-up cards to the middle. If you have a card in your hand that is the same value as a card on the table, play the card in your hand to capture the card on the table. You can also capture several cards at once by matching their combined value. For example, if you have a 7, you can capture a 3 and a 4 or a 5 and a 2. | Play Casino with 2-4 players. Casino is best played with 2 people, but can be played with up to 4. The players always sit across from the dealer, unless they are playing in teams. If 2 people are playing, the players sit directly across from one another. If 3 people are playing, 2 players sit across from the dealer. This seating arrangement should rotate every time the dealer changes. If 4 people are playing, split them into teams of 2 with each partner sitting across from the other. Remove the Jokers from a standard 52-card deck. Make sure the dealer shuffles the cards well before dealing. Have a player who did not shuffle cut the deck to mix up the cards even more. To cut the deck, pick up roughly half of the cards from the top of the deck. Then, place that section underneath the other section, basically swapping the top half of the deck with the bottom half of the deck. Deal 2 cards face-down to each player except the dealer. If there are 2 players, only the person opposite the dealer receives 2 cards at this point. If there are 3 or 4 players, start with the player sitting left of the dealer and move clockwise until all players except the dealer have 2 cards. There is only 1 dealer, even when playing in teams. The cards dealt to you are your hand, so you may look at them. Do not show your cards to any other player. Place 2 cards face-up in the middle of the table. Deal the cards in a straight line where all of the players can see them. The object of Casino is to is to capture the face-up cards in the middle of the table. Lay 2 cards face-down in front of the dealer. These cards will be part of the dealer's hand, so the dealer can look at them. Do not show them to anyone else. Do not give cards to the dealer until the opposing players and the table have each received 2 cards. The dealer will always be the last person to receive cards. Pass out 2 more cards face-down to every player, including the dealer. Repeat the process and deal 2 face-down cards to each player, followed by 2 face-up cards to the middle, and finally 2 face-down cards to the dealer. Each player, including the dealer will now have 4 cards, with 4 cards in the middle. This method of dealing, called the “2-by-2” method, is the traditional way to deal Casino. You may also deal 1 card at a time if you prefer. Match cards in your hand to cards on the table on your turn. If you have a card in your hand that is the same value as a card on the table, play the card in your hand to capture the card on the table. Play the card from your hand on top of the matching card in the middle. Place captured cards face-down in a pile in front you. These will be used to count the score at the end of the game. For example, if you have an 8 in your hand, you can capture an 8 on the table. If you have a 5 in your hand, you can capture a 5 on the table, and so on. After a capture, the turn passes clockwise to the next player. Win several cards at once by matching their combined values. Match up the cards on the table that you want to capture, then place the matching card in your hand on top of them. Place these cards face-down in the pile of captured cards in front of you. For example, if you have a 7 in your hand, you can capture a 3 and 4, 5 and 2, or 6 and 1. If you have an 8, you can capture 2 4's, a 3 and 5, a 2 and 6, or a 1 and 7. You can capture more than 2 cards if they add up to the matching number. For instance, if you have a 9 in your hand, and a 2, 3, and 4 on the table, you may capture all 3 cards on the table. Aces are counted as the number 1. Match face cards with other face cards of the same rank. Face cards may only be captured with other face cards and do not have a numerical value. You can only capture 1 face card at a time. For instance, if you have a Queen (Q) in your hand, and there are 2 Q's on the table, you may capture 1 of the Q's, but not both. Combine and pair at the same time to capture even more cards. You may execute both of the above capturing methods if the cards on the table support the maneuver. For instance, if you have an 8 in your hand, and the table shows a 3, 5, and 8, you can combine the 3 and 5 and capture the matching 8 at the same time. Earn extra points by capturing all the cards on the table. For instance, if you have a 10 in your hand, and an Ace, 2, 3, and 4 on the table, you may capture all 4 cards on the table at one time. Capturing all of the cards at once is called a “sweep” and scores you 1 additional point. Place the capturing card face-up on top of the cards you captured and place them all in the pile of captured cards in front of you. The face-up card will indicate a sweep when you start to score your cards. Play a card to the table if you can’t capture anything. Choose a card from your hand and lay it face-up next to the other cards on the table. The card you played becomes one of the face-up cards in the middle of the table that other plays can now capture. This is called “trailing”. You may also trail if you can capture a card, but would rather save it for making a build later on. You are allowed to trail a card even if that card could be used to capture. Following a sweep, a player can only trail. Deal 4 more cards to each player when someone runs out of cards. Do this throughout the course of the game until all of the reserve cards have been dealt. When dealing the last cards, the dealer must announce “last” to the other players. All players receive 4 more cards, even if they currently have cards in their hand. Combine a card in your hand with a card on the table to create a build. To create a build, you must have a card in your hand that can later be used to capture the build. Place the card from your hand on top of and slightly lower than the card on the table, so that you can see the number on the bottom card. Then, declare the number you are building. For instance, if you have a 6 and 8 in your hand, and a 2 on the table, you can lay the 6 on top of the 2 to create a build because you have an 8 that can be used to capture it. You would then declare, “building 8”. You cannot capture the build in the same turn it is created. If an opposing player has an 8 as well, they could capture the build on their next turn before you. If you have more than 1 of the same card value in your hand, you may want to combine them in a build to capture them all. For instance, if you have 2 5's in your hand and there is a single 5 on the table, you can create a 5-build and capture all 3 5's on your next turn instead of directly capturing a single 5. Use more than 2 cards to help make builds. If you don't have all of the needed cards in your hand, you can combine cards on the table to add up to the build you desire. For instance, if there is an Ace, 2, and 3 on the table, and you have an Ace and 7 in your hand, you could combine those 3 cards on the table with your Ace to build a 7. On your next turn, you would capture all of those cards, unless another player has a 7 and captures them first. Builds must include a card you just played, as they cannot be made up entirely of cards on the table. Combine 2 or more builds together to create a multiple build. Multiple builds are 2 or more combinations of the same card value. The person creating the multiple build must announce the value they are building. A player may capture a multiple build by playing a card of the same value as announced by the person making the build. For instance, a multiple 5-build could be made of a 2 and 3 plus an Ace and 4. It could also be made of an Ace and 1 plus a 5, or multiple 5's. When making the build, a player would say, “building 5”. All cards in a multiple build should be placed in the middle of the table on top of each other, with the value of each card visible. The value of a multiple build can never change. This makes multiple builds a safer play than single builds, because they are harder to steal. Capture a build by playing a card of the same rank. The player will announce what rank they are building when they make the build. For example, if the player combined a 2 and 4, they would say, “building 6”. A player must then play a 6 to capture the build. On your turn, if the table contains a build which you created or added to yourself, you must make a capture of some sort, create a build, or add to a build. You cannot simply trail a card. Add cards to a single build if you have a card matching the total value. For example, say a player combines a 2 and 6 to make an 8-build. If you have an Ace and 9 in your hand, you can add the Ace to make a 9-build. If you were the last player to add to a build, you must keep the capturing card in your hand to keep the play legal. You may not trail with the capturing card. Use cards on the table to add to a multiple build. For instance, say there is a 2, 5, and 10 on the table, and the 2 and 5 are combined into a 7-build. You hold a 3 and a 10. You can play your 3, combining it with the 7-build to make 10, and at the same time, incorporate the 10 on the table, turning it into a multiple 10-build. The capturing number for a multiple build can never be changed. It will always remain the same value as declared by the person who created the build. You cannot use cards on the table to add to the value of a single build. Take in loose cards on the table that add up to the same number as the build. For example, you just made a 9-build and there is a 5 on the table. Your opponent plays a 4. On your next turn, you can take in the 5 and 4 at the same time you capture the 9-build. Hand all remaining cards to the last player who made a capture. The game ends after all cards have been played after the final deal. The cards left on the table after all cards have been played are awarded to the last person to make a capture. This is why it's important for the dealer to announce “last” when dealing the last round of cards. These cards are sometimes called the “residue”. Award 3 points to the person with the most captured cards. Count each player's stack of captured cards. If there is a tie for the most number of cards, no one receives points. Sort out the spades while you count. Pull out any cards that are facing a different direction. This indicates a sweep, and each sweep earns the player an additional 1 point. Give 1 point to the person who captured the most spades. Count each player's pile of spades. The player who captured the most spades gets 1 point. If there is a tie for most number of spades, no points are awarded. Sort out the Aces, 10 of diamonds, and 2 of spades. Each captured Ace counts as 1 point. The 10 of diamonds is worth 2 points, while the 2 of spades is worth 1 point. The 10 of diamonds is sometimes known as the “Big Casino” or “Good 10”. The 2 of spades is sometimes known as the “Little Casino” or “Good 2”. Play several rounds until a player reaches 21 or more points. If multiple players reach 21 on the same round, the player with the highest score wins the game. If there is a tie, then another round is played. A player will usually reach 21 points in 2-4 rounds. After each round, the dealer passes the deck to the player on their left to deal the next hand. | Play Casino with 2-4 players. Remove the Jokers from a standard 52-card deck. Deal 2 cards face-down to each player except the dealer. Place 2 cards face-up in the middle of the table. Lay 2 cards face-down in front of the dealer. Pass out 2 more cards face-down to every player, including the dealer. Match cards in your hand to cards on the table on your turn. Win several cards at once by matching their combined values. Match face cards with other face cards of the same rank. Combine and pair at the same time to capture even more cards. Earn extra points by capturing all the cards on the table. Play a card to the table if you can’t capture anything. Deal 4 more cards to each player when someone runs out of cards. Combine a card in your hand with a card on the table to create a build. Use more than 2 cards to help make builds. Combine 2 or more builds together to create a multiple build. Capture a build by playing a card of the same rank. Add cards to a single build if you have a card matching the total value. Use cards on the table to add to a multiple build. Take in loose cards on the table that add up to the same number as the build. Hand all remaining cards to the last player who made a capture. Award 3 points to the person with the most captured cards. Give 1 point to the person who captured the most spades. Sort out the Aces, 10 of diamonds, and 2 of spades. Play several rounds until a player reaches 21 or more points. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-People-Calling-You-Skinny | How to Deal With People Calling You Skinny | If you have to deal with people shaming you for being skinny, first remind yourself to stay calm and try not to let them get to you. Although some people make comments like these because they are insecure about their own problems, other people may just be trying to give you a well-intentioned compliment. In response to a rude comment, you can simply ignore what they said, disarm them with humor or sarcasm, or stay neutral with a factual statement like, "This is just how my body works." However, if you're experiencing endless teasing, report the bully to a teacher. | Stay calm. Although it's tempting to return the taunts, try to rise about the temptation. Returning taunts with insults of your own will only serve to escalate the situation. Do your best to remain calm. It can be helpful to count to 10 when you hear a comment about your body or weight. This can give you a moment to think and avoid snapping. Consider three things when you hear what is perceived as a negative comment. Is the comment true? Who made the comment? Why would they make this comment? Some people may put others down due to their own insecurities. However, if the comment came from a friend or family member they may be genuinely concerned about your weight and coming from a place of support. Understanding the reasons behind a comment can taper some of the anger you may feel in regards to it. Consider the person behind the comment. Is this person often negative? If so, try to let it go. Their comments reflect their own problems, not yours. Think of a variety of responses. It can be hard not to lash out in frustration when getting comments about your weight. It might be helpful to think of a variety of witty comments to use in response when someone calls you skinny. You can make quick, somewhat factual comments to combat rude remarks about your weight. If someone says something like, "How do you stay so thin?" or "How can you eat that and not gain weight?" respond with something like, "Everyone's metabolism is different" or "It's just the way my body works." You can also respond to a comment with a question. This can call attention to the inappropriate nature of such comments. For example, if someone says "You are so skinny!" say something like, "Why does that matter to you?" or "Why do you need to comment on that?" Vague, open-ended questions can also be helpful. Respond with something like, "Why do so many people put value on appearance?" Respond with humor. The person teasing you will not expect this response, but it will certainly disarm them. It shows you are confident and uninterested in their impolite and unwanted insults. You may feel unable to be funny on cue. Many people struggle with thinking of humorous comments in the moment. It can help to write down a list of the most common comments you get on your weight and spend some time thinking up funny responses. It can be helpful to exaggerate the insult or comment to call attention to its inappropriate nature of the comment. If someone says something mean about your weight, say sarcastically, "Wow, if you think my appearance is bad it's a shame you're not taking time to get to know my personality. That would give you some great material." Ignore the comments. Sometimes, the best way to respond to unwanted comments is simply by disengaging. Try your best to ignore comments about your weight. While it may be difficult, try not to take offense at insults. People who want to make you uncomfortable or feel bad thrive on your response. Ignoring comments will make them realize they're not getting the reaction they want. It shows you're more powerful than the aggressor. If someone continues to make aggressive comments to you even as you ignore them, remove yourself from the situation. This is sometimes the best way to deal with teasing. Simply leave the room or environment to show the teaser you do not find their comments to be acceptable. Find effective ways to deal with comments online. Teasing can sometimes get out of hand in social media forums. People may feel more bold in their teasing when it's not face-to-face. This kind of “cyberbullying” needs to be addressed. Don't respond in any way to the teasing and comments. Engaging with bullies online only encourages their venom. Use the block functions of your social media outlets and email to stop future comments and get rid of aggressors. Keep examples of the online teasing as a screenshot or email in case you need to show someone as evidence. In rare cases, cyberbullying gets intense enough that it requires police intervention. Treat your body with respect. We are constantly reminded by other people and the media how we are supposed to look. It can be difficult to ignore, especially if we feel any discomfort with our outward appearance. Try to respect yourself and your body in your day-to-day life to combat feelings of shame or insecurity. Speak about your body in positive terms. When thinking about your body, try to think in terms of the positives. Avoid using words like "bony" or "frail" to describe your frame. Reach for more positive words like "lean" and "thin." Wear comfortable clothing that you feel confident in. If you're feeling particularly down about your body, adding a few items to your wardrobe can help combat negativity. Cuddle with your significant other, make an appointment with a masseuse, or engage in other sensual activities. Allowing your body to feel pleasure can help you appreciate it more. Appreciate your body. In order to feel better about your body, you need to focus on the positives. Spend time each day praising your body for what it does right. What is something you like about your body? Do you love your hair, your hips, your shoulders, your teeth? Try to focus on those areas each day. What is something your body does well? Do you feel like you're good at a particular sport? Are you flexible? Do you have high stamina? Learn to appreciate what your body can do rather than focusing on what it cannot do. How does your body give you pleasure? What are things you enjoy on a sensual level? Focus on and appreciate your body's capacity for pleasure and joy. Exercise and train to feel more confident. For some, regular exercise can help build confidence. Engaging in an enjoyable physical activity a few times a week can help you appreciate your body and its capacity for strength, stamina, and fitness. Talk to a doctor before beginning any new workout routine. You want to make sure you don't overdo exercising. Some exercises, like yoga, focus on a connection with the body and the present moment. These can be particularly helpful when it comes to body acceptance. Keep in mind you're more than your body. Do not get too hung up on your physical appearance. Focus on your positive personality traits. Others may think you're too skinny, but remember you're also funny, kind, generous, hardworking, etc. Try to look at yourself as loved ones would look at you. If someone else was in your shoes, wouldn't you tell them to focus on what's inside? You deserve that same courtesy. Seek support from friends and family. If you're being bullied about your weight, it's essential not to keep it to yourself. Feeling alone and unsupported makes the experience even worse. If you're still in school, find a trusted adult to talk to. Most adults have faced teasing at some point in their lives and can help you cope with negative feelings. An adult can also help you formulate an appropriate response for a bully. You should also seek out the support of trusted friends. Friends can help you cope with unwanted comments about your weight by letting you vent your feelings. Report the bully to your teacher and school authorities. If you experience the endless teasing at school, you should report this to teachers and others in charge. By reporting the bully, you not only prevent them from hurting other people in the future, but you help your school create a safe environment where bullying is not accepted. It's very important that school officials address bullying as it can lead to serious emotional and psychiatric issues down the road. See a therapist, if necessary. If comments about your weight are affecting you emotionally, consider seeing a therapist. Continual unwanted attention can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. You can find a therapist by asking your regular physician for a referral or going through your insurance provider. If you are a college student, you may be entitled to free counseling through your school. | Stay calm. Think of a variety of responses. Respond with humor. Ignore the comments. Find effective ways to deal with comments online. Treat your body with respect. Appreciate your body. Exercise and train to feel more confident. Keep in mind you're more than your body. Seek support from friends and family. Report the bully to your teacher and school authorities. See a therapist, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Door-Handle | How to Remove a Door Handle | To remove a door handle without any visible screws, start by prying off the cover plate by inserting a flathead screwdriver in the notch on the side of the plate. If you don't see a notch and the cover plate is round, try turning the plate counterclockwise to remove it. Next, if the doorknob is still in place, look for a slot with a recessed fastener and use a paper clip or screwdriver to remove the knob. Finally, once the doorknob is off, loosen the exposed screws to remove the handle. | Check for exposed screws on the inside of the door. For most doors, you should see 1 to 3 exposed mounting screws on the side of the door that doesn't have a keyhole. Look for screws on the cover plate that surrounds the handle. If you don't see exposed screws on the cover plate, check the neck of the knob or lever. If you don't see any exposed screws, don't get frustrated! You'll most likely have to depress or unscrew some type of recessed fastener in the handle's neck. Loosen the mounting screws with a screwdriver. If your handle is secured with exposed screws, simply remove them with a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver. Grab a screwdriver that matches the screws' head type, then turn them counterclockwise to loosen them. If you plan on reinstalling the door mechanism, store the screws in a safe spot to avoid misplacing them. Pull the handles out of the latch assembly. With the mounting screws removed, you should have no problem pulling the knobs or levers out of the latch mechanism. Pull the handles in opposite directions to slide them out of the mechanism, then set them aside. Remove the latch mechanism if you're installing a new handle. Find the screws on the side of the door that secure the latch plate. Take out the screws, then carefully pry off the plate with a flat-head screwdriver. With the plate removed, you can now pull the latch mechanism through the side of the door. The latch is the bolt that fits into the strike plate on the door frame and keeps the door closed. Look for a recessed slot in the shaft of the handle. If your door has no visible screws, check the neck of the knob or lever for a small hole. If there's one present, you'll be able to depress a button or loosen a small screw inside the hole to release the handle. Depress a button with a paperclip or thin tool if there’s no screw. If you don't see a screw head inside the slot, straighten a paperclip or grab a thin, pointed tool, such as an awl. Insert the paperclip or tool into the slot as you gently pull the knob away from the door. The paperclip or tool will spring the door mechanism, allowing you to pull out the handles. Remove a recessed screw with a narrow screwdriver. If you see a Phillips or flat-head screw inside the hole, grab a screwdriver that's small enough to reach it. Turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen it and release the handle. You should be able to pull off the handles after removing the recessed screw. If the spindle that connects the handles doesn't come out, you might have to pry off or unscrew the cover plate behind the handle in order to access mounting screws. Use an Allen wrench to loosen a hex-head screw. If you see a screw with a head shaped like a hexagon, you'll need an Allen wrench small enough to access it. Insert the wrench into the slot, then turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen and remove the screw. If you don't have an Allen wrench, purchase a fold-up pocket set with variously sized Allen wrenches at a hardware or home improvement store. Pry off the cover plate if it has a notch. Check around the plate where it meets the door for a small notch or cut-out. If you see one, insert a flat-head screwdriver into the notch, then gently pry off the plate. The cover plate behind the door knob or lever may be round or rectangular, depending on the handle's design. After prying off the cover plate, you should see screws that hold the inner mechanism together. Try turning a round cover plate counterclockwise. If you don't see a notch and the cover plate is round, try turning it counterclockwise with a wrench or by hand. After loosening the cover plate, slide it down the neck of the door handle to access the mounting screws behind it. Check for any recessed fasteners that were hidden by the plate. If the door knob is still in place, you might have trouble fitting a screwdriver between the cover plate and the mounting screws. See if there's a slot with a recessed fastener that was concealed by the cover plate. If so, insert a paperclip or loosen a small screw to remove the handle. For some designs, there's a visible slot that releases the outer handle as well as screws behind the cover plate that hold the inner mechanism together. Loosen the screws that were concealed by the cover plate. Turn the mounting screws counterclockwise and pull them out of the door mechanism. You should now be able to pull out the handles, if they're still in place, and the spindle that connects them. Remove the latch plate and latch bolt, if necessary. If want to remove the entire door mechanism, loosen the screws over the plate on the side of the door. Then carefully pry off the latch plate and pull out the latch mechanism. | Check for exposed screws on the inside of the door. Loosen the mounting screws with a screwdriver. Pull the handles out of the latch assembly. Remove the latch mechanism if you're installing a new handle. Look for a recessed slot in the shaft of the handle. Depress a button with a paperclip or thin tool if there’s no screw. Remove a recessed screw with a narrow screwdriver. Use an Allen wrench to loosen a hex-head screw. Pry off the cover plate if it has a notch. Try turning a round cover plate counterclockwise. Check for any recessed fasteners that were hidden by the plate. Loosen the screws that were concealed by the cover plate. Remove the latch plate and latch bolt, if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fill-Out-a-Deposit-Slip | How to Fill Out a Deposit Slip | To fill out a deposit slip, start by filling in the lines on the slip with information such as the current date, your name, and your account number. If you don't know your account number, you can look at the bottom row of numbers on one of your personal checks, or at the top of a recent bank statement. If you're depositing checks, record the amounts of each individual check on the lines provided. Finally, sign the deposit slip to if you want to receive cash back from your deposit. | Have your account information handy. You definitely want to make sure that the money you are depositing goes into the right account. This is particularly important if you have more than one account at the same bank. If you do not have you account number memorized, take your checkbook with you. Your checks contain your account number. If you are making a deposit into savings, make sure that you have that account number. You can look it up on the online banking site, or view one of your hard copies of a recent statement. Your checks will come with some deposit slips that are printed with your information (name, etc.) You can use one of these, or your bank will have blank slips available if you don't have your own with you. Take identification. It is a good idea to take a photo id with you when you go to the bank. You probably will not need it to make a deposit, but just in case there are any problems, you will have it with you. It's always best to be prepared. Make sure that you know which forms of identification your bank branch accepts. You should be able to find this information by calling and asking or viewing information on the bank website. Typically, you will need a driver's license, passport, state id card, or student id card. Have your cash and checks ready. Make sure that you have all of the currency you would like to deposit. If you have cash, make sure that you have counted it, and then recounted it to make sure that you know the precise amount that you want to deposit. If you are depositing checks, you will need to endorse them. On the back of the check, there will be a designated space for your signature. Under your signature, you can write "For Deposit Only". That way if you lose the checks on the way to the bank, no one will be able to cash them. Know the bank hours. Many banks offer several different sets of business hours. The times that their drive through lane is open is often different from the lobby hours. Also, many banks have a 24-hour ATM in their vestibule. Familiarize yourself with all of the hours and days that the bank is open. Decide ahead of time whether you want to drive through, walk in, or use the ATM. If this is your first time filling out a deposit slip, it is a good idea to use the lobby. There will be more people available to help you if you need it. Use a pen. It is smart to use an ink pen rather than a pencil when filling out a deposit slip. That way, no one will be able to alter the information you have recorded. The teller will also be able to more easily read numbers written in a dark ink. Don't worry if you make an error. Just rip that one up and start over on a new slip. Write legibly. There are some different things you will need to write on the deposit slip. You want to make sure that the bank employees are able to read everything easily. This will prevent errors in recording your deposit. Use your best handwriting. Write the correct date on the deposit slip. You want a clear record of when you made this deposit. Deposit checks or cash. On the deposit slip, there are spaces for you to list the amounts that you are depositing. There will be a line for the total amount of cash that you want to place in your account. There are multiple lines for you to record the checks that you are depositing. Make sure to list each check individually. There are multiple lines for you to record them. If you run out of space, there are more lines on the back of the deposit slip. Receive cash back. You can choose to deposit the entire amount into your checking or savings account. You also have the option to receive part of the total amount back in the form of cash. If you would like to receive cash back, you will need to sign the deposit slip. The place for your signature is clearly labeled. It will say "Sign here to receive cash back", or similar. Ask for a receipt. After you hand over your cash, checks, and deposit slip, you are also finished. But remember, it is important to keep track of all of your financial transactions. This will help you to know how much money you have in your accounts, and can help you make sure the bank does not make any errors. You should receive a printed receipt from either the teller or the ATM. If you don't, make sure to ask for own. Make your own notations. In addition to bank receipts, it is sensible to keep your own records of all of your financial transactions. This can help you get a good idea of how much you are spending and how much you're saving. There are many online banking programs you can use to follow your finances. If you don't like technology, you can just use a regular notebook or ledger. Check your account balance. You will want to follow up and make sure that the deposit is actually credited to your account. On the next business day, check your account balance to make sure the proper amount was recorded. You can do this by using your online banking system, or by phoning your bank branch. | Have your account information handy. Take identification. Have your cash and checks ready. Know the bank hours. Use a pen. Write legibly. Deposit checks or cash. Receive cash back. Ask for a receipt. Make your own notations. Check your account balance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Say-No-to-a-Date | How to Say No to a Date | If you want to politely decline a date, try to do so face-to-face, which will both help prevent miscommunication and show that you respect the other person. While trying not to hurt their feelings, be as honest and clear as you can by saying something like, "Thank you for asking. That's really flattering, but I'm just not interested in going out." To let down a friend or coworker as easily as possible, try complimenting them and showing appreciation for them, especially if you don't want things to be awkward. For example, you could say something like, "You are such a fun friend, but I don't see us together romantically." | Communicate in person when possible. If you are friends with this person, try to meet them face-to-face or at least call them on the phone to talk to them. A lot can be misinterpreted over text or email, and talking in person will help you to communicate more clearly, and it also shows respect for the other person. Talking in person can eliminate that weird feeling of worrying about seeing them again if you declined the date via text. If the person asking you out is someone who makes you uncomfortable, though, do not feel the need to extend this courtesy. A simple text or email back a short response, like, “No, I'm not interested. Thank you.” Be as honest as you can be without hurting someone’s feelings. Try to avoid making up excuses, like a fake significant other or a bogus weekend trip, just to get out of telling someone you're not interested. Try saying something like, “Thank you for asking; that's really flattering. But I'm just not interested in going out.” In the end, hopefully that person will appreciate that you respected their time enough to not string them along. Keep in mind that you don't owe anyone an excuse for why you don't want to go out with them. If you're declining the second date, try saying something like, “I really enjoyed getting to know you better, but I just have platonic feelings toward you.” Try complimenting the person and thanking them for the offer. If you know the person who is asking you out, like they're a friend or a coworker, you definitely don't want to alienate them and ruin your relationship. Try saying something like, “You are such a fun friend and I enjoy hanging out with you, but I don't see us working together romantically. I do really appreciate you taking the time to ask, though.” Remember that when someone asks you out, they are putting themselves out there. Try to be gentle if you can. Use “I” statements to avoid criticizing the other person. Avoid telling them why they don't match your ideal date—that can be hurtful. Instead, consider saying something like, “I don't feel a connection between us in that way,” or “I'm looking for something different right now in my dating life.” If they ask for more detail, you can either offer that up, or say, “I don't really have anything else to share.” If you know the person who is asking you out, it can be especially helpful to focus on the “I” statements so you don't alienate them and make future interactions strained. Don’t offer to be friends if that’s not something you’re interested in. If you get along with this person but don't feel that romantic connection, it's probably for the best to distance yourself rather than to offer to be friends. Chances are, that person asking you for a date doesn't feel platonically toward you. Try saying something like, “I think you're a nice person but don't feel a romantic connection. Maybe I will see you around sometime!” Be assertive and don’t leave room for another conversation. If it's true that you aren't looking for a relationship right now, that's great to say! But if you just aren't into the person and are trying to gently put them off, telling them that implies there might be a chance in the future for a date. Try saying something like, “I don't see us working together that way, but thank you for asking.” Keep it as simple as possible to avoid confusion (and to get the conversation over with as quickly as possible!). Avoid ghosting or just ignoring the person. One of the worst things is ghosting someone and then running into them on the street or at a party. Instead, try to respond to texts or calls within 48 hours with a response. You won't feel anxious about potentially running into this person again if you deal with the situation head-on. Consider how you would feel if you asked someone out and then just never heard anything back. It would probably shake your confidence a little bit. If the person did something inappropriate or offensive, though, you shouldn't feel any responsibility to respond to them again. Don’t brag to your friends or post on social media about the situation. Avoid embarrassing the person who asked you out or making fun of them. They took a hard step in asking you out, and making a big deal out of rejecting them could make it hard for them to try and establish another relationship in the future. Rather, try and keep the information to yourself, or if you want to talk to someone about the experience, confide in a trusted friend. Avoid taking screenshots of messages and sharing them with others. You don't want to make someone's efforts into a joke or shame them for expressing their feelings. Consider setting them up with a friend if you think they’d get along. Sometimes a person may not be right for you, but maybe you have a friend you think they'd get along with. You can say something like, “I know this may sound a little weird, but I have a friend I think you might connect with. I think you're nice, but I don't feel romantically toward you. Could I give them your number?” You'll find that most people might be a little surprised at first, but ultimately it'll come as a compliment that you think highly enough of them to respect their time and to set them up on another date. Use direct language with someone who won’t take “no” for an answer. If someone has repeatedly asked you out and you have repeatedly declined, say something like, “I've already told you I'm not interested in going out. It makes me uncomfortable that you keep asking me.” Chances are this will stop the person from asking you out again—perhaps they didn't realize their advances were making you uncomfortable to begin with. End the conversation with someone who tries to argue with you. If someone tries to argue with you or convince you that you should go out with them after you've already expressed you do not want to, it is okay to say something like, “I'm just not interested,” and walk away or stop responding to emails or texts. You could even say something like, “I'm not interested in going out with you, and I feel like you aren't listening to me when I say so. Please don't contact me again.” Remember that you are not obligated to spend time with anybody. If you feel like you owe someone a date because they are nice or did something for you, keep in mind that you get to decide who you spend time with. If your gut is telling you it's not a good fit, listen to that. Trust your instincts and remember that you don't need to give anyone an excuse for why you don't want to go on a date with them if you don't want to—simply not feeling it is reason enough. Give a fake excuse if you feel uncomfortable. If you're in a conversation with somebody who is making you feel uncomfortable and isn't taking your cues that you don't want to go out with them, it may be time to make up that fake significant other. Say something like, “I'm actually involved with someone else.” You could also say something like, “I'm traveling a lot for work lately and don't have the time or energy to date anyone right now.” While it isn't ideal to lie, if you feel like someone isn't going to take you at your word that you're not interested, it may be the quickest way to end a conversation. Report harassment to the officials. If someone won't take “no” for an answer and persistently asks you out after you've expressed that they're making you uncomfortable, tell somebody and consider filing an official complaint with the police. The police may not be able to do anything, but if you make a record and the person continues to harass you, you could end up being able to get a restraining order against them. If anything, making the report will hopefully communicate to that person that their actions are inappropriate. If you're a teen, make sure to tell your parents or a trusted adult about the harassment. They may be able to intervene on your behalf or help you make an official report with the police department. If someone is harassing you online or via text, take screenshots of those messages so you can use them as evidence of the harassment. | Communicate in person when possible. Be as honest as you can be without hurting someone’s feelings. Try complimenting the person and thanking them for the offer. Use “I” statements to avoid criticizing the other person. Don’t offer to be friends if that’s not something you’re interested in. Be assertive and don’t leave room for another conversation. Avoid ghosting or just ignoring the person. Don’t brag to your friends or post on social media about the situation. Consider setting them up with a friend if you think they’d get along. Use direct language with someone who won’t take “no” for an answer. End the conversation with someone who tries to argue with you. Remember that you are not obligated to spend time with anybody. Give a fake excuse if you feel uncomfortable. Report harassment to the officials. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treble-Crochet | How to Treble Crochet | If you've already crocheted a foundation chain and want to treble crochet, start by making 3 chain stitches before turning your work. Yarn over twice, then insert your hook into the fifth stitch from your hook. Next, yarn over your hook again and pull it through one of the loops on your hook. To finish the stitch, yarn over and draw through 2 loops 3 times, which should leave you with a loop on the hook. When you're ready to continue with the row, yarn over twice before inserting your hook into the next stitch. | Make a slip knot. Make a loop a little ways from the end of your yarn. Make a second loop a little farther from the yarn end and pull it through the first loop. Slide this second loop over your crochet hook. Yarn over. Take the "working yarn," or yarn leading back to the skein, and wrap it over your crochet hook, from the back toward you. Ensure this new loop of yarn sits inside the hook itself, with your slipknot loop a little farther away. When a pattern wants you to yarn over, it will abbreviate it as "yo." Draw the yarn through the slipknot. Pull your hook backward through the slipknot loop, bringing the second loop with it. You should now have two chain stitches, with one loop remaining on your hook. Crochet a chain of your desired length. Yarn over and draw through until you have the amount of stitches you need. If working from a pattern, count your stitches and stop when you have the number called for. If working on the fly, simply estimate. Crochet a turning chain. After you have reached your required length of foundation chain, you must crochet exactly three more stitches to help you turn your work and start the treble crochet. Turn your work. Keeping your last loop firmly on your hook, simply take the work that you have done and flip it so that the end you started from is trailing to the opposite side. Do not move or flip your hook. Yarn over twice. Wrap your yarn over your hook from the back toward you two times. Insert your hook. Count four stitches back from your hook. You will skip all of these. Insert your hook under the top loop of the fifth chain stitch from your hook. This is done because those four stitches count as your first treble crochet stitch. Yarn over and draw through. Wrap your yarn over the hook from back to front exactly as before and pull it through one of the loops on your hook. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Wrap your yarn over the hook once and pull it through two of the loops on your hook. Yarn over and draw through two loops. This is a repeat of the last step, but don't skip it. You must complete the stitch in this manner. Yarn over and draw through the last two. This is another repeat step, and is the last. You should now have only one loop left on your hook. A pattern will abbreviate what you have just completed with "tr." Yarn over twice. You will always yarn over twice before inserting your hook for a treble crochet stitch. Insert your hook. This time there is no need to count stitches. Insert your hook into the next stitch in your chain. Yarn over and draw through. Just as you did before, you will wrap your yarn over your hook once and pull it through one loop. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Again, yarn over only one time and draw your hook through two loops. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Remember this part? This is no broken record, these steps are all important. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Once again, you will now have only one loop left on your hook. Repeat steps 1-6 of this section. Continue to repeat them with each of your remaining foundation chain stitches. Turn your work. Once again, simply flip your work over so that the stitches you've just made are now going in the opposite direction. Crochet a turning chain. This turning chain will consist of four single chain stitches. Yarn over twice and insert hook. Wrap your yarn over your hook two times and insert it underneath the top two loops of the first stitch. Yarn over one and pull through two. Yarn over your hook one time and pull it through the stitch you inserted into. This means the first two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through. Again, yarn over once and pull through two loops. Repeat this step until you have only one loop on your hook, as before. Repeat steps 3-5 until you reach the end of your chain. Additional rows of treble crochet will be completed by repeating this section. | Make a slip knot. Yarn over. Draw the yarn through the slipknot. Crochet a chain of your desired length. Crochet a turning chain. Turn your work. Yarn over twice. Insert your hook. Yarn over and draw through. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Yarn over and draw through the last two. Yarn over twice. Insert your hook. Yarn over and draw through. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Yarn over and draw through two loops. Repeat steps 1-6 of this section. Turn your work. Crochet a turning chain. Yarn over twice and insert hook. Yarn over one and pull through two. Yarn over and pull through. Repeat steps 3-5 until you reach the end of your chain. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Glaze-a-Pot | How to Glaze a Pot | To glaze a pot, first glaze the inside by slowly pouring glaze into the pot and swirling it around. Then, pour out the excess glaze and touch up any uncovered spots using a brush. For the outside, dip your pot into a bucket of glaze, remove it, and clear the excess glaze with a damp sponge. If your pot is too large to dip, you can pour glaze over the pot or apply glaze with a brush or sponge. Finally, allow the glaze to dry completely before firing the pot. | Choose your glaze. Glazes come in a variety of colors and consistencies. They can come in liquid or powder form and can be specially formulated for specific application methods. In other words, a dipping glaze is different from a glaze designed to be brushed or sponged onto your pot. You can buy pre-mixed glazes at your local pottery supplies store. If you are just starting out as a potter, you will probably want to begin by buying pre-mixed glazes. As you become more experienced with glazes, you might want to develop your own recipe based on how you want your pots to look and your favorite application method. Buy your brushes. Brushes come in various shapes and sizes and are meant to accomplish different tasks during the glazing process. Thick brushes are useful for covering large areas, and thinner ones for small touch-up jobs. If you buy a set you will have everything you need. Remove rough spots. If there is any excess clay or uneven patches left on your pot after the initial firing, you can smooth them out with sandpaper, a kitchen knife, or a dental tool. Wear gloves while working with your pot to prevent contaminating it with any lotions or soaps that might be on your hands. Be sure to work outside or in a well-ventilated area, and consider wearing a surgical mask as inhaling clay dust can be very bad for your lungs. Clean the pot. Be sure to remove all dust or other material left over after the initial firing. A pneumatic air compressor or canned air will do the most thorough job of removing dust, but you can also use a damp cloth or sponge. If you use a cloth or sponge, be sure to let it dry before moving on in the glazing process. Apply wax to the bottom of your pot. This step is designed to keep glaze off of the bottom of the pot. If there is glaze on the bottom of your pottery it can stick to the kiln shelf during firing. You can buy wax resist products at your local pottery store that can be brushed onto the bottom of your pot, or you can dip the item into a pan of wax. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the wax to dry. If you don't want to use wax, you can wipe off any glaze that gets onto the bottom of your pot with a sponge or a metal scraper. Be sure to remove glaze from the foot of the pot, about one-quarter of an inch from the bottom, in case the glaze runs during firing. Choose your glaze container. Plastic buckets or vats are ideal to hold your glaze, but the size of the item and the application method you intend to use can influence your choice of container. If your item is small enough to dip into the glaze, choose a container that is deep enough to submerge the item completely. Brushing or sponging requires less glaze, therefore you might use a smaller container. Pour liquid glaze through a sieve. If you bought pre-mixed liquid glaze, pour it into your bucket or vat through a metal sieve to remove any lumps that have formed since it was packaged. Add water to powdered glaze. Glazes that come as powders have to be mixed with water before use. Pay close attention to the instructions to determine how much water to add. Adding more or less water than recommended can change the consistency of the glaze. As you become more experienced with glazing you might want to experiment with different consistencies, but the glaze you buy will probably work best by following the instructions listed on the package. Stir your glaze. Whether you are using liquid or powdered glaze, it will have to be vigorously stirred before use. If you are using a liquid glaze, a whisk will probably suffice as a stirring tool. If using a powdered glaze, try using a stirring rod attached to a power drill to get the smoothest texture. Test your glaze. Apply the mixed glaze to a test piece of pottery. This test piece might be an item you have set aside specifically for this purpose, or it might be a leftover shard from a larger item. Choose a test piece that closely resembles the item you are finishing. This will provide the most reliable test. After applying glaze to the test piece, allow it to dry. The glaze will look slightly different dry than wet. Pour glaze into your pot. Slowly pour glaze into your pot, and swirl the item around to ensure complete coverage. Pour out excess glaze. You will probably have poured more into your pot than you need to coat the inside, so you can remove the rest. Touch up the interior of the pot. If there are any spots that the glaze did not reach in the pouring process, fill them in using a brush. You can remove excess glaze using a damp sponge or a paint scraper. Dip your pot into the glaze. If your item is small enough, pick it up with a pair of tongs and dip it straight into the bucket or vat of glaze until it is completely covered, remove it, and then clear excess glaze with a damp sponge, a brush, or a paint scraper. You can buy specialized glazing tongs at a pottery supply store. If your tongs leave marks on the pot, touch them up by brushing them with glaze once you remove your item. Pour on glaze. If your item is too large to dip into the glaze but small enough to hold over the bucket or vat, you can pour it over the outside of your pot. This will probably result in a thin layer outer layer of glaze. Apply glaze with a brush or sponge. If your item is too large to move during the glazing process, apply the glaze with the tools at hand. Use large brushes to cover the main parts of your pottery, and small brushes or a sponge to fill in the smaller areas. Don't dip your tools straight into the buckets or vats of glaze. Put some of your glaze into a a cup or bowl, and dip your brush or sponge into the smaller vessel. Allow the glaze to dry. Once you have a layer of glaze on your pottery, set it aside to let it dry. You might want to apply a second layer of glaze to use multiple colors or create designs, but if you do so immediately after the first layer the colors might run together. Add more layers of glaze. You can add as many layers of glaze as you want, and mix up your colors as well as your brushing and sponging techniques to create unique designs. Remove any unwanted glaze. If you did not wax your pot, be sure to wipe any glaze off of the bottom with a sponge. If you did wax your pot, remove any glaze that has gotten onto the dried wax. Allow the pot to dry. No matter how many layers of glaze you've added, you have to wait for the final layer to dry thoroughly before firing your pottery. Fire your pot. Though you already fired it in the creation stage before you began the glazing process, you should fire it again once you are done. | Choose your glaze. Buy your brushes. Remove rough spots. Clean the pot. Apply wax to the bottom of your pot. Choose your glaze container. Pour liquid glaze through a sieve. Add water to powdered glaze. Stir your glaze. Test your glaze. Pour glaze into your pot. Pour out excess glaze. Touch up the interior of the pot. Dip your pot into the glaze. Pour on glaze. Apply glaze with a brush or sponge. Allow the glaze to dry. Add more layers of glaze. Remove any unwanted glaze. Allow the pot to dry. Fire your pot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Windshield | How to Install a Windshield | To install a windshield, start by removing the windshield wipers, clips, and surrounding molding, then take off the old windshield using lubricant and windshield-specific suction cups. Next, buy a new windshield that matches the make, model, and year of your car. Then, apply a urethane primer to the windshield and window socket and let it dry completely. Finally, apply urethane adhesive to the window frame and slide the new windshield in place using the suction cups. | Enlist an assistant. You'll need at least one other capable, strong person to help you remove and install your new windshield. Replace your windshield when it becomes cracked, broken, or damaged. Damaged windshields are illegal to drive with and can impair your vision. If you have any cracks, replace your windshield as soon as possible to prevent tickets or more serious damage. Before embarking on this project, check with your insurance company to see if a windshield replacement is covered. If so, you may be able to take your car to a body shop and have it replaced without a hefty bill. Protect yourself and the car from damage. Using a heavy blanket or tarp, cover the front seats and dashboard to protect them from glass, debris, or any dripping urethane — a chemical used to seal the windshield in place. You and an assistant should always wear gloves and protective glasses while working Remove both windshield wiper arms using a socket wrench. Set these aside to be re-attached later. Remove and discard the clips around the windshield molding. These may be on the inside or outside of the car. Since you will need new ones for your new window, you can throw these out. Peel away the molding protecting the old windshield. You may need to use a small knife or crowbar to get it off at first; some trim will require special trim removal tools to prevent trim damage. Remove the urethane weather stripping as well so that only the windshield remains. You may also use a knife to cut the seal along the perimeter before you try to pull it off. Lubricate the perimeter of the windshield with a silicone-based lubricant. This will make it easier to slide the windshield out later. Apply lubricant around the edge between the windshield and the car frame. Wait several minutes for the lubricant to seep into the cracks before you move on. Make sure the seal all the way around the windshield has been cut with a windshield removal cut tool. Use windshield-specific suction cups to remove the window. Attach large suction cups, which you can buy online, tightly to the glass. Pull up with even pressure while a friend pushes the windshield from the inside. It may be easier to have the person inside push the window out first, loosening the window, and then you pull with the suction cups. Have the person inside the car recline the seat back so he can get their feet onto the glass and use his legs to push. Do not stand on the hood or roof of the car — this will damage the body. The windshield may come out suddenly, so make sure you are steady and balanced and don't fall backwards. Dispose of the windshield responsibly. Windshields should be disposed of in a landfill, not in your backyard. Check if your state offers windshield recycling programs, or if your local auto mechanic will dispose of it for you. Tape the windshield up in a thick blanket while you transport it to prevent cuts on any broken edges. Obtain a new windshield. Make sure you get one that fits the make, model, and year of your car. Use a water and a brush to clean the new windshield of dust before you start working. Remove the old urethane sealer from the frame. If there is still sealant or weather stripping attached to your car, remove it carefully with a knife and gloves and dispose of it. Apply a urethane primer to the windshield and window socket. Using a paintbrush, add a thin amount of primer along the entire the inside edge of the window. You only need a strip about an inch wide. Then apply some primer to the windshield socket as well. Allow the primer to dry. Do not touch the primer or the oil in your fingers can prevent the sealer from sticking to window or frame. Install windshield clips. While they come in many different forms, they all attach by sliding onto the tabs on the top of the windshield socket and hammering snugly into place. Use a caulking gun to apply urethane to the window socket. Apply the urethane evenly throughout the entire frame, working quickly to prevent it from drying. Using a V-shaped nozzle will help the urethane sits higher, forming a better seal with the windshield. Quickly put the windshield into place. Have the new windshield nearby — suction cups already attached — so that you can rapidly put it on the car before the urethane dries out. Push it gently but firmly into the window once you have it in place. Use a knife or other long object to wipe off excess urethane. This is also a good time to push any bubbling urethane back in between the car and the windshield. You want to create a perfect seal to keep the windshield in place and hold out rain. Replace your weather sealant and any decorative molding. Pop in your cars molding (you may need to buy more) and push it securely into the frame, closing off any exposed areas between the windshield and the car. Reinstall your cowl panel and windshield wiper arms. Wait several hours for the sealant to dry before you drive the car. You want the windshield to be firmly in place before you move the car so that it doesn't pop out during an accident or acceleration. Refer to the directions on the sealant to see how long you need to wait. | Enlist an assistant. Replace your windshield when it becomes cracked, broken, or damaged. Protect yourself and the car from damage. Remove both windshield wiper arms using a socket wrench. Remove and discard the clips around the windshield molding. Peel away the molding protecting the old windshield. Lubricate the perimeter of the windshield with a silicone-based lubricant. Use windshield-specific suction cups to remove the window. Dispose of the windshield responsibly. Obtain a new windshield. Remove the old urethane sealer from the frame. Apply a urethane primer to the windshield and window socket. Install windshield clips. Use a caulking gun to apply urethane to the window socket. Quickly put the windshield into place. Use a knife or other long object to wipe off excess urethane. Replace your weather sealant and any decorative molding. Wait several hours for the sealant to dry before you drive the car. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Hair-Extensions | How to Wash Hair Extensions | To wash clip-in hair extensions, start by removing them and detangling them with a wide-toothed comb. Then, soak your extensions in warm water before working a moisturizing shampoo into the hair. Once you've worked the shampoo into the extension, rinse it out with warm water from the faucet. You'll also want to condition your extension with a lightweight conditioner, and rinse it out as you normally would. Finally, hang up your hair extension to air dry. | Remove your extensions. One of the advantages of clip-in extensions is that they are temporary and easy to both apply and remove at home. Removing your extensions will make washing them much easier. Be sure to always remove your clip-ins before showering or swimming. Sometimes the metal used in the clips can rust or otherwise be damaged by water. Detangle your extensions if needed. Just like your natural hair, it's best to detangle extensions before washing them. Gently run a wide-tooth comb to remove any knots. Start at the extension's clip and end at the hair tip. Hair extensions are prone to drying and may need extra care if tangling occurs. If you cannot remove the tangles with the extension dry, try wetting it with detangling spray and trying again. If you still have a stubborn knot, try wetting the hair completely and adding conditioner before combing. Prepare a wash basin. Fill up a clean bathroom sink or a small plastic tub with warm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage your extensions. However, keep in mind that too-cold water will not effectively rinse grime and shampoo from the extensions. Soak the hair extension. Hold the extension by the clip and dip it into the basin. Avoid getting water on the clip. Run a wide-tooth comb through the hair to make sure it has been evenly wetted. Shampoo your hair extension. Select a shampoo that is gentle, moisturizing, and free of sulfates. Lather a dollop of shampoo and work it into the hair from just under the clip to the tips. Try not to create tangles, but use the wide-tooth comb again if needed. Lather the extension just like you would washing your own hair. The major difference is the hair in the extension is likely to be much dryer and delicate than your natural hair. Make sure it is soaked through before working in the shampoo to keep in from tangling. Rinse your hair extension with warm water. Start by dipping the extension back into the basin. Gently squeeze the extension from clip to tip while submerged. Then, delicately run the extension under warm water from the faucet. Condition your hair extension. Use a light-weight moisturizing conditioner. Massage in a dollop of conditioner, focusing on the center of the hair and working up and down. Treat it as you would natural hair. Rinse again with warm water. Remove excess water by gently squeezing the extension with a towel. Allow your hair extension to air dry. Hang up your hair extensions to dry straight. This type of hair extension can be conveniently clipped to many surfaces. Avoid blow drying hair extensions, as this may dry out and damage the already delicate hair. Pre-treat your hair with moisturizer. Because your extensions aren't getting the moisturizing oils produced by your scalp, they have a tendency to dry out much faster. Dry hair of any kind is much more difficult to wash and is prone to breakage. Add a little hair oil to your weave before you shampoo. Place a shower cap around your hair and allow the oil to infuse into your hair for about an hour before moving on. Clarify your hair and scalp. This will remove built-up hair products and prevent dandruff. Fill a spray bottle half with water, half with apple cider vinegar. Spray it track-by-track onto your scalp and massage it in. Then give the weave itself a few spritzes. Leave this to set for five minutes before rinsing with warm water. You don't have to clarify every time you wash your hair. Once a month should be enough to keep your scalp healthy. Pick the right shampoo. There are many shampoos on the market specifically made for hair extensions. However, some stylists recommend that any mild shampoo can be used. Others advise to treat your weave like dry, damaged hair and use a deep-moisturizing shampoo. Like your natural hair, finding what works best may require some trial and error. Shampoo your hair. Wet your hair thoroughly before applying the shampoo. Add a dollop of shampoo into your hair and lather it. Massage the shampoo into your roots. Be gentle to avoid tangles and breakage. Rinse with warm water. You can do this in the shower or using a sink or wash basin. When you clarify your roots, you can skip shampooing them. Condition your weave. Keeping the hairs moisturized will extend your weave's lifespan. Deep condition with your choice of moisturizer. Leave it for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Dry your hair. Either allow your hair to air dry or sit under a hooded dryer. You may also use a blow dryer, but this may damage your weave. Focus drying your roots. Make sure your natural hair and the portion of your weave attached to it dry out completely. Damp hair under a weave can cause mildew or even a bacterial infection. Repeat as necessary. It is generally recommended to wash your weave and natural hair once every one to two weeks. Washing too often will cause breakage and result in a weave that doesn't last very long. However, not washing at all can damage your natural hair and may end up being unhygienic. Choose the right shampoo. Because you want to avoid damaging the keratin bonds, shampoo selection is very important for this type of hair extension. Do your best to find one made specifically for use with hair extensions. If this isn't possible, pick a mild moisturizing shampoo instead. Be sure to avoid shampoos containing sulfates and silicone. Sulfates will dry out your extensions, while silicone may cause them to slip off. Wet your hair. Use warm (but not hot) water. You can do this in the shower or at the bathroom sink. Run your fingers through your hair to make sure it is soaked-through and tangle-free. Shampoo your hair. Shampoo your hair, including the extensions, as you normally would, but avoid scrubbing directly at the bonds since it can weaken and damage them. Take a dollop of shampoo and lather it into your hair. Massage it in beginning at the scalp and work your way down to the bottom hair tips. Rinse the shampoo out with warm water. Moisturize with a conditioner. Keep in mind that extensions will not be reached by your scalp's natural oils. Even if you don't normally need to condition your hair, use one when wearing extensions. Rinse with warm water. Hot water may damage your extensions, while cold water will not properly remove residue. Wrap your hair with a towel to remove excess water when you're finished. Leave your hair to air dry. Repeat washing two to three times a week. Remember that more frequent washings will shorten the lifespan of your extensions. You can wash your extensions as often as you normally wash your hair. If you normally go longer than 2-3 days, add a leave-in conditioner to your extensions to keep them moisturized. If your natural hair is oily, try using dry shampoo to reduce the washing frequency necessary to keep your hair looking clean. | Remove your extensions. Detangle your extensions if needed. Prepare a wash basin. Soak the hair extension. Shampoo your hair extension. Rinse your hair extension with warm water. Condition your hair extension. Allow your hair extension to air dry. Pre-treat your hair with moisturizer. Clarify your hair and scalp. Pick the right shampoo. Shampoo your hair. Condition your weave. Dry your hair. Repeat as necessary. Choose the right shampoo. Wet your hair. Shampoo your hair. Moisturize with a conditioner. Rinse with warm water. Repeat washing two to three times a week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-Gold-at-Home | How to Test Gold at Home | To test gold at home, check your gold for a hallmark, with "GF" or "HGP" meaning its gold plated, while "24K" or another number means its real gold. Alternatively, find out if your item is gold plated by holding the piece under a light to see if it's fading at the edges. If you're still unsure, test the authenticity of your gold piece by holding it close to a magnet because real gold won't react. As a final test, drizzle some white vinegar on the surface and if the color changes, it's not real gold. | Look for a hallmark. A piece of gold will usually be stamped with a mark indicating its type. A stamp of “GF” or “HGP” indicates that the piece is gold-plated, not pure gold. In contrast, a pure gold piece of jewelry may show a “24K” or other marking indicating fineness. Hallmarks are usually located inside the band of rings or near the clasp on necklaces. However, be aware that some hallmarks can be faked. This is why it's important to use a mark as only one of many indicators of authenticity. The hallmark may be very small. You might even need a magnifying glass in order to see it clearly. Look for fading around the edges of the piece. Turn on a bright light or lamp. Hold the piece close to the lamp's light. Rotate it in your hand, so that you can examine all of the edges in particular. If you see that the gold appears faded or worn away at the edges, then it's likely wear on the plating. This means that piece isn't pure gold. Look for spotting on the piece’s surface. If you hold the piece under a bright light, do you notice white or red spots anywhere on it? The spots may be very tiny and difficult to see. That is why it's important to examine the piece under a bright light and maybe with a magnifying glass. These spots indicate that the gold plating may be wearing away showing the metal underneath. Place a magnet against the potential gold item. Hold a magnet directly above the piece. Lower the magnet until it is almost touches the surface of the item. If you feel as if the magnet is being drawn or pulled downward, then the item is not pure. The other metals in the item, such as nickel, are responding to the magnet. A pure gold piece will not draw the magnet, since non-ferrous. Apply some vinegar to the surface and look for a color change. Get a dropper and fill it up with white vinegar. Hold your metal object firmly in your hand or set it on a table. Place a few drops of vinegar onto the object. If the drops change the color of the metal, then it is not pure gold. If the color stays the same, then it is pure gold. Rub your gold against a jeweler’s stone. Position a black jeweler's stone on a table. Hold your gold piece firmly in your hand. Wipe it across the stone firmly enough to leave a mark. If the mark that you've left on the stone is solid and gold in color, then the piece is pure. If there is no line or only a faint one, then the piece is likely plated or not gold at all. Be careful with this method as you run the risk of damaging your jewelry. You also have to use the right type of stone or the marks will be meaningless. You can get a jeweler's stone through a jewelry supply store online or by talking with your local jeweler. Rub your gold across a ceramic plate. Set an unglazed ceramic plate firmly on a countertop or table. Hold your gold item in your hand. Scrape the item against the plate. Watch to see if a streak or line of any type appears. A black line indicates that the item is not gold or is plated. Test your gold against liquid foundation makeup. Coat the top of your hand with a thin layer of liquid foundation. Wait until the foundation is dry. Press your metal item against the foundation and rub. Authentic pure gold will leave a line in the makeup. If you do not see a line, then the object is plated or another metal. Use an electronic gold tester. This is a small hand-held device with a probe at the end that you can buy online or through a jewelry supply store. To analyze a metal, you rub a conductive “tester” gel on to the metal item. This gel is usually available for purchase from the same places that sell testing devices. After you've applied the gel, rub the probe against the item. How the metal responds to the electricity will indicate whether or not it is pure metal. Use the instructions that come with your tester to determine the exact results. Gold is a conductive metal, so a pure gold piece will have higher readings than a plated one. Insert your gold into an XRF machine. This is a machine that many jewelers use to instantly determine the quality of a metal sample. Because of its cost this method may not be suitable for home use, unless you plan on using it regularly. To use an XRF scanner, place the piece of metal inside, activate the machine, and wait for the read out. Take your gold to an assayer. If you keep getting mixed results or if you'd like to verify your finding, talk to your jeweler about getting another professional opinion. An assayer will perform a deep analysis of the content of the metal. This can be a costly option, so only use it if you believe your item may be worthwhile. Buy an acid testing kit for a more precise estimate of gold karat purity. You can purchase one of these kits through a jewelry tool supplier. The kit will contain all of the materials that you'll need along with a set of detailed instructions. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before beginning and conduct an inventory of the supplies before starting. These kits can be quite affordable, if ordered online. They start at around $30. Inspect the needles for karat value labels. Your kit will contain a number of needles that you'll use for testing different types of gold. Look for a karat value marking on the side of the needle. Each needle will also have a colored gold sample at the tip. Use the yellow needle for yellow gold and the white needle for white gold. Make a notch with an engraving tool. Turn the piece around until you find a less noticeable spot. Hold an engraving tool firmly in your hand and make a small divot in the metal. The goal is to expose the deeper layers of the metal. Put on protective gloves and goggles. Since you are working with acid, it's important to don thick, but fitted, gloves. Eye protection is also a good idea, just to be extra cautious. Avoid touching your face or your eyes while working with the acid. Place a drop of acid on the notch. Select the proper needle for the gold type. Then, hold the needle tip directly over the notch. Push the plunger of the needle down until a single drop of acid drops into the divot. Read the results. Look closely at the divot that you made earlier and where you just applied the acid. The acid will react with the metal and may turn a particular color. Generally, if the acid turns a green color, this indicates that the piece is not pure metal, but instead gold plated or another metal entirely. Since testing kits have different color indications, make sure to read the color guide carefully as you interpret the test results. | Look for a hallmark. Look for fading around the edges of the piece. Look for spotting on the piece’s surface. Place a magnet against the potential gold item. Apply some vinegar to the surface and look for a color change. Rub your gold against a jeweler’s stone. Rub your gold across a ceramic plate. Test your gold against liquid foundation makeup. Use an electronic gold tester. Insert your gold into an XRF machine. Take your gold to an assayer. Buy an acid testing kit for a more precise estimate of gold karat purity. Inspect the needles for karat value labels. Make a notch with an engraving tool. Put on protective gloves and goggles. Place a drop of acid on the notch. Read the results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remember-the-Colors-of-the-Rainbow | How to Remember the Colors of the Rainbow | To remember the colors of the rainbow, pretend that Roy G. Biv is the name of an imaginary person and associate the colors with the letters in the name. R is for red, O stands for orange, Y is for yellow, G is for green, B stands for blue, I is for indigo, and V is for violet. If you're struggling to remember Roy G. Biv, memorize the sentence "Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain" and associate the first letter of each word in the sentence with a color. Try repeating this sentence to yourself until you've memorized the colors! | Try Roy G Biv. Try to remember the name of an imaginary person called Roy G. Biv. The letters in this name correspond to the order of the colors of the rainbow. The letters break down like this: R stands for Red O stands for Orange Y stands for Yellow G stands for Green B stands for Blue I stands for Indigo V stands for Violet. Use the Richard of York Device. If you struggle to remember Roy G. Biv, try remembering the sentence "Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain." The first letter of each word in the sentence corresponds to a color of a rainbow. Try repeating this sentence to yourself if you're struggling to remember the rainbow's colors. Invent your own mnemonic device. If you have trouble remembering established mnemonic devices, try inventing your own. A mnemonic device that's reflects your personal interests may be more meaningful to you than other devices. Pick a sentence that where the first words starts with R, the second starts with O, the third starts with Y, and so on. For example, if you're interested in video games you can use the phrase "Really Offensive YouTube Games Built Into Videos." Use your visual memory. If you establish a visual memory linked to the colors of the rainbow, this can help. If you're a more visual learner by nature, a visual memory may help you remember the colors of the rainbow. Try to think of a distinct image associated with each color. For example, as red is the first color of the rainbow, try imaging a group of runners in a race. The runner with red hair can be finishing first. If you need to remember orange is followed by yellow, you can imagine an orange cat being followed by a lighter, yellow cat. Keep going through the colors of the rainbow, creating visual associations for each color. Write out the colors. Simple repetition is often key to memory. Try getting a pen and paper and writing down the colors of the rainbow over and over again. This will help you commit the colors to memory. Pay attention while you're writing as this will be most effective. As you write down the colors of the rainbow, say the colors to yourself and be aware of what you're writing. Memorize the colors in chunks. It can be hard to memorize information all at once. If you're struggling to remember all the colors of the rainbow, break it into chunks. For example, you can remember red, orange, yellow. From there, try to remember blue, green, indigo, and violet. If you prefer, you can also do smaller chunks. For example, remember red and orange, then blue and indigo, and so on. You can use other memory techniques to remember your chunks. For example, you can think of a mnemonic device for "red, orange, yellow" or try writing these words down over and over again. Try to foster an interest in the colors of the rainbow. You're likely to better remember information that interests you. If you're trying to remember the colors of a rainbow for a test, try reading up on rainbows. Learn about how a rainbow is formed, how long they last, what conditions can cause a rainbow, and so forth. If you're interested in rainbows, it may be more interesting to remember the colors of the rainbow. Study the colors in the afternoon. Some studies suggest people study more effectively in the afternoon. Even if you see yourself as strictly a morning or night person, try studying in the afternoon if you're struggling. You may find you will recall the colors better. Get enough sleep. If you're memorizing the colors of the rainbow for a test, get enough sleep in the days leading up to the test. Quality sleep can affect your memory and concentration. In addition to helping you remember the colors of the rainbow, solid sleep can help you recall other information for your test as well. | Try Roy G Biv. Use the Richard of York Device. Invent your own mnemonic device. Use your visual memory. Write out the colors. Memorize the colors in chunks. Try to foster an interest in the colors of the rainbow. Study the colors in the afternoon. Get enough sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Cats-Safe-from-Electrical-Shock | How to Keep Cats Safe from Electrical Shock | To keep cats safe from electrical shock, put cord covers over any power cords your cat can reach so it can't chew on them. Alternatively, you can spray your power cords with deterrent spray so they'll taste bad if your cat tries to bite them. Or, you can try rearranging your furniture to block your power cords so your cat can't access them. In addition to protecting your cat from power cords in your home, you may also want to put outlet protectors in all of your wall outlets in case your cat scratches at them. | Use power cord covers. Cord covers are heavy, plastic tubing that encase your electrical cords. The covers are too hard to bite or scratch through, which will ensure your cat can't make contact with the electrical current inside. Simply guide your appliance's cord through the cover's opening and plug in as normal. The tubing also comes in many widths so you can bundle several cords together or just protect a single cord. Cord covers come in a variety of colors to match your home décor. Spray deterrents on your electrical cords. Many deterrent sprays, such as Grannick's Bitter Apple, have an off-putting taste to discourage your cat from chewing. Unplug your devices and spray the solution on a washcloth. Rub the length of each cord with the cloth so it is coated fully, avoiding the plug. Block access to cords with furniture. The easiest way to keep your cat away from your electrical cords is to restrict access entirely. Use furniture in your home to block access to dangling power cords. It may be helpful to get down on the floor at cat level to see which cords are accessible from the ground. You can use painters' tape to secure excess cord length to the wall behind your furniture. Store appliances when not in use. While some items are always plugged in, others, such as counter-top kitchen appliances, can be stored when not in use. Make an effort to unplug and store such items to keep the cords from enticing your cat. Keep your cat indoors. It is generally always safer for your cat to be indoors than outdoors. Cats in rural areas can come upon electric fences intended for livestock, and cats in cities can come across downed power lines or stray voltage from leaking utilities. If you want to let your cat outside, do so in a fenced backyard and supervise them to ensure their safety. Use outlet protectors. Curious cats may scratch at wall outlets. While shock from this is a more minor risk, you can buy outlet protectors for peace of mind. These plastic covers—often intended for baby proofing—have prongs that plug into your outlet much like a normal plug, blocking access to the current. Ensure wiring is up to code. Faulty electrical wiring is a hazard to both you and your cat. If any wiring in your home looks suspect, perhaps tinkered with by a DIY-inclined previous homeowner, call an electrician to have it examined for safety. Always get your electrical work performed by a licensed electrician. Signs of faulty wiring include flickering, buzzing or dimming lights, or excessive circuit-breaker trips. If there are any exposed wires in your home, cover the areas with coated electrical tape until you can call an electrician. | Use power cord covers. Spray deterrents on your electrical cords. Block access to cords with furniture. Store appliances when not in use. Keep your cat indoors. Use outlet protectors. Ensure wiring is up to code. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vet-Visits-Less-Stressful-for-Your-Cat | How to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful for Your Cat | To make vet visits less stressful for your cat, help it get comfortable with being in its carrier by leaving the carrier out and open at home so it can go into it whenever it wants. Since being in the car on the way to the vet can also stress your cat out, take it for short car rides to pleasant places like a relative's house so it doesn't just associate your vehicle with going to the vet. Then, about 1 hour before your vet visit, pet and play with your cat to help it relax. | Give your pet regular check-ups. If the vet's office is the only place your cat gets handled, it's only natural that being handled would induce a panic. You can help make vet visits a little smoother by regularly handling your cat at home the way a vet would. Get your cat used to having its paws touched. While cradling your cat in your lap, hold each paw and press on each individual toe. Gently probe the cat's ribs, belly, and neck. Your cat may scratch at first, but over time it will realize that you're not causing it any harm. Get your cat comfortable with its carrier. For many cats, being in the carrier means going to the vet. The stress and confusion of being in the vet's office may make some cats frightened by the mere sight of a cat carrier. However, if you can condition your cat to get comfortable with its carrier, it can make visits a little less stressful. Keep your cat carrier out in an easily-accessible area instead of storing it until your visits. Leave the door open so your cat can go in as often as it wants. Try leaving your cat's food in the carrier. That way it will have to venture inside, and over time it may associate the carrier with the comforts of home. Consider purchasing a cat carrier with a detachable lid. This can make the carrier feel less confining and easier to get into and out of. Take your cat for car trips. Car trips, in addition to cat carriers, may be one of the most stressful components of vet visits. If you don't take your cat to pleasant places in your car, it will inevitably come to associate your vehicle with going to the vet's office. Take your cat for short car rides lasting 5 to 10 minutes. Be sure your cat is safely stored inside a carrier in the car, as a loose cat can easily cause a traffic accident. You can gradually increase your cat's time in the car by taking it to pleasant places. For example, you might drive with your cat to a friend or relative's house, then let your pet roam that person's house freely. Offer your cat plenty of treats and praise when you take it for car rides. This can help make car trips less stressful and more comfortable. Find a cat-friendly vet. While virtually all veterinarians work with cats, not all vets go out of their way to make their offices more cat-friendly. Search around online or ask other friends with cats where to find cat-friendly veterinarians. Some veterinary offices have separate waiting rooms and exam rooms that are just for cats. This can make it less stressful for cats, as they won't see or hear any barking dogs. Some vets will also use pheromone diffusers or sprays in their exam rooms. This can help calm your cat while your vet conducts the exam or procedure. A good vet should try to comfort your cat before beginning the exam. If your vet immediately restrains your pet before even feeling out the situation, ask your vet to wait or consider finding a new vet. If you're considering a new vet, call ahead and ask if they can make any accommodations for anxious cats. Handle and play with your cat. Being petted and played with can help calm your cat down. This level of calmness can help make your pet's transition to the stressful environment of the vet's office a bit easier. Start about one hour before your scheduled vet visit. This should give your cat enough time to properly calm down and relax before going to the vet. Skip your cat's pre-visit meal. Many animals experience stomach problems when they're anxious. You can reduce the chances of this happening by skipping a meal before going to the vet. If you're going to the vet's office between meals, like in the afternoon, skip breakfast that morning. Skipping a meal before the vet's visit can also increase your cat's appetite. This increases the chances that your cat will want treats at the vet, which you can use to calm your anxious pet. Administer anti-anxiety medication. If your vet has previously prescribed your cat anti-anxiety medication, you can administer this to your cat before a vet visit. It can take a little while for this type of medication to affect your cat, so you may want to administer the medication about 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled visit. Only give your cat medication that has been prescribed by your vet. Check with your vet before your visit to make sure the medication won't affect your visit. Spray synthetic pheromones. The smells inside a vet's office are often overwhelming for pets. So many animals come through each day, including dogs (which your cat may be fearful of or completely ignorant of), that cats can easily get frightened or confused. You can reduce this by spraying the carrier with synthetic pheromones before and during your vet visit. Spray the pheromones on a towel, then use that towel to line your carrier. You can also drape a sprayed towel over your cat's carrier. Bring more of the pheromones with you to the vet. That way, you can reapply it to your carrier as needed. You can purchase synthetic cat pheromones online, or ask your vet about where to acquire these sprays. Cover your pet carrier. The sight of another animal, especially a dog, may make your cat nervous. If you cover the carrier with a blanket or towel, your cat will be less anxious, as it will not see the other animals in the waiting room. If you use synthetic cat pheromones, spray some on the blanket or towel you use to cover your cat's carrier. Speak in a soothing voice. Animals can easily detect when humans are feeling anxious or upset. If your cat is fearful of vet visits, it may be helpful to speak in a soft, calming voice around your cat while you are at the vet's office and on the drive there. Offer your cat tasty treats. Treats are a great way to calm a pet and offer it reassurance. With your vet's permission, you can offer your cat tasty treats before and during the exam or procedure. You should also pet your cat and give it verbal praise during the exam or procedure to help it remain calm. Offer something your cat doesn't get on a regular basis. For example, many cats find bonito flakes or tuna to be delicious treats. Be sure your cat has an appetite when you get to the vet's office. You can help encourage this by skipping your cat's meal before going to the vet. Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication. If your cat is prone to severe anxiety and/or lashes out when it's frightened, you may need to medicate your pet before bringing it to the vet. A variety of different types of medicine may be prescribed to your cat to reduce anxiety. Some commonly-prescribed medications include: tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline and Clomipramine selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, and Sertraline azapirones like Buspirone benzodiazepines like Alprazolam and Diazepam See if you can wait outside. If your vet does not offer a cat-friendly waiting room and your pet is feeling overwhelmed, you may want to see if you can wait outside the office. Explain the situation and ask the receptionist at your vet's office if you can wait in the parking lot or in your car until the doctor is ready to see your cat. Let your cat get comfortable. When you enter the exam room, your cat may still be frightened. Reaching into the carrier and grabbing your pet will only make this anxiety worse. The best approach is to open the carrier door (or take the roof off, if it detaches) and let your cat come out on its own when it feels comfortable. Your cat may wish to stay inside the carrier for the bulk of your visit. If this is usually the case, consider purchasing a carrier that has a removable top so your vet can conduct a check-up without having to take your cat out. | Give your pet regular check-ups. Get your cat comfortable with its carrier. Take your cat for car trips. Find a cat-friendly vet. Handle and play with your cat. Skip your cat's pre-visit meal. Administer anti-anxiety medication. Spray synthetic pheromones. Cover your pet carrier. Speak in a soothing voice. Offer your cat tasty treats. Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medication. See if you can wait outside. Let your cat get comfortable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Garlic-Bread | How to Make Garlic Bread | To make garlic bread, start by mixing butter, crushed garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, use a knife to cut a baguette into slices, stopping before you cut through the bottom of the bread so all of the slices are still attached. Next, fill the gaps between the slices with the butter and garlic mixture and then wrap the baguette in aluminum foil. Finally, bake the garlic bread for 20 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, turning it over halfway through. | Preheat the oven. Set the temperature of the oven to 175ºC (325ºF/ gas mark 3.5). Make the garlic butter. Spoon the butter into a small bowl. Place some of the garlic cloves into the crusher, squeeze the handle tightly down and scrape off the crushed garlic into the bowl. Continue this process until all the garlic has been crushed. Pour in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper and stir well. Slice and fill. Place the baguette onto the chopping board and cut across diagonally, into 2-3cm (3/4 inch to an inch) slices, without cutting completely through the bread. Create a gap between the slices. Add a dollop of the garlic butter, and smooth it down with the butter knife. Finally, spread any remaining butter over the top of the baguette. Wrap in foil. Unroll the aluminum foil and tear off a large enough piece to wrap the baguette. Place the garlic bread into the center of the foil. Wrap up the garlic bread. Seal the ends well. Bake. Place the baguette into the center of the oven and bake for ten minutes. Turn it over, bake for a further 10 minutes. Remove it after the time is up. Serve. Unwrap the garlic bread, cut the rest of the way through the slices, and serve Choose your preferred bread. French bread (the long loaf/baguette) works best but chunkier bread can also work provided it has enough soft surface. Make the garlic and olive oil mixture. In a small bowl, mix crushed garlic with olive oil, and let it sit for a few minutes. Cut the bread into slices without cutting completely through. Use a brush to moisten the bread with the olive oil mixture. Sprinkle on garlic powder. There should be about enough to lightly cover the entire surface, but not to the point where it falls off when you invert the bread. Bake. Wrap the bread in aluminum foil, and place the bread in a toaster oven or conventional oven on a cookie tray at 350ºF/180ºC. Bake or toast for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve. Unwrap the bread, cut the rest of the way through the bread and serve. Consider varying the garlic and butter or olive oil mixes as follows: Add fresh herbs to the mix. Chop the herbs finely. Or use dried herbal mixes to taste. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter. This provides a more intense, cheesy flavor. Use half butter/half olive oil in the second method above for a better toast-like result. Try sprinkling on onion powder or chili powder for a new twist. Sprinkle freshly cracked pepper over the top of the garlic butter or oil mix. Make a delicious bruschetta. Spread the olive oil and garlic mixture on bread, then top the slices with chopped onion and tomato. Add a few shavings of Parmesan cheese if desired. For Spanish toast, toast some white bread (cut in slices or larger pieces to taste). Cut a clove of garlic just in half, and grate over the toast. Then cut in half a tomato and grate over the toast. Cover with olive oil and some sea salt and pepper. Great to eat natural or with a piece of cheese or tomato! | Preheat the oven. Make the garlic butter. Slice and fill. Wrap in foil. Bake. Serve. Choose your preferred bread. Make the garlic and olive oil mixture. Cut the bread into slices without cutting completely through. Sprinkle on garlic powder. Bake. Serve. Consider varying the garlic and butter or olive oil mixes as follows: Make a delicious bruschetta. For Spanish toast, toast some white bread (cut in slices or larger pieces to taste). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dilate-or-Shrink-Your-Pupils-on-Command | How to Dilate or Shrink Your Pupils on Command | If you need to dilate your pupils on command, try imagining a dark room or dark shapes, such as a camping ground at night. Alternatively, focus on an object that's far away or unfocus your eyes to make your pupils widen. You could also try drinking an espresso, since caffeine can help trigger your iris muscles to relax. If you want to shrink your pupils instead, stare directly at natural light, but not the sun, or focus intently on an object close by. | Imagine a dark room. Research in 2014 showed that people can sometimes dilate their pupils by imagining dark shapes or dark scenes. Think of those black bears assaulting a black campground at midnight, and your eyes may widen temporarily. Focus on distant objects, or unfocus your eyes. Your pupils will get bigger as your eyes adjust to a further viewing distance. Another way to approach this is to suddenly unfocus your eyes, blurring your vision as much as you can. If you're doing this correctly, your eyes will feel very relaxed; if you start to see double, you've probably crossed your eyes and need to start over. With these techniques, you won't be able to observe your own eyes, so you'll need to record yourself or have a friend watch. Face a darker part of the room. As you probably know, pupils grow to let in more light. If you aren't able to dim the surrounding lighting, you can still dilate your pupils by turning to face away from windows and light source. Try tensing your stomach. Suck your stomach in and keep the muscles tight as you watch yourself in a mirror, to see whether your pupils increase. Some people can dilate their pupils in this way, although the underlying mechanism is unidentified. If you see no change after repeated tensing and bending, move on to a different technique. Picture something that gives you an adrenaline rush. Your pupils can dilate dramatically when you are excited, or especially when sexually stimulated, due to the release of oxytocin and adrenaline. In addition to dilated pupils, these chemicals also causes your mind to race, muscles to tense up, and breathing to go faster. Through biofeedback, people can learn to "drive" their adrenaline levels up or down. Use allergy eye drops. Pick up some over-the-counter eye drops intended to be used to treat allergies. These can cause your eyes to become dilated. Be sure to read the instructions, and never use more drops than the label recommends. Drink an espresso or take decongestants. Stimulants that work on the sympathetic nervous system can trigger your iris muscles to dilate your pupils. These include caffeine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine. The last three are found in most over-the-counter decongestants. Consider 5-HTP supplements. This is an over-the-counter drug you can find at pharmacies or anywhere that sells health supplements. While 5-HTP is generally safe, too high a dosage can cause dangerous effects from "serotonin syndrome." Stick within the recommended dosage, and avoid 5-HTP entirely if you are on LSD, cocaine, antidepressants, large B-vitamin doses, or other substances that increase serotonin levels. Avoid other substances unless recommended by a doctor. Some prescription eye drops can dilate pupils, but have serious side effects that should be weighed by a doctor. If you are going through methadone treatment or have a medical condition that constricts your pupils, ask your doctor for advice on how to counteract this. Some recreational drugs cause dilated pupils as well. These are illegal in most areas, and can come with additional health risks if combined with other substances that cause dilated or constricted pupils. Look at a bright, natural light. Stare at a bright window for a couple seconds. This will cause your pupils to shrink immediately. If you're outside, step into a patch of sunlight, rather than staying in the shadows. While light bulbs will work as well, natural light is more effective. Never look directly at the sun, as this could damage your eyes. Focus intently on something close to you. Your pupils will narrow as you change your focus to something in front of your face. You can start by closing one eye and placing your finger in front of the open one. With practice, you can learn to focus your eyes close even when there's nothing there. Consider medication. There are a variety of medications used to constrict the pupil, but these are usually only available as a prescription, or even administered by the doctor only. Opiates constrict pupils, but most examples are illegal in most countries. They can also cause serious harm, especially when combined with other drugs that cause pupil constriction or dilation. | Imagine a dark room. Focus on distant objects, or unfocus your eyes. Face a darker part of the room. Try tensing your stomach. Picture something that gives you an adrenaline rush. Use allergy eye drops. Drink an espresso or take decongestants. Consider 5-HTP supplements. Avoid other substances unless recommended by a doctor. Look at a bright, natural light. Focus intently on something close to you. Consider medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Into-the-High-School-of-Your-Choice | How to Get Into the High School of Your Choice | To get into the high school of your choice, you'll want to do well at school and get good recommendations. Study hard for your exams and assignments so you'll get the best grades you can. Make sure you attend as many classes as you can, since many high schools take your attendance into account. With some high schools, especially the more competitive ones, you'll have a better chance of getting in if you do extra curricular activities like sports and other clubs. To get good recommendations, ask the teachers you know well and you've had good experiences, since they'll probably write more positive letters for you. Ask them as early as possible so they'll have more time to write your recommendations. | Check which schools you’re able to attend based on where you live. Some states require that every school accepts a certain number of students from the immediate surrounding area, like the town or borough. Try to prioritize applications to schools that are in your town, and apply to a few other schools outside of your town if you want to. Some schools are allowed to accept students outside of the surrounding area, while others aren't. Be sure to check the regulations in your area. Attend a high school fair if there’s one in your area. Bring a folder and a pen to the fair, and come with a list of 10-12 schools that you'd like to learn more about. While you're at the fair, talk to the admissions representatives at the schools where you're thinking about applying, and ask them questions about applying to the school and what life is like as a student. In some cities, like New York City, the Department of Education hosts a large fair with all of the high schools in the city. Some areas even have additional fairs for individual towns and boroughs. Visit any schools that you’re interested in attending. Check the school's website and schedule a tour for potential students with the admissions office. Some schools might even have special days where they offer tours for all of the potential students at once. If you can't schedule a tour, try attending an event at the school, like a sports game or a musical, to get a better understanding of the school and students. Keep in mind that some schools consider whether or not you came for a tour in their admission decisions. If you think they might, it's best to play it safe and take a tour. Gather an admissions rubric from each school that you visit. While you're on your tour, don't be afraid to ask questions. If a staff member is giving the tour, wait until the end, and then ask if they have an admissions rubric for potential students. This will outline how they decide who gets into the school and will tell you what they think are the most important parts of your application. In some states, each school can have their own admissions rubric. However, some states have one general rubric for all high schools. If they don't have a rubric, you can ask them to generally explain the most important parts of the application. Apply to as many schools and programs as possible to increase your chances. Depending on where you live, you might be able to apply to an unlimited number of schools, or you might only be able to pick a few. Try to apply to as many schools as possible to increase your chances of getting accepted. Pick a variety of schools, including competitive schools, local schools, and specialty programs. For example, in New York City, you can apply to up to 12 schools. Try to apply to your 12 top schools, even if you don't love all of them. Remember to rank them in order from your favorite to least favorite on your application. Fill out the online or paper application for the school. Depending on where you live, there might be one online application for all of the schools in the area, or each school might have a different application. Make sure to answer all of the questions in the application and include all of the required materials for the application so the school doesn't disqualify you. Depending on your location, you might be required to submit test scores, do an interview, ask for recommendations, or answer written questions. If you aren't sure about how to access an online application or don't know how to find a paper application, ask your teacher, a parent, or a guidance counselor to help you. Be sure to write down your username and password for your online applications so that you can log in and work on the application when you need to. Accept help from your parents or guardian to create a strong application. Your parents might have to help you create your profile for the applications, including questions about where they pay taxes and other information that you might not know. If you don't understand any part of the application, don't be afraid to ask a parent for help. Studies show that students have a better chance of getting into more competitive schools when their families are involved. If your parents aren't able to answer a question that you have, you can ask a teacher or guidance counselor to help you find an answer. Ask your teachers to write positive recommendation letters for you if needed. Try to pick teachers and other staff members who you've had good experiences with or who you learned a lot from. About 1-2 months before your application is due, make an appointment to talk to them about your goals so they can write you the best recommendation possible. For example, you can approach your teacher say, “Hi, Mrs. Bradley. I'm going to be submitting my application to McKinley High School next month, and I was wondering if you would feel comfortable writing a positive recommendation letter for me? I really enjoyed your class and am proud of the fact that I got a good grade. Are you able to meet with me after school this week to talk about my application?” Some schools require that you have a recommendation from a teacher, an administrator, or both. Even if you weren't very talkative in class, if you did well and worked hard, your teacher will probably have nice things to say about you. Submit your applications according to the school’s deadline. Check the school's website to view the deadlines for different programs and students. To submit online, in most cases all you have to do is click “submit” or “confirm application”. For a paper application, be sure to address and stamp the envelope and place it in the mail at least 1 day before the deadline. Some states have a general application deadline for all schools in the state. Most schools will have this deadline posted on their website. If you apply late, there's a chance your application won't be looked at. Practice for the interview if you’re applying to a private school. Ask a parent or teacher to hold a practice interview with you a few weeks before your real interview. Dress up in your interview clothes, shake their hand, and answer their questions as if it was your real interview. This will help to get rid of some of your nervousness before the actual interview. For example, you can have them ask you questions like “What's your favorite subject and why?” “Why do you want to come to this school?” and “How do you plan to be a good student at our school?” After the interview, talk with your parent or teacher about what you did well and where you can improve for your real interview. Stay positive while you wait for your results. It's easy to get nervous while you wait to hear back from your top schools. Try to stay busy by focusing on schoolwork or other hobbies. Remember that you can be successful no matter what school you go to, as long as you try your hardest and continue to get good grades. Once you're accepted into a school, try to let them know as soon as possible whether or not you'll be able to go. If you don't get into the school that you wanted, check to see if you can re-apply during a second round of admissions or appeal the school's decision. Otherwise, try to accept a place at the best school where you got accepted into. Get good grades in your classes in the 3-4 years before high school. Most schools look at grades from 5th grade until 8th grade, so make sure you're trying your hardest in all of your classes. Try to aim for As and Bs in all of your classes to get into the best school possible. Some schools won't accept anyone with a grade of C or lower. If you do have a low grade, you can sometimes attach a short essay to your application explaining why you didn't do well in the class. Remember to be honest and talk about how it helped you grow as a student. Take practice exams to score well on standardized tests. Download practice tests and study guides for your state exam from the Internet, or purchase a practice booklet at the bookstore. Work through the problems on the tests, and circle any that give you trouble. Then, go back and review those skills and figure out the problem. If you're having trouble with many of the problems, consider asking your parents to send you to a tutor or sign up for after-school tutoring. Most states require a standardized test or a school admissions test for students who are applying to high school. Sometimes these tests are given during class time, but other times you have to sign up to take them outside of class. Check your state's rules for more information. Attend all of your class to show your commitment to learning. Some schools look at how many classes you've missed throughout the last 3-4 years. Remember to go to all of your classes unless you're sick or have another valid excuse. If you have a valid excuse, talk to your teachers or principal about getting the absence removed or “exempted” from your attendance record. If the absence is “exempted,” the high school will be able to see that you missed a day of school, but there will be a note that the absence was for an approved reason. Get involved in activities outside of class. Competitive high schools look for students who have many different skills. Show them all of your talents by learning how to play an instrument, acting in a musical, playing on a sports team, or joining another type of club at your school. If you're really passionate about something, don't be afraid to talk to them about it in your application! For example, if you're really interested in computer science and want to go to a science high school, you can join, or even start, a robotics team at your school. If you play an instrument and want to go to a performing arts school, show them that you're interested in a variety of types of performance by performing in the school play or singing with the chorus. | Check which schools you’re able to attend based on where you live. Attend a high school fair if there’s one in your area. Visit any schools that you’re interested in attending. Gather an admissions rubric from each school that you visit. Apply to as many schools and programs as possible to increase your chances. Fill out the online or paper application for the school. Accept help from your parents or guardian to create a strong application. Ask your teachers to write positive recommendation letters for you if needed. Submit your applications according to the school’s deadline. Practice for the interview if you’re applying to a private school. Stay positive while you wait for your results. Get good grades in your classes in the 3-4 years before high school. Take practice exams to score well on standardized tests. Attend all of your class to show your commitment to learning. Get involved in activities outside of class. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Nail-Glue-from-Nails | How to Remove Nail Glue from Nails | To remove nail glue from your nails without using acetone, start by soaking your fingers in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. The soap and water will soak into the glue and soften it, making it a lot easier for you to remove the nails. Alternatively, you can soften up the nail glue by putting a few drops of cuticle oil on each nail for a few seconds. Once the glue has softened, look for a spot on the nail where it is already detaching and gently pry off the nail at that spot with the tip of a nail file. Avoid yanking the nail if it doesn't come off easily. Instead, soak the nail in soapy water for a few more minutes before trying again. When the fake nails are all off and your natural nails have dried a bit, use a nail buffer to rub away most of the glue. | Soak your nails in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. Fill a bowl or sink basin with warm water and a little gentle hand soap. Place your hands in the bowl or basin so that your glue-on nails are completely submerged in the water, and keep them there for about 15 minutes. The soap and water will soak into the nail glue and soften it, making it easier to remove the nails. You can also soak your nails in a little pure acetone to soften the glue, but be aware that acetone is much harsher on your skin, nails and cuticles than soap and water. Alternatively, soften up your nail glue by putting a few drops of cuticle oil on each false nail and letting it soak in for a few seconds. Pry off the fake nails gently once the glue has softened. Look for a spot where the nail has already begun to detach, and gently begin prying off the nail from that spot. If you can't find a loose spot, carefully work the tip of a nail file under the edges of the fake nail to loosen it. Don't try to yank the nail off if it doesn't pry loose easily. Soak the nail in soapy water for a few more minutes if you need to soften up the glue a little more. Use a nail buffer to carefully file off excess glue. Once the false nails are off and your natural nails have dried out a bit, use the “buff” side of a nail buffer block to buff away most of the glue. When you're satisfied that you've removed most or all of the glue, rinse away the powder with water. If you like, you can then use the “shine” side of the buffer to polish up your nails after buffing them. Take off any remaining glue with acetone. Soak a cotton ball in acetone and rub it on each fingernail to remove any residual traces of nail glue. Wash your hands with soap and water to rinse away the acetone and any other residues on your hands and nails. If your nails feel dry after you've rubbed them with acetone, apply a little nail moisturizer or cuticle oil. Trim your false nails down as far as possible. Acrylic nails are made of materials that adhere directly to your natural nails instead of being stuck on with glue. Use a pair of nail scissors or clippers to trim the false nails down to a short but comfortable length, without cutting off any of your natural nails. This will make the rest of the removal process quicker because there will be less material to dissolve. Don't trim down into your nail bed as this will be painful. This process works for SNS (dipping powder nails), and acrylic nails. File off the glossy surface of the false nail. If the acrylic nails are still attached to your natural nails, use a nail file to remove the shiny surface. Rub the file back and forth across your nails until the glossy surface is gone and the nails look matte. Try to rub each part of the nail evenly. This will make the removal process quicker and more effective. If you see any of your natural nails coming through under the fake nails, stop filing that spot. If you continue to file, you risk damaging your natural nails. Wipe off any dust with a clean, dry cloth. A microfiber cloth is an inexpensive and effective option; however, any clean cloth will work. Remove any dust from your nails to make it easier for the acetone to penetrate the remaining acrylic. Rub petroleum jelly on the skin around your nails. This will help to protect your skin from the acetone. Apply a thin layer to your nails beds and the skin below and around your nails. If you have dry or sensitive skin, apply the petroleum jelly liberally. Wrap each of the nails on 1 hand in a cotton ball dipped in acetone. If your acetone comes in a dripper bottle, gently squeeze it onto the cotton pads. If the acetone comes in a regular bottle, you will need to pour it into a small disposable bowl and then dip the cotton pads into the bowl. Place each soaked cotton pad over 1 of your nails. If you don't have cotton pads, cotton balls will also work. Purchase acetone and cotton pads from a pharmacy or a supermarket. If you have sensitive skin, choose an acetone-based nail polish remover that is designed for sensitive skin. The fumes from acetone can be toxic, so always use it in well-ventilated areas. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around each nail and cotton pad. Tear off a piece of aluminum foil that is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) x 2 inches (5.1 cm). Check that the cotton pad is in place and then wrap the foil around the nail and cotton pad. The aluminum foil will help trap warmth and moisture so the acetone doesn't evaporate before the glue has a chance to soften. This speeds up the removal process. Repeat the process for all the nails on 1 hand, and then move to the other hand. If you find it difficult to work on your opposite hand while your original hand is still soaking, ask a friend to help you or wait until you have removed the foil and cotton pads before attempting to start the other hand. Remove the foil and pads after 20 minutes. Set a timer for 20 minutes and let the acetone work its magic. Unravel the foil around your nails and remove the cotton pads. You should notice that that the glue has dissolved and that the false nails have become squishy. If the first nail is still covered in glue or the false nails are still firmly in place, leave the foil and pads on for another 15 minutes. Be careful not to place the used acetone pads onto wooden or plastic tables as the chemicals will damage the surface. Push off the squishy false nails with a tea towel. Use a clean kitchen towel to clean off the dissolved residue from the false nails. Apply pressure to the tea towel as you clean the nails but stop if your natural nails start hurting. Replace the acetone-soaked cotton balls and foil if the false nails don't come off easily. Use a nail file to buff away any excess glue or paint. Don't worry about filing your whole nail. Instead, concentrate on the areas that have remnants of glue. Try your best not to press too hard as you don't want to file your natural nails. Purchase a nail file from a pharmacy. Note that some stores will call them nail buffers. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water. Acetone will dry out your skin if it is left on, so remove it with warm water and natural soap. A natural soap will help to leave the natural oils in your skin. Use regular soap if that's all you have at home. Rub a natural skin oil over your hands and nails. Removing nail glue from your nails tends to dry out your hands. Rub a natural oil liberally over your nails, cuticles, and hands to restore their natural moisture. Almond oil and olive oil are good natural nail moisturizers. Purchase these from a natural health and beauty store or from a pharmacy. Give your nails a breather between manicures. If you wear false nails a lot, your natural nails will benefit from taking a break between applications. After you remove the false nails, give your real nails a few days to a week to recover before adding any new false nails or paint. Try taking a week-long break every 8 weeks between manicures. Consider applying fake nails without glue next time, to see whether this works better for you than having to deal with nail glue removal. | Soak your nails in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes. Pry off the fake nails gently once the glue has softened. Use a nail buffer to carefully file off excess glue. Take off any remaining glue with acetone. Trim your false nails down as far as possible. File off the glossy surface of the false nail. Wipe off any dust with a clean, dry cloth. Rub petroleum jelly on the skin around your nails. Wrap each of the nails on 1 hand in a cotton ball dipped in acetone. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around each nail and cotton pad. Remove the foil and pads after 20 minutes. Push off the squishy false nails with a tea towel. Use a nail file to buff away any excess glue or paint. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water. Rub a natural skin oil over your hands and nails. Give your nails a breather between manicures. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Braid | How to Braid | To braid your hair, divide your hair into 3 even sections and use your fingers to separate the sections from one another. Start your braid by crossing the right section over the middle section. Then, cross the left section over the middle section. Continue crossing the right and left sections over the middle section until you've reached the end of your hair! Finish by binding your braid with a hair tie or scrunchie. | Brush your hair. Brush your hair so it is light and fluffy. You want to get rid of any knots so your braid is silky smooth! This also makes the braiding process easier, so make sure you do it. Decide where the braid is going to be. Is it going to be at the back of your head on a pony tail? Is it going to be at the side or lower down near your neck? Decide this to determine where and how it will look best. Divide your hair into three sections. Use a comb to part your hair in two places to create three sections with even amounts of hair. One section is on the right side of your head, one in the middle, and one on the left side. Use your fingers to hold the sections separate from each other. Cross the right section over the middle section. Keep the sections tight, so the finished braid won't come loose. Now the right section has become the middle section. Cross the left section over the middle section. Cross the left section over the middle section. You've now completed the first segment of the braid. Keep holding the sections taut and apart from one another. Continue crossing the right and left sections over the middle. Keep weaving the left section over the middle, then the right section over the middle, always holding all of the sections taut and separate. Keep braiding the sections together until you run out of hair. Secure the end with a hairband. Hold the braid in place by wrapping a hairband around the end, leaving a 1" unbraided tail to keep it secure. Try other braiding styles. Now that you know the basic braiding form, try these gorgeous hairstyles to show off your new skills. They may take some practice, but you'll be pleased with the results. Do a French braid. French braids start at the scalp, incorporating hair from the sides of the head, and end in a braided tail secured with a hairband. Done correctly, a French braid will keep your hair out of your face all day and earn you plenty of compliments. Do a fishtail braid. This pretty braid looks more delicate than a regular braid, since you're working with smaller sections of hair. Try a Dutch braid. This looks like a French braid, only inside-out. Create a rope braid. This is made by twisting the strands of hair as you braid them. Cut three pieces the same length. Whether you're using ribbon, string, or another long, thin material, start with three pieces that are all the same. Tie the three pieces together with a knot. Use a knot to tie the pieces together about 1/2" from the ends. You can double knot the pieces to make sure they're secure. Tape the ends to a board. Use a piece of masking tape to tape the ends above the knot to a board or other hard surface, to keep the pieces anchored while you braid. Separate the pieces and hold them taut. One is the left piece, one is the middle piece, and one is the right piece. Cross the right piece over the middle piece. Now the formerly left piece is in the middle. Continue holding all three pieces taut. Cross the left piece over the middle piece. This completes the first section of the braid. Continue crossing the right and left pieces over the middle. Alternate crossing the left over the middle, then the right over the middle, making sure the strings stay taut. Continue weaving the strings in this way until you've run out of string to weave. Tie a knot in the bottom. Gather the three ends and make another knot to secure them. Pick three flowers with long stems. Try to pick them so that the stems are all approximately the same length. You need flowers with sturdy, pliable stems, like dandelions or clover. Hold the flowers together just below their heads. Lightly pinch them together with one hand to hold them in place. Separate the stems. Use the other hand to gently separate the three stems, so you have a right stem, a middle stem, and a left stem. Cross the right stem over the middle stem. Keep handling the stems gently, and cross the right stem over the middle so that the right has now become the middle. Cross the left stem over the middle stem. Now the left stem has become the middle stem. Keep weaving the stems in this manner. Cross the right over the middle, then the left over the middle. Don't pull too hard, or the stems may break. Secure the ends. Once you've run out of stem to weave, secure the three ends together by tying a knot, if possible, or using a bit of string instead if you want to make sure not to break the stems. | Brush your hair. Decide where the braid is going to be. Divide your hair into three sections. Cross the right section over the middle section. Cross the left section over the middle section. Continue crossing the right and left sections over the middle. Secure the end with a hairband. Try other braiding styles. Cut three pieces the same length. Tie the three pieces together with a knot. Tape the ends to a board. Separate the pieces and hold them taut. Cross the right piece over the middle piece. Cross the left piece over the middle piece. Continue crossing the right and left pieces over the middle. Tie a knot in the bottom. Pick three flowers with long stems. Hold the flowers together just below their heads. Separate the stems. Cross the right stem over the middle stem. Cross the left stem over the middle stem. Keep weaving the stems in this manner. Secure the ends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Peel-Eggplant | How to Peel Eggplant | To properly peel an eggplant, first rinse the vegetable under cool running water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut off the stem from the end of the eggplant, then hold it in your non-dominant hand against a cutting board. With your dominant hand, draw a vegetable peeler down the full length of the eggplant to remove a straight strip of skin. If you don't have a vegetable peeler, carefully slice away the peel with a paring knife, instead. Continue all the way around the eggplant. | Wash the eggplant. Rinse the eggplant in cool running water, then dry it with clean paper towels. Even though you'll be removing the skin, you should still take the time to clean the dirt from it. Bacteria and grime from the skin of the eggplant can get on your hands as you handle it during the peeling process. That debris can transfer from your hands to the flesh of the eggplant post-peeling. By cleaning the vegetable before you peel it, you minimize this risk. To the same end, you should also make sure that your hands are clean before you handle the eggplant. Wash your hands well with soap and water, then dry them off. Cut off the end. Use a sharp kitchen knife to remove the stem end of the eggplant. Cut off the stem end in a clean slice, positioning the slice just below the base of the stem. The part of the eggplant connected to the stem and the leaves is naturally tougher than the rest of the vegetable, so removing it will improve the eggplant's overall texture. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid4452541-v4-728px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Removing the stem also exposes the flesh of the eggplant, thereby giving you a cleaner, easier place to start your peeling. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/aid4452541-v4-728px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":310,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"491","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>"} If desired, you can also cut off the bottom end of the eggplant during this time. The peel can be tricky to remove at the very bottom of the eggplant, so some people prefer to remove a 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) slice of eggplant from the bottom to avoid dealing with the skin there. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/aid4452541-v4-728px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-2Bullet3.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>"} Peel off a strip of skin. Hold the eggplant in your non-dominant hand, bracing the bottom against your cutting board at a sideways tilt. Using your dominant had, position the blade of a vegetable peeler beside the skin on the top cut end of the eggplant. Draw the peeler down over the full length of the eggplant, taking a straight strip of skin with you as you go. Always peel along the length of the eggplant (top to bottom) rather than peeling across the width (side to side). The eggplant is easier to handle when you peel along the length. As a result, the process will take much quicker and you are less likely to accidentally cut yourself. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid4452541-v4-728px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet1.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>"} The bottom of the eggplant should be tilted away from you or to the side. Do not tilt it toward you, and do not draw the peeler toward you as you work. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/aid4452541-v4-728px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet2.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>"} If you do not have a vegetable peeler, use a small paring knife, instead. Position the blade of the paring knife just beneath the skin at the top cut end of your eggplant. Draw the knife straight down the side of the vegetable, working carefully so that you only remove skin and do not remove any flesh from the eggplant. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet3.jpg\/aid4452541-v4-728px-Peel-Eggplant-Step-3Bullet3.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>"} Remove the rest of the skin in the same manner. Place the blade of the vegetable peeler directly beside the bare strip on your eggplant. Draw it down the length of the vegetable again, removing another strip of skin and enlarging the bare spot on the eggplant. Continue working in this manner until the entire eggplant has been peeled. Ideally, you should be able to remove the skin in clean strips, leaving none of it behind as you progress around the perimeter of the vegetable. Redo sections of stray skin. Look over the eggplant. If you notice any small strips or patches of skin that you missed the first time around, draw the blade of the vegetable peeler over those patches to remove them. Repeat this step as needed until the entire vegetable is bare. Continue to peel the skin away in lengthwise strips, rather than using crosswise strokes. This step completes the standard peeling process. You can use the eggplant as called for in your chosen recipe from this point on. Consider leaving the skin on. Many people prefer the taste and texture of a peeled eggplant to that of an eggplant with its skin left intact, but the skin is edible, so you may not need to peel it off. The peel provides dietary fiber, so it is nutritionally beneficial. Unfortunately, the skin is also tough and bitter, making it somewhat unpleasant to eat. The necessity of peeling often depends on how the eggplant will be used. If you intend to roast or grill the vegetable in slices, leaving the skin on can help hold the flesh together. On the other hand, if you intend to cut the eggplant into cubes, quickly stir-fry slices of it, or bread it before cooking, the flesh should hold together even without the skin. As a general rule, always peel older eggplants that are nearly over-ripe. As an eggplant ages, the skin gets tougher and becomes more difficult to cook. Young, tender eggplants can be cooked with the skin on or off. Peel the eggplant in a striped fashion. Doing this leaves some of the skin on the eggplant. The amount of skin that remains is enough to help hold the flesh of the eggplant together. To peel the eggplant in stripes, follow the standard peeling procedure with one exception: instead of removing the skin in side-by-side strips, skip over a 1-inch (2.5-cm) section of skin before peeling off your next strip. The end result will be an eggplant with stripes of skin still intact at relatively even intervals around the perimeter of the vegetable. Peel only partially when cutting into slices. If you intend to cut the eggplant into lengthwise slices or planks, leaving most of the skin on is advisable. You should still peel off a section of skin on the front and back of the eggplant, however. Stand the eggplant upright on its end and remove a lengthwise strip of skin from one side. Remove another lengthwise strip of skin from the side directly opposite this first side, then cut the eggplant in lengthwise slices running parallel to these new bare spots. The sides of each slice should retain their peels, while the front and back of each slice should reveal the flesh of the eggplant. Doing this will allow the flesh to take on more color and flavor as you cook it. Remove the skin after you cook the eggplant. Even though the skin is usually removed before you cook the eggplant, you can separate the flesh of a cooked eggplant from its skin relatively easily before serving or consuming it. You can use a paring knife to peel off the cooked skin. Wait for the eggplant to cool slightly so that you can handle it without burning your fingers. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the slice or section of eggplant in place, then use your dominant hand to carefully slice off the skin, removing as little flesh as possible in the process. The skin should separate from the flesh of the vegetable with relative ease at this point. Depending on how soft the eggplant is after you cook it, you may even be able to peel the skin off using your fingers. Alternatively, if you're the only one eating the eggplant and do not need to worry about serving a portion to someone else, you can separate the skin from the flesh by simply scooping the flesh out with a spoon or fork as you eat it, leaving the burnt, bitter peel on your plate. | Wash the eggplant. Cut off the end. Peel off a strip of skin. Remove the rest of the skin in the same manner. Redo sections of stray skin. Consider leaving the skin on. Peel the eggplant in a striped fashion. Peel only partially when cutting into slices. Remove the skin after you cook the eggplant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-English-Pronunciation | How to Improve English Pronunciation | If you want to improve your English pronunciation, try looking up the word you want to say in an online dictionary, like dictionary.com. Then, click on the speakerphone symbol to get an audio sample of how to pronounce the word. You can also read a passage out loud from a book once a day to practice your pronunciation. Additionally, try listening to English podcasts and imitating the presenters to learn proper intonation and rhythm. | Study how to form your mouth and tongue for each sound. Look up how to shape your mouth and tongue for each sound or watch a native speaker as they talk. Next, look in a mirror and try to match that shape. Look up where to put your tongue or teeth as well. These can also vary the pronunciation of a sound. English language learning videos online are a great place to learn how to shape your mouth, tongue, and teeth. Round your lips to make the "R" sound. Push the lips slightly forward as you speak. Pull your tongue down towards the middle of your mouth. Once you've tried saying the "R" by itself, practice with words like "right," "sorry," and "road." Stick your tongue behind your teeth to make an "L" sound. The tip of your tongue should touch the roof of your mouth just behind your top front teeth. Open your mouth but do not make a shape with it. Practice first by saying "la, la" several times. Once you've gotten that down, try saying words like "light," "love," and "lamp." Place your tongue between your teeth to make a "th" sound. To make a “th” sound, put your tongue just under your top teeth but do not touch the teeth. As you pronounce it, air should flow between your tongue and top teeth. Start practice by saying "the" several times until you master it. Then try saying words like "that," "this," and "teeth." Rest your top teeth on your lips to make a "v" sound. As you make this sound, you should feel your teeth and lips vibrate. Practice with words like "very," "voice," and "love." Once you've mastered "v," challenge yourself with words like "verve" or "volvo." Read a passage out loud every day. No matter what stage of learning you're at, daily practice is essential. Choose a passage from a magazine, online news site, or book. Read it out loud every day. Start by reading it to yourself. Once you're more advanced, ask a native speaker or English teacher to listen to you speak. Record yourself speaking to see how you have improved. Use an app on your phone or a voice recorder. Hit record and speak English into it. When you are done, play it back. How do you sound? Identify words that you need to spend more time studying. Find something to read, like a passage from a magazine, a poem, or a blog. To compare your recording to a native speakers, read out loud a famous poem. Then compare it to a recording of a native speaker saying the same poem. How do you compare? If you're in an English class, ask your teacher to listen to the recording. Ask them how you could improve. Talk to a dictation app. Some apps and programs will transform your spoken word into text. If you mispronounce something, it will tell you. You can use a translation program like Google Translate, a language learning program like Dictation.io, or an electronic assistant program like Siri or Alexa. If you mispronounce a word, these programs will correct you by asking if you meant a different word. Practice tongue twisters. Tongue twisters are phrases that are difficult to say quickly because they contain many similar sounds. These are a great way for advanced learners to practice their skills. Try to say the following phrases correctly. When you master them, try saying them faster. She sells sea shells on the sea shore. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Red lorry, yellow lorry, red lorry, yellow lorry. Find a native speaker to be your English buddy. A language buddy can hold conversations to help you learn to speak English naturally. Ask your buddy if they would correct you when you mispronounce something. Look for a language buddy on an online penpal site. Ask if they would talk on the phone or video chat with you. If you're in an English class, ask your teacher if they can help you find a buddy. They may know of an exchange program that you can sign up for. Look up how to pronounce the word in a dictionary. Online dictionaries, like Dictionary.com or the MacMillan Dictionary, often provide audio samples for each word. Click on the speakerphone symbol to listen. Alternatively, if you know the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), read the pronunciation symbols. Sound out each syllable of the word. For difficult words, break it down into its individual parts. Practice each syllable individually before putting the word back together. To test how many syllables there are, place your hand just below your chin. Count how many times your chin touches your hand as you speak. Each tap is a different syllable. For example, if you're pronouncing “apple,” you would break it up into the following syllables: ap/ple. Create flashcards for each word. Memorize cards in sets of 10. This will help you learn the meaning and pronunciation of the word together. You can make your own flashcards using note cards or use a flashcards app on your phone. Add pictures to your flashcards. This will make your cards more effective. Write down how to pronounce the word phonetically. On each flashcard, write down how to pronounce each syllable individually. When you study, this will help you remember how to say the word. There are 2 ways you can do this. If you know IPA, put down the IPA spelling of each word. You can find this in any English-language dictionary. If you don't know IPA, write down how you might spell the word phonetically in your own language. While this can sometimes be an unreliable method, it may make it easier for you to memorize each word. Mark which syllable needs to be stressed. In English, certain syllables are stressed in each word. When creating flashcards, make a note of which syllable needs to be stressed. You can draw a line over the syllable, underline it, or write the letters in capitals. Say this syllable with more emphasis or make it slightly louder than the others. The rules of stressing can vary greatly in English. In 2 syllable nouns (like wa ter) or adjectives (like yell ow), the first syllable is stressed. In 2 syllable verbs (like re lax ), however, the second syllable is stressed. In words with 3 or more syllables, the suffix (or ending of the word) determines which syllables get the stress. For example, for most words that end in -ly (like qui etly) or -er ( man ager), stress the first syllable. In words that end in -tion (cre a tion) or -ic (photo graph ic), stress the second to last syllable. Rules can vary greatly on stressing, and there are many exceptions to every rule. A dictionary will always tell you the correct syllable to stress. Listen to podcasts and videos every day. The best way to learn pronunciation is to listen to native speakers. There are many podcasts and videos you can use to help improve your ear for English pronunciation. Listen to at least 1 podcast or video a day. You might watch a TV show, listen to a radio program, or look up programs on the internet. Read a transcript of the video or podcast as you listen. Reading along will help you match the sound to the letters. You will begin to recognize how individual words are spelled or pronounced. On videos and YouTube, turn on closed captioning. Read the captions as the video goes along. Some English language learning websites will provide transcripts of videos or recordings. Read these as you go along. It is usually very easy to find the transcript of a famous poem or speech. Read through it as you listen to someone say it out loud. Imitate the intonation of the recording. In English, part of pronunciation is something called “intonation,” which is the rhythm and pitch of your spoken words. Listen to a sentence or short clip from the recording. Repeat what the speaker said while trying to copy the rhythm of their voice. This is a good time to record yourself speaking. Compare your recording to the original video or podcast. | Study how to form your mouth and tongue for each sound. Round your lips to make the "R" sound. Stick your tongue behind your teeth to make an "L" sound. Place your tongue between your teeth to make a "th" sound. Rest your top teeth on your lips to make a "v" sound. Read a passage out loud every day. Record yourself speaking to see how you have improved. Talk to a dictation app. Practice tongue twisters. Find a native speaker to be your English buddy. Look up how to pronounce the word in a dictionary. Sound out each syllable of the word. Create flashcards for each word. Write down how to pronounce the word phonetically. Mark which syllable needs to be stressed. Listen to podcasts and videos every day. Read a transcript of the video or podcast as you listen. Imitate the intonation of the recording. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Infected-Nipple-Piercing | How to Treat an Infected Nipple Piercing | If you need to treat an infected nipple piercing, make sure to leave your piercing in until it's healed or else discharge could get trapped under your skin and create an abscess. Clean your nipple piercing twice a day with soap and warm water to help the infection heal faster. After washing your piercing, follow up with a saline rinse. In addition to washing your piercing, place a warm compress on it for 15 to 30 minutes every 2 to 3 hours by soaking a clean washcloth in warm water and draping it over your nipple. Until your infection heals, wear loose clothing to reduce any friction and sweat that can make it worse. If your infection doesn't get better after a week, see your doctor for a treatment plan. | Wash your hands with soap and water before treating the piercing. Keeping your hands clean will prevent you from accidentally introducing dirt and bacteria into the piercing. Before handling your nipple piercing, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. When you're done, dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Leave in your piercing so that the discharge can drain. When you remove your piercing, your skin will start to close. This can trap discharge and pus under your skin, which can cause an abscess. This makes your infection worse and harder to treat. Leave your piercing in your nipple until your infection heals or your doctor tells you to take it out. If you're having a bad reaction to the nipple jewelry you've chosen, then your doctor may recommend changing the piercing. This way, your piercing will stay open so it can drain. If your doctor recommends this, go back to your piercer to get the nipple ring changed. Clean your nipple piercing twice a day to help the infection heal. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Then, wet your nipple with warm water and gently cleanse the area with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Rinse away the soap with warm water, and follow up with a saline rinse. Finally, pat the area dry with a clean, dry towel. You can buy a saline rinse over-the-counter, or you can make one by adding 1 teaspoon (5 g) of salt to 1 cup (240 mL) of purified water. The best time to clean and care for your piercing is after a shower. Use a warm compress for 15-30 minutes for inflammation and drainage. Soak a clean rag in warm water, then drape it over your nipple. Leave the compress in place for 15-30 minutes before removing it. Finally, pat your nipple dry. You can use a warm compress every 2-3 hours as you desire. After you use the rag, put it in the laundry. Use a fresh, clean rag every time you use a compress. Avoid using cotton balls for this purpose or for cleaning your piercing, since the fibers can get caught in the piercing and make the infection worse. Apply a cold compress for 15-30 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Fill an ice pack with ice and water. Cover your nipple with a towel to protect it from the cold. Then, position the ice pack on top of the towel, directly over your nipple. Hold the ice pack in place for 15-30 minutes. Check your skin every few minutes to make sure it's not getting too cold. You can use your cold compress every 2-3 hours, as needed. If you experience any discomfort, remove the cold compress and let your skin return to room temperature. Always place a towel or a piece of clothing between the ice and your skin. Otherwise, you may accidentally damage your skin with the ice. Soak your piercing in a sea salt bath for 5-15 minutes twice a day. Add purified water to a small glass, such as a shot glass. Then, add a pinch of sea salt and stir to dissolve it. Bend over and place your nipple into the shot glass. Press the rim of the glass up against your skin to create a seal. Wait 5-15 minutes for the salt treatment to work, then rinse with warm water. Do sea salt baths twice a day for about 3 days. If your infection doesn't improve, visit your doctor for more treatment options. Only use sea salt for your salt bath. Never use table salt, which contains iodine. Wear loose clothing while your nipple heals. Unfortunately, friction from tight clothing can make it take longer for your infection to heal. Additionally, tight clothes trap sweat and bacteria that can worsen your infection. To prevent these problems, wear loose shirts while your nipple piercing is healing. If you typically wear a bra, try to use a camisole instead, as bras can be very tight over your nipple piercing. If you absolutely must wear a bra, choose one that has soft, breathable cups that aren't too binding. Avoid using over-the-counter antibiotic creams. Although antibiotic creams are great for treating minor cuts, they don't work well for a deep infection. These creams form a thin layer on top of your skin, so they seal off the wound. This means your wound can't drain, so the infection is trapped within your wound. Talk to your doctor before putting any medication on your nipple, including over-the-counter options. Skip rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, which are too harsh. While you might usually treat your wounds with rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, using them on your nipple piercing can delay the healing process. These products can irritate your skin, which prevents healing and may cause new symptoms. Stick to your sea salt bath to minimize irritation. Visit your doctor if symptoms don’t improve after a week of home treatment. It's best to see your doctor as soon as you suspect an infection. However, medical care is necessary if your infection isn't improving or starts to get worse. If you don't get treatment, your infection can become severe. You may also start experiencing the following severe symptoms: Swelling and redness around your piercing that grows worse or increases. Increasing pain or sensitivity. A severe throbbing or burning sensation. Warm skin around the piercing. A foul smell coming from the piercing. A rash around your piercing. Yellow or green discharge. Body aches. Fatigue. Fever. See your doctor immediately for a small blood cyst or abscess. A blood cyst happens when blood collects under your skin. Similarly, an abscess develops when the discharge or pus from your nipple piercing builds up under your skin instead of draining. Both a cyst and an abscess will make a hard lump under your skin. Your doctor will confirm if you have a cyst or abscess, then they'll decide which treatment is best for you. Your doctor may recommend using a warm compress to soften the cyst or abscess to help it drain out on its own. This is more likely to happen if the cyst or abscess is small and just formed. If the cyst or abscess is large or partially hardened, your doctor may decide to drain it, which may cause discomfort. After numbing the area, your doctor will make a tiny incision over the lump so the fluids will drain. Then, they'll likely give you an antibiotic to help the wound heal. Ask your doctor if you need an antibiotic. It's likely your doctor will recommend trying home treatments first. However, if your symptoms don't improve, then your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Take your antibiotic as directed and finish the entire prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking your medication too early, your infection can return, and it may be stronger than before. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic cream for a minor infection. However, you may need an oral antibiotic for a severe infection. Keep your hands off your piercing. Touching your piercing will transfer dirt, germs, and bacteria to the area, which can cause an infection. It's best to avoid touching your piercing except for when you're cleaning or caring for your piercing. When you do need to touch your piercing, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 30 seconds. Similarly, don't let anyone else touch your piercing. If you do need to touch your piercing while cleaning or caring for it, always wash and dry your hands first. Cleanse the piercing twice a day and after exercise. After washing your hands, wet your nipple and use a gentle, fragrance free cleanser to wash your nipple piercing. Rinse your piercing with warm water, then sanitize it with your saline rinse before patting the area dry with a towel. Be sure to wash your piercing any time you get sweaty. Sweat and bacteria can cause or worsen an infection. Tell sexual partners not to lick or touch the piercing while it heals. Saliva from your partner's mouth or bacteria from their hands can cause or worsen an infection. It's important that they not handle the piercing in any way until it's completely healed. While it heals, it may be best to avoid sexual contact. Say, “My piercing is still healing, so please leave it alone.” Stay out of waterways, pools, hot tubs, and baths until your piercing heals. Water in swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, and waterways typically contains bacteria and germs that can infect your piercing. It's best to stay out of the water until your piercing is completely healed. In the meantime, stick to short showers to stay clean. Avoid using lotions, creams, and other products around your piercing. Personal care products can harbor bacteria, which may cause an infection. Similarly, these products often contain fragrances, which can irritate your piercing. Don't use the following products: Body lotion or cream Body butter Sunscreen Soap or body wash with fragrances Tanning oil | Wash your hands with soap and water before treating the piercing. Leave in your piercing so that the discharge can drain. Clean your nipple piercing twice a day to help the infection heal. Use a warm compress for 15-30 minutes for inflammation and drainage. Apply a cold compress for 15-30 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Soak your piercing in a sea salt bath for 5-15 minutes twice a day. Wear loose clothing while your nipple heals. Avoid using over-the-counter antibiotic creams. Skip rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, which are too harsh. Visit your doctor if symptoms don’t improve after a week of home treatment. See your doctor immediately for a small blood cyst or abscess. Ask your doctor if you need an antibiotic. Keep your hands off your piercing. Cleanse the piercing twice a day and after exercise. Tell sexual partners not to lick or touch the piercing while it heals. Stay out of waterways, pools, hot tubs, and baths until your piercing heals. Avoid using lotions, creams, and other products around your piercing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Scoliosis | How to Treat Scoliosis | To treat scoliosis, make sure to get diagnosed by a doctor if you haven't done so already to ensure that you get the best and safest treatment. Then, follow your doctor's suggestions, which may include things like wearing a back brace, taking pain medication, and physical therapy. You may also want to speak with your doctor about alternative treatments such as going to a chiropractor or a massage therapist. Along with regular treatment, be sure to get a checkup every 4 to 6 months to see if your scoliosis has gotten better or worse. | Look for a perceived deformity. A perceived deformity is usually the defining feature before a diagnosis. Most people will see a physician after a spinal deformity becomes clearly visible. This presents as an asymmetrical appearance of the waist, shoulders, rib cage, or spine. Scoliosis usually presents without pain. If an individual is experiencing a lot of pain associated with scoliosis, it is necessary to do a full workup to determine the cause. Watch for the symptoms. Since scoliosis is usually pretty mild, it's not easy to detect. Parents don't always notice it in their children, since it develops slowly and causes almost imperceptible changes in appearance. Scoliosis testing is mandatory in some school systems, and teachers or school nurses are often the people who first notice the presence of the condition. These signs that scoliosis might be present are: Uneven shoulders. One prominent shoulder blade. Uneven waist or hips. Visit the doctor for an assessment. Scoliosis can develop any time through adolescence, and it's important to visit the doctor right away if you notice a curve in yourself or your children. The doctor will have the patient bend forward toward the floor, which makes the presence of a curve more visible. He or she will also take X-rays of the person's back to determine if a curve is actually present. From there, a course of treatment, if any, will be outlined. If the curve is mild, the doctor might want to monitor the curve to make sure it doesn't get worse. The patient's age, sex, curve type, and curve placement will be taken into account when deciding what treatment to pursue. Additionally, your doctor will evaluate any family history as well as any associated pain. Learn how scoliosis is defined. Since every person's spine is a little different, there's no one way to define how scoliosis will look and progress. Sometimes the curve is slight, and sometimes it's pronounced; sometimes the spine curves in more than one place, and sometimes just in one. The main factors that doctors take into account when defining scoliosis are: The shape of the curve. Scoliosis is either structural, with a side to side curve and twisting of the vertebrae, or nonstructural, with a simple side to side curve and no twisting. The location of the curve. The vertebrae located at the highest part of the hump, called the apical vertebrae, is used to define the scoliosis. The direction of the curve. The doctor will determine whether the curve bends to the left or right as part of the description of the individual's particular progression. This is important to take into consideration for treatments and possible issues that may arise if the spine interferes with other internal physiological processes. The magnitude of the curve. The angle and length of the curve are measured as well. This measurement will help to define the severity, as well as the necessary corrective alignment that needs to be achieved to bring the spine back to a more natural state. Rate the scoliosis. The Lenke Classification is a system of scoliosis classification that was first introduced in 2001. It is used by specialists to rate the severity of scoliosis, especially in adolescents. This system is generally only used by a doctor who specializes in spine surgery of children — most orthopedists will not necessarily be familiar with this system. The components of this system include: Curve type — Rated on a severity scale of 1-6. Lumbar spine modifier — Rated on a scale of A-C. Sagittal thoracic modifier — Rated as either, (-) negative, N, or (+) positive. This modifier, which measures what is known as the Cobb angle, assigns a value of either -, N, or +, depending on the angle of kyphosis, or curvature, of the spine. Determine the causes. Eighty percent of the time, the cause of scoliosis is unknown, although there is evidence showing that it might be an inherited condition. Cases with an unknown cause are referred to as idiopathic scoliosis. Onset of this condition can happen any time between infancy and adolescence. The remaining percent of cases have specific causes, which include: Cases caused by birth defects, called congenital scoliosis, which is much more severe and typically calls for more extensive treatment. Neuromuscular scoliosis, which is when there are problems when the spine develops. This develops in people with other disorders, such as cerebral palsy, a spinal cord injury, or a damaged nervous system. Functional scoliosis, which is a form where the spine develops normally but becomes abnormal because of a problem somewhere else in the body, such as one leg being shorter than the other or muscle spasms of the back. Know the potential complications. In most cases, the curve is minor and won't require treatment. The doctor will simply monitor the progress of the curve to see how things progress, only suggesting treatment if the curve changes over time. However, severe scoliosis can result in deformity, breathing problems, heart problems, long term back pain, and noticeable appearance aberrations. It's important to have any type of scoliosis monitored as soon as it's detected. Your treatment regimen will be personalized and dependent on your own situation on a case-by-case basis. Your doctor will assess and provide you the best treatment regimen. Monitor the curve of the spine. Your physician will advise as to how often you or your child should come in for new X-rays to see if the curve has gotten worse. A checkup every four to six months is usually recommended. As children grow, the curve often stops developing, requiring no intervention whatsoever. If the scoliosis worsens, further treatment may be required. Wear a brace, if necessary. Braces are the first line of treatment for scoliosis that has been deemed moderate in size, which is when the curve is 25 to 40 degrees. It is also suggested for cases progressive in nature, which is when the curve is growing more pronounced. They are usually only used when a person's bones haven't yet stopped growing, since they don't have a significant effect on fully developed bones. The use of braces is usually discontinued when a person reaches puberty. Bracing may help prevent a curve from getting larger, but it doesn't usually correct it altogether. There are two types of braces, soft braces and hard plastic braces. The type of brace a physician prescribes depends on a number of factors, such as the location and size of the curve as well as the age and activity level of the patient. The sex of the patient is also important, since girls have a higher risk of progression than boys. Some braces are worn only at night, while others are worn up to 23 hours a day. It's important to wear your brace as often as recommended to ensure that it works properly. Ask your doctor about spinal fusion surgery. This is a last-resort method of treatment for severe cases of scoliosis that threaten to cause deformity, breathing problems, or heart issues. Spinal fusion surgery is usually recommended only after a person has reached puberty, when bracing is no longer a viable option, and increased curvature of the spine due to growth spurts is reduced. Spinal fusion surgery involves connecting vertebrae together so the spine can't curve. The doctor will implant a metal rod or similar device to keep the spine from further increasing its curvature after surgery. The procedure differs depending on the type of scoliosis and the age of the patient. Your doctor will assess the severity of your condition as well as responses to other treatments in order to determine if this procedure may be an option. Most patients with neuromuscular scoliosis will eventually need this kind of surgery to fix the curve in the spine. Try exercising. Studies are inconclusive, but they point to the idea that participation in physical activities might help you deal with symptoms associated with scoliosis (i.e. mild back pain). If your child has mild scoliosis, talk to a doctor about what physical activities are healthy, safe options. Team sports and other forms of exercise are usually recommended. Physical therapy may serve the same purpose as participation in a sport or physical activity. Being active is helpful for adults with scoliosis as well. Have chiropractic manipulation. Studies have shown positive results in patients who took part in chiropractic treatments. Patients in a specific study reported positive physiologic benefits immediately after completion of a treatment regimen, with continued positive benefits 24 months later. The chiropractic manipulation is based around an exercise program that was used in order to prevent the natural progression of adult scoliosis. If you decide to pursue chiropractic treatment, be sure to see a licensed chiropractor who doesn't make promises that aren't scientifically backed. The American Chiropractic Association has a search feature that will help you find a chiropractic doctor in your area. To find a good chiropractor, ask your doctor who she would recommend. You can also ask your family or friends. Before you go in for an appointment, talk to the chiropractor, either on the phone or in person, about his or her practice, how the practice is run, and if he or she can help with chiropractic manipulation. There is also no evidence that chiropractic treatment makes a difference when it comes to a scoliosis curve, but it can help with the pain associated with scoliosis. Ask about pain treatments. If you are experiencing pain as part of your scoliosis, you might consider treatments that relieve pain but don't correct the curve. Scoliosis can cause back pain that's treatable using alternative medical practices. You can take over the counter pain medication, such as NSAIDs, or anti-inflammatory injections if the pain is not too severe. There are other treatments as well. Acupuncture is a method that can help reduce the pain of scoliosis. Also try yoga or massage for back pain. These methods have not been proven to affect the curve of the spine, but they are both safe and effective ways to deal with back pain since they loosen and strengthen the muscles. Try biofeedback. Biofeedback is an alternative treatment that has been recommended for possible relief from scoliosis symptoms. Biofeedback is a treatment method where you become aware of your body's reactions and learn to control them through your actions. One study was conducted where patients with scoliosis were received notification from a biofeedback device that they had bad posture every so often and were asked to correct it. Although no major, long term studies have been done, almost 70% of patients saw some improvement in symptoms during the course of this study. Ask your doctor about electrical stimulation (ES). There is an alternative method that may help with scoliosis symptoms in children. To be eligible for ES, a child needs to have a less than 35 degree curvature of the spine, have idiopathic scoliosis, and have at least two years of skeletal growth remaining in her life. It must be done in conjunction with physical therapy. To perform ES, an ES device is used on the child. Electrodes are placed between the ribs on the side of the chest or torso, directly under the arm, in line with the area of the back that is most affected by the curve. The cycle of ES is typically done at home over night, where up to eight hours of stimulation if performed on the muscles while the child sleeps. The effectiveness of the treatment and the levels of ES are constantly checked by the physical therapist. Although this is still a controversial treatment. | Look for a perceived deformity. Watch for the symptoms. Visit the doctor for an assessment. Learn how scoliosis is defined. Rate the scoliosis. Determine the causes. Know the potential complications. Monitor the curve of the spine. Wear a brace, if necessary. Ask your doctor about spinal fusion surgery. Try exercising. Have chiropractic manipulation. Ask about pain treatments. Try biofeedback. Ask your doctor about electrical stimulation (ES). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Viscosity | How to Measure Viscosity | To measure viscosity, fill a graduated cylinder with the liquid to be measured and mark the liquid's positions at the top and bottom of the cylinder. Drop a marble into the liquid and start a stopwatch, then record the time it takes for the ball to drop between the marks. Calculate the velocity of the sphere, then plug the information you've gathered into the viscosity formula to get your answer! | Define viscosity. Viscosity measures a liquid's resistance to flow. A fluid with high viscosity flows very slowly, like honey. A fluid with low viscosity flows quickly, like water. The unit for viscosity is a pascal second (Pa s). Define the equation for viscosity. This experiment will take measurements of a sphere and its passage through liquid to calculate viscosity. The equation for viscosity is [2(p s -p l )ga ]/9v where p s is the density of the sphere, p l is the density of the liquid, g is acceleration due to gravity, a is the radius of the sphere, and v is the velocity of the sphere. Understand the variables in the viscosity equation. Density is mass per unit volume of an object and is designated with a p. In this equation, you need to measure the density of both the sphere, p s , and the liquid, p l , it is passing through. The radius of the sphere, a , can be found by measuring the circumference of the sphere and dividing that by 2π. The acceleration due to gravity, g , is a constant dependent on the atmosphere of the planet you're on. In this case, you are on earth so g is 9.8m/s. The velocity of the sphere, v , is calculated during the experiment and is the time it takes an object to travel a specific distance in meters per second (m/s). Gather the necessary materials for the experiment. To calculate viscosity of a liquid, you will need a sphere, a graduated cylinder, a ruler, a stopwatch, the liquid in question, a scale, and a calculator. This experiment has many steps, but when followed correctly, they will allow you to calculate the viscosity of any liquid. The sphere can be a small marble or steel ball. Make sure its diameter is no greater than half the diameter of the graduate cylinder so it can easily be dropped into the cylinder. A graduated cylinder is a plastic container that has graded markings on the side that allow you to measure volume. You can use a watch instead of a stopwatch, but your measurements will be more accurate with a stopwatch. The liquid must be clear enough to see the marble as it's dropped through the liquid. Try testing many different liquids with different flow rates to see how their viscosities differ. Some common liquids you could try including water, honey, corn syrup, cooking oil, and milk. Calculate the density of your chosen sphere. The density of both the sphere and the liquid are needed to perform the viscosity calculation. The formula for density is d = m / v {\displaystyle d=m/v} , where d is density, m is the mass of the object, and v is the volume of the object. Measure the mass by placing the sphere on a balance. Record the mass in grams (g). Determine the volume of a sphere using the formula V= (4/3) x π x r , where V is volume, π is the constant 3.14, and r is the radius of the sphere. You can find the radius by measuring around the center of the sphere to get its circumference and then dividing the circumference by 2π. You can also find volume by measuring the displacement of water in a graduated cylinder. Record the initial water level, place the sphere in the water, and record the new water level. Subtract the initial from the new water level. This number equals the volume of your sphere in milliliters (mL). Calculate density with the formula d = m / v {\displaystyle d=m/v}. The unit for density is g/mL. Determine the density of the liquid you are measuring. Using the same density formula from above, you will next calculate the density of the liquid in question. Measure the mass of the liquid by first weighing the empty graduated cylinder. Pour your liquid into the graduated cylinder and then weigh it again. Subtract the mass of the empty cylinder from that of the cylinder with the liquid in it to obtain the mass of the liquid in grams (g). To find the volume of the liquid, simply determine the amount of liquid you poured into the graduated cylinder by using the graded markings on the side of the cylinder. Record the volume in milliliters (mL). Use the formula d = m / v {\displaystyle d=m/v} and your measurements to calculate the density of the liquid in g/mL. Fill and mark the graduated cylinder. First, fill your graduated cylinder with the liquid to be measured. Then, mark the positions at the top and bottom of the cylinder. Slowly pour your experimental liquid into the graduated cylinder, filling the cylinder about halfway to three-quarters of the way to the top. Draw a mark at the top of the cylinder about 2.5 centimeter (1 in) (1 in) from the top of the liquid. Draw a second mark about 2.5 centimeter (1 in) (1 in) from the bottom of the graduated cylinder. Measure the distance between the top and bottom marks. Place the bottom of the ruler at the bottom mark and record the distance to the top mark. Record the time it takes for the ball to drop between the marks. Drop the ball into the liquid and start the stopwatch when the bottom of the ball reaches the mark at the top of the cylinder. When the ball reaches the mark you made at the bottom of the cylinder, stop the stopwatch. Liquids with low viscosities are going to be more difficult to measure with this method because it will be harder to accurately start and stop the stopwatch. Repeat this step at least three times (the more times you repeat, the more accurate your measurement will be) and average the three times together. To find the average, add up the times for each trial and divide by the number of trials you performed. This works best if the ball is small enough that the flow around the ball is truly viscous and far from turbulent. The ball must also be much smaller than the container so the ball can be dropped at least 10 ball-radii from the side walls. Calculate the velocity of the sphere. Velocity is a measurement of distance traveled over elapsed time to travel that distance. The formula for velocity is v = d / t {\displaystyle v=d/t} where v is velocity, d is distance traveled, and t is time. Using your measurements, plug them into the equation v = d / t {\displaystyle v=d/t} to find the velocity of the sphere. Calculate the viscosity of the liquid. Plug the information you have obtained into the formula for viscosity: viscosity = [2(p s -p l )ga ]/9v where p s is the density of the sphere, p l is the density of the liquid, g is acceleration due to gravity (a fixed value of 9.8 m/s ), a is the radius of the sphere, and v is the velocity of the sphere. For example, let's say the density of your fluid is 1.4 g/mL, the density of your sphere is 5 g/mL, the radius of the sphere is 0.002 m, and the velocity of the sphere is 0.05 m/s. Plugging into the equation: viscosity = [2(5 – 1.4)(9.8)(0.002)^2]/(9 x 0.05) = 0.00062784 Pa s | Define viscosity. Define the equation for viscosity. Understand the variables in the viscosity equation. Gather the necessary materials for the experiment. Calculate the density of your chosen sphere. Determine the density of the liquid you are measuring. Fill and mark the graduated cylinder. Record the time it takes for the ball to drop between the marks. Calculate the velocity of the sphere. Calculate the viscosity of the liquid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fry-Cabbage | How to Fry Cabbage | To make southern-style fried cabbage, start by heating ⅓ cup of oil in a pan. Once the oil sizzles, add chopped bacon, then fry until the fat starts to melt. Next, add chopped onion, fry it until it loses its firmness, then add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, and a dash of water. At this point, cover the pan and continue cooking for around 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage looks wilted and slightly translucent. | Add butter or oil to a heated pan. Heat ⅓ cup of vegetable or canola oil in a deep pan at a medium temperature. You can also substitute 2-3 tablespoons of butter, cut into small cubes. Let the oil or butter coat the pan evenly and heat it until begins to sizzle. Use a combination of oil and butter to prevent food from sticking to the pan while also giving it a rich, savory flavor. Cook the bacon until the fat is rendered. Chop 3-5 strips of bacon into manageable pieces and place them in the pan. As the bacon cooks, the fat will begin to “render” and melt into liquid grease. Frying the bacon first will release its flavors so that they can be absorbed the cabbage and other ingredients. Bacon should be cooked until the fat renders, not until the meat becomes dark. Otherwise, you risk overcooking it. Put in the onion, cabbage and seasonings. Combine the chopped onion with the bacon and oil or butter and fry it until it loses its firmness. Add the cabbage, along with salt, pepper and any other spices you prefer to taste. Pour in a splash of water to deglaze the pan and keep the ingredients from sticking. ”Glazing” occurs when heated food residue forms a bond with a cooking surface, causing it to stick. Deglazing ensures that all that flavor is incorporated into the food rather than being left behind. Cook until the cabbage is soft. Cover the mixture and allow it to continue frying, stirring occasionally. The amount of time the cabbage requires to cook will depend on the consistency of the cabbage and the amount you're preparing, but will probably take between 5-10 minutes. Once it's done, the cabbage will appear wilted and slightly translucent. Prepare the onions, peppers and cabbage. Start by cutting the onions, peppers and cabbage into thin strips. Keep them separated for now. You can also dice a tomato if you plan on using fresh tomatoes in the dish along with or instead of tomato paste. Heat a pan and begin cooking the onions, peppers and garlic. Heat 2 tbsps of canola or vegetable oil in a deep pan. Put in the garlic and onions and sauté for 5-10 minutes, or until they begin to caramelize. Add the pepper strips and sauté another 5 minutes. Once the peppers and onions are soft, it's time to add the cabbage. The onions and peppers should go into the pan first, not just because they take longer to cook than the cabbage but also to allow their flavors to be released into the dish. Add cabbage and tomato paste. Place the entire head of sliced cabbage in the pan with the caramelized ingredients. Sauté for 15 minutes. Stir in ¾ to 1 full can of tomato paste to reach the desired thickness. Throw in salt, pepper, chili powder, coriander, parsley or cilantro and stir or toss. You may also use chopped fresh tomatoes in place of tomato paste. These should also be added along with the cabbage and may require an additional 5-10 minutes to stew. If the mixture is too thick after incorporating the tomato paste, try adding a few ounces of water and covering the pan to let the liquids set up. This will also prevent the frying vegetables from burning or sticking. Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes. Cook the mixture together, uncovered, for approximately 15 minutes. This will allow time for the sauce to thicken up and the flavors of the individual ingredients and seasonings to mingle. When the cabbage looks soft and tender, remove the mixture from the heat and serve it while it's piping hot! Recipes for fried cabbage with tomato sauce come from around the world, but are especially popular in Eastern Europe. Cabbage stewed with tomato sauce can be served as a hearty side dish, or as a main course with a starchy component like steamed rice, potatoes or fresh bread. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Begin heating a deep pan or wok over a medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of canola oil. The wok should be hot for stir frying, so make sure the oil has begun to sizzle before you add the main ingredients. Make sure the pan you're using is deep enough to keep sizzling oil from splattering on you while you cook. Sear the onion, garlic and ginger. Place the chopped onion and minced garlic and ginger in the hot oil. Toss or stir these together lightly until they begin to caramelize. This should only take 1-2 minutes. Searing will release the pungent flavors of the onion, garlic and ginger so that they can be absorbed by the cabbage. The edges of the onion should just begin to brown once it is caramelized. The process of unlocking aromatic flavors from pungent herbs and vegetables is the first step in preparing many Chinese dishes. Add the cabbage and stir fry. Throw in the head of sliced cabbage and toss or stir repeatedly to mix all ingredients together. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Stir fry for another 3 minutes until the cabbage has just begun to wilt. Be sure to keep the ingredients moving in the pan or they'll be more likely to stick due to the intense heat. Stir frying is a very fast cooking method because the ingredients are all cooked together over high heat. Be careful not to overcook the cabbage. It should be soft and tender but still retain a little crunchiness. Finish with sesame oil and/or seeds. Remove the stir fry from the heat and plate it with an entree, or on a separate dish if it to be served as a side. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of sesame oil over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Eat it while it's hot! In China, food is thought to be freshest when it's still steaming from being cooked. This impressive, appetizing gust of steam is known as wok hay , or "breath of the wok." Finished. | Add butter or oil to a heated pan. Cook the bacon until the fat is rendered. Put in the onion, cabbage and seasonings. Cook until the cabbage is soft. Prepare the onions, peppers and cabbage. Heat a pan and begin cooking the onions, peppers and garlic. Add cabbage and tomato paste. Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. Sear the onion, garlic and ginger. Add the cabbage and stir fry. Finish with sesame oil and/or seeds. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Piggy-Bank | How to Make a Piggy Bank | To make a piggy bank, start by gluing a piece of paper around a toilet roll. Fold the excess paper into the ends of the roll. Then, cut 2 circles, 2 triangle shapes for ears, and an oval and small rectangle for the nose out of cardstock. Attach the circles to each end of the roll with glue. When both ends are securely in place, assemble and attach the nose to one of the circles. Draw a pig's face above the nose using any color you like and glue the ears to the sides. Finally, use a box cutter to cut a hole in the top of your piggy bank that's just large enough for coins to fit through. | Wash out your plastic bottle with regular tap water. There's no set limit to how big or small your piggy bank should be, but you should aim for a plastic bottle that's between 500–1,000 millilitres (17–34 fl oz). Wash it out with water and let it sit for 10 minutes so it can dry. Keep the bottle cap on the bottle. It will serve as the pig's snout. Cut out a 1 inch (2.5 cm)-long coin slot with a box cutter. Have an adult slice a coin slot into the middle of 1 of the long sides of the bottle. Make the coin slot a little bigger than the biggest coin you plan on putting in the piggy bank. The coin slot will need to be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) long to fit a standard US quarter. Attach the legs to the side of the bottle opposite the coin slot. Cut out 4 egg-holders from the carton using scissors. Then, have an adult use a low-heat hot glue gun to attach them to the bottle by applying the glue around the edges of the egg-holders. Finally, paste the legs on the side opposite the coin slot. When the pig is standing on its new legs, the coin slot should be facing up. Decorate your pig with the remaining materials. Now that you've got a basic pig shape, it's time to get artistic with your creation! Make a tail by twisting a pink pipe cleaner into a spiral. Draw nostrils onto the pig's snout with a black marker. Cut 2 triangles out of pink paper or felt and glue them on as ears. You can give the pig eyes by hot gluing googly eyes onto its face, or by drawing, cutting out, and gluing on eyes yourself. Pick a 1 US pint (470 mL) mason jar if you’re just starting out. For larger savings goals, choose a mason jar that's 0.5 gallons (1.9 L) or 1 gallon (3.8 L). If you do not have any mason jars at home, you can order some online or purchase a jar at a local crafts store. Any jar that you get needs a lid to go with it. Use a spaghetti sauce jar if you don't have a mason jar handy. Make sure to wash out the jar thoroughly before you convert it into a piggy bank. You can just run it through the dishwasher. Remove any labels from your jar with soap and water. You want your new piggy bank to be free of labels before you start putting coins in it. To do this, first peel off as much of the label as you can with your fingers. Then, squeeze a few drops of soap onto a sponge and run the jar under some hot water. As the water hits the label, scrub the paper away with the sponge to completely remove the label. Let the jar sit for 15-20 minutes so it can dry. Once the jar is dry, you can start using it as a piggy bank! Cut a 1 inch (2.5 cm) coin slot into the middle of the lid. Use a box cutter to make an incision into the lid that is large enough to fit the biggest coin you want to slot into your jar. To fit a regular US quarter, the slot will need to be at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. If you don't feel comfortable using a box cutter, you can actually go out and buy a lid with a pre-cut slot. These lids are available at your local crafts store. Attach a label to the side of the jar. Write “piggy bank” or something along those lines on the jar and keep it in a safe location. The great part about using a mason jar is that you can constantly track how much money you're saving without opening the jar. You want your jar to be safe, but be sure to keep it in a part of your home that's easy to access. Decorate your jar any way you’d like. There are a number of ways to go about this step, as it's completely up to you how you want your piggy bank to look! One fun idea is to wrap a colorful, decorative tape called washi tape around your jar and then add stickers to the parts of the jar that aren't covered. Then, take some puffy paint and draw your name or other designs onto the glass jar. You can buy washi tape, stickers, and puffy paint at your local crafts store or get order some online. Add the tape and stickers onto the jar before the puffy paint. Then, once you've painted, let the jar sit for 6 hours so it can dry completely. Mix flour and glue together in a pot. Get a small pot that holds around 0.5 gallons (1.9 L) to boil water. Then, get a medium-sized pot that can hold at least 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water and is about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. This is your paste-mixing pot. Whisk together 1 cup (240 mL) of flour and 1 cup (240 mL) of water thoroughly in your paste-mixing pot. Boil 4 cups (950 mL) of water on the stove in your smaller pot and stir the flour and water mixture into it. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, and then let it cool for 15 minutes. Ask an adult to help you use the stove. You can purchase mixable papier-mâché paste at arts and crafts supply stores, but it's easy to make your own at home. You'll also save some money in the process! Crumple newspaper twice to prepare it for papier-mâché. Get a few sheets of newspaper and some brown paper bags. Crumple them up into tight balls, uncrumple them, and then do the same thing again. This helps the glue soak into the paper more thoroughly. Once that's done, tear the paper into 1 inch (2.5 cm) squares. You can also use butcher paper, which you can order online. Blow a balloon up. Make it the size you want your piggy bank to be. Tie the balloon off when it reaches your desired size. It doesn't matter what color the balloon is, as it's just providing a structure to papier-mâché on top of and won't actually be visible. Papier-mâché the balloon. Wet both sides of the pieces of paper with the flour paste you mixed earlier and apply them to the pig. Get just enough paste on the paper to have it stick, but not so much that it's dripping. Smooth the paper onto the pig as you apply it and cover the space evenly. The paper will dry in about 15 minutes. Add 3 layers of papier-mâché onto the pig. Once you add the layers, let the balloon sit for 2 days in a well-lit, well-ventilated area of your home so it can dry fully. Slice out a 1 inch (2.5 cm)-long coin slot. Have an adult use a box cutter to make a coin slot that's at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) long so you can fit standard US quarters in it. If you want to put bigger coins in the piggy bank, you'll have to make the slot about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long. Since papier-mâché can be delicate, measure out your cut with a pen before you commit to it. You can also use this hole to pull the balloon out from the inside of the piggy bank. Feel free to throw the balloon away when you're done with it. Attach legs and a nose. Cut out 5 sections from a paper egg carton using scissors. Have an adult use a low-heat hot glue gun to attach them to the appropriate places on the balloon. Line the edges of the egg-holders with hot glue and place 4 of them on the side of the papier-mâché balloon opposite the coin slot. Put the nose in the middle of whichever side you've picked to be the front of the piggy bank. Place the piggy bank on its legs so the glue can set and let it sit for 30 minutes before you begin decorating. Decorate your piggy bank with paint and accessories. Paint the body of the piggy bank with spray or acrylic paint, evenly coating the surface as you go. Then, make a tail by twisting a pink pipe cleaner into a spiral and having an adult help you hot glue it to the pig's bottom. You can also give the pig eyes by gluing googly eyes onto its face, or by drawing, cutting out, and gluing on eyes. Ultimately, the design is your choice. Other decoration ideas include drawing nostrils onto the pig's snout with a black marker and cutting 2 triangles out of pink paper or felt to glue them on as ears. If you do not want to use paint, you can color the body of the piggy bank with markers. | Wash out your plastic bottle with regular tap water. Cut out a 1 inch (2.5 cm)-long coin slot with a box cutter. Attach the legs to the side of the bottle opposite the coin slot. Decorate your pig with the remaining materials. Pick a 1 US pint (470 mL) mason jar if you’re just starting out. Remove any labels from your jar with soap and water. Cut a 1 inch (2.5 cm) coin slot into the middle of the lid. Attach a label to the side of the jar. Decorate your jar any way you’d like. Mix flour and glue together in a pot. Crumple newspaper twice to prepare it for papier-mâché. Blow a balloon up. Papier-mâché the balloon. Slice out a 1 inch (2.5 cm)-long coin slot. Attach legs and a nose. Decorate your piggy bank with paint and accessories. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Papad | How to Make Papad | To make papad, which is a cracker made from lentil flour, mix all of the ingredients together except the oils. Then, grease your hands with coconut oil and knead the dough for several minutes. Next, roll the dough out and cut it to shape with cookie cutters. Finally, place the dough on parchment paper without letting the pieces overlap, and leave them in the sun to dry for at least 8 hours. Store the fully dried papad in an airtight container until you are ready to fry them in oil. | Combine all of the ingredients except the oils. Add 2 cups (230 g) of urid or black gram flour, ¼ cup (59 ml) of water, ¾ teaspoon (4 g) of salt, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of whole cumin, freshly ground black pepper to taste, and garlic powder to taste to a large bowl. Mix the ingredients until they just come together. You can find urid or black gram flour at Indian grocery stores. It's also available at many online retailers. You want the dough to be stiff, so don't add any more water than you need to. You can adjust the seasoning amounts based on personal preference. Adding the garlic powder is optional, and you can feel free to add other spices, such as turmeric. Grease your hand with the coconut oil. The dough can be slightly sticky, so you'll want to grease your hands before handling it. Lightly coat your hands with coconut oil to prevent the dough from sticking to them. You can substitute any oil that you like for the coconut oil. Coconut oil works well, though, because it's a solid at room temperature so it won't make a mess. You may want to spread some coconut oil across your countertop or work surface to keep the dough from sticking to it. Knead the dough for several minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, and place it on your counter or cutting board. Use your hands to knead and pound on the dough for 3 to 4 minutes until it's smooth and soft. Divide the dough into pieces. Use your hands to break the dough into about 18 equal pieces. You can form the pieces into balls so they're easier to roll out. Roll out the dough pieces. Add some coconut oil to a rolling pin to grease it. Place each individual dough piece on your work surface, and run the rolling pin over it until you form a circle that's approximately 6-inches (152-mm) in diameter. Cut the dough into circles with a cookie cutter. After you've rolled out the dough into a circle, use a round cookie cutter that's approximately 5-inches (127-inches) in diameter to cut the dough into a perfect circle. Remove the scraps and save them, so you can roll them out like the other dough pieces. Roll the dough out again. Once the dough is cut into perfect circles, use the rolling pin to flatten them even further. You want the circles to be as thin as possible, so aim for a thickness of ⅛-inch (3-mm). Place the dough circles on parchment paper. When the papad dough is rolled out, set them out on parchment paper. You can place as many circles as will fit on each piece of paper, but make sure that none of the dough is overlapping. Set the papad out in the sun to dry for at least 8 hours. To dry the papad, place the parchment paper with the dough circles out in a sunny, warm location. Allow the papad to dry for at least 8 hours, or until they are completely dry and hard. If you don't want to put the papad out in the sun, you can dry them under a fan. Store the dried papad in an airtight container. When the papad are fully dried, remove them from the parchment paper. You can fry them up right away, or place them in an airtight container if you plan to use them later. Dried papad will stay fresh for up to 6 months in an airtight container that's kept in a cool, dry location. Heat the oil in a pan. Add 1 cup (237 ml) of vegetable oil to a large pan. Turn the burner up to medium, and allow the oil to heat for 7 to 8 minutes. You can also cook the papad in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towel, and heat them on high for 25 seconds to a minute, or until they puff up. You can also hold the papad over the open flame on a gas stove with a pair of tongs to roast them. Move it around constantly to ensure that it cooks evenly, which should only take 5 to 10 seconds. Turn the papad over and roast the other side in the same way. Add the papad to the pan and wait for it to change color. Place the papad in the oil one or two at a time. They will deepen in color quickly, so watch them closely. Turn the dough circles over and remove them from the pan. When the papad has deepened in color, use a pair of tongs to flip them over. Allow them to cook for another 15 to 30 seconds, and remove them from the oil before they gets too dark. Drain the papad on a paper-towel lined plate. Place the fried papad on the plate to absorb any excess grease. Serve them right away to ensure that they stay crunchy. | Combine all of the ingredients except the oils. Grease your hand with the coconut oil. Knead the dough for several minutes. Divide the dough into pieces. Roll out the dough pieces. Cut the dough into circles with a cookie cutter. Roll the dough out again. Place the dough circles on parchment paper. Set the papad out in the sun to dry for at least 8 hours. Store the dried papad in an airtight container. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the papad to the pan and wait for it to change color. Turn the dough circles over and remove them from the pan. Drain the papad on a paper-towel lined plate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-in-Another-State | How to Get a Job in Another State | Before you get a job in another state, do some research about the area's local economy, housing costs, and school ratings. To prepare for the move, join professional associations and attend conferences related to your work so you can network and find out about job openings. Ask your career counselor and use websites like LinkedIn to apply for local jobs and be prepared to fly out or use Skype for interviews. To improve your chances of getting hired, emphasize your skills and experience. | Select 1 to 3 specific locations. Conduct research and talk to other people in your field to narrow your search down to the areas you're most likely to find a job. If you conduct a nationwide search, you'll have less time to research each job and will find it difficult to demonstrate a serious desire to relocate to each employer. If you already know the exact location you'll be moving to, research other cities within commuting distance as well. Try to estimate your chances realistically. If you have little work experience or lack a qualification many people in your field hold such as an advanced degree, don't assume you'll be able to get a job in a competitive area, especially before you move there. Research these locations in depth. Once you've narrowed down your list to a few locations, find out everything you can about each one. You'll avoid wasted time if you find out you don't want to move there, and your knowledge of the area will demonstrate seriousness to a potential employer when you get an interview. Consider factors unrelated to your career, such as weather, housing prices, and demographics. Research local schools if you have children. If you discover a dream job outside the areas you were considering, try to conduct your research objectively before jumping on the chance to apply. Sign up for local and professional job mailing lists. Search online for job mailing lists in the area you'd like to move to. Sign up for national mailing lists for your profession as well, especially if there are multiple locations you could move to. Ask the mailing list owner whether you can send out a request for people familiar with the target area to contact you. Network in order to find contacts in the area you're considering. Ask your colleagues and business contacts whether they know anyone there. Post on social media to see if any of your friends are familiar with the region or know someone who lives there. Networking is one of the most important steps for finding any type of job, but getting a contact to recommend you greatly increases the chance that an out of state company will take you seriously. Cast your net as broadly as possible. Friends of a friend or distant relatives that live in the target area will often be happy to introduce you to their city and to contacts in your field. While networking out of state may be difficult, you can always try to find a headhunter who may be able to use some of their own connections. Join professional associations and attend conferences related to your work. If your profession has an association that includes members from the area you're interested in, join it. Attend regional and national conferences or other gathering and talk to as many people as possible about your plans. Attend presentations and panels by people in the area you'd like to move to, and ask them for job hunting advice afterwards. Between conferences, you can still use your membership to network with colleagues. Participate in a forum on the association website or send an email to the association staff to discuss your situation and ask for contacts. Find online communities dedicated to your target area. Besides participating in your professional association, you should search for websites devoted to career-seekers in the locations you're considering. Use LinkedIn or a search engine to find the groups that closely match your area and interests. An active presence in an online community is a great way to find people to show you the city when you visit or move there. Contact employees of likely companies. In addition to finding contacts through your personal and online relationships, reach out to companies in your target areas. Find contact information for Human Resources personnel on the company website or networking sites such as LinkedIn and try to build a relationship over a few emails or Skype conversations. Explain your plans to move to the area and how you would benefit the company. Try to find a personal email address and use the full name and title of its owner. If you can only find a generic HR email, politely request the contact information of the HR manager. Structure your email like you would a business letter. Remain formal and polite. Give them at least a week to respond before sending a reminder email. Request assistance from a career center of career counselor. Professional career advisers in your area can guide you in your search for jobs further afield. Many colleges and universities have a career center, some of which will advice non-students. Consider finding an address and phone number local to the job. You should never lie to an employer about your location, but you can demonstrate that you're already preparing to move by acquiring local contact information in advance. Ask friends in the area if you can use one of their addresses, or purchase a mailbox service with automatic forwarding to your home address. On your resume, include this below your home address with the label "Relocating to ___". Sign up for a Google Voice number or Skype number with the area code of your target area. Or, use an app like Whatsapp. This will also save you money on long distance phone calls. Follow good resume practices. Obviously, this is a vital step for any job application. Make your resume polished and well-formatted, and follow the exact instructions the company provides. Being a long distance candidate is already one strike against you; don't slip up and create another. Always be honest and upfront about your relocation plans. If applicable, explain that you have a network in the area and let your employer know if you need a relocation package. Employers are interested in candidates that can handle a life change in addition to a new position in a new area. Begin your cover letter by discussing your relocation. Be forthright with potential employers about your distant location, but include detailed reasons for the move to convince them that you're a serious candidate. If you've made any steps to begin moving at all, such as acquiring a local phone number, you can use the phrase "I have begun to transition to your area" truthfully. Mention any ties you have to the area, such as family members or previous work experience in the region. If you're moving to follow your relationship partner, say so. Suggest the earliest start date you can promise. If you aren't planning to move to the area for another three months, a company will likely hire a roughly equivalent candidate who can start immediately. Plan your potential move in advance so you know exactly when you can relocate. If you have family or friends in the area, consider staying with them until you get your own residence to make the transition easier. Emphasize your niche skills when moving to a competitive area. The "hub cities" for your industry may have a lot of job openings, but these are probably inundated with candidates. In order to convince someone to hire you over twenty qualified locals, you should emphasize specialized skills that other candidates are unlikely to have. Stress work experience when moving to a less competitive area. If you previously held a job in a big city or industry hub, stress that experience on your resume and in conversation with potential employers. Work experience in large cities tends to be viewed as more competitive and prestigious, and may be enough to outweigh the trouble of considering a long-distance candidate. Offer to pay travel expenses for an in person interview. If at all possible, pay for your own travel to the area and attend the interview in person. This removes an obstacle for the company and demonstrates initiative toward making the relocation smooth. If possible, take some time off from your current job so you can schedule several interviews in the area you plan to move to in order to cut down on travel costs. Try to set aside time for a longer visit to give yourself time to explore the area before your interview. The firsthand experience with the area will make you more knowledgeable, and it will give you time to settle in so you can conduct the interview without fear of jet lag or travel sickness. Treat long-distance interviews seriously. If traveling for the interview is out of the question, you'll probably be interviewed over the phone or an online video chat service such as Skype. Just because you can attend this interview in your bedroom doesn't mean you shouldn't make an effort. Prepare answers to likely questions in advance, dress well for a video interview, and be ready a few minutes before the interview is scheduled. Decide ahead of time where you would like to conduct the interview. Choose a quiet location away from passersby and find a background that is clean and professional looking. A plain wall will do fine. Accommodate the company as much as possible. When discussing relocation before you're hired, tell the employer if you can afford to pay for your own relocation expenses or some portion of them, as this is a significant benefit for the company. At minimum, you should research the housing situation in advance. Even if you can't afford the move without assistance, you can demonstrate the effort you put in by appearing knowledgeable about specific neighborhoods and housing prices. Ask the company's HR department whether they have a standard relocation package. If you know anyone who's recently moved to work for that company or a similar one, ask them what relocation offer they received. If you know what the typical offer is, you'll know what to suggest to make yours more appealing. Present relocation assistance in a way that benefits the company as well as yourself. For instance, suggest you could start work at an earlier date if the company arranges the moving company or assists in the housing search. Read the fine print of your relocation package when you get an offer. Some of the relocation assistance may be taxable, or the company may have the ability to demand the monetary value back if you quit the job within a certain amount of time. Relocate first if you have a network in the area. Even after taking all these steps to increase your odds, a company may still prefer the simplicity of hiring a local candidate. Once you've saved up 6 months or more of living expenses, bite the bullet and move to a location with good job prospects and other appealing attributes. This is a risky strategy, but if you can't get a job, save up money and can relocate to the area. It'd be best if you could stay with friends or family to cut down on living expenses. Creating and following a budget is essential to saving money. Stop using credit cards entirely, and don't withdraw more cash than your budget allows each week. People typically spend far less when they have to keep track of physical money changing hands. Paying off your debts can be more effective than putting the money in a savings account, depending on the interest rates. Plan your move well in advance. Create a timetable for each step of the process, allowing plenty of time to absorb unexpected delays. Stick to your deadlines for planning the trip details, finding a moving company, packing, and the trip itself. Research how much the move will cost, know the terms of your old rental contract if applicable, and find friends or workers to help with furniture and other bulky objects. Begin the process for selling your house as soon as you can. This may be a long process you'll need to complete after your move. Learn how to move your pet , if applicable. Moving with an animal involves extra effort and care. Read the linked article as soon as possible so you have time to prepare. . Pack your belongings You may find you own more things than you expect, so don't leave all your packing to the last minute. Donate or sell anything you don't want to take with you so you aren't stuck filling your moving truck with junk. Give away unwanted clothing, toys, books, and films to secondhand stores and charity organizations. Hold a garage or yard sale to get rid of miscellaneous items and small furniture. Post on Craigslist or similar sites about selling or giving away furniture you're leaving behind. Let your current employer and landlord know that you’re moving. If you are currently employed, you should let your employer know you're leaving well in advance. Your employment contract may specify a minimum advance notice period; otherwise 2 weeks is the traditional minimum. If you are a renter, let the landlord know you'll be terminating your contract early (or not renewing it). Don't burn any bridges by surprising your boss with the news. The more in advance you give notice, the easier it will be for your employer to make up the lost work. Too little notice could make them angry and hurt your chance at a good reference for later jobs. Let your landlord know enough in advance to schedule an inspection of the property. Clean it thoroughly after packing in order to receive your security or cleaning deposit back. Read your rental contract so you know about any early termination fees. If you and your next employer haven't agreed on a relocation package yet, you may be able to convince the company to pay this expense. | Select 1 to 3 specific locations. Research these locations in depth. Sign up for local and professional job mailing lists. Network in order to find contacts in the area you're considering. Join professional associations and attend conferences related to your work. Find online communities dedicated to your target area. Contact employees of likely companies. Request assistance from a career center of career counselor. Consider finding an address and phone number local to the job. Follow good resume practices. Begin your cover letter by discussing your relocation. Suggest the earliest start date you can promise. Emphasize your niche skills when moving to a competitive area. Stress work experience when moving to a less competitive area. Offer to pay travel expenses for an in person interview. Treat long-distance interviews seriously. Accommodate the company as much as possible. Relocate first if you have a network in the area. Plan your move well in advance. . Let your current employer and landlord know that you’re moving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drill-Steel | How to Drill Steel | To drill steel, you'll need to mark it with a divot, then drill a couple of holes to make it easier. Start by making a divot with a hammer and center punch, which stops your drill bit moving around when you start the hole. Make sure you wear protective glasses whenever working with metal, since shards can easily get in your eyes. As steel is so tough, drill a pilot hole first, which should be half the size of your final hole size. Hold the drill straight and apply slow but firm downward pressure. When you're close to breaking through, squeeze the trigger in short bursts until it goes through. Leave the drill for a few minutes to let the bit cool down, then exchange it for the final size you need. Finally, drill a larger hole where the smaller one is. | Clamp the steel to your work surface if it’s lightweight. Use plastic clamps or metal C-clamps. Tighten the clamp or vice to your workbench so the metal is secure and will not move while you try to drill. If the clamp is loose, the metal could spin while you drill it and cause you harm. If you're working with a heavier piece of steel, you do not have to clamp it down. If you're drilling through a painted surface, put stir sticks or shims between the clamp and your piece of steel so the clamps don't dent or scratch the metal. Mark the spot you want to drill with a pencil. Measure out where you want to place the hole in the steel. Take the diameter of the drill bit into consideration when you place your hole. Make a dot on the steel with a pencil to mark where the location of the hole's center. Use a permanent marker if pencil doesn't show up on the steel. Make a divot in the steel with a hammer and center punch. Place the tip of the center punch on the mark you've drawn on the steel. Use a hammer to tap the punch slightly to make a small dent. This helps keep your drill in the right spot rather than it moving around while you try to make the hole. Use a nail if you don't have a center punch. Use a sharp bit. If you're only drilling a few holes through steel, you can use a regular high-speed steel bit. If you're drilling a lot of holes, or through hardened steel, then a cobalt steel bit or black oxide bit is a better choice. Most drill bits are sold in a set with multiple sizes. If your drill bit is dull, it's not difficult to sharpen the drill bit yourself. Use a drill bit half the diameter as the size you want to start. Place the drill bit in your drill and tighten it so it's held firmly in your drill. The smaller drill bit puts less pressure on the metal and allows you to drill larger holes easier later on. For example, if you want the hole to be ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) at the end, start by drilling a hole that's ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm). Work with a drill press for larger pieces of steel. Drill presses are heavy-duty machines that make sure your drill bit goes straight through the metal with the most accuracy. See if there is a workshop around you where you can use their drill press or purchase one for yourself. There are 2 different models of drill press that you can purchase. Choose a bench drill press for a compact option that will fit right on your workbench. Pick a floor model drill press if you plan on frequently working with larger pieces of steel. If you plan on offering metal fabrication services to others, consider getting a drill press for the most accuracy. Use 30 weight oil and water in a spray bottle or a lubricant oil on the drill bit. WD40 is for getting water out of rusted bolts. Place the lubricant on the end of the drill bit and on the sheet of steel you plan to drill. This helps protect the drill bit and the metal to make a smooth cut. Spray the steel periodically while you're drilling to keep it lubricated and reduce friction. Look for a 3-in-1 oil with a telescoping spout so you can lubricate the drill bit as it's running. Wear safety glasses while working with metal. Before you start drilling, make sure you have eye protection to stop any metal shrapnel or sparks. The slivers of steel the drill can toss up are sharp and could cause damage to your eyes. Consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt and closed-toe shoes before working with metal. Hold the drill perpendicular to the piece of steel so the tip is in the divot. Find the divot you created on the steel and place the drill bit in it. Make sure you hold your drill straight so you don't make a crooked hole in the steel. Drill slowly and apply firm downward pressure. Use a low RPM setting and keep a steady pressure as you push the bit through the metal. Start and stop drilling often to give the steel a chance to cool down and lubricate the area. Drilling at a faster speed could damage the steel or the drill. Use light, but steady pressure when drilling smaller holes so you don't break your drill bit. If you're working with a softer steel, stay consistent at a medium speed so the metal shavings don't melt. Keep all your clothing away from the drill bit so it doesn't get caught. Pulse the drill when you’re close to breaking through the other side. Keep a firm grip on the drill, but ease off a bit of the pressure. Squeeze the trigger on the drill in short bursts until the bit goes through the other side. Keep the drill bit spinning while you pull it out from the hole. The drill may catch on the steel and try to spin in your hands. Keep your face away from the drill in case this happens. Drill through the metal again with the larger drill bit. Repeat the process with a drill bit for the size you want the final hole. Place the center of the bit in the existing hole and slowly drill through it again, lubricating the metal when necessary. Pulse the drill bit when you reach the end of the hole. For very large holes, gradually work up towards the diameter you want. It may take 3 or 4 different bits before you have the hole size you want. If you see smoke while you're drilling, either slow down or use more lubricant. Some drills may have a level built into their body, but if not, use a level to make sure you're drilling your hole straight. Let the drill bit cool down before removing it. The steel and the drill will be hot to the touch by the time you're finished. Give the bit at least 5 minutes to cool before changing it to a larger bit or putting it away. Wipe away any excess lubricant and shrapnel. Use a shop cloth or a brush to wipe away any residue from drilling. Throw the shrapnel in a sharps container or separate bin. Make sure the steel is completely dry and free of debris when you're finished cleaning it. Never wipe the metal shrapnel with your bare hands since it is sharp and could cut you. Use a metal rasp to file and smooth the hole. Use a medium or heavy rasp on the surface of the steel to remove any sharp edges around the hole. Work lightly so you don't damage the rest of the steel. If your rasp fits inside the hole you drilled, you can also smooth the inside of the hole for a clean and uniform look. | Clamp the steel to your work surface if it’s lightweight. Mark the spot you want to drill with a pencil. Make a divot in the steel with a hammer and center punch. Use a sharp bit. Use a drill bit half the diameter as the size you want to start. Work with a drill press for larger pieces of steel. Use 30 weight oil and water in a spray bottle or a lubricant oil on the drill bit. Wear safety glasses while working with metal. Hold the drill perpendicular to the piece of steel so the tip is in the divot. Drill slowly and apply firm downward pressure. Pulse the drill when you’re close to breaking through the other side. Drill through the metal again with the larger drill bit. Let the drill bit cool down before removing it. Wipe away any excess lubricant and shrapnel. Use a metal rasp to file and smooth the hole. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Bombay-Cat | How to Identify a Bombay Cat | To identify a Bombay cat, start by looking for defining characteristics, such as shiny black fur, gold or copper eyes, and a rounded head and shoulders with a short nose. Additionally, check to see if your cat has a strong, muscular build, which is common in Bombay cats. You can also tell if you have a Bombay cat by watching to see if it has a swishing, swaying, panther-like walk. A Bombay cat will also be very talkative, so in addition to watching your cat, listen to it as well. | Check for shiny, black fur. One of the main characteristics of a Bombay cat is its black fur, which should be glossy and short. The goal of the original breeder was to create a cat that looked like a miniature panther, hence the fur color. Look for the gold or copper eyes. Another defining characteristic of the breed is its eyes. It was specifically bred to have gold or copper eyes, so if the cat you're looking at doesn't have that characteristic, it's not a purebred Bombay. Note the rounded appearance. Bombays tend to have rounded edges. That is, they have a rounded head with a short nose. This trend continues throughout the cat's body, with rounded eyes, ears, and feet, as well as a rounded tail. Notice the cat's muscular but not stocky build. Bombay cats tend to be medium to large cats. They range in weight from six to over twelve pounds, and the males are larger than the females. While they aren't as stocky as the Burmese, they are still very muscular, strongly built cats. Bombays tend to feel heavier than they appear. Seek out the characteristic walk. Bombays generally walk in a certain way. It's a kind of swishing, swaying walk. Interestingly, it mimics the walk of a panther, the large cat the Bombay was bred to look like. Pay attention to a noisy cat. Bombay cats are fairly talkative, and they will hold conversations with you. They aren't loud, per se, they just like to talk often. They have a distinctive meow, so you will know when your cat wants your attention. However, not every Bombay cat will show this characteristic. Be on the lookout for smarts. Bombays are pretty smart cats, so watch to see if the cat is able to figure things out. For instance, this might be the cat that will figure out how to open your bedroom door or get the treats that you've hidden on a high shelf. These cats love to be engaged in games of fetch, puzzle games, and other types of fun cat toys. Notice an inquisitive nature. Of course, all cats are naturally curious and inquisitive. However, Bombays are even more so. They will always want to be in the middle of the action, so they can see what's going on. Check for an easy-going and sociable cat. These cats are fairly laid back when it comes to social situations. They do well around families and pets, though they may want to be the dominant pet in the household, particularly if there are other cats. They also enjoy curling up on your lap for some snuggle time. | Check for shiny, black fur. Look for the gold or copper eyes. Note the rounded appearance. Notice the cat's muscular but not stocky build. Seek out the characteristic walk. Pay attention to a noisy cat. Be on the lookout for smarts. Notice an inquisitive nature. Check for an easy-going and sociable cat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Dark-Spots-After-Shaving | How to Remove Dark Spots After Shaving | To remove dark spots after you're done shaving, try waxing or plucking the affected area to get rid of hair follicles under your skin. Before you go outside, apply sunscreen to the dark patch, which will prevent the sun from making the spots worse. If you want to gently bleach your spots, dab some lemon juice onto the area with a cotton swab. Alternatively, put on a vitamin C whitening cream, which you can purchase from the drug store. You can also apply some aloe vera gel to your spots, and rinse it off after 30 minutes. Do this twice a day for the best results. If you don't see any improvement from these home remedies after several months, ask a dermatologist about prescription treatments, like hydroquinone. | Try waxing or plucking. Dark spots after shaving can be caused by freshly shaved hair follicles peeking out from just under your skin. If your dark spots are due to subsurface hair, consider waxing or plucking the affected area to remove dark follicles. Apply sunscreen every day. Be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before going outside, especially if the affected area will be exposed to the sun. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Unprotected exposure to sunlight will worsen your dark spots. Use a vitamin C serum to fade spots. An over-the-counter vitamin C serum can lighten dark spots without affecting the surrounding skin. Wash your skin, then rub a small amount of the serum in before you put on sunscreen. Try a licorice root extract to lighten dark areas. Look for a ready-made licorice root extract skin salve that contains liquiritin. Applying a topical cream (1 gram per day) every day for a month can lighten dark spots. It's best to check with your doctor before trying licorice root and other herbal extracts, especially if have existing health conditions, such as diabetes. You should avoid using licorice root if you're pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. Licorice root is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help ease skin problems. Wet your skin before shaving. Don't shave dry skin! Water softens your skin and hair, making shaving easier. Wash your skin, or at least get it wet, before picking up the razor. Apply shave gel. Use a gel or cream when you're shaving. Pick a product that's targeted for sensitive skin if necessary. It is easier to shave raised hairs and moisturized skin. Your razor will be less likely to cause irritation or ingrown hairs as a result. Use a sharp razor. Avoid shaving with dull blades. Swap out disposable razors or change the blade after using your razor 5-7 times. It may also help to switch to an electric trimmer, and to leave a little stubble, if you're able to. Shave gently in the direction of hair growth. No matter where you're shaving, always go in the direction that your hair grows. Shaving against the grain pulls at the hair, which can cause ingrown hair and razor burn or bumps. Shaving in the direction of your hair growth means shaving from the top of the hair to the bottom, rather than from the bottom up. Rinse the razor with hot water after every stroke to prevent too much hair from collecting between the blades. Rinse your skin with cool water. Hot water can irritate skin, so rinse off excess hair and shaving cream with cool water when you're done. Store your razor outside of the shower or tub so it dries completely. Moisturize your skin after shaving. Once you're done shaving, gently pat your skin dry. Then apply a moisturizing lotion. Get a referral to a dermatologist from your primary doctor. If your dark spots persist for several months and home solutions are ineffective, consider seeking a medical solution. Call your primary care doctor and ask them to recommend a dermatologist. You can also find a dermatologist by using the search tool on the website of the American Academy of Dermatology: https://find-a-derm.aad.org/ Call your insurance provider to make sure any dermatological care you'll need is covered. Ask them if specialist care needs prior approval and if they can provide you with in-network care providers. Discuss your skincare routines with your dermatologist. Tell your dermatologist about your shaving practices, skincare routine, and any products you use. That way, they can help you figure out the best treatment plan. You should also be prepared to discuss your diet, sun exposure and sunscreen use, and any over the counter whitening products you've used. If your job requires you to be clean-shaven in the workplace, but you suffer from severe razor bumps, consider asking your employer whether your dermatologist can sign a waiver that will exempt you from having to shave every day. Rule out other medical causes. Even if you're sure that your dark spots are the result of shaving, you should work with your doctor and dermatologist to rule out other causes. Hyperpigmentation can have a number of underlying issues. Common causes of dark spots include ingrown hairs, minor and chronic bacterial infections, and hormonal and dietary imbalances. Your dermatologist will help you understand the best steps to take, whether it's switching up your shaving routine or changing your diet. Be sure to discuss any existing medical conditions, as they'll help your dermatologist choose the best course of action. Ask your dermatologist about treatment options. Your dermatologist might prescribe a lightening cream or suggest a skin treatment that uses lasers or light therapy. Your dermatologist might also recommend a chemical peel, but keep in mind that you may want to schedule this when you're able to stay home for 2-3 days, as you may experience peeling for a couple of days after the procedure. You can also find over-the-counter (2%) hydroquinone cream, but talk to your dermatologist first. These medications and procedures are often classified as cosmetic, so they may not be covered under your insurance and can be very expensive. | Try waxing or plucking. Apply sunscreen every day. Use a vitamin C serum to fade spots. Try a licorice root extract to lighten dark areas. Wet your skin before shaving. Apply shave gel. Use a sharp razor. Shave gently in the direction of hair growth. Rinse your skin with cool water. Moisturize your skin after shaving. Get a referral to a dermatologist from your primary doctor. Discuss your skincare routines with your dermatologist. Rule out other medical causes. Ask your dermatologist about treatment options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Successful-Team-Player-at-Work | How to Be a Successful Team Player at Work | If you want to be a successful team player at work, start by communicating your thoughts clearly to help your teammates understand your ideas, and listen to what your coworkers have to say, too, so you know what they want and need. Then, be an active participant in meetings or other group activities to show that you're interested in helping, and don't be afraid to speak up. Remember to respect the opinions of your colleagues and boss, and be willing to compromise if there's a disagreement. | Communicate clearly with your coworkers and bosses. The most important part of being a team player at work is communication. Clear communication will help avoid misunderstandings, promotes workplace morale, and helps projects get done more quickly. Express yourself using “I” statements so that you are easily understood. Use phrases like: "I feel like my suggestions aren't being taken seriously." "I think we should consider another method." Make sure that your words match your body language. Saying something positive with negative body language (like slumped shoulders or while rolling your eyes) can confuse people or make you appear dishonest. Listen to your coworkers. In order to be a team player, you have to know what your coworkers and bosses want and need. Actively listen to what they are saying before deciding on a course of action. Make eye contact while listening. This shows the person your attention is on them. Repeat important points back to the person to show them you understand. This also gives them a chance to clarify in case you haven't understood. Use phrases like "So, you mean we need to find some new clients?" Seek feedback. Do not wait for your coworkers or bosses to give you feedback on your work. Instead, actively seek it out. Your coworkers are valuable resources that can help you improve as a worker and team player. Ask your coworkers and bosses what you could be doing better to help the team or how you can work more efficiently. Ask them: "How could my work on this have helped you do your job better?" Seeking feedback shows your coworkers that you care about their opinion. Accept and act on the feedback. Sometimes feedback can hurt, but in the long run, it will help you develop as a worker and team player. Speak your mind. Your bosses and coworkers rely on you not just to narrowly do your job, but to contribute to the overall success of the project. Do not be afraid to speak your mind and give your opinion on the project. Be forthcoming and honest. Employers prefer workers who are willing to be assertive and who actively participate above those who are silent, regardless of who hard they work. Get clarification. If you do not understand something, do not be afraid to ask for clarification. Seek out the person who can help you clarify the information and ask them directly. Many workers fail to get their work done not out of laziness or malice, but because they did not fully understand the work they were supposed to be doing. Make sure that you understand what the team expects of you by getting clarification on your responsibilities when you are not completely certain. Participate in group meetings and planning sessions. Offering your thoughts will keep you an active helper in the decision-making process and show you have an interest in the team. When discussing a topic at a meeting, do not assume everyone has thought of the same problems, issues, or ideas as you. Instead, actively engage with your coworkers by sharing your ideas. Your participation matters to the team. Just as you rely on your coworkers to participate, they rely on you. By participating you are helping everyone, including yourself. Respect your coworkers. Treat them with respect by being polite, not interrupting them, and avoiding office gossip. Be considerate of your coworkers' backgrounds. Try to see things from your coworkers' or boss's perspectives. Appreciate that someone with a different background than you can bring an idea to a problem that might never have occurred to you. Take action to solve problems. Part of being a team player is helping deal with problems and difficult situations. Instead of passing a problematic issue off on someone else, do what you can to support coworkers and find a solution to the problem. Do not wait until someone asks you before you do something that you know needs to be done. Take the initiative and solve the problem while it is still small and before it grows into a bigger problem that affects your team. Compromise. As a team player, you will not always get to do things your way all the time. Be willing to compromise on issues and take into consideration the needs of the team. Consider why things might need to be done differently than you originally thought, and be willing to change your mind. Ask questions if you do not understand why someone needs you to do something differently. "How is my current workflow hurting the team's efficiency?" When you are willing to compromise with your coworkers, they will be more willing to compromise with you. When you compromise, you are helping to establish that the team works with one another rather than against one another. Set goals and evaluate progress. Setting goals will help you and your work much more effectively. Evaluate those goals regularly to ensure you and your team are making the progress you expect to be making. Discuss goals with the whole team to ensure that everyone understands what needs to be done and knows their specific piece of the puzzle. Review your progress toward your goal frequently. Often times, the goals or conditions of the project will change. Consistent review will help you to avoid wasting time on things that are not helping you achieve your goals. Be reliable. Part of being a helpful member of a team is being reliable. Show up to work on time and meet deadlines consistently. Reliable and consistent performance will earn favor with your boss and camaraderie from teammates. Do not over-promise. Be forthright about what you can and cannot actually deliver. Your bosses and coworkers will be much happier knowing up front that they need to find another solution than if they find out only when you have been unable to deliver on your promise. Be honest. While it may feel right in the moment not to disappoint someone, you will be hurting yourself and your team more in the long run if you make a promise you cannot keep. Do more than you have to. If you consistently go out of your way to do more than the bare minimum, then your coworkers will come to trust and rely on you as a coworker and teammate. Be creative and come up with ideas that can help the team solve problems. Consider taking on more responsibilities if you can realistically complete them, rather than waiting for someone to ask you to do more work. Not only will you be taking the initiative and helping the team, but it will also give you more influence over the type of work you are doing. Take responsibility. Sometimes, you will fail or make a mistake. A good team player will own up to their mistake and take action to fix it rather than blaming it on someone or something else. Sometimes things really were out of your control, but coworkers and bosses will respect you for taking responsibility and the initiative to fix the problem. Be willing to admit you could have done something differently. Admitting your mistakes will also help build your relationship with your teammates and make them more willing to work with you. Be flexible. Come in a little early or stay late to help meet a group goal. Being flexible with your schedule shows a willingness to do what's best for the team. Be willing to adapt to the situation. Sometimes you will need to revise your plan when conditions change. When you realize something needs to change, move quickly to make the change. Being flexible shows that you are able to work in varied conditions, a valuable skill in a fast-paced workplace. Offer constructive feedback. Give a coworker constructive feedback for problems with clients or projects. Sharing your knowledge will make you a valuable, trusted workplace team player. Approach your coworker and ask them if they would like your help or advice with the problem they are having, in order to be sensitive to them if they have recently failed or made a mistake. Constructive criticism has to come from a place of trust and personal humility. Coworkers will sense if you are being condescending. This will hurt both you and the team. Make sure your feedback is specific and not judgmental. Your constructive criticism should be aimed at helping the person and not at calling someone out on his or her failure. Timing matters. You may want to wait before engaging with someone who has just failed at a task, particularly in public. Wait until they have had time to become less emotional and offer them help based on your own experience. Pitch in on the small stuff. You are working hard anyway, so take a moment to do the small things that improve everyone's quality of life on your team. You are more likely to be viewed as a workplace team player if you treat coworkers with courtesy and help out around the office. Put more paper in the copy machine if it runs out while you are making copies. Make a new pot of coffee if you finish off a pot. Help clean up a mess in the break room. | Communicate clearly with your coworkers and bosses. Listen to your coworkers. Seek feedback. Speak your mind. Get clarification. Participate in group meetings and planning sessions. Respect your coworkers. Take action to solve problems. Compromise. Set goals and evaluate progress. Be reliable. Do more than you have to. Take responsibility. Be flexible. Offer constructive feedback. Pitch in on the small stuff. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-Your-Own-Coat-of-Arms | How to Create Your Own Coat of Arms | With a little understanding of the elements of a coat of arms and the symbolism behind these designs, you can create your very own coat of arms. Shields are often shaped like an upside down triangle, but you can be unique and try your own shape too. Once you have your basic shape, decide how you want to divide your shield. For example, you may want to section the shield into 3 parts that are all triangles. You can then decide on the colors and designs for your shield. While different colors have varying meanings, like red representing military strength and purple representing royalty, you can also pick colors that you simply like. The designs are typically made up of animals, flowers, stars, moons, sunbursts, or mythic creatures that feel representative of your family. | Begin by choosing the shape of the shield. Shields are often shaped like an upside down triangle with a slight curvature of the vertical lines. Feel free to be creative and change the shape to whatever you desire! For some inspiration, try experimenting with drawing different shapes or conduct a Google search to look up the various shapes of shields. The shapes of shields generally represent different eras. For example, the 11th and 12th centuries used a triangle with curved corners and the early 13th century shaped their shields similar to a guitar pick. Choose the divisions of the shield. “Divisions” refers to how the shield is segmented or what shapes go on the shield. For example, you may want to section the shield into three parts. Perhaps you want to add three diamonds horizontally across the shield. There are numerous ways to divide the shield. When designing your own, you can reference classic heraldry or choose your own design. Choose the shield's color. In some cases, depending on how you want to display your shield, you may use different colors in the various divisions of your shield. You can also choose to not divide the shield at all and simply use one color or no colors at all. If you choose to use color, you could use colors such as bright red, royal or sky blue, emerald green, royal purple, black. If you choose to go for a metallic shield, gold or silver are your best bets. Select the charges for your shield. The designs on the shield are known as charges. You can use animals, flowers, stars, crescent moons, sunbursts, or mythological creatures. Most animals are shown to be two-dimensional, meaning that they look flat and only the characteristics that distinguish them as an animal, like tails, are obvious. The most common animals used on shields include lions, bears, boars, eagles, horses, dragons, and griffins. Choose the colors for your charges. Traditionally speaking, if you chose a metallic color for your shield, then you should use a color for your charges and vice versa. In classic heraldry, different colors symbolize different traits. However, feel free to use the colors that you would like to use, since this is your own design. Gold or yellow symbolize generosity. Silver or white represent peace and serenity. Blue represents truth and loyalty. Red represents a warrior or military strength. Green represents hope and joy. Black represents grief or constancy. Purple represents royalty or justice. Orange represents ambition. Maroon represents patience in battle yet achieving victory. Decide the posture for your charges. The charges on a coat of arm can appear in different postures, depending on how you want to represent yourself. If your charges are animals or creatures, they will appear on your shield as they would naturally, standing on their hind legs, standing on hind legs face turned toward you, walking, lying down, or sitting. Charges that are standing are generally regarded as more alert, fierce, and prepared for battle, whereas seated charges generally symbolize peacefulness and serenity. Choose accessories to add to the outside of your shield. Lay out the rest of your coat of arms by choosing from the different parts and accessories. This could be a crown symbol, plants or flowers, weaponry, or something that you believe symbolizes yourself or your family. If you love flowers, you could incorporate flower, vines, or plant designs all around your shield. You could incorporate flames for a more powerful vibe. Decide on the helm. The item that sits on top of the shield is the helm. For example, some people use a coronet, which is similar to the pillow that the king's helmet sits on. The coronet would rest on the shield. You could draw a soft bed of vines or plants or not even draw a helm at all. Pick a helmet. If you choose to use a coronet as part of your crest, the helmet will sit on the coronet. The can be of almost any style. Feel free to be creative! Depending on the style of helmet, there may be a crest atop the helmet. This crest often includes something like the head of a rooster or stag. It varied from family to family, and whether the family was of higher peerage. There are various styles of helmets that you can draw, such as the Ancient helmet, the Ancient Roman helmet, or the Barrel helmet. If you are unsure what to draw for a helmet, conduct a Google search of helmets used in coats of arms and browse through the thousands of websites and images for inspiration. Pick out your mantling. Mantling refers to the leaves that usually attach to the top of the helmet or the bottom of the crest. These leaves can be from any plant that you choose. For example, you could choose the leaves of an oak tree to symbolize strength and growth. Choose your supporters. Supporters can be animals, birds, or persons that appear to be supporting or holding up the shield. This is an important aspect of the coat of arms, as it takes up as much space as the shield itself! Think about what symbolizes you. If you feel like you are a bold, strong, fiery person, you could choose dragons to support your shield. If you feel you are quiet and wise, you could choose sparrows or another type of bird to support the shield. Your supporters do not have to be two of the same kind of animal or person. For example, you could use a lion and a griffin. Decide if you would like to include a compartment under the shield. The compartment usually consists of simple leaves or branches that take up the space between the shield and the banner below. You could also try ribbons or bows. Design your banner. The banner is a pretty simple ribbon that displays your motto. For the motto, you can use an inspirational saying, such as “Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable” or it could have your full name on it. Remember that the coat of arms represents you, so put something on the banner that is meaningful to you. You could also use a saying in another language or use a quote. You could consult with your family to come up with a statement or saying. If you come up with a cool phrase, but don't really want to just have it in English, you could use Google Translate to change it to Latin, which will make it sound even cooler and encourage others to ask about it. Finish the banner. Once you have added these last finishing touches, look it over to see if there is anything else you would like to add. If not, sit back and enjoy your new coat of arms! | Begin by choosing the shape of the shield. Choose the divisions of the shield. Choose the shield's color. Select the charges for your shield. Choose the colors for your charges. Decide the posture for your charges. Choose accessories to add to the outside of your shield. Decide on the helm. Pick a helmet. Pick out your mantling. Choose your supporters. Decide if you would like to include a compartment under the shield. Design your banner. Finish the banner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cast-a-Spell | How to Cast a Spell | Before casting a spell, purify your body by taking a bath, clearing your mind, and dressing in robes or light clothing. Next, purify your space by cleaning the area you'll be working in and putting out some crystals or herbs that fit the type of magic you're trying to perform. Create a circle or altar to protect you from negative spirits, then invoke the divine and call out your incantation. Finally, tear up a piece of paper or toss away a stone to symbolize your energy going out into the universe. | Purify yourself before any spell. Before attempting to perform magic, you need to get into the right frame of both body and mind and cleanse away any doubts, demons or spiritual impurities that might distract you or make the spell go awry. Ideally purifying yourself should be a ritual in and of itself, and should leave your body relaxed and your mind nuclear. Bathe. Take a long bath, getting your skin completely clean and soaking the tension of our your muscles. Dress appropriately. If you have robes or other special garb for doing magic, put that on. Otherwise pick simple but formal clothes that feel light, comfortable and clean. You are asking the divine forces for a favor, so try to dress with a certain amount of reverence. If there won't be anyone around, some wiccans swear by performing magic in the nude. Meditate until your mind is clear. Do some basic deep breathing to improve your focus and discard distracting desires. Anoint yourself with the proper oils. Different essential oils can be used for different purposes, so if you like find one or more that seem appropriate and dab a little with your fingers on your forehead, and perhaps your hands, hair, face and chest as well. Purify your space. If you are going to be working inside, make sure you won't be disturbed and tidy up the location where you intend to perform your spell. Visualize negative and distracting energies dispersing as you clean. When the space is clean physically, purify it spiritually by burning some incense, sprinkling some salt water or holy water, or playing a few clear notes on a musical instrument. Setup a circle or altar. You need a consecrated space to perform your ritual. This can be either a circle to protect you from the interference of negative spirits and energies, an altar to focus your dedication to a specific deity or element, or some combination of these two. You will perform your ritual within the circle or in front of the altar. Draw a circle big enough to sit in, or a five-pointed-star within a circle (called a pentacle). You can draw it physically or just trace it in the air with your finger or a wand. Visualize protective energy coming out of your arm as you draw, sealing off the circle from in a bubble of light. You can mark the cardinal points on the circle or the points of the star with candles, stones, or some other set of significant objects. Create a small raised platform on which to place a figurine of a deity or some other symbolic representation of the divine. It doesn't have to be complicated: a stack of books will do, if you treat it reverently. Consider adding candles, crystals, an incense stand, or a couple objects close to you spiritually, such as a small heirloom or your book of spells. Invoke the divine. Verbally call on a higher power to bless your spell. This can be a general prayer to call on the help of some deity or force, or something specific you wrote for this spell. Your invocation can also include gestures, music, dance, or ritually lighting candles or placing objects. Focus your energy on your desire. Visualize the object of your spell and imagine light flowing from you into it. Visualize your wish coming true. The more vividly you can see these energies in your mind's eye, the realer they will be. Recite your incantation. For each spell, write a short verse describing your wish and asking it to be granted. It doesn't have to rhyme, but rhymes, alliteration, cadence and other poetic structures help with focus and memorization. Speak the incantation clearly and confidently while you visualize. Seal the deal. A good spell should have some element of "casting off" an item to represent your will going out into the universe. Tear or burn a piece of paper with your wish (or a symbol representing your wish) written on it; toss away a stone or symbolic object; snuff out a candle; or pouring out or drinking a potion. Give thanks and clean up. Say thank you to any specific deity you invoked. Ground your excess energy by visualizing it flowing into the earth. Undraw your circle, if necessary, and dismantle your altar if you aren't going to use it again. Gather up your tools and leave the space. Your spell is finished. Consider doing something mundane, like having something to eat, to center yourself. Watch the heavens. Many magicians consider the phases of the moon, the time of day, and other astrological configurations to be of great significance in the effectiveness of any spell. For instance, a spell seeking some kind of new beginning should be cast during a new moon, so your wish can come to fruition as the moon becomes full. Some occult research will help you figure out how to optimize the timing of your spells. Coordinate your colors. Colors have different meanings in different magical systems. Once you look up their significance, pick one or two colors that match your intention and use colored candles or crystals to involve them in your spells. Use herbs, oils, stones and natural objects. For expert occultists, all these items have some sort of magical significance. Go to your local new age store to pick up materials that will give power to your spells. Cozy up to higher powers. Different occultists call on all sorts of different deities and religious figures to work their magic. Find a system of spiritual symbolism that works for you, and invoke those characters in your spells. Just be careful—some of these spirits have ideas of their own and can twist your intentions if you can't control them. Have faith. In the end, casting a spell is all about directing your mental energies towards a goal. Whether or not something supernatural occurs because of your spell, stating your goal clearly and in a ritualized way can help you focus, give you confidence and make you work harder to make it happen. The more you believe in the power of your spell, the more likely it is to have a positive effect on you. Find a shell in shallow water. Take it, and dry it well. This is a simple magic spell to make a general wish come true. Use it to put your intention out into the universe by calling on the power of the waters and the moon. Pick or create a symbol of your desire and place it on the shell. You can draw your own symbol, or you can look up different symbols that are related to your area of desire (love, family, health, success, and so on). Draw it on the surface of the shell with chalk, charcoal or something else that will wash off in the water. Place the shell at the edge of the ocean or lake shore. Set it in a spot where the waves will eventually wash over the shell when the tide comes in. The symbol on the shell should be facing upwards—towards the moon. Note the phase of the moon when you do this. Use the waxing moon if you wish to gain something and the waning moon if you wish to get rid of something Draw a triangle in the sand. Your shell should be the center of the triangle. Meaningful phrases and words may be drawn into the sand as well, as long as they are in the triangle. Alternatively, you can write these directly onto the shell. Chant this spell while facing the moon. Focus on your wish and try to say the spell with reverence and conviction. Goddess of Moon, Earth, and the Sea Each wish in Thy name must come to be Powers and Forces which Tides do make Now summon Thy waves, my spell to take Leave the area believing that your wish will come true. As the tide moves in, the shell should wash away, and your wish will be taken by the universe, to the Old Ones or whichever gods you believe in. You should notice results in 7-28 days. | Purify yourself before any spell. Purify your space. Setup a circle or altar. Invoke the divine. Focus your energy on your desire. Recite your incantation. Seal the deal. Give thanks and clean up. Watch the heavens. Coordinate your colors. Use herbs, oils, stones and natural objects. Cozy up to higher powers. Have faith. Find a shell in shallow water. Pick or create a symbol of your desire and place it on the shell. Place the shell at the edge of the ocean or lake shore. Draw a triangle in the sand. Chant this spell while facing the moon. Leave the area believing that your wish will come true. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Without-Forgetting | How to Learn Without Forgetting | To learn without forgetting, start by reading the material out loud to help you retain more of the content. After you've read it, try writing out the most important information as a way to cement it in your memory. If you're still having a hard time remembering something specific, try using a mnemonic device or rhyme to help you, such as, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Then, take a practice test and specifically review the answers that you didn't get right. | Approach studying in a positive manner. If you crack open the books while in a bad mood about having to study, you won't have an effective study session. However, if you are motivated about what you are about to learn, you will have an easier time learning it and remembering it come test time. Don't tell yourself, “I'm never going to learn this.” Be patient with yourself as you try to master new material. Create and stick to a good study schedule. Take the time to think about when you are most alert and able to concentrate. For some, this may be immediately after school. Others may be more productive if they take a break after school and relax a bit before opening the books. Regardless of when you choose to study, you will retain more information if you study a bit each day (for 30 to 60 minutes at a time) rather than cramming at the last minute. Remember to incorporate breaks into your study schedule. Breaks give your brain a chance to absorb what you just studied. During your break, it is helpful to take a short walk or get some fresh air to help clear your mind. Pick a good place to study. You need to find a quiet space free of distractions, such as a library or an isolated area of your house. By having an area devoted to studying, your brain will become used to calming down and absorbing material once you get there. Keep a set of materials near your study space, such as books, paper, pens, highlighters, a calculator, and so on. If you need a computer for your research or studies, you can utilize an app to block specific websites for a certain period of time. That way, you won't be tempted to check social media accounts or news feeds when you should be studying instead. Stay organized. Disorganized notes or a messy study room can be enemies to your memory. By creating order in your environment, you foster order in your mind, so you can better memorize facts and recall them later. Get enough sleep. When you sleep, your brain converts facts from short-term memory to long-term memory. Even a short nap can help with this process. If you study in the afternoon and don't have time for a nap then, review your notes or flashcards at night before going to bed. Aim to get 9 hours of sleep each night, the optimal level for adolescents. The recommended sleep range for adults is between 7 and 9 hours. Read your materials out loud. Using multiple senses can help you retain more information, so even just saying the words out loud and then hearing them can be helpful. Don't worry about looking foolish reading your biology notes to your dog. You'll be happy if it helps you ace your next exam. If you're in the library or somewhere else you can't speak aloud, try mouthing the information. Discuss what you are learning or teach someone else. Similar to reading your notes out loud, talking about what you are learning can also help you retain the information better. You can either study with a friend and quiz each other, or you can try to teach the material to a parent or younger sibling. Using your brain to figure out a way to teach the material to someone else causes you to think about the material more in-depth and analytically. You will be able to figure out which materials you need to further study if you have a difficult time teaching the concept to someone else. Write out what you have to memorize. Putting pen to paper and either taking notes on what you've read or simply re-writing over and over a formula or concept you're trying to master can really help. It can also be helpful to write out an outline of the materials you are trying to learn. Just the process of organizing the materials in a visual manner can help your brain recall the information in an organized manner. You can also write out flashcards with important facts, dates, or formulas on them. This is doubly helpful, since the act of writing will help you remember, and the flashcards are a portable tool you can review while riding on a bus or waiting for an appointment. If you're reading, summarize each paragraph in the margins. You are in effect teaching it to yourself when you summarize and analyze it. Take a practice test. If you can locate a practice exam or one used in the past, this can be a good tool for figuring out what you have mastered and which topics you still need to study. Once you finish the practice test, research the material you did not know and try another test again in a few days. Remember not to limit your studies to only those items found on the practice exam. Odds are, your test will include all of the information you've been assigned to study, not just questions you found on a previous or practice test. Master mnemonic devices. These are memory tools that help you recall things such as names, dates, and facts through turning that information into a memorable rhyme, word, or sentence. For instance, you can remember the names of the Great Lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior) by remembering the word HOMES. The first letter of the name of each lake is used to create that new word. Another example of a common mnemonic is the name “Roy G. Biv,” which correlates with the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Be creative. Use the first letter of a group of words you're trying to remember and make a silly sentence or phrase with words that start with the same letters. Create rhymes for what you are trying to remember. Rhymes are a type of mnemonic device that use audio (sound) information to help remember things. In other words, the rhymes are easily linked together for us by their sound. Think about this classic rhyme: “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” Try to organize the information or list of words you're trying to remember into a rhyme. Develop a mind map. Mind maps are diagrams or pictures you can create to help you visually organize information. They help show relationships between pieces of information so you can better understand the connections between different concepts or groups of data. By better understanding how different ideas connect together, you can better remember them and recall them at test time. Place the main idea in the center of your mind map, and use connected branches to add related information. You can create a mind map on paper, or there are computer tools to help you create them digitally. Chew gum while studying. Some researchers believe that the act of chewing gum actually allows more oxygen into your brain, which helps you concentrate better. Furthermore, if you chew a particular flavor of gum while studying, such as peppermint, you may be able to better remember information you studied if you also chew that gum during your test. Use your sense of smell. Smells are often associated with memories, so you can use this to help you remember what you're studying. Try this experiment: smell a perfume or scent while studying. Then, smell the same scent right before your exam. You may be able to better recall the information you studied. | Approach studying in a positive manner. Create and stick to a good study schedule. Pick a good place to study. Stay organized. Get enough sleep. Read your materials out loud. Discuss what you are learning or teach someone else. Write out what you have to memorize. Take a practice test. Master mnemonic devices. Create rhymes for what you are trying to remember. Develop a mind map. Chew gum while studying. Use your sense of smell. |
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