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https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Boogie-Woogie-Piano | How to Play Boogie Woogie Piano | Boogie woogie piano is a rhythmic, upbeat type of music. To play boogie woogie piano, start by learning a simple left-hand bass pattern. Most left hand patterns are “8-to-the-bar,” which means there are eight eighth-notes played in every bar. Once you can play the pattern fluidly, practice playing it over 12-bar blues, using your right hand for the chords. The 12-bar blues is a chord progression consisting of the 1st, 4th and 5th chords of a key. So in C major, you'd play C, F, and G. When you're confident playing a left-hand rhythm over 12-bar blues chords, learn some licks with your right hand. These are short phrases that add flare to your playing. | Listen to the masters. Music is a language, and like learning any language, you need to listen to its native speakers. Start by listening to some of the old masters to get an idea of their rhythms, phrasing, timing, and styles. Here are some good people to start with: Clarence "Pinetop" Smith, Cripple Clarence Lofton, Jabo Williams, Montana Taylor, Jimmy Yancey, Hersal Thomas, Albert Ammons, Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson, Big Maceo Merriweather, Otis Spann, Amos Milburn, Professor Longhair and James Booker. Download their music and listen a little bit to them every day to start getting the true sounds of boogie-woogie in your ears! Learn at least one left hand bass pattern. The left hand is the most important feature of boogie-woogie piano playing and without a steady bass pattern there is no hope of playing true boogie-woogie. Most left hand patterns are “8-to-the-bar”, meaning there are eight eighth-notes played in every bar. Learn at least one left hand bass pattern and be able to play it automatically and independently of the right hand. Develop hand independence. This is a great exercise for getting your foot in the door to achieving left hand independence with any new bass pattern you learn. For this example, use your boogie-woogie left hand pattern from Step two. Play the Shuffle pattern (staying on the C chord) in the left hand, and introduce increasingly complicated rhythms in the right hand, using a C6 chord in the first inversion. Practice this technique over the three chords of a 12-bar blues. The most common musical form for boogie-woogie songs is a 12-bar blues It consists of three chord changes, the I chord, the IV chord, and the V chord. In the key of C, the I chord is C, the IV chord is F, and the V chord is G. It is absolutely essential that you memorize the 12-bar blues form. You can simply transpose the voicing used for C6 to the keys of F and G, or you can try these different voicings: to make an F chord, simply lower the E to an Eb from your C6 chord. This will make an F9 chord. For a G chord, shift your fingers slightly over to f-g-b-d. Practice the hand independence exercise shown above in the new keys of F (starting the left hand pinky finger on F, and playing an F chord in the right hand) and G (starting the left hand pinky finger on G, and playing a G chord in the right hand). Learn a right hand lick. In boogie-woogie piano playing, when the right hand is not playing chords to accompany vocals or another soloist, it usually plays licks. According to Arthur Migliazza's book “How To Play Boogie Woogie Piano," there are only 8 primary licks, from which infinite variations and combinations are possible. Lick #1 is the most basic, and consists of keeping the right hand in the basic position of a C major triad. Learn some variations of your first lick. Learn some variations of the lick so that you have more material to work with in your song. Practice the lick and variations while playing the left hand bass pattern. The next step is to introduce your right hand licks to your left hand boogie-woogie bass pattern. Practice in C, F and G separately. [Note: you can transpose these licks to F and G, or just play them in C while the left hand changes! It still works!] When you are comfortable playing the licks in all three keys, put them in the context of a 12-bar blues. Learn an introduction. Introductions to boogie-woogie songs vary widely. A very common way to start a boogie-woogie is by simply playing the left hand bass pattern for four measure by itself, and then introduce the right hand.Another common way to begin a boogie-woogie is by using the first two chords of a turnaround progression, the I7 and I dim 7. In the key of C this means C7 and C diminished 7. An intro of this sort is usually four measures in duration and consists of going back and forth between these two chords. These four measures count as the first four measures of the 12-bar form and when the left hand comes in with the bass pattern it is on the IV chord. Learn an ending. The simplest way to end a boogie-woogie is by playing this figure with the left hand by itself. Combine a repeating, rhythmic bass pattern in the left hand with chords and licks in the right hand. Use an intro to start and an ending to finish and now you're playing boogie woogie! | Listen to the masters. Learn at least one left hand bass pattern. Develop hand independence. Practice this technique over the three chords of a 12-bar blues. Learn a right hand lick. Learn some variations of your first lick. Practice the lick and variations while playing the left hand bass pattern. When you are comfortable playing the licks in all three keys, put them in the context of a 12-bar blues. Learn an introduction. Learn an ending. Combine a repeating, rhythmic bass pattern in the left hand with chords and licks in the right hand. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Christmas-Lights | How to Store Christmas Lights | To store Christmas lights, wrap them around a piece of cardboard and then wrap tissue paper around the lights to protect them. You can also try wrapping the lights around the outside of a coat hanger and hanging them up somewhere convenient for storage. If you want to store multiple strands of lights in one place, plug the strands into each other and then wind them up in a power cord holder, which you can get at your local hardware store. | Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle. Roughly 12 inches by 6 inches should be fine. Make sure this is a heavier piece of cardboard, like from a packing box. If the cardboard is too light it will buckle when you wrap the lights around them. Cut a notch in one side of the cardboard. This should be big enough to tuck one end of the lights into. It doesn't matter if the notch is on the length or width side- this method will work either way. Wrap the lights around the rectangle. Do this neatly, working from one side to the other as needed. This will make unwrapping them much easier next year. Cut another notch wherever the other end of the lights is when you're done. Tuck the end into this notch just like you did with the first one. Wrap tissue paper around the lights. To protect the lights, wrap a layer or two of tissue paper around the cardboard. This will help protect them while they're in storage. Get an empty can of Pringles. Make sure you rinse out the inside of the tube- this isn't to protect your lights, but if there are crumbs left inside it could attract bugs to your storage area. As an alternative, you could also use the cardboard tube from a paper towel roll for this method. The steps will be the same, except you won't be placing a lid on the cardboard tube. Cut a slit in the top of the can. Using a pair of heavy scissors, cut a vertical slit on the top of the can. The slit should be about an inch long. Slip one end of the lights into the slit. You can widen the slit with further cutting if the wire from the lights won't fit. Wrap the lights around the can. Work your way down to the bottom of the can, then go back up to the top. Tuck the end of the lights into the same slit at the top of the can. This should leave you with the lights wrapped around the can with both ends resting in the slit on top. Place the lid on the Pringles can. This will prevent the ends from slipping out of the slit and unraveling your lights during storage. Wrap the can in tissue paper. To protect the lights during storage, you can wrap a few layers of tissue paper around the can. This should be done especially if you're placing the lights in a box with other items. Get a plastic hanger. Ideally, the hanger will have a little hook on each side of the body. You can still use this method if you hanger doesn't have hooks, but the hooks will make wrapping the lights much easier. Tuck one end of the lights into one of the hooks. If your hanger doesn't have hooks, you can just tie the end to the body of the hanger. Wrap the lights around the outside of the hanger. Gradually work your way to the other side of the hanger, then work back to the original side. You'll probably have to do this a few times to get the whole string on the hanger. Tuck the remaining end into the other hook. Make sure you leave enough string at the end to reach the last hook. If there isn't enough room or your hanger doesn't have hooks, just tuck the end in between the strands of lights. Store the hanger. You can either place the lights in a box, or, since this is a hanger, you can hang it conveniently out of the way until next Christmas. If storing with other items, make sure to wrap the hanger in tissue paper for protection. Get a power cord holder. These are available at most hardware store. There are several different kinds. You'll want a larger one designed for heavy outdoor electrical cords. Insert the lights into the cord holder and wind them up. Do this carefully to make sure you don't break any lights. Plug in more lights if you have them. The good thing about this method is that you can put multiple strands of lights into the same place. Just plug the new set of lights into the end of the old one and keep winding as long as you have room on the holder. Store the lights until next year. You can place the power cord holder on a shelf, in a box, or hang it up if it has a hook. If you store the lights in a container, use a shallow one and avoid stacking the coils on top of each other. That way they won't get tangled while in storage. Pinch the second light of the strand between your index finger and thumb. This should cause the first and third lights to fall next to each other in your palm. Pull the fourth light up and pinch it next to the second one. Now, the first, third, and fifth lights should be in your palm. Continue matching the even lights to the top of your hand and the odd lights at the bottom. Keeping this sequence going should keep the lights in an even pattern that will prevent tangling. Wrap the remaining cord around the bunch and plug the two sides in. When you're done wrapping, you should have a tight bunch of lights and the two plugs remaining. Wrap the small sections attached to the plugs around the bunch to keep it together. Then plug them into each other and you're all done. | Cut a piece of cardboard into a rectangle. Cut a notch in one side of the cardboard. Wrap the lights around the rectangle. Cut another notch wherever the other end of the lights is when you're done. Wrap tissue paper around the lights. Get an empty can of Pringles. Cut a slit in the top of the can. Slip one end of the lights into the slit. Wrap the lights around the can. Place the lid on the Pringles can. Wrap the can in tissue paper. Get a plastic hanger. Tuck one end of the lights into one of the hooks. Wrap the lights around the outside of the hanger. Tuck the remaining end into the other hook. Store the hanger. Get a power cord holder. Insert the lights into the cord holder and wind them up. Plug in more lights if you have them. Store the lights until next year. Pinch the second light of the strand between your index finger and thumb. Pull the fourth light up and pinch it next to the second one. Continue matching the even lights to the top of your hand and the odd lights at the bottom. Wrap the remaining cord around the bunch and plug the two sides in. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heat-Fully-Cooked-Ham | How to Heat Fully Cooked Ham | To heat a fully cooked ham, start by placing it in a shallow baking dish with 1/2 a cup of water. Then, cover the ham with aluminum foil, wrapping the foil over the edges of the pan so no heat escapes. Next, place the baking dish in an oven heated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're heating a boneless ham, cook it for 20-30 minutes for every pound of meat. If you're heating a ham that's still on the bone, cook it for 15 minutes for every pound of meat. | Slice the ham into pieces. The size of the slices are up to you, but they should be sliced thin enough that they're ready to serve. You can slice up the entire ham, or you can do a bit at a time if you're not serving many people at once. Place the ham slices in a shallow baking dish and cover with foil. The foil will help to keep any moisture released from the ham slices inside the dish, which helps prevent the ham from drying out. The foil should be wrapped around the sides of the dish to prevent any heat from escaping. Reheat the ham in the oven. The oven should be set to 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius). How long you have to reheat it will depend on how much the ham weighs. You should leave the ham in the oven for 10 minutes for every pound (0.5 kg) it weighs. Check your ham to make sure it doesn't dry out. About halfway through your cooking time, remove the foil from a corner of the baking dish. The slices should still look mostly pink. If you notice them turning white, they're drying out. Add a few tablespoons of water to the dish and put the ham back in the oven. Place the ham cut-side down in a baking dish. Placing the cut side down helps trap moisture in the ham. It also prevents the glaze that normally comes on spiral sliced hams from drying out or getting stuck to the bottom of the pan. Cover the ham with heavy aluminum foil. The ham itself should be covered, and the foil should wrap around the edges of the baking dish. Heavy aluminum foil (as opposed to regular aluminum foil) will help protect the ham from drying out. Heat the ham for 10 minutes per pound (0.5 kg). With your oven set at 325 Fahrenheit (163 Celsius), heat the ham for about 10 minutes for every pound (0.5 kg) of ham. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) for store-bought ham and 165 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for leftover ham. Check the ham halfway through heating. Pull the ham out of the oven about halfway through the cook time. Pull away a corner of the foil and stick a meat thermometer into the ham. It should be at about 160 degrees Fahrenheit (81 degrees Celsius). If you notice the ham turning white and drying out, add a bit more water to the dish and rewrap it before putting it back in the oven. Warm individual slices in the microwave. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover the plate with a piece of paper towel. Heat the ham for about one minute per slice. Place the ham in a shallow baking pan. Add a half a cup (119 mL) of water to the pan. This will help the ham maintain its water content and should keep the ham moist after it's been heated. Cover the ham with aluminum foil. The edges of the foil should wrap around the sides of the baking pan. Make sure you pinch or crimp the sides of the foil so no heat or steam escapes while the ham is reheating. Reheat the ham at 20 to 30 minutes per pound (0.5 kg). The oven should be set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius). Check the ham about halfway through the total heating time to see what temperature it's at. The internal temperature should eventually reach about 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Reduce the cooking time for bone-in hams. If your ham still has its bone, you should heat it for 15 to 20 for every pound (0.5 kg) of ham. Everything else should be the same as for a boneless ham – place the ham with a half cup (119 mL) of water in a shallow baking dish and cover it with foil. Check the ham halfway through heating. Pull the ham out of the oven about halfway through the cook time. Pull away a corner of the foil and stick a meat thermometer into the ham. It should be at about 160 degrees Fahrenheit (81 degrees Celsius). If you notice the ham turning white and drying out, add a bit more water to the dish and rewrap it before putting it back in the oven. | Slice the ham into pieces. Place the ham slices in a shallow baking dish and cover with foil. Reheat the ham in the oven. Check your ham to make sure it doesn't dry out. Place the ham cut-side down in a baking dish. Cover the ham with heavy aluminum foil. Heat the ham for 10 minutes per pound (0.5 kg). Check the ham halfway through heating. Warm individual slices in the microwave. Place the ham in a shallow baking pan. Cover the ham with aluminum foil. Reheat the ham at 20 to 30 minutes per pound (0.5 kg). Reduce the cooking time for bone-in hams. Check the ham halfway through heating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Suede-Shoes | How to Dye Suede Shoes | To dye suede shoes, start by purchasing a dye specifically formulated for use on suede, and brushing out the suede with a soft-bristled shoe brush to remove dust and debris. Additionally, cover or remove all external accessories, and stuff the shoes with newspaper to prevent the dye from running into the interior of the shoes. Then, dip a small, stiff-bristled brush into the dye, and massage the dye into the suede using smooth, circular motions. Let the dye sit for at least 24 hours, then follow up with a second or third application for a darker color. | Purchase a dye formulated specifically for use on suede. These types of dyes are designed to penetrate soft, textured materials like natural leather, unlike ordinary varieties, which will simply roll off. Shop around until you find a color that you think is a good fit for the shoes you're modifying—the bolder, the better. Keep in mind that it won't be possible to go from a darker shade to a lighter one. For this reason, you'll have the most success dyeing shoes in light and neutral colors, like white, gray, or khaki. Fiebing's, Angelus, Lincoln, and Kiwi are all well-reviewed brands that offer suede-specific dyes. Brush out the suede with a soft-bristled shoe brush. Sweep the brush over the entire outer surface of the shoe. A preliminary brushing will remove troublesome dust and debris and get the tiny fibers standing on end, making it easier for the dye to soak deep into the fabric. Make sure you brush the grain in all different directions, not just the way it lays naturally. Clean the suede if necessary. A good once-over with a brush should do away with most dry dust and dirt. If the shoes have seen a lot of hard wear, however, they may require more intensive treatment. Use a damp sponge or washcloth (not dripping wet) to wipe down the shoe all over. The "all over" part is the key to ensuring that the moisture touches every part of the shoe and leaves it with a consistent appearance. Remove pesky oil stains by sprinkling them with cornstarch, then brushing it off once it's had time to absorb the worst of the mess. Heavy staining is best left to a dry cleaner or shoe repair expert. Cover or remove all external accessories. If the shoes have laces, pull them out and set them aside. Use small strips of painter's tape to protect any other visible features, such as buttons, zippers, stamps, and accents like sequins. While you're at it, fold a few strips around the outsole of the shoe (unless you're planning on recoloring this area as well). The dye will permanently stain anything that it comes into contact with, so if you don't want it ruined, tape it up. Cut the tape as needed to hide difficult areas like logos and stripes. Stuff the shoes with newspaper. Crumple several sheets of newspaper into loose balls and push them down into the toe and heel section. Filling the shoes with a bulky material will help them hold their shape throughout the dyeing process. It will also prevent the wet dye from running into the interior of the shoe. For boots and high top sneakers, you'll need to keep stuffing to the ankle or shin. You could also use some old rags instead of newspaper. Just remember that anything the dye touches will be marked for good. Grab a brush for easy application. Most suede dyes come with a special applicator tool for more convenient use. These are typically no more than a cotton ball attached to a piece of wire. You'll get better results using a sturdier tool, like a small scrubbing brush with a handle. Whatever brush you use should have stiff bristles that can reach down into every little nook and cranny of the suede. An unused (clean) toothbrush can make a perfect makeshift applicator. Dip the brush into the dye. Wet the bristles thoroughly and let the excess dye drip off into the container. Watch out for drips and splatters as you move the applicator back and forth from the dye bottle. Aim to rub on about half a teaspoon of dye with each application. Unless specified in the direction, there should be no need to dilute the dye or mix it with any other substances. It's a good idea to pull on a pair of rubber gloves to keep your hands from getting stained. Spread the dye over the shoe. Run the head of the brush over the surface of the shoe to transfer the dye in a single large glob. Make sure you use a conservative amount at first—you can always apply more later if you need to. Start with a broad, flat surface, such as the heel or toe, and work your way to the tighter sections from there. Be careful not to oversaturate the suede. Concentrating too much dye in one area could create permanent dark spotting, which can be extremely difficult to even out. Massage the dye into the suede using smooth, circular motions. Proceed in small sections until you've covered the entire shoe, making sure there are no obvious gaps. It should begin taking on the new color immediately. To avoid making unnecessary mistakes, work slowly and methodically, especially when you're first getting used to the technique. Don't be surprised if the seams don't take the new color very well. Many newer shoes are stitched together with synthetic thread, which may not be as absorbent as natural materials. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. Stash the dyed shoes in a cool area with low humidity while they're drying. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day for the dye to dry to the touch. For a more stable base color, leave them to sit for at least 24 hours. It's important to give the dye ample time to set into the soft suede. Avoid handling the shoes in meantime. The wet dye will rub off very easily. Exact dry times will vary depending on the type of dye you use, the size of the shoes, and the temperature of your environment. Brush on additional coats for a darker color. The finish may not be even after a single coat of dye. If this is the case, follow up with a second or even third application, adding more dye until you achieve the desired depth of color. Wait until each coat is dry to the touch before moving on to the next. The initial coloration may hold fast to light-colored shoes, or it may fade somewhat once it's dry. Hold off on applying subsequent coats until you know how the pair you're dyeing will react. Try not to layer on too many coats, as too much dye can eventually dry out the leather. Buff the shoes to touch up the suede. Once again, go over the surface with the shoe brush to fluff up the nap that's been weighed down by the dye. It may help to waft a hairdryer over the shoes while you do this to make sure every last fiber is completely dry. If you're using the same brush as before, clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water or acetone to strip the remaining dye before putting it to work again. Treat the shoes with a waterproofing spray. A quality silicone or acrylic waterproofer will help preserve the updated color. Hold the can 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) away from the shoe and mist on a light, even coating. Once the waterproofing has dried completely (which could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour), you'll be able to model your new shoes with confidence. Aim for full coverage from heel to toe, but avoid oversaturating the suede. The clear, odorless waterproofing agent works by filling in the tiny gaps in the soft fabric, creating a barrier that repels water. Clean your dyed shoes carefully. Brush out the suede every once in a while to dislodge clinging debris. To deal with stains and buildup from other substances like mud, it's best to lightly scrub the suede with a modest amount of water, as you did with your preliminary cleaning. The wisest course of action, however, is to keep them from getting dirty in the first place. Excessive moisture could simply spread the stain around, or worse, cause the dye to bleed. Avoid wearing the shoes in wet conditions. Even with the waterproofing spray, the dye will be prone to running when exposed to moisture. Save your refurbished footwear for clear days, and do your best to steer clear of puddles, sprinklers, wet grass, and other watery pitfalls. When worn cautiously, you can get many more years of use out of your favorite shoes. Dyed athletic shoes could become blotchy or faded after a few sweaty workouts. It may be a good idea to keep a spare change of shoes with you if the forecast is calling for rain. Store your dyed shoes somewhere with good ventilation. Pick up a drawstring dust bag and make it a point to keep your shoes in it when you're not wearing them. Once safely inside the bag, the shoes should find their way to the top shelf of your closet or another cool, dry place where they're unlikely to encounter any messes. Leave the mouth of the bag slightly open, or take the shoes out periodically to give them a chance to breathe. With a dust bag, you won't run the risk of drying out the suede or trapping unwanted moisture when the shoes remain in storage for long periods of time, unlike a lidded shoebox or sealed plastic bag. Consider investing in a shoe tree. Shoe trees allow footwear to be hung up on "branches" that are similar in dimension to feet, so they'll always retain their shape and can easily be moved in and out of storage. For added security, a dust bag or pillowcase can be slid directly over the entire shoe tree. | Purchase a dye formulated specifically for use on suede. Brush out the suede with a soft-bristled shoe brush. Clean the suede if necessary. Cover or remove all external accessories. Stuff the shoes with newspaper. Grab a brush for easy application. Dip the brush into the dye. Spread the dye over the shoe. Massage the dye into the suede using smooth, circular motions. Allow the first coat to dry overnight. Brush on additional coats for a darker color. Buff the shoes to touch up the suede. Treat the shoes with a waterproofing spray. Clean your dyed shoes carefully. Avoid wearing the shoes in wet conditions. Store your dyed shoes somewhere with good ventilation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Stretch-Marks-at-Home | How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks at Home | Although you can't get your stretch marks to fade completely, you can keep your skin hydrated and help the marks fade so they're less noticeable. Once a day, apply a cream containing cocoa butter or centella asiatica. Cocoa butter may help your stretch marks fade and keeps your skin hydrated so they're less noticeable. Centella asiatica increases your skin collagen and is often used to treat scars. You should also make sure you drink at least 2 liters of water a day, which will help your skin stay hydrated and heal better. | Try stretch mark creams or lotions on new stretch marks. There are many commercial creams and lotions that claim to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Although these products haven't been proven to work on mature stretch marks, they may have some effect on new stretch marks. You can find stretch mark creams and lotions wherever skincare or beauty products are sold, including discount stores and pharmacies. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, which can improve the size and color of stretch marks so they're less noticeable. Mature stretch marks that you've had for months or even years likely won't respond at all to these creams or lotions. If you've been struggling with your stretch marks for a while, commercial creams and lotions are likely a waste of money. Use self-tanning lotions or makeup to cover up your stretch marks. Stretch marks themselves don't tan in the sun or in a traditional tanning bed, but self-tanning lotions may help make them look less obvious. You can also use body makeup, which is usually waterproof, to cover up stretch marks if that part of your skin will be visible, such as when you're wearing a swimsuit. Even though body makeup is typically waterproof, if you're going to be spending a lot of time in a pool, the makeup will still likely wash off. Avoid traditional tanning, either in the sun or in a tanning bed. It can make stretch marks more obvious and causes additional damage to your skin. Moisturize your skin with cocoa butter. There is no proof that using cocoa butter or any other moisturizing lotion on your stretch marks will help minimize their appearance. However, it can make your skin look and feel better overall, which might help you to feel better about your stretch marks. Follow the directions on the bottle to apply the lotion to your skin. Massaging the lotion in might help. Maintain a stable healthy weight as much as possible. While gaining and losing weight rapidly because of pregnancy may be largely unavoidable, other weight fluctuations can be more manageable. Talk to your doctor about your ideal weight and create a plan to lose weight in a healthy way if necessary. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Going for a brisk walk is sufficient, although you should also do some resistance exercises at least 2 or 3 days a week. Generally, eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and other unprocessed foods. If you're trying to develop a new diet, you might want to talk to a nutritionist about healthy eating choices. There are also apps you can download for your smartphone that will help you make good nutritional choices. Use products containing centella asiatica or hyaluronic acid if you anticipate stretch marks. Centella asiatica is an herbal oil that stimulates collagen production in your skin. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is naturally produced by your skin. However, your skin naturally decreases the production of hyaluronic acid as you get older. Clinical trials have shown both centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid can be marginally effective at preventing additional stretch marks. It's best to use these products before stretch marks appear. They generally don't do anything for existing stretch marks. For example, if you're pregnant, you might use these products on your abdomen and breasts, where stretch marks are most likely to appear. Products with hyaluronic acid can be found anywhere skin and beauty products are sold, including discount stores and pharmacies, as well as online. Since centella asiatica is also used to reduce scarification and treat wounds, you might also find it in the wound care section of your local pharmacy. Massage your skin with almond oil daily for 15 minutes. You can find almond oil at health food or grocery stores. The brand or variety is unimportant. Apply almond oil liberally to parts of your skin that are susceptible to stretch marks, then massage your skin for 15 minutes. This can help prevent stretch marks from appearing. The preventative value of this treatment may have more to do with the massage itself than with the almond oil specifically. If you're allergic to almonds or don't like the smell of them, you can try other oils. Drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated. If you're dehydrated, your skin will also suffer. If your skin is dry and not as flexible, it might be more prone to developing stretch marks. Generally, women should drink at least 11.5 cups (2,700 mL) of water a day, while men should drink at least 15 cups (3,500 mL). Different people have different hydration needs, depending on your height and weight and how active you are throughout the day. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you'll need to drink more water. You can tell you're properly hydrated if your urine is light yellow or colorless. Reduce your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating. When you do drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, you'll need to drink more water to stay well-hydrated. Visit your doctor if you have widespread or excessive stretch marks. If your stretch marks worry or concern you, your doctor may be able to recommend an effective treatment. Tell your doctor how long you've had stretch marks, what the likely cause of your stretch marks was, and what you expect from treatment. You might also need medical treatment if your stretch marks are inflamed or cause discomfort. Seek medical approval for treatments if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Many treatments that minimize the appearance of stretch marks can harm your baby. Your doctor will be able to tell you if a treatment is safe for you to use. Retinoids, in particular, can be harmful to babies. However, these treatments are generally only available by prescription. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor likely won't prescribe them. Also ask your doctor about over-the-counter treatments. Some herbs, including centella asiatica, are also potentially harmful to your baby. Get tested for Cushing's syndrome if you have large, dark stretch marks. Large, dark stretch marks can be a symptom of Cushing's syndrome, a condition caused by having too much cortisol. This is particularly likely if you haven't recently experienced rapid weight loss or gain, or if in addition to the stretch marks you have any of the following symptoms: Fat on your chest and tummy, but relatively thin arms and legs Fat around the back of your neck and your shoulders A rounded face that's frequently red and puffy Ask your doctor about a prescription for a retinoid medication. Retinoid creams can be effective at treating stretch marks, particularly new stretch marks, because they boost elastin and collagen production. Typically, your doctor will write a prescription for the cream and you apply it to your stretch marks daily at home for about 16 weeks. Read the application instructions carefully. Retinoid creams can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Limit sun exposure or cover the area during the treatment period. Consult a dermatologist for more aggressive treatment. Dermatologists use several different procedures that can make your stretch marks look less noticeable, although they likely won't get rid of them completely. A board-certified dermatologist can examine your stretch marks and recommend the procedure that would work best for you. Procedures dermatologists use include: Chemical peel: removes top layer of damaged skin; encourages skin regeneration Laser therapy: smooths stretch mark skin; typically requires several treatments Microdermabrasion: exfoliates the outer layer of the skin Radiofrequency: high-frequency electrical energy shrinks stretch marks Ultrasound: micro focused ultrasound vibrates skin cells to improve circulation Talk to a plastic surgeon if you want to remove your stretch marks. The only way to permanently remove stretch marks is through plastic surgery, typically a tummy tuck. However, only stretch marks located on the skin that's removed will go away — any stretch marks anywhere else would remain the same. Other procedures, including laser surgery, can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Your plastic surgeon may recommend several procedures at once, particularly if you were previously pregnant. These packages are typically referred to as a "mommy makeover." | Try stretch mark creams or lotions on new stretch marks. Use self-tanning lotions or makeup to cover up your stretch marks. Moisturize your skin with cocoa butter. Maintain a stable healthy weight as much as possible. Use products containing centella asiatica or hyaluronic acid if you anticipate stretch marks. Massage your skin with almond oil daily for 15 minutes. Drink plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated. Visit your doctor if you have widespread or excessive stretch marks. Seek medical approval for treatments if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Get tested for Cushing's syndrome if you have large, dark stretch marks. Ask your doctor about a prescription for a retinoid medication. Consult a dermatologist for more aggressive treatment. Talk to a plastic surgeon if you want to remove your stretch marks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-the-Opera | How to Dress for the Opera | If you're going to the opera on a weekday, aim for a business casual look. Wear a suit or button-down shirt with chinos. Alternatively, go for a ruffle-neck blouse and pencil skirt or a Jersey shift dress. If you're going to the opera on a weekend, opt for a more formal outfit. Wear a well-fitting suit or tuxedo. Or, go for a dark evening gown or cocktail dress. You can accessorize your outfit with a statement piece, like a bowtie, top hat, chandelier earrings, or a chunky necklace. If it's cold outside, bring a formal coat like a blazer, tweed jacket, or overcoat. | Check out what other guests have worn to determine the dress code. Dress codes are less and less common these days at opera houses. However, some still do require a certain level of formality, whether it's business casual or even black tie. Look on the opera house's website or browse social media to see what past guests have worn to that particular venue. For example, the Met has an Instagram account called “Last Night at the Met” (@lastnightatthemet) that showcases styles worn by attendees. You can also call the front desk to ask what their rules are. Theater and opera is generally dressier in European cities than it is in American cities. If you aren't sure of the dress code, always err on the side of more formal. Dress more extravagantly if the opera is on a weekend night. The day and time of the show will affect how formal the opera is. Weekend and evening shows tend to be dressier whereas weekday or matinee shows are more casual. For example, you likely wouldn't wear a floor-length gown to an 11 a.m. showing on a Tuesday. Depending on the theater, a weekday matinee show could be as informal as a business casual dress code. You might see women in pantsuits or blouses and pencil skirts, for example. The location and show itself can also affect the dress code. For instance, a fancy opera house in Vienna will be more formal than an opera being put on at the local college. Pick out a creative costume if there's a theme night for your show. While dressing up in costume is not typical, some opera houses will host special theme nights. For example, if you're attending “Pirates of Penzance,” you might wear a full pirate costume or sea wench dress. Call the box office ahead of time or check the opera house's website to determine if there's a theme. Even if there's no theme, you can still get outfit inspiration from the show. For instance, wear a Japanese-inspired gown with floral embellishments or drape a kimono over your outfit to a showing of “The Mikado.” Wear a well-tailored suit or even a tuxedo to look sharp and put-together. Formal suits are always appropriate for the opera, no matter the dress code. Go the traditional route with a black, single-breasted jacket or choose something more contemporary like a midnight blue jacket with a shawl lapel. Regardless of the style, make sure both the jacket and pants fit properly. If you want to stand out, opt for a velvet smoking jacket in a pretty pastel hue or jewel tone. Women can wear pantsuits or tuxedos, too, for an edgier, modern look. Consider renting a tuxedo as a cheaper option if you don't plan to wear it again. Rock a little black dress if you're unsure of the dress code. You can't go wrong with a classic LBD. For a more formal option, look for a sleek, figure-hugging maxi dress. Or channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a boat-neck black sheath. Add visual interest by picking a black dress that has different textures like lace or velvet or fun accents like a pearl-studded collar. Slip into an evening gown for a super formal affair. The color, fit, and style are all up to you and your personal style. Go daring with a plunging neckline or cutouts, add a playful touch with embellishments like bead work or gold stitching. If you're a woman who prefers pants, a satin jumpsuit is a pretty pick. Avoid too many sequins or rhinestones, neon colors, or cheaper fabrics like tulle or polyester. Remember that opera tickets can cost up to $200 a ticket, so make the most of it and dress up! Put on a cocktail dress for an elegant vibe that's a little more casual. If your venue doesn't call for black tie, a flirty cocktail dress might be more appropriate. Choose a slinky one-shoulder frock that hits at the knee or a jewel-toned skater dress that cinches your waist, for example. Shorter dresses should be long enough that you can sit comfortably in them without tugging at them. After all, you'll be seated for hours. Pick 1 statement-making accessory to be the focal point of your outfit. If there was ever a time to break out that chunky collar necklace or glitzy chandelier earrings, it's at the opera. Keep it classy by limiting yourself to one bold piece, though. For men, sport a top hat or snazzy bowtie. Just remember to take your hat off inside the opera house if you wear one. Elbow-length satin gloves are also a traditional opera accessory. Match them to the color of your dress or choose a complementary color. For example, pearly white gloves looks pretty with a forest green gown. Go all out with flashy yet formal footwear for an eye-catching accent. Since you'll be sitting down for most of the night, you don't have to worry about wearing shoes that are practical. Instead, pick sky-high stilettos if you're a woman or patent leather Oxfords if you're a man. Polish leather shoes before wearing them so they shine and don't look scuffed. For women, if you plan to wear high heels, try them on with your dress beforehand so you can hem the dress to the height of the shoes. If you're wearing a plain black dress or simple black tux, choose shoes with playful extras like a loafer with funky leather detailing or a heel with pom poms or glitter. Bring a piece of outerwear that matches your outfit to stay warm. Opera houses can get cold, so come prepared with an extra layer you can put on if necessary. Choose an item that's as formal as the rest of your look. Some options include a lace shawl, a wool peacoat, or a long cape. A faux fur stole adds an extra chic touch to a dress. Leave the puffer coats, worn cardigans, and denim jackets at home. Pair pieces of high-quality clothing that are structured and sophisticated. Your goal is a business casual vibe. For women, tuck a ruffle-neck blouse into a pencil skirt or slip into a jersey shift dress. For men, opt for the classic combo of a button-down shirt with trousers or chinos. Choose clothes made out of nicer fabrics like wool or cashmere. Check that the stitching is clean and there are no frays or pilling on sweaters in particular. Women who want to wear pants should look for professional pieces, like pleated slacks or trendy ankle pants. Avoid anything you would wear running around on the weekend, like denim, jeans, denim jackets, and sneakers. Toss on a fitted blazer in case it's chilly inside the opera house. Even in the summer, bring an extra layer to stay warm during the show. To match your business casual outfit, you can't go wrong with a navy or black blazer. For men, a tweed sports jacket also looks appropriate. Get your jacket tailored to fit so it doesn't look sloppy. For women, a blazer in a fun pattern like leopard print or one with lace detailing adds visual interest to a plain black dress. Wear conservative footwear that complements the rest of your outfit. Men can wear leather loafers or short dress boots. Women can wear ballet flats or classic pumps. Your shoes should match how formal or casual your clothes are. For example, if you're wearing a sheath dress, black peep-toe heels are a better pick than sparkly stilettos. If you're wearing heels, stick to a pair that's 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) high. They're the right blend of chic and traditional. For men, basic doesn't have to mean boring. Look for casual shoes that have fun accents like wingtips or detailed stitching. Keep accessories minimal and understated for a classy look. Avoid the bold baubles and oversized earrings if you're dressing more casually. Instead, opt for simple pieces like gold studs for women or a muted tied for men. If you're bringing a bag, choose something small like a leather wristlet or sleek clutch. Other jewelry options for women include a pretty charm bracelet, a decorative brooch, or a dainty pendant necklace. Apply 1 to 2 pumps of a light body spray if you want to smell nice. You'll be sitting elbow-to-elbow in the opera house so be respectful of your fellow attendees and avoid strong fragrances. A light spritz of body spray, which isn't as heavy as perfume or cologne, will keep you smelling fresh without overpowering your seat neighbors. Spray the scent on your pulse points like your wrists, neck, or behind your knees. The heat in these areas will diffuse the fragrance better. A good rule of thumb is that only people within an arm's length of you should be able to smell your scent. Wear your hair in a sleek, clean style. No matter how formal or casual your outfit is, your hair should be combed and styled. Men can slick back their hair with a little bit of gel or part it to the side. Women can sport a smooth blowout , an elegant updo like a French twist , or classic curls. Women should avoid any styles that add height like a topknot or high ponytail. The taller your hair is, the harder it is for the person seated behind you to see the stage. Braids add a romantic vibe to any outfit. Try French braids or a chunky side braid , for example. Play up your favorite feature with makeup if you choose to wear it. The trick to glamorous makeup is choosing one area to highlight and keeping the rest of your face neutral. For example, if you love your lips, accent them with a bold lipstick and just swipe some mascara on your eyelashes so your lips stand out. If you want your eyes to shine, try a sultry smokey eye with heavy eyeliner, mascara, and shadow. Stick to a nude lip to avoid competing with your lids. Don't be afraid to experiment with glitter, bright colors, and fake eyelashes for extra drama. | Check out what other guests have worn to determine the dress code. Dress more extravagantly if the opera is on a weekend night. Pick out a creative costume if there's a theme night for your show. Wear a well-tailored suit or even a tuxedo to look sharp and put-together. Rock a little black dress if you're unsure of the dress code. Slip into an evening gown for a super formal affair. Put on a cocktail dress for an elegant vibe that's a little more casual. Pick 1 statement-making accessory to be the focal point of your outfit. Go all out with flashy yet formal footwear for an eye-catching accent. Bring a piece of outerwear that matches your outfit to stay warm. Pair pieces of high-quality clothing that are structured and sophisticated. Toss on a fitted blazer in case it's chilly inside the opera house. Wear conservative footwear that complements the rest of your outfit. Keep accessories minimal and understated for a classy look. Apply 1 to 2 pumps of a light body spray if you want to smell nice. Wear your hair in a sleek, clean style. Play up your favorite feature with makeup if you choose to wear it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Rhubarb | How to Freeze Rhubarb | Before freezing your rhubarb, boil it in a saucepan for 1 minute and drain it in a colander. To stop the rhubarb from cooking further, plunge it into a mixing bowl full of ice and water. After a minute, drain the rhubarb in the colander again, then lay it out on a towel. When the rhubarb is dry, spread the pieces out on a baking tray and put the tray in the freezer for 2 hours. Finish by transferring the rhubarb to a container. | Trim off the leaves and tips. Place the rhubarb stalks on a flat surface, like a cutting board. Trim off the top of the stalks where the leaves are. Make sure you remove all the leaves, as these are poisonous. Trim off the bottom inch (2.5 cm) of the stalks as well, where the rhubarb was touching the ground. Wash and dry the rhubarb. Rinse the rhubarb under cool, running water. Use your fingers or a clean cloth to scrub away any dirt on the fruit. Rhubarb is fairly hard, so you can also use a vegetable brush to scrub it clean if you like. Lay the stalks on a clean towel and roll each stalk around to dry it. You can also dry the rhubarb in a salad spinner if you have one. Chop the stalks into bite sized pieces. Transfer the rhubarb stalks back to the cutting board. Chop each stalk into quarter- to half-inch pieces (6 to 13 mm). Smaller pieces are ideal for jams, pie fillings, and baked goods. Larger pieces are better for eating plain or making chunkier compotes. If you have specific plans for the rhubarb, consult the individual recipes to determine the right length for the pieces. Boil the rhubarb in water for one minute. Fill a large saucepan with water. Put on a lid and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. When the water is boiling, carefully transfer the rhubarb to the water. After a minute, remove the pan from the heat and strain the rhubarb into a colander. Blanching the rhubarb will help preserve its color and flavor better, and for a longer time. Blanching is the process of boiling something for a very short time and then plunging it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Plunge the rhubarb into an ice bath. Fill a large mixing bowl halfway with ice, and fill the bowl the rest of the way with water. Pour the strained rhubarb into the icy water and leave it for a minute. This will stop the cooking process. When blanching, always leave the food in the ice bath for the same amount of time that you boiled it. Dry the rhubarb. Strain the rhubarb in the colander again, and pick out any ice cubes that fall in as well. Lay the rhubarb pieces on a dry towel to air dry for a few minutes, or run them through the salad spinner to remove the water. Freeze the pieces on a baking sheet. Transfer the rhubarb to a baking sheet, and spread the pieces out so they're in a single layer. This will help the rhubarb freeze faster and at an even rate. Place the baking sheet into the freezer and close the door. Leave the rhubarb pieces to freeze for at least two hours. Freezing the rhubarb in a single layer will ensure the individual pieces don't get stuck together, which will make it easier to measure and portion the rhubarb when it's frozen. Transfer the rhubarb to a freezer container for long-term storage. When the rhubarb pieces have had time to freeze, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Move the rhubarb pieces to a freezer bag. Don't fill the bag more than two-thirds full. Push all the air out of the bag to prevent freezer burn, and seal the bag tightly. Transfer the bag to the freezer for long-term storage. You can write the date on the rhubarb if you want to keep track of how long it's been in the freezer. Rhubarb frozen in this manner will keep for about a year. Make a simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (450 g) of sugar and 4 cups (940 ml) of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring regularly. When the sugar has fully dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. You need enough simple syrup to cover the rhubarb. Depending on how much rhubarb you have, you may need to make more syrup. Use the two parts water to one part sugar ratio. Cool the syrup. Set the syrup aside and let it cool for about an hour, until it's near room temperature. Then, transfer the pan and the syrup to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least another hour. It's important that the syrup is thoroughly chilled before you combine it with the rhubarb. Combine the cooled syrup and rhubarb. Transfer your rhubarb pieces to a large mixing bowl. Cover the fruit with the simple syrup, and stir the mixture to completely submerge the rhubarb in the syrup. Freezing the rhubarb in a simple syrup solution will help to preserve the color and flavor. Instead of simple syrup, you can also cover the rhubarb with apple, peach, or white grape juice. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container. Pour the rhubarb and syrup mixture into your freezer bag, leaving at least an inch (2.5 cm) of head room for expansion. Seal the container tightly to make it air-tight. Ideal containers for syrup packed rhubarb are freezer-safe plastic containers or freezer bags. Freeze the syrup-packed rhubarb. Transfer the container to the freezer and leave the rhubarb to freeze for several hours. You can date the container to help you keep track of when the rhubarb went into the freezer. Syrup or juice packed rhubarb will last in the freezer for about a year. | Trim off the leaves and tips. Wash and dry the rhubarb. Chop the stalks into bite sized pieces. Boil the rhubarb in water for one minute. Plunge the rhubarb into an ice bath. Dry the rhubarb. Freeze the pieces on a baking sheet. Transfer the rhubarb to a freezer container for long-term storage. Make a simple syrup. Cool the syrup. Combine the cooled syrup and rhubarb. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container. Freeze the syrup-packed rhubarb. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Out-Electrical-Fires | How to Put Out Electrical Fires | To put out an electrical fire, unplug the appliance or shut off the power to disconnect the electricity. Consider calling emergency services before putting out the fire, just in case it gets out of hand. You can smother a small fire with baking soda if you have that nearby. Use a class C or ABC fire extinguisher on larger fires by pulling the safety pin on the handle, aiming, and squeezing the handle while sweeping the nozzle from left to right. Never use water on electrical fires unless you're certain the power is off. | Call emergency services. If a fire is developing and you cannot get the electricity turned off or it is growing rapidly, call the fire department. Even after you call you may be able to get it out yourself, but it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a fire. In general, firefighters will be better equipped to fight a fire that has live electricity in the mix than you will be. Tell the person you talk to that you are dealing with an electrical fire, so that the firefighters know what they are getting into. Even if a fire is small, calling the fire department will ensure that if the fire grows, you will have help on the way. Make sure you can safely evacuate. Before attempting to put out an electrical fire yourself, it's important to know you can get out of the area safely. If you can see 2 paths to safety from where you would be located to fight the fire, then it's reasonable to stay and fight the fire. If you can only see 1 escape route, you should take it and let the fire department fight the fire. It is better to stay safe than risk getting trapped in a fire. Having 2 escape routes allows you to fight the fire until it is out or until 1 of the escape routes is blocked by fire or debris. Once 1 of the 2 is blocked, it is time to evacuate. Escape routes typically include doors and windows that you can easily pass through to the outside. A window that is many stories above the ground would not be a great escape route, while a first-floor window would. Evacuate, if necessary. If at any time you begin to feel unsafe, an exit gets blocked, you get burned, you start to breathe in smoke, or your fire-fighting techniques are not working, abandon your efforts and get out of the building. Your safety is more important than belongings or buildings. Close doors behind you as you leave. This will help keep the fire as contained as possible. Unplug appliances that are on fire. If you have an electrical fire that has started in an appliance that plugs in, such as a toaster, you should immediately unplug it. Make sure that you can get to the wall socket or extension cord safely and then disconnect it from the outlet. Unplugging an appliance that is on fire will reduce the risk of the fire spreading beyond the appliance. Many electrical fires start at overloaded appliances. For instance, if there is a short in your toaster, it can produce enough heat to start a fire. Another example is when too many Christmas lights are plugged into each other, it can create enough heat to start a fire. Turn off the electricity. If you have an electrical fire that is in a wall or in an appliance that you can't get to to unplug, focus on getting the power turned off. If you can safely get to the electrical switch or the electrical panel, go there and kill the power. Disconnecting the power will eliminate the risk of electrocution, will eliminate the heat source that started the fire, and will allow you to fight the fire with a wider array of fire-fighting techniques. If you cannot get to a location to shut off the power safely, don't attempt it. It is better to stay safe and fight the fire with the power on than to risk getting burned or electrocuted trying to turn the power off. Be certain that the electrical disconnect is out of reach. Once a fire has started, electricity can continue to create heat that will encourage the fire to continue. Electricity will also make the fire harder to fight, because you have to be careful not to get shocked, in addition to avoiding getting burned. With this in mind, make sure there is no safe way to get to the electrical disconnect before giving up and fighting the fire while it is still electrified. If you have an appliance fire where the appliance can't be unplugged, go turn off the power at the breaker box. Whatever you can do safely to remove the electricity from the situation, do it. Never use water on an electrical fire. If you cannot turn off the electricity and the area that is on fire is still energized, the last thing you want to do it pour water on it. Water will conduct the electricity that caused the fire, creating an electrocution hazard in addition to the fire hazard. If you are unsure whether a fire has been caused by live electricity or something else, err on the side of caution and don't use water. Smother a small fire with baking soda. If you can't disconnect an appliance or cord that is smoldering, cover the whole area in baking soda. This will block the oxygen that the fire needs to keep burning while not creating an electrocution hazard like water would. Do not use flammable items to smother an electrical fire, such as a blanket. With live electricity involved, flammable items you use could easily start burning. Use only a class C or ABC fire extinguisher. The type of fire extinguisher you can use on a live electrical fire is very specific. An electrical fire is known as a Class C fire, and so requires a Class C fire extinguisher. A fire extinguisher marked ABC is also acceptable, as it's capable of stopping fires caused by wood/trash, liquids, and electrical equipment. Many fire extinguishers made for home use are ABC extinguishers. Other types of extinguishers could create an electrocution hazard if used on an electrical fire because they contain liquids or chemicals that conduct electricity. Use the fire extinguisher properly. In the moment of an emergency, it can be hard to remember how to operate a fire extinguisher. To make that easier, remember the term PASS and what each letter stands for: P - PULL the silver safety pin on the handle of the extinguisher. A - AIM the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher at the fire. S - SQUEEZE the handle of the fire extinguisher slowly. S - SWEEP from left to right, making sure to get every part of the fire. Disconnect the electricity when possible. Once the fire is under control enough to safely get to the electrical panel or the outlet, disconnect the power. This will help ensure that the fire is not reignited by electricity and that the risk of electrocution is eliminated. Use a fire extinguisher if you have one available. If you have turned off the electricity and there is a fire extinguisher nearby, spray it on the fire. It doesn't matter what kind of extinguisher you use on a fire that has no live electricity around it. Use a fire blanket or other thick blanket to smother the fire. If you don't have an extinguisher but you do have a fire blanket, use it to smother the fire. By covering a small fire you are eliminating much of the oxygen the fire needs to keep going. With quick action, a fire blanket or other thick blanket can be used to put a small fire out completely. Douse the fire with water. You need to be absolutely sure that the electricity is turned off before putting water on a fire. If you are sure, spray or dump water on the fire and nearby areas that are likely to become ignited. The moisture will put out active flames and will reduce the risk of the fire growing. Water on an electrified fire can create an electrocution hazard, in addition to the fire hazard. If the fuel for the fire you are fighting is kerosene, oil, or another liquid fuel, be careful putting water on it. The water can pick up the fuel and move it to another area where it can then ignite and spread the fire. | Call emergency services. Make sure you can safely evacuate. Evacuate, if necessary. Unplug appliances that are on fire. Turn off the electricity. Be certain that the electrical disconnect is out of reach. Never use water on an electrical fire. Smother a small fire with baking soda. Use only a class C or ABC fire extinguisher. Use the fire extinguisher properly. Disconnect the electricity when possible. Use a fire extinguisher if you have one available. Use a fire blanket or other thick blanket to smother the fire. Douse the fire with water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mochi-Ice-Cream | How to Make Mochi Ice Cream | To make mochi ice cream, mix rice flour, sugar, and water in a bowl and heat the mixture in the microwave for 3 1/2 minutes, stirring once. Sprinkle your counter with cornstarch, then place the mochi into a ball and place it on the counter. Use a rolling pin to roll the mochi out into a thin sheet. Once it's rolled, cut out 10 circles using a 3.5-inch cookie cutter. Chill the discs for about 30 minutes, then wrap each mochi circle around a ball of ice cream, pinching the ends to seal it. | Choose an ice cream with a thick consistency to use for the mochi balls. Thick ice cream will harden nicely inside of the mochi balls and won't melt as quickly. The flavor, brand, or type of ice cream you use is entirely up to you and your preferences. Use a single flavor of ice cream, or use a different flavor for each mochi ball. You will need at least 2-3 cups (300-450 g) of ice cream to make 10 mochi balls, so purchase a standard ½ gallon (1,200 g) container of ice cream. Pick traditional vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a simple taste. Experiment with more complicated flavors like mint chocolate chip, rocky road, or cookie dough. Use strawberry, matcha, or black sesame ice cream for a savory taste that is more traditional to mochi ice cream sold in Japan. Use plastic wrap to individually line 10 cups in the cupcake tin. The plastic wrap will keep the ice cream from sticking to the tin. This will work best if your cupcake tin has rounded cups instead of the flat, oval-shaped ones. Instead of a cupcake tin, you can use the bottom portion of an egg carton or an ice cube tray that has large, round cups. Put 1/4 cup (33 g) of ice cream into each of the 10 cupcake tin cups. Get a full, round scoop of the ice cream to make handling it later easier. Use an additional spoon to help properly fill the ice cream scoop and empty it into the cups if needed. If your ice cream is particularly hard, it will be difficult to get full scoops. Allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for 2-5 minutes. Cover the tin with plastic wrap and put it in the freezer. Gently, form the plastic wrap around each scoop of ice cream to prevent it from developing ice crystals. Let the ice cream sit in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until the scoops are firm to touch. Mix ¾ cup (90 g) rice flour and ¼ cup (50 g) of sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the shiratamako or glutinous rice flour into the bowl first, and then stir in the superfine sugar. Continue to stir the ingredients until they are blended and free of lumps. Once you get more comfortable with making the mochi ice cream, you can experiment by adding additional ingredients to the mochi batter. Some people prefer to add a pinch of salt to the batter, or even 1 tsp (2 g) of matcha (green tea powder) or a strawberry puree. The bottom of microwave-safe bowls will either directly say, “Microwave Safe” or will have a symbol resembling a microwave with wavy lines across it. Whisk 3⁄4 cup (180 mL) of water into the bowl. Slowly add the water to the dry ingredients. Continue whisking the mixture together until it becomes a smooth batter. If the batter is too thin or watery, add 1/2 tbsp (4.25 g) of rice flour to thicken it. For batter that seems dry, add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of water to moisten it. Increase the increments of flour or water as need until your batter is smooth. Rest a lid on the bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Crack the lid on the bowl so that the contents can ventilate and do not build up air pressure. The microwave will thicken and cook the mochi so it becomes a sticky dough for you to cover your ice cream balls with. Stir the mochi and microwave it with a cracked lid for another 1 ½ minutes. Use a rubber spatula to stir and aerate the mochi. Scrape the sides and the bottom of the bowl so the mochi doesn't start to burn or dry out. After microwaving the batter, it should be cooked and resemble a sticky dough. The bowl will be hot when you take it out of the microwave, so handle it with care and use potholders. Sprinkle your clean counter with corn or potato starch. The starch, whether corn or potato, will keep the mochi from sticking to your counter when you roll it out. Don't worry about wiping the starch off your hands. Having some on your hands will actually be beneficial and keep the dough from sticking to your skin as you handle it. Have ½ cup (80 g) of cornstarch or potato starch set off to the side of your workspace. Use as much or a little of the starch as you want. Don't be afraid sprinkle the counter with more if needed. Form the mochi into a ball and place it on the counter. Sprinkle it with more starch so it won't stick to your rolling pin when you go to roll it out. Be careful when first handling the mochi. It will most likely be hot. Remove the lid and allow it to cool off enough for you to be able to touch it without burning yourself. Use a rolling pin to spread out the mochi into a thin sheet. Make the sheet of mochi about ⁄ 8 in (0.32 cm) thick. Work from the center of the dough outwards to keep the edges of the sheet from getting too thin. The center of the dough should roughly be the same thickness as the edges of the dough. The sheet can be a rough circle or rectangle shape, as either will work well when cutting the mochi. If you are worried the mochi will stick to your rolling pin, rub some of the starch onto the rolling pin as well. Cut out 10 circles using a 3.5 in (8.9 cm) round cookie cutter. Prevent the mochi from sticking to the cookie cutter by rubbing starch on it. Start at one side of the mochi sheet and work your way over to the other side. If you have to, gather the mochi scraps and roll it back out again so you can cut out more circles. If you do not have a round cookie cutter, you can coat the rim of a glass and use that instead. Put the mochi discs onto a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap to keep the mochi from drying out in the refrigerator. Check on the mochi discs after 30 minutes to see if they are cold to touch. If the mochi discs are still warm, allow them to continue chilling in the refrigerator. Once the mochi discs are fully chilled, you are ready to begin assembling the mochi ice cream balls. Line your counter with a small piece of plastic wrap. Cut the piece of plastic wrap so it is at least twice the size of the mochi ball. The plastic wrap will be used to individually package the finished mochi balls. You can reuse one of the plastic wrap pieces you used to cover the ice balls. But if the piece of plastic wrap is damaged or if it does not look big enough to cover the entire ball, get a new piece to line the counter. Place an ice cream ball on a mochi circle and rest it on the plastic wrap. Use a spoon or your fingers to quickly place the ice cream in the center of the mochi sheet. Either hold the mochi sheet in the palm of your hand or have the sheet already resting on the plastic wrap to do this. Pick which method is easiest for you. Handle the ice cream as little as possible to keep it from melting before you wap it in the mochi. Leave the cupcake tin with the rest of the balls in the freezer to keep those from melting while you work. Lift the edges of the mochi circle to cover the ice cream ball. Stretch the mochi sheet with your fingers as needed to cover the entire ice cream ball. The chilled dough may be tough to stretch at first so be patient. Pinch the dough edges closed at the top of the ice cream ball. The covered ice cream ball will roughly resemble a cinched coin purse. Smooth out the puckered edges along the top with your finger. Be careful not to tear the mochi dough while doing this. If there is a lot of extra dough pinched at the top of the ice cream ball, use scissors to cut away the extra dough. Save the excess dough in case you need to patch a hole or cover a thin spot while making the rest of the mochi balls. Package the mochi ball with the plastic wrap to keep the dough fresh. Cover the entire mochi ball with the plastic wrap, so that none of the dough is exposed. The plastic wrap will keep the dough from drying out in the freezer, and will also help the ball maintain its shape until the ice cream and dough firm up. Rest the packaged mochi ball in the cupcake tin in the freezer. Place any obvious seams in the plastic wrap casing down into the cup. This will keep the plastic wrap from peeling off the mochi ball as it freezes. Repeat this process until the remaining 9 ice cream balls are all covered with mochi and packaged in plastic wrap. Allow the mochi balls to finish firming in the freezer for 2 hours. This will give the handled ice cream a chance to harden. When you are ready to eat a mochi ice cream ball, let the ball sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to allow the mochi dough to soften so you do not hurt your teeth when you bite into it. | Choose an ice cream with a thick consistency to use for the mochi balls. Use plastic wrap to individually line 10 cups in the cupcake tin. Put 1/4 cup (33 g) of ice cream into each of the 10 cupcake tin cups. Cover the tin with plastic wrap and put it in the freezer. Mix ¾ cup (90 g) rice flour and ¼ cup (50 g) of sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk 3⁄4 cup (180 mL) of water into the bowl. Rest a lid on the bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir the mochi and microwave it with a cracked lid for another 1 ½ minutes. Sprinkle your clean counter with corn or potato starch. Form the mochi into a ball and place it on the counter. Use a rolling pin to spread out the mochi into a thin sheet. Cut out 10 circles using a 3.5 in (8.9 cm) round cookie cutter. Put the mochi discs onto a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator. Line your counter with a small piece of plastic wrap. Place an ice cream ball on a mochi circle and rest it on the plastic wrap. Lift the edges of the mochi circle to cover the ice cream ball. Pinch the dough edges closed at the top of the ice cream ball. Package the mochi ball with the plastic wrap to keep the dough fresh. Rest the packaged mochi ball in the cupcake tin in the freezer. Allow the mochi balls to finish firming in the freezer for 2 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bleach-Your-Eyebrows | How to Bleach Your Eyebrows | To bleach your eyebrows, use a cotton swab to apply a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to them. Leave it on for just a few minutes before wiping it off. Alternatively, make a cup of chamomile tea and add an equal amount of lemon juice to it. Then, apply it to your eyebrows and wipe it off after a few minutes. With either method, reapply the solution every day to gradually lighten your eyebrows. If you're ready for a more dramatic look, try using a facial bleaching kit and make sure to follow the directions carefully to prevent any injuries. | Pull your hair away from your face. You can use a headband or a towel to keep your hair in place, or you can put longer hair into a tight ponytail. This will keep you from accidentally getting bleach on other hair. Even if you have very short hair, pulling it back from your face is a good idea, as stray hairs are likely to distract you. Use bobby pins, headbands, or hair clips to pull short hair and bangs out of the way. Eyebrow bleaching is very detailed work, requiring your full attention. Remove makeup from your brows. Removing any makeup, dirt or oil from your skin before bleaching will help your bleaching be successful. To clean the tender area around your eyes, apply a make-up remover and wipe the makeup off. If you've just had a shower, wait before bleaching your brows. Warm water and steam can make your skin more susceptible to irritation from bleaching. Mix the bleaching powder and developer. If your hair bleach is one of several popular commercial products, it will contain bleaching powder, liquid developer/peroxide, and an instruction manual for use. You should follow the instructions on how to do the mixing process, which will result in a creme that you can put on your eyebrows. Mix your powder and developer in a glass bowl, or another non-reactive container. Stir it with a cotton swab until it's a smooth consistency. Test the bleach creme on your jawline. Doing a patch test to see how your skin will interact with the bleach will keep you from accidentally injuring yourself. Make sure you only use bleach creme intended for facial bleaching, because the skin on your face is more delicate than other areas. If you have very sensitive skin, use a milder bleach creme that's labeled for sensitive skin. Testing the bleach creme on other body hair may also show the speed at which your hair will lighten, allowing for a more predictable lightening experience when you bleach your brows. Apply the mixture. Usually, commercial bleaching creme comes with a small applicator. You can also use a cotton swab if you've lost your applicator, or your bleaching creme doesn't come with one. You'll need to be gentle, but accurate, as you apply the creme to the eyebrow hairs you want bleached. Don't rub the creme into your skin. Make sure the parts of your eyebrows you want bleached are covered evenly and completely. Keep an eye on the clock. If this is the first time you've bleached your eyebrows, you might want to only leave the mixture on your eyes for a minute or two. Remember that the time that the bleach is on you eyes starts with the very first touch of the bleach. You can always apply more bleach, but once your eyebrows are bleached you'll have to wait for them to grow back before you can reapply. Leave the bleach on your skin for no longer than 10 minutes, no matter how dark your brows are or how light you want them to be. Wipe away the creme from your eyebrows. A warm, wet washcloth is best for wiping off the bleaching product. Be careful not to rub your skin, which may be irritated by the bleach. Make sure to get all the bleach off. Once you've wiped your brows well, look at your eyes in the mirror and check the results. If you need to reapply the bleaching creme, you can do this now. If you are pleased with the results, wash your face with a mild cleanser. This will remove any last traces of bleach. Shape your eyebrows after 24 hours. Wait a while before shaping to avoid irritation. Using slanted-edge tweezers, pluck your eyebrows into the shape you prefer. Your eyebrows should frame your eyes, and so use your eyes as a guide for how to shape your brows. Your eyebrows should be poised directly above your tear duct, and the high point of your brow's arch should be in line with the outer side of your iris. The other end of your eye brow should end just outside an imaginary line drawn from the outer corner of your eye. Taking a shower or bath before shaping your eyebrows will open your hair follicles, making plucking easier. If plucking is painful, consider applying a topical numbing creme to your brows prior to plucking. If you're unhappy with the shape of your brows, wait 3 weeks before plucking again to avoid over-plucking. If you like the shape, pluck away any stray hairs once a week. Use good lighting and a regular mirror. Magnifying mirrors can overemphasize your eyebrows, and you might pluck too many. Using a regular mirror in a well-lit room is the best way to pluck your eyebrows. Take a step back periodically to see your eyebrows from a distance. This will give you a better sense of what your brows look like to other people. Remember, other people will only be looking at your eyebrows in ordinary light. Know where you will apply bleaching creme. Many people choose to only apply bleach to the tops of their eyebrows, where plucking may result in unnatural looking lines. If you use bleach on the tops of your eyebrows, the result is a natural looking eyebrow where stray or dark hairs are lightened. Bleaching can also be used to lighten any hairs between your two eyebrows. Be very careful whenever applying any chemical near your eyes. If you accidentally get bleach creme in your eyes, rinse with water immediately. Use hydrogen peroxide. If you don't want to use bleach creme, or you want to just try out what lighter brows would be like, try using 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Dip a cotton swab into the liquid solution, and apply it to the areas of your eyebrow you'd like to lighten. Hydrogen peroxide is an easily obtained, inexpensive product that's available in drug stores, pharmacies, or with first aid products. Leave it on for a few minutes the first time you apply it, then wipe it off. If you want, reapply every day, which will result in a gradual lightening of your eyebrows. If your brows are very dark, hydrogen peroxide will turn them a reddish-brown color instead of blonde. Lighten your brows with chamomile tea. If you prefer using natural products over chemicals, try combining chamomile tea with lemon juice. To make the tea, pour a cup of boiling water over a chamomile tea bag and allow to steep for 1 hour. Mix in an equal portion of lemon juice, and stir well. Apply with a cotton swab to your eyebrows. Repeat every day to gradually lighten your eyebrows. Color your brows with a pencil or gel. A brow pencil a few shades lighter than your current eyebrow shade will make your eyebrows appear lighter. If your eyebrows are dark brown, however, this may not work. You can also use lighter colored eyeshadows around your eyebrows to maintain a lighter look. Brow gel that's several shades lighter than your current shade can also create the effect of a lighter eyebrow. | Pull your hair away from your face. Remove makeup from your brows. Mix the bleaching powder and developer. Test the bleach creme on your jawline. Apply the mixture. Keep an eye on the clock. Wipe away the creme from your eyebrows. Shape your eyebrows after 24 hours. Use good lighting and a regular mirror. Know where you will apply bleaching creme. Use hydrogen peroxide. Lighten your brows with chamomile tea. Color your brows with a pencil or gel. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Treat-Osteochondrosis-Dissecans-in-Rottweilers | How to Treat Osteochondrosis Dissecans in Rottweilers | To treat your Rottweiler's osteochondrosis dissecans without surgery, you'll need to restrict its activity to short walks for several weeks after diagnosis to help the damaged cartilage heal in the affected joint. At the same time, speak to your vet about adding supplements containing chondroitin or glucosamine to its diet, since this will improve your dog's joint health. Alternatively, your vet may recommend treatment with surgery, which could involve the removal of the cartilage flap to reduce joint inflammation. Another surgical option is arthrodesis, which is the fusion of two bones to prevent painful joint movement. As a last resort, your vet may recommend total joint replacement if there isn't much healthy cartilage left. | Determine whether medical treatment is right for your Rottweiler. After diagnosing your Rottweiler with OCD, your vet will discuss various treatment options with you. Medical treatment is effective with mild OCD, when the articular cartilage is cracked or there is only a small cartilage flap in the joint. It's also recommended for dogs that are not good surgical candidates (weak immune system, heart disease). Talk with your vet to decide if medical treatment is a good choice for your Rottweiler. Restrict your Rottweiler's activity. If medical treatment is right for your Rottweiler, you will need to restrict its physical activity for at least several weeks after diagnosis. This will help the damaged cartilage heal in the affected joint. Limit your Rottweiler's activity to short leash walks. Other than walks, your Rottweiler should rest as much as possible. Do not play any high-intensity games, like fetch, with your Rottweiler. Dogs with OCD are usually reluctant to play and exercise, so it probably won't be hard for you to limit your Rottweiler's activity. Give your Rottweiler pain medication. Pain is a common sign of OCD. To help your Rottweiler feel more comfortable, your vet will prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which will reduce pain by reducing joint inflammation. Examples of NSAIDs are carprofen and meloxicam. If your Rottweiler doesn't like taking pills, try hiding the pill in a treat. NSAIDs can affect a dog's liver and kidneys. While your Rottweiler is on NSAIDs, your vet will want to take periodic blood samples to check liver and kidney function. Add joint health supplements to your Rottweiler's diet. Several supplements are available that can improve your Rottweiler's joint health. These supplements frequently contain chondroitin and/or glucosamine. Chondroitin is naturally found in the body and is a component of cartilage. Glucosamine also occurs naturally in the body and helps build cartilage. In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, omega 3-fatty acids support joint health by reducing inflammation. Joint health supplements are available at your local pet store or through your vet. Talk with your vet before adding supplements to your Rottweiler's diet. They can give you recommendations on high-quality supplements. Manage your Rottweiler's weight. Excess weight puts more pressure on joints. If your Rottweiler is overweight, this can worsen its OCD. Help your Rottweiler lose weight by feeding it a weight loss food, available through your vet or at your local pet store. Be aware that over-the-counter weight loss foods may not provide your Rottweiler with the same level of nutrition as prescription weight loss foods. Limit your Rottweiler's treats. Rather than feeding your Rottweiler store-bought treats, which can be high in fat, feed it healthy treats (unbuttered popcorn, orange slices). Exercise is also important for weight loss. Choose low-impact exercise, like leisurely walks, to help your Rottweiler lose weight. Perform physical therapy. Your vet will recommend doing passive range-of-motion exercises to prevent your Rottweiler's joints from becoming too stiff. To perform these exercises, lie your Rottweiler on its side and gently move the affected joint through its normal range of motion. Your vet will prescribe exercises depending on which joint (shoulder, elbow, ankle) is affected. Perform the exercises five to ten times, two to three times each day. Discuss surgical treatment options with your vet. Surgery is usually the treatment of choice for OCD in dogs. It can also be used if medical therapy does not work. Several types of surgical procedures are available to treat OCD in Rottweilers. Your vet will determine which of the following procedures will be best for your Rottweiler: Removal of the cartilage flap: Removing the flap will allow scar cartilage to develop and reduce some of the joint inflammation. However, the joint will still be abnormal, and your Rottweiler could eventually develop arthritis. Arthrodesis: This is the fusion of two bones to prevent painful joint movement. Total joint replacement: This is a 'last resort' procedure for cases of chronic or extensive OCD, when there isn't much healthy articular cartilage left. Let your vet perform surgery. After you and your vet have agreed on a surgical procedure for your Rottweiler, you will schedule an appointment for the surgery. To prepare your Rottweiler for surgery, do not feed it 12 hours before surgery or allow it to drink water 8 hours before surgery. This will prevent your dog from vomiting during surgery and having the vomit enter its lungs. You will probably bring your Rottweiler home on the same day of surgery. Either the vet or the vet's staff will call you to let you know when you can pick up your Rottweiler. Care for your Rottweiler after surgery. Surgery will help relieve a lot of your Rottweiler's pain. When you pick up your Rottweiler after surgery, your vet will give you specific at-home care instructions so your Rottweiler can have a full recovery. Your vet will also prescribe at least several days' worth of pain medication for your Rottweiler. Other at-home instructions may include: Short leash walks and passive range-of-motion exercises for two to three weeks after surgery Increased amount of exercise and physical therapy after three weeks | Determine whether medical treatment is right for your Rottweiler. Restrict your Rottweiler's activity. Give your Rottweiler pain medication. Add joint health supplements to your Rottweiler's diet. Manage your Rottweiler's weight. Perform physical therapy. Discuss surgical treatment options with your vet. Let your vet perform surgery. Care for your Rottweiler after surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Moroccan-Argan-Oil | How to Use Moroccan Argan Oil | To use argan oil, try rubbing a few drops between your palms, then running your fingers through your damp hair and massaging your scalp to encourage hair growth and protect split ends. Alternatively, use argan oil as a hair mask by applying it to your hair and scalp and wrapping your head in a towel. Then, leave the oil in your hair overnight before shampooing it out in the morning. Additionally, use argan oil in place of your usual moisturizer to soften and hydrate your skin, focusing on areas that usually dry out, like your elbows and knees. | Double-cleanse with argan oil, followed by your normal facial cleanser. Double-cleansing produces brilliant results: first you cleanse with an oil, then with your normal facial cleanser, maximizing the benefits of each to your skin. Apply four drops of argan oil to your face and rub gently in circular motions with your finger tips. Massage for 60 seconds and wipe off with a disposable facial cleansing cloth. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Wash your face a second time with your preferred facial cleanser, rinse well, and pat dry. Tone with argan oil. Add several drops of argan oil to your preferred facial toner, making sure to shake vigorously to emulsify the oil before each use. Spray as normal. Moisturize with and add argan oil to make-up. Argan oil is a "dry oil," and it is easily absorbed by the skin, so it gives those who use it to moisturize a glowing complexion. Add a dab of argan oil to your normal portion of facial moisturizer, tinted sunscreen, or liquid foundation, mix with your fingertips, and apply to your face as normal. Use argan oil as aftershave. Rather than using an alcohol-based aftershave, use a drop of argan oil to moisturize and soothe recently shaved skin on your face and elsewhere. Apply a moist, hot towel to your face, legs, or underarms to keep the pores open. Warm a drop, or a few, in your fingertips and gently massage into skin. Moisturize at night with argan oil. Moisturizing at night with argan oil will have a pronounced restorative effect, giving your skin a healthy look, especially over time. Apply argan to your face before bedtime. Cover the facial coat of argan oil with a normal night cream once your skin has absorbed the oil. Use argan oil as a mask. Conventional face masks can be even more rejuvenating by adding a small amount of argan oil. Add a few drops of argan oil to your conventional face mask. Apply the mask with the argan oil mixed in as directed. Condition your lips with argan oil. Use argan oil to treat lips—especially when cracked or chapped. Rub two to three drops onto your lips and wipe away any excess. Apply regularly to keep lips conditioned and prevent chapped lips in the winter. Condition while your hair is still damp. This promotes a healthy scalp and encourages growth while treating and protecting split ends. Rub a few drops of argan oil between your palms and then run your hands and fingers through your hair gently, massaging your scalp and tips as well. Refresh your hair and style. Argan oil can soften and strengthen your hair if used properly. You can use it to control a style that is losing its luster or shape. Simply apply a few drops to your hair as you would a leave-in conditioner, but do so when you hair is dry instead of when it is damp. Argan oil is packed with moisture-rich proteins that helps control the dryness of your hair which is the reason why so many cosmetic products use Argan oil as one of their main ingredient. Use argan oil as an overnight hair mask. Leaving argan oil in your hair overnight as a hair mask helps maximize the benefits to the hair by allowing more time for the absorption of nutrients. Apply a very small amount of argan oil to the hair and rub it into the hair, ends, and scalp. Wrap your head in a towel to protect bedsheets, then go to sleep to allow oil to soak in overnight, or, at the very least, leave it in for a few hours. Wash the oil out of your hair with a shampoo that is free of any harsh chemicals such as sulfate to cleanse your hair. Apply to dry areas of your body. Elbows, knees, feet, and heels have a tendency to dry out. Argan oil can help moisturize these areas more effectively than conventional moisturizers. Moisturize the cuticles on your hands and feet. The cuticles on your fingertips and toes can moisturized with argan oil. Massage a few drops into your cuticles and they will become softer. Used in this way, argan oil can also encourage nail growth. Use argan oil on your skin after bathing. Warm a few drops at a time between your hands and apply to still wet skin. Wrap yourself in a towel or robe until the oil is absorbed. You can also add few drops of argan oil to your favorite body lotion to increase its effectiveness. Make a simple exfoliating scrub with argan oil. Exfoliating your skin with argan oil can help remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin. Combine a few drops of argan oil with a few drops of vanilla extract and brown sugar. The sugar crystals act as the rough element to gently exfoliate. Apply this combination to your skin and work in using a gentle, circular motion. You will be able to feel the mixture working as you rub it onto your skin. Continue until your skin is mildly exfoliated, smooth, and moisturized. The exfoliation will leave your skin feeling clean and nourished. Rinse with water. Rinse the scrub off thoroughly and you will see and feel the moisturizing and exfoliating benefits. Apply argan oil to wrinkles to hydrate the skin and reduce wrinkles. The effects of aging can be reduced with regular use. Simply rub the oil into the area and you will see improvement over time. Heal damaged skin with argan oil. Rub argan oil into damaged skin periodically to reduce scarring. You must be sure the oil you use is pure. Use argan oil to treat stretch marks. Applying argan oil generously to areas where you have stretch marks can dramatically improve their appearance. | Double-cleanse with argan oil, followed by your normal facial cleanser. Tone with argan oil. Moisturize with and add argan oil to make-up. Use argan oil as aftershave. Moisturize at night with argan oil. Use argan oil as a mask. Condition your lips with argan oil. Condition while your hair is still damp. Refresh your hair and style. Use argan oil as an overnight hair mask. Apply to dry areas of your body. Moisturize the cuticles on your hands and feet. Use argan oil on your skin after bathing. Make a simple exfoliating scrub with argan oil. Combine a few drops of argan oil with a few drops of vanilla extract and brown sugar. Apply this combination to your skin and work in using a gentle, circular motion. Continue until your skin is mildly exfoliated, smooth, and moisturized. Rinse with water. Apply argan oil to wrinkles to hydrate the skin and reduce wrinkles. Heal damaged skin with argan oil. Use argan oil to treat stretch marks. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Deskunk-Your-Dog | How to Deskunk Your Dog | To deskunk your dog, grab an armful of old towels, put on rubber gloves, and bring your dog outside so you can use the water hose. Next, locate where your dog was sprayed and try to soak up as much of the skunk oil as you can from its fur with a regular or paper towel. Then, apply a commercial deskunking product to your dog's coat, lather it up like regular dog shampoo, and leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing your dog off with the hose. Finally, give your dog a regular bath as you normally would and dry off its fur! | Pay attention to your dog's mouth. It is highly possible that your dog may get sprayed in the face. When a dog is sprayed in the face, it can cause vomiting as well as mouth and throat irritation. You need to rinse out her mouth with water and look for areas of extreme irritation. You also may need to use a rag to wipe out her mouth as well is washing it doesn't get rid of the skunk spray. This irritation is temporary and should improve within 24 hours. Until her condition improves, it may help to feed softened dry food to your dog. You should also eliminate any excessive chewing activities. If your dog vomits, you should wait several hours before offering her food again. When you do, try giving her a small amount of something bland, such as chicken and rice or chicken broth. If vomiting or other symptoms continue, consult with your veterinarian. Wash your dog's eyes. When you dog gets sprayed in the eyes, it causes redness, irritation, and, in extreme cases, temporary blindness. If you notice redness or irritation, or if your dog is rubbing at her eyes, flush her eyes with cool water. Keep a close look on your dog's eyes. If you continue to see redness or irritation, take her to the vet. You don't want to run the risk of infection or possible blindness. Be aware of rabies. When a skunk sprays your dog, it may have also bitten your dog. Skunks can transmit rabies by biting, so you need to look over your dog for any injuries or bite marks. If your dog has evidence of a bite wound, contact your veterinarian immediately. Keep your dog away from other things. Skunk spray is actually an oil. The longer it stays in contact with your dog, the more difficult it will be to remove. This oily nature allows it to adhere, and easily transfer, to anything it comes in contact with. This makes it very hard to get out of a dog's coat or any other surface. While you're getting ready to bathe your dog, try to not let her come into contact with anything. The odor will remain on anything that your dog touches, such as her bed, toys, clothes, or any furniture. Also prevent her from playing with any other animals you have. She may transfer the smell to them as well. Take the dog outside. It is best to wash your dog outside. The skunk smell can permeate your house, but it can also cause respiratory problems for you, your family, and your dog. If it is cold, try to keep the dog into a large, open area of your home and keep your windows open or have fans blowing the smell out of the room. As long as you have plenty of clean smelling air that does not have the skunk particles in it, you shouldn't have any adverse effects. Gather old towels. When you bathe your dog, you need to gather some towels that you don't mind throwing away or getting ruined. Any towels that you use when bathing your dog may not come clean and may need to be thrown away afterward. You will want to make sure that you are able to keep her warm both during and after her bath, so have some extra towels or blankets around in case they get cold. Wear old clothes. Since you have to get up close to your dog to bathe her, you might get some of the wash or skunk spray on your clothes. Because of this, you should wear old clothes that can be thrown away if necessary. You should also wear rubber gloves as well during the bath to prevent the oils from getting onto your skin. The oil can cause skin irritation as well as smell transfer. Soak up the oil. It's possible that your dog only gets sprayed on a small area of her body. Once you've located where your dog has been sprayed, try to soak up as much of the oil as you can from her coat. You can use paper towels or an old towel. After soaking up the oil, at least initially, you will want to focus your bathing in this area. Make sure you clean everywhere she was sprayed. Try not spread the oil into other areas that haven't been sprayed. Use a commercial de-skunking product. There are several commercial describing products available. These will typically give you the best results because they contain enzymes to help neutralize the odor while they clean. Apply it like normal shampoos, but leave it on for 10 minutes to soak on your dog's fur to help break up the oil. Try brands such as Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover. You more than likely will need to bathe your dog multiple times to eliminate the odor. Make a home remedy. Sometimes, you may not have commercial products on hand. Since it is important to start the cleaning process as soon as possible, you may not have time to get one. For the most effective home remedy, combine 1 US-quart (950 ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap, liquid hand soap, or baby shampoo. This amount is enough for a small dog. Double or triple these amounts depending on the size of your dog. This mixture can explode if left in a closed container, so discard any solution that is leftover. Apply the home remedy. Once you have mixed up the solution, you need to bathe your dog. Apply this mixture to your dog like you would any other shampoo. Rub the mixture into the coat, making sure to get all the way down to the skin and cover all the affected areas. Let the mixture stay on your dog for 10 minutes. If necessary, cover your dog with an old towel or blanket to keep her warm while you wait. After 10 minutes, thoroughly rinse your dog. Avoid getting the mixture in her eyes, mouth, and ears. Use a cloth or sponge to bathe around these areas. Peroxide can cause some discoloration of your dog's fur, depending on your dog's hair color and how long it is left on the hair. Be careful if you are worried about the color change. Re-bathe your dog. Once completely rinsed, bathe your dog in her regular shampoo and rinse again. Next, dry your dog as much as possible. Make sure you use a different towel. You don't want to transfer the oils back to her skin. Check the coat thoroughly for any lingering odor and repeat this process as needed. If the odor persists you may want to try one of the commercial products or an alternative method. Use peppermint mouthwash. One common alternative method of removing skunk smell is the use of peppermint mouthwash. Apply the mouthwash to your dog's coat and massage it in all the way down to the skin. Be sure to avoid getting it in her eyes. Be aware that mouthwash can cause a burning sensation if applied to cuts and scrapes. Let the solution sit on the coat for 10 minutes and then bathe her in her regular shampoo. Let the shampoo sit on the coat for another 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed. This can also be used as a spot treatment to help eliminate any lingering odors. This may help with the odor, but will usually not get rid of the oils that cause it. | Pay attention to your dog's mouth. Wash your dog's eyes. Be aware of rabies. Keep your dog away from other things. Take the dog outside. Gather old towels. Wear old clothes. Soak up the oil. Use a commercial de-skunking product. Make a home remedy. Apply the home remedy. Re-bathe your dog. Use peppermint mouthwash. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Meditate-in-Sahaja-Yoga | How to Meditate in Sahaja Yoga | Sahaja yoga is a form of yoga that involves meditation and bringing awareness to different chakras throughout the body. Some people find that Sahaja yoga helps them feel more balanced, peaceful, and confident. To meditate in Sahaja yoga, you'll sit in a comfortable position and touch different parts of your body, like your heart, ribs, and forehead, as you recite mantras. This is believed to help nourish your chakras. Chakras are points of spiritual energy going from your head to the base of your spine. | Get to know yourself through self-realization. Self-realization is the foundation of Sahaja yoga. It is based on an experience called the “Kundalini awakening,” which can occur within all human beings. After going through the various steps, you should encounter a transformation that makes you a more moral, united, integrated, and balanced person. If you successfully accomplish self-realization, you should be able to feel the divine power sweep over your body in the form of a breeze that passes over your hand and head. It is believed by its practitioners that this experience has been witnessed by hundreds of thousands of people in over ninety countries worldwide. Understand the subtle system. The subtle system is made up of nadis and chakras. Nadis, or channels, carry energy throughout the body while chakras, or “wheels,” are the centers of energy located in the body. There are three primary vertical channels of energy and seven major chakras. This system can only be activated with a Kundalini awakening. The Kundalini awakening simultaneously cleans and balances the system and enlightens and purifies the chakras. Each chakra has spiritual abilities. The chakras always exist in the body but they do not manifest their full qualities until the Kundalini is awakened. When the Kundalini rises and nourishes the chakras, our bodies automatically become dynamic, creative, confident, and very humble. Know the spiritual abilities of the chakras. Chakras are called wheels because this is where the energy spins with frequency, similar to a galaxy of planets spinning on their axis. Chakras are located along the spinal cord region and supervise and maintain the perfect operation of the bodily system. What attracts and disturbs the chakras influences their sensitivity and performance. Self-realization will enlighten the central nervous system, allowing you to feel each of the seven chakras. The mooladhara, or first chakra, will help you rediscover your innocence, and innate and intuitive wisdom. The second chakra, or swadisthana, will stimulate your creative instincts and establish pure knowledge. At the nabhi, third chakra, the realization of your accomplishments will be satisfied and your inner peace will be established within. Your heart will be opened along with compassion for family and friends during the fourth chakra, or anahat. Good communication, a sense of perspective, and a balanced approach to stressful situations will be summoned during vishuddhi, or the fifth chakra. At the sixth chakra, or agnya, your forgiveness will allow you to move forward with life without grudges or hatred. You will be able to identify with your freedom and power of your inner self. Finally, the last chakra, sahasrara, will allow you to have a transformative connection that enables you to understand a deeper and truer meaning and purpose to your life. Know the channels, or nadis. There are three main nadis: the left channel (Ida Nadi), also called the “moon channel,” is located along the left side of the body and provides the conduit for the energy of our desire. The right channel (Pingala Nadi), or “sun channel,” runs along the right side of the body and is responsible for active energy, as well as our mental and physical activities. The central channel (Sushumna Nadi) is located along the spine to the highest chakra. The central channel coordinates the nervous system activities. It is not until the awakening of the Kundalini and its travel through the central channel and out through the top of the head that recognition occurs of the vastness of the subtle system. The left channel represents different qualities and aspects such as the expression of our desires and the past. Here one might collect all one's habits and conditionings. If this channel is obstructed or out of balance, you might feel depressed, sad or lazy. Through the practice of Sahaja Yoga, you might be able to remove all the obstacles on this channel so you can be free from the past. The right channel is related with the power of action and the future. If this channel is not in balance, it is easily blinded by ego and can change our behavior to be more aggressive and dominating. The Sahaja Yoga meditation can remove this negativity and restore balance between the channels and the chakras. Ask the energy to rise through your central channel to give you self-realization. Prepare for self-realization. Sahaja yoga provides the conscious awareness of subtle energy found in the body through true meditation. It is a natural awakening that has measurable beneficial effects on the body's well-being without side effects, special exercises, chanting, or mantras. As Sahaja yoga has become more popular around the world, it has proven to be effective in people's lives everywhere, regardless of age, occupation, race, color, or creed. Find a comfortable place to sit down with little distraction. During the experience, your left hand will remain on your left lap with your palm facing up. You can also sit on a chair or on the floor in a comfortable position, and remove your shoes to have better contact with the earth element. Your right palm will be used to touch certain parts of your body on the left side. As you make the motions, keep your eyes closed during the entire experience so that you can keep your attention “inside.” It is recommended that you take your shoes off since Mother Earth drains all negative energy through the feet. Perform self-realization meditation. The divine power is easily awaken inside all of us during the performing of Sahaja yoga. During the experience, one can feel the divine vibration in their hands. You will also be able to feel a cool breeze on the top of your hands and head. These “vibrations” are believed to be divine energy so real that it can be captured on film. It is believed that an inner energy resides in the sacrum bone known as Kundalini. This energy is like a Mother who remains dormant, waiting patiently to be awakened by an authorized Guru so you can achieve self-realization and become your own master. Put your right hand on your heart and then ask the Kundalini inside of you three times: “Mother, am I the spirit?” Place your right hand under the ribs on the left-hand side of your body and ask the Kundalini three times: “Mother, am I my own master?” After that, place your right hand on your left side just below the belt , gently press and ask the Kundalini inside your body six times: “Mother, please give me the pure knowledge.” Then, put your right hand under your left ribs and say ten times: “Mother, I am my own master.” Place you right hand over your heart and repeat to the Kundalini twelve times: “Mother, I am the pure spirit.” Next, put your right hand between your neck and left shoulder while turning your head towards the right. Repeat sixteen times to the Kundalini: “Mother, I am not guilty at all.” While placing your right hand on your forehead, bend your head down and say a few times: “Mother, I forgive everyone including myself.” Then, put your right hand on the back of your head, push your head back and say, “Oh, Divine Power, if I have committed any mistakes, please forgive me.” Finally, open your hand fully and press on the fontanelle bone area on top your head. Move it slowly clockwise seven times, moving your scalp in unison with your hand. Each time repeat: Mother, please give me my Self-Realization." Conclude the self-realization meditation. After you completed the meditation, take a moment to absorb your environment and to experience your feelings. By the time you finish, your feelings should be relaxed and your thoughts should have disappeared. This is considered the first step of meditation, or “thoughtless awareness,” when you were completely cognizant without thought, in a pure state of peaceful consciousness. Now that you have reached this stage, you should feel the sensation of the cool breeze on the top of your hands and head. This is the Kundalini energy purifying the chakras in your body. If you fail to experience the breeze, the most likely cause is you did not forgive everybody. Therefore, say “Mother, I forgive everyone” a few times and check for the cool breeze once again. Discover the inner subtle self. Nourishing chakras produces lifelong improvement of your own personal qualities. Consistent Sahaja yoga practice will help you concentrate on which specific chakras need attention and how to develop the specific qualitative aspects associated with each chakra. Over time, you will develop into a more spiritual, subtler person with heightened awareness of the important virtues of life. As you strengthen the state and condition of your channels and chakras, you will simultaneously recognize how your relationships, creativity, focus, productivity and decision-making ability all improve. Taking control over your energy sources and the paths they travel through in your body will allow you to manage ill thoughts and feelings, regulate self-damaging emotions, and feelings of worthlessness. You will be better equipped to problem-solve. Experience emotional well-being and self-improvement. The inner calm that is part of the Sahaja yoga experience boosts your emotional resilience. This ensures your ability to cope with stress now and in the future. Sahaja yoga also helps to restore balance internally and externally in your life. It helps build self-esteem in relationships and accomplishments, repairs any negative feelings, and brings peace and contentment. Kundalini energy extends beyond the meditation period and into your daily life. Thus, you benefit from meditation, yoga, and self-realization. Sahaja yoga helps you to self-regulate your attention and concentration on the present. It enhances your openness and curiosity. You will quickly realize how you take time to make good decisions by analyzing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations as they occur resulting in increased self-awareness. Communication with others will improve as your levels of compassion and empathy increase for yourself and for others. You become more cognizant of the flow of energy in the environment, in your mind, and through the eyes of others. Enjoy the mental health benefits of Sahaja yoga. Evidence from several clinical and neurobiological studies demonstrate the impact that meditation has on influencing brain chemical activities that regulate attention, mood, and emotions in positive ways. Studies indicate that Sahaja yoga increases positive emotions, reduces negative emotions, improves emotional flexibility and coping skills, and overall psychological stability. Cognitive improvements were also found in self-esteem, self-awareness, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-realization. Sahaja yoga also relieves anxiety, improves blood pressure, may help manage asthma, and may relieve depression. Stress relief is the base-level benefit for Sahaja yoga practitioners and some clinical results have confirmed that belief. It is believed that thoughtless awareness significantly improves the ability to cope with difficult events by reducing stress and boosting positive emotions. Sahaja yoga confronts addiction and substance abuse by rewiring the old pleasure-reward-motivation patterns that the brain has learned over a lifetime. This helps eradicate bad habits. | Get to know yourself through self-realization. Understand the subtle system. Know the spiritual abilities of the chakras. Know the channels, or nadis. Prepare for self-realization. Perform self-realization meditation. Conclude the self-realization meditation. Discover the inner subtle self. Experience emotional well-being and self-improvement. Enjoy the mental health benefits of Sahaja yoga. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Pet-Owner-(for-Kids) | How to Be a Good Pet Owner (for Kids) | Even if you're a kid, there are things you can do that will make you a good pet owner. For instance, you can help your parents give your pet food and water at scheduled times throughout the day. You can also help clean your pet's food bowls, pick up its toys, and clean its cage or bedding whenever it gets dirty. Every day, try to spend at least 10-15 minutes playing with your pet, and never yell at your pet or hit it, even if it misbehaves. | Give food and water to the pet. You should start by providing the necessities for your pet, including food and fresh water. Your parents may already have a feeding schedule set up, with set times in the day for feeding your pet. You should follow this feeding schedule and ask your parents if you can help them with giving your pet food and water on a daily basis. You can help your parents put your pet's food in their bowl and make sure that your pet eats all of their food. You may also be allowed to give your pet a healthy treat, with the supervision of a parent. Always ask your parents if it's time to feed the pet before you do it yourself. Your pet may have a strict feeding schedule so they are not overfed or underfed. If you have a pet dog, rabbit, bird or hamster, you should also keep an eye on your pet's water dish as your pet may end up drinking a lot of water throughout the day. Try to always keep it full with fresh water. If you are younger than 10 years old, you may need help lifting and pouring water into your pet's water dish. Clean up after the pet. You can also be a good pet owner by making sure you clean up after your pet. This means picking up any food that falls out of their food bowl and wiping up any water around their water dish so their feeding area is clean. You can also pick up any pet toys and put them in a bin or in one area so they are not scattered all over the house. You may also be able to help your parents clean your pet's cage or living area. If you have a pet hamster, bird, lizard, or rabbit, you may help your parents remove and replace the newspaper lining in your pet's cage or help them pick up droppings in the cage. If you have a fish, you may help your parents change out the water in the fish tank so it is clean and fresh. Make sure you always wear gloves or use a tissue to pick up any pet droppings. Wash your hands well after touching your pet's droppings. Groom the pet. You can also pitch in and groom your pet on a regular basis. Depending on the type of pet you have, this may mean brushing your dog, rabbit, or cat once a day. You may be able to do this on your own or with the supervision of your parents. If you have a dog, you can also make sure your pet gets a bath once a week and stays clean. You may help your parents bathe your pet or bathe your pet yourself. Make sure you use the right techniques to bath your pet. Do not try to bath other pets like a rabbit, a bird, a hamster or a cat. These animals can self clean themselves and do not need regular baths. If your pet is a dog, you should check your pet for fleas or ticks on a daily basis. If you notice your pet has fleas or ticks, you should tell your parents. Take your dog for daily walks. If you have a pet dog, you will need to walk them on a daily basis, especially if your dog is medium to large in size. You should create a walking schedule with your parents and assist your parents in walking your pet. You may put the collar or harness on the dog and take a turn holding the leash during the walk, with the supervision of a parent. If your dog is a puppy, you should only walk him a five to ten minutes a day. Ask your parents about how often you can walk your new puppy and follow their directions. If you have other pets, like a cat, a bird, a hamster, or a rabbit, you may not need to walk them. Instead, you should spend time playing with these pets so they still get some exercise. Play with your pet. You should spend at least ten to fifteen minutes a day playing with your pet so they feel loved and acknowledged by you. You should also use encouraging words and reward them with a treat if they behave well. Make sure you use your fingers to gently pet and stroke your pet. Always be gentle when playing with your pet so you do not hurt them. Use pet toys to play with your pet. You may use a light pen to stimulate your pet fish or a treat to teach your bird a fun new trick. You can also use balls to play with a pet cat or a pet dog. Try not to play with your pet too often and give your pet some downtime during the day. Your pet needs time to nap and rest so they are not overly tired or stressed. Teach your dog basic obedience commands. Your pet should be trained properly to ensure they live well with you and your parents. A well trained pet will also be less of an issue when they meet other pets and strangers outside of your home. You should discuss your pet's training with your parents and be sure it includes basic obedience commands, especially if your pet is a dog. You should work with your parents to teach your pet dog to sit, stay, and come when called. You should also learn how to calm your dog down when someone is at the door or when your dog is around new people and new dogs. In general, rewarding your pet with treats or praise when they do something right is the best way to train them. Do not give your pet unhealthy treats or food. You should also avoid giving your pet any food or treats that are not allowed by your parents. Giving your pet unhealthy food could conflict with their training and lead to health issues. You should also avoid giving your pet food from your plate the table, even when your parents aren't looking. This can conflict with your pet's training schedule and their feeding schedule. Do not put unhealthy food in your pet's cage. Some pets are not allowed to have human food because it can make them sick so always check with your parents before giving your pet a treat. Just like people, pets need healthy food so they're getting all of the nutrients they need to be strong and healthy. Follow your parent’s house rules for the pet. Your parents will likely have their own set of house rules for the pet, such as not allowing the pet on furniture or in certain areas of the house. You should make sure your pet follows these rules, even when your parents are not home. This way, your pet is not confused about the rules and is not encouraged to behave badly. If you are unclear about the house rules for your pet, you can ask your parents to write them down for you and post them in an accessible area, such as on the fridge or by the front door. You can then refer to the rules if you are not sure if your pet is allowed to do certain things in your house. Tell your parents if your pet is behaving badly. You should always let your parents deal with your pet when he behaves badly as you do not want to be aggressive with your pet on your own. Your pet may get annoyed and you are at a greater risk of injury than your parents if this happens. Instead, you should let your parents know when your pet is acting out or behaving badly and allow them to address it properly. As you get older, your parents may teach you how to address your pet's bad behavior in a positive and helpful way. Let your parents know if your pet seems ill or sick. You may notice that your pet seems ill and is displaying signs of a sickness or a health issue. Let your parents know right away if you notice anything, as they can then take your pet to the vet and get your pet examined. It is important that you keep an eye on your pet and pay attention to your pet often, as this will ensure you notice any health issues before they become a larger problem. You may also discuss the symptoms of common illnesses with your parents so you know which signs to watch out for in your pet. Add to your pet responsibilities as you get older. As you grow up, your pet ownership duties may change. Your parents may feel you are mature enough to help them do other pet chores and tasks. You should try to take good care of your pet now so your parents feel they can trust you with more pet responsibilities in the future. Children over the age of 10 can usually assume many of the basic responsibilities of caring for a pet. Your parents may supervise you from afar but will likely allow you to complete many of the daily tasks required for good care of your pet. | Give food and water to the pet. Clean up after the pet. Groom the pet. Take your dog for daily walks. Play with your pet. Teach your dog basic obedience commands. Do not give your pet unhealthy treats or food. Follow your parent’s house rules for the pet. Tell your parents if your pet is behaving badly. Let your parents know if your pet seems ill or sick. Add to your pet responsibilities as you get older. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-After-Terrapins | How to Look After Terrapins | To look after terrapins, provide it with a 100-gallon aquarium, and make sure the tank has both water and land areas. Place a water heater in the tank to keep the temperature between 75° and 80°F, and add a water filter, since terrapins are messy. About 10 inches above the terrapin's basking area, place a heat lamp with a 40-watt bulb that contains UVA and UVB waves. Feed your terrapin a diet of turtle pellets, snails, earthworms, raw meat, berries, and leafy vegetables. Change the turtle's drinking water daily, and swap out the swimming water for fresh water every 2-3 weeks. | Set up a tank for your terrapin. Terrapins grow to be quite large. Even if your terrapin is small now, he can easily grow up to 9 inches. Terrapins need large tanks that meet certain requirements. Terrapins, in addition to being large, are fairly active and crave a lot of space to roam. Aim to get a 100-gallon aquarium for your terrapin and try to find a tank with multiple sections. Your tank should have both water and land. Terrapins do not thrive in cold temperatures, so make sure to add a water heater. Water should be around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, add a water filter as terrapins are messy. A good filtration system will keep their water clean and bacteria free. Aim for flat, stone surfaces, some of which poke out like islands within the water. Terrapins like to bask in the sun and will want space to do so. Purchase a heat lamp for the tank. Terrapins are unable to regulate body temperature in the wild and rely on heat from the sun. You need to supply a heat lamp for your terrapin. Get a heat lamp that can hold a 40-watt bulb that contains UVA and UVB waves. The lamp should be roughly 10 inches from your terrapins basking area. The overall tank temperature should be between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, but the area by the bulb may be warmer. Therefore, make sure the bulb shines down on a specific area and does not extend the heat it produces into the entire tank. Clean the tank regularly. You need to clean your tank on a regular basis to keep your terrapin healthy. Drinking water should be changed out every day to prevent bacteria from building up. A good water filtration system should prevent you from having to change out swimming water on a daily basis. However, use a net scoop to regularly remove debris and, once every two or three weeks, completely swap out existing swimming water for fresh water. To clean basking areas, buy products specifically designed to clean turtle tanks. These can be purchased at most pet stores. Never use soap and water, as this can be harmful to your terrapin. Always move your terrapin to a separate container when cleaning. Wash your hands after handling your terrapin. Feed your terrapin a healthy diet. Terrapins are omnivores. This means their diet is comprised of both plants and animals. Most pet stores sell turtle pellets that are safe for terrapins. Ask a pet store employee for a recommendation if you are unsure. For meat, terrapins eat snails and earth worms and might eat meats like chicken and pork as well. Tuna and other oily fish are a favorite. Meat should be given raw and in small chunks. For plants, let your terrapin snack on berries and leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach. Some stores sell vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healthy shells and skin. If your terrapin is having any health issues, you might want to look into adding supplements to his diet. Avoid handling your terrapin. Terrapins have a reputation for being somewhat aggressive. A terrapin is more of a hands-off pet and should not be handled frequently. You need to earn a terrapin's trust before he will let you touch him. Never touch a terrapin if he seems timid or shy. Terrapins do bite and their bites are hard and sometimes warrant medical attention. Hand feeding is a great way to bond with your terrapin and get him comfortable with your presence. If your terrapin seems calm in your presence and allows you to touch and pet him, it's okay to occasionally pick him up gently. In fact, you need to regularly pick up your terrapin in order to clean his tank. However, limit the contact you do have. Terrapins tend to thrive in solitude and too much handling can cause them stress. Keep the tank free of feces and food debris. Terrapins are messy. When they eat, they tend to scatter food and do not usually defecate in a specific area of the tank. You need to remove fecal matter and scattered food on a daily basis, especially if it gets into the water. You can do this using a cat litter scoop or a net scoop as you won't have to remove your terrapin from the tank on a daily basis. This can be stressful for him and you. Understand what a healthy terrapin looks like. In order to gauge when something's wrong, you first need to have a sense of what a terrapin looks like when healthy. Terrapins eyes should be bright and clear. Shells should be shiny and free of any noticeable cracks. His beak should close symmetrically. Healthy terrapins are active. Your terrapin should be able to move easily without straining his limbs. Take your terrapin for an annual wellness exam. An annual wellness exam is important to any pet's well being. A veterinarian can check for any signs of health problems and recommended treatment options if needed. Call the veterinarian's office beforehand to make sure they treat reptiles. Many veterinarians focus mainly on dogs and cats and might not have experience with turtles or terrapins. You might have to call several different offices before you find a good vet. Your vet will take your terrapin's height and weight and perform a brief physical examination. He will likely listen to the heart and lungs and might ask for a stool sample to test for parasites. You should discuss any behavioral changes you notice with your vet. Also, tell your vet about your pet's diet, tank size, heat lamp, and your cleaning rituals. The vet might have some helpful suggestions in regards to your terrapin's care. Recognize signs of poor health. Bacterial infections, upper respiratory problems, and parasites are common in turtles. Know the signs your turtle might need medical care. Any problems to the shell, such as a flaky, waxy, or misshapen shell, might be a sign of vitamin deficiencies or the existence of parasites. If you notice any changes to your terrapin's shell, seek medical care. A turtle's mouth should be free of lesions and sores. If you notice any, talk to a vet. Upper respiratory infections are common in turtles, so watch for wheezing, coughing, and discharge from the mouth. Parasites can usually be spotted by unusual weight loss, changes in appetite, and bloody stools. | Set up a tank for your terrapin. Purchase a heat lamp for the tank. Clean the tank regularly. Feed your terrapin a healthy diet. Avoid handling your terrapin. Keep the tank free of feces and food debris. Understand what a healthy terrapin looks like. Take your terrapin for an annual wellness exam. Recognize signs of poor health. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Alfredo-Sauce | How to Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce | To make homemade Alfredo sauce, start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, making sure not to let it brown since you want the color of sauce to be white. Next, slowly pour in the cream, stir it into the butter, and season with salt and pepper. Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Afterwards, take the saucepan off the heat, add the Parmesan cheese, and stir until it's completely incorporated into the sauce. Finally, taste the sauce and add more salt and pepper if desired. | Measure 2 tbs. (29.57 ml) of butter. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preferred taste. Do not use margarine or butter substitute. Real butter is essential to Alfredo sauce. Pour 1 cup (8 oz. ) of heavy whipping cream into a bowl or measuring cup. Grate 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. You may want to grate a little bit more to sprinkle over your pasta or whatever dish you are using with the Alfredo sauce. Try to use fresh parmesan cheese. While it is convenient to buy it already grated and packaged, the taste will improve when you buy a block of cheese and grate it freshly yourself. Have salt and pepper on hand. The amount you add to the sauce or the finished dish will depend on your personal taste. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Make sure you do not burn the butter or let it brown. Alfredo sauce is white, so keep an eye on the butter as it melts. Pour the cream slowly into the saucepan, stirring it into the butter with a wooden spoon as you pour. Add some salt and pepper to the mixture to season it as it combines and cooks. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer. Stir the sauce with a wooden spoon while it thickens and simmers for 5 minutes. Take the saucepan off the heat. This is an important step before you add the cheese, because if you do so while the pan is still receiving heat from the stove, the cheese will clump or get stringy. Add the parmesan cheese to the mixture and continue to stir it with the spoon. Incorporate it completely into the sauce. Taste the Alfredo sauce in the pan and add a little more salt or pepper if you prefer. Toss the warm sauce with pasta. The most popular dish involving this is Fettuccine Alfredo. You can use any type of pasta you like, however. Use the sauce to cover a pizza crust and create a white pizza. You can add any toppings you want. Coat chicken, shrimp or meatballs with the Alfredo sauce. These can be added to pasta or served on their own, even as bite-sized appetizers. Put the Alfredo sauce over vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli or potatoes. | Measure 2 tbs. Pour 1 cup (8 oz. Grate 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Have salt and pepper on hand. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour the cream slowly into the saucepan, stirring it into the butter with a wooden spoon as you pour. Add some salt and pepper to the mixture to season it as it combines and cooks. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir the sauce with a wooden spoon while it thickens and simmers for 5 minutes. Take the saucepan off the heat. Add the parmesan cheese to the mixture and continue to stir it with the spoon. Taste the Alfredo sauce in the pan and add a little more salt or pepper if you prefer. Toss the warm sauce with pasta. Use the sauce to cover a pizza crust and create a white pizza. Coat chicken, shrimp or meatballs with the Alfredo sauce. Put the Alfredo sauce over vegetables, such as cauliflower, broccoli or potatoes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Car | How to Make a Paper Car | To make a paper car, use card stock to draw a T-shaped template. Then cut it out and fold the top right part of the horizontal across the center to the left, and the left part across to the right, so you have a vertical bar and two prongs. Tape the vertical part of the T to the prongs so it looks like a rounded car roof. Next, cut card stock into circles for wheels, and color and decorate your car. Finally, make 2 holes about 2 inches apart and 1/4 of an inch from the bottom of the car on each side and attach the wheels with toothpicks. | Make a crease in the middle of the origami paper. Fold the paper in half, widthwise. Run your fingernail along the fold to make a crease, then unfold the paper. Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper by 1/3. Fold the top edge of the paper down by 1/3. Next, fold the bottom edge of the paper up by 1/3. You should now have 3, equal-sized sections on your paper. For the rest of the tutorial, the folded top and bottom edges will be called the "top" and "bottom" flaps. The top and bottom third of your paper will be colored, while the middle will be white. If you are making a white car, then the middle part will be colored. Fold the corner of the top flap up until it goes past the folded edge. Go back to your top flap. Fold the bottom-right corner upwards until it goes past the top, folded edge. The left point of the corner should be about 1/3 of the way across the flap. Keep the top flap folded down for this step. Don't unfold it! Fold the other corners in a similar way. Fold the bottom-left corner on the top flap upwards. Next, fold the top 2 corners of the bottom flap down. Each folded corner should be 1/3 the length of your flaps. You are essentially doing the same process for the bottom flap as you did for the top. If you need to, rotate the paper so that the bottom flap is along the top. Fold the tips of the corners to make them more wheel-like. The corners that you just folded will make the wheels. Unfortunately, they are pointy, which is not very wheel-like. To fix this, fold down the tips of the corners to flatten them. If you want to, you can "cheat" by cutting the corners into semi-circles. This is stepping away from origami, however. Fold the whole paper in half along the first crease. This completes the body of your car, so make sure that the color you want is on the outside. Be sure to run your fingernail back and forth across the top crease to sharpen it. You while have a bottom fold, just above the wheels. If you want to, run your fingernail across it (on both sides of the car) to make it neater. Fold the top right corner inward to form the trunk. Hold the car gently in your left hand. Press down on the right side of the crease until it goes into the car. Flatten the car, then run your fingernail along the edge to make a crease. #* This is known as a pocket fold. Make the pocket fold at a deep angle, so that it matches up with the back wheel. Fold the top left corner inward to make the windshield. Use the same technique as you did to make the windshield. This time, make the pocket fold at a slight angle so that it extends past the front wheel. Take a moment to sharpen your creases by running your fingernail across them. While not absolutely necessary, this will make your car look neater. Set the car down on top of its wheels. Thanks to the pocket folds, the car won't lay completely flat. You should be able to stand it up on all four wheels. Take your car to the next level by drawing some windows, doors, handles, and other details. Create a T-shaped template using a pencil and a ruler. Make the vertical part of the T 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and 4 inches (10 cm) tall. Make the top, horizontal part of the T 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and 8 inches (20 cm) long. You can make your car out of printer paper or construction paper, but cardstock will be much better. The top, horizontal part will make the sides of the car. The vertical part will make a curved roof, like in a buggy. Cut out your T, then cut the top corners off at downward angles. Cut out the T-shape first. Next, cut the corners off from the top, horizontal part of the T. Make them angle downward, toward the vertical part of the T. These cuts will eventually make the windshield. Make sure that you cut both of them at the same angle. Fold the top, horizontal part of the T to make the sides of the car. Draw a 1 in (2.5 cm) square in the middle of the top, horizontal part of the T first. Next, use the sides of the square as guidelines. Fold the left side of the T along the left side of the box, then repeat the process for the right side of the T. When you are done, you will have a set of 3 ⁄ 2 in (8.9 cm) prongs that are 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Sticking up between the prongs is your 4 in (10 cm) tall vertical bar. Tape the vertical part of the T between the 2 prongs. Hold the ends of the 2 prongs 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Bring the bottom of the T between the 2 prongs, so that it is aligned with the slanted edges. Secure everything together with a strip of tape. For a neater finish, put the tape inside the car instead. The vertical part of the T will arch over the 2 prongs, creating a rounded roof, like a buggy. Cut four 1 in (2.5 cm) circles out of cardstock. Trace these circles using a compass, large coins, or bottle caps. When you are done, cut them out with scissors. These will be your wheels, so cut them as neatly as you can, otherwise the wheels won't turn. Black cardstock will work the best, but you can use a different color. To make sturdier wheels, cut them out of cardboard instead. Don't worry about the color; you can always paint the wheels later. Paint and decorate your car, including the wheels. Start by coloring your wheels black, then adding grey or silver hubcaps. Paint your car, if you wish, then draw some doors and handles on the sides. Finish off by adding on a front and back windshield. Add some more details, such as decals, headlights, or even a driver! You can paint or draw the details on. If you use paint, let the car dry before moving on. Punch some holes for the wheels. Use a hole puncher to make 2 holes on each side of your car, ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 inch (0.32 to 0.64 cm) from the bottom edge, and 2 inches (5.1 cm) apart. Use a thick needle to make 1 hole in the middle of each wheel. Don't use a hole puncher on the wheels. The holes will be too big. If you don't have a needle, you can use a toothpick or an awl. Be careful, however! Poke a toothpick through the holes on the car. You will need 2 toothpicks: 1 for the front set of holes, and 1 for the back. Trim down the toothpicks until they are ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) long on each side of the car. Paint the toothpicks black first for a more realistic effect. If you don't have any toothpicks, you can cut down some skewers or use lollipop sticks instead. You may have to make the holes on the wheels bigger, however. Attach the wheels. Slide the wheels onto the toothpicks—make sure that the hubcaps are facing out. Don't worry if the wheels don't rotate on the toothpick. The toothpick will rotate in the holes on the car instead. If you used lollipop sticks, you can hot glue the wheels onto the sticks instead. Again, don't worry of the wheels won't turn on the sticks themselves. Secure the wheels with beads, if needed. The wheels should fit snugly onto the toothpicks. If they are loose or falling off, slide a small bead over each end of the toothpick. Secure the bead with a drop of glue, if needed. If the bead is a different color from the hubcap, you can paint it grey or silver to match. If you can't find any small beads, try a bit of hot glue instead. Finished. | Make a crease in the middle of the origami paper. Fold the top and bottom edges of the paper by 1/3. Fold the corner of the top flap up until it goes past the folded edge. Fold the other corners in a similar way. Fold the tips of the corners to make them more wheel-like. Fold the whole paper in half along the first crease. Fold the top right corner inward to form the trunk. Fold the top left corner inward to make the windshield. Set the car down on top of its wheels. Create a T-shaped template using a pencil and a ruler. Cut out your T, then cut the top corners off at downward angles. Fold the top, horizontal part of the T to make the sides of the car. Tape the vertical part of the T between the 2 prongs. Cut four 1 in (2.5 cm) circles out of cardstock. Paint and decorate your car, including the wheels. Punch some holes for the wheels. Poke a toothpick through the holes on the car. Attach the wheels. Secure the wheels with beads, if needed. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sleep-with-Neck-Pain | How to Sleep with Neck Pain | To sleep with neck pain, roll up a towel and position it under your neck before you go to sleep for extra support. You can also try placing a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back, which will help align your spine and neck and reduce pain. If you're a side sleeper, sleep with a pillow sandwiched between your legs to help align your neck. Also, try applying a warm compress or heating pad to your neck for 15 minutes before bed, which will relax your muscles and help you doze off. | Sleep on your back for more support. Sleeping on your back will help to keep your neck aligned with your spine and give your entire body more support. It will also ensure your neck does not twist or lean to 1 side during the night. If you snore , sleeping on your back can make your snoring worse. You may try sleeping on your side instead. Position yourself on your side for comfort. Sleeping on 1 side is also a good option, especially if you find it more comfortable than sleeping on your back. A side sleeping position can also help your neck feel more supported, resting on 1 side on a pillow. If your neck pain makes it difficult for you to turn your head to one side, sleep on the side of your body where your neck can turn or twist without pain. If you tend to also have lower back pain, sleeping on your side may be a good option as your spine can curve naturally while you sleep. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can strain your neck. Sleeping on your stomach can be very hard on your neck, back, and spine. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, try sleeping on your back or side instead. You may need to place pillows on either side of your body to ensure you do not roll over onto your stomach. Avoid placing tennis balls in your clothing to keep your from turning onto your stomach or to stop snoring, as this can actually create more back pain. Use a cervical contour pillow for good neck support. These types of pillows have a depression in the center where you can rest your head and support your neck by elevating it slightly. These pillows are usually made of foam so they have enough support and padding. Look for natural latex pillows if you do not like how warm memory foam can get during the night. If you are allergic to latex, use a pillow made of memory foam instead. Avoid pillows stuffed with feathers or buckwheat, as they are often too soft to give your neck the support it needs while you sleep. Pick a thick pillow if your mattress is firm. Use a thicker pillow so the pillow can fill in the gap between your head and your mattress. Your pillow should allow your shoulders to sink into the bed so your neck and head are aligned and well supported. You can also try stacking pillows on top of each other so your neck feels comfortable and supported. You may adjust the pillows based on whether you sleep on your side or your back, as you may need more than one pillow to get comfortable. Go for a thin pillow if your mattress is soft. If you have a mattress that has a memory foam or pillow top, use a thinner pillow to fill in the smaller gap between your head and your mattress. Avoid stacking pillows too high, as this can agitate your neck. You usually need 1-2 pillows maximum to support your neck and head properly. Avoid sleeping on too many pillows or pillows that are stacked very high, causing your head to dip into your chest or your neck to sit too far forward. Your neck should follow the natural curve of your spine when you lay down on your pillow, or pillows. Put a towel or a small pillow under your neck for extra cushioning. Roll up the towel and slide it under your neck to support it better when you sleep. You can also use a small, roll-shaped pillow. If you are worried about the towel or pillow shifting in the night, slide it in your pillowcase so it stays in place. Slide a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back. If you tend to sleep on your back, put a pillow or a bolster under your knees to make the position more comfortable. The pillow will help to keep your spine straight and your neck aligned while you sleep. Place a pillow between your legs if you tend to sleep on your side. Side sleepers often find it more comfortable to sleep with a regular pillow or a body pillow sandwiched between their legs. Hug the pillows to your chest and between your legs so you can keep your legs bent and your spine aligned. Make your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. Set up an ideal sleeping environment so you can relax and fall asleep more easily. Dim the lights in your bedroom and make sure it is quiet. The temperature of your bedroom should be on the cooler side, as it is often easier to fall asleep in cooler temperatures. Draw the drapes or curtains in your bedroom to block out any natural light so your body knows it is time to go to sleep. Stretch your neck before bed. Do neck rolls from one side to the other so stretch out your neck so it does not feel as tense or strained. Try stretching your arms above your head and leaning from 1 side to the other to release tension in your shoulders and neck. You can also do a forward bend, letting your neck hang towards your toes, to stretch this area. Get in the habit of doing at least 1-2 neck stretches a night before bed to help your neck relax and reduce your neck pain. Put your phone down an hour before bed. Scrolling through social media or the news on your phone can strain your neck muscles when you tilt or shift your head to gaze at the screen. The blue light on your phone can also block your body's release of melatonin , a natural chemical that can help you sleep. Opt for reading a book instead, propped up on a pillow in bed so your neck is well supported. You can also listen to calming music as you lay down in bed to help you follow asleep, listening to music does not require you to strain your neck muscles. You may also want meditation nightly as part of your pre-bed routine. Use a warm heating pad or compress on your neck before bed. To help relax both your mind and your muscles, you can apply a warm heating pad or compress to the troubled area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then remove it. Don't allow the heating pad to get so hot that it burns your skin! Place a towel between your skin and the pad, if necessary. Take pain medication before you go to sleep if your neck pain is bothering you. If your neck pain is very uncomfortable, take over-the-counter pain medication before you go to bed. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on dosage and never take more than the recommended amount. If your neck pain is severe and does not get better after a few nights of sleep, even with sleep modifications and pain medication, go see your doctor for treatment. They may suggest stretches, physical therapy, or alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage, to address your neck pain. | Sleep on your back for more support. Position yourself on your side for comfort. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this can strain your neck. Use a cervical contour pillow for good neck support. Pick a thick pillow if your mattress is firm. Go for a thin pillow if your mattress is soft. Avoid stacking pillows too high, as this can agitate your neck. Put a towel or a small pillow under your neck for extra cushioning. Slide a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back. Place a pillow between your legs if you tend to sleep on your side. Make your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. Stretch your neck before bed. Put your phone down an hour before bed. Use a warm heating pad or compress on your neck before bed. Take pain medication before you go to sleep if your neck pain is bothering you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reject-a-Guy-Who-Wants-Your-Number | How to Reject a Guy Who Wants Your Number | Rejecting a guy you don't want to give your number to can be awkward, but if you thank him for his interest and clearly say no, it should go smoothly. For example, say something like, “I'm flattered, but I'm not in a place to be dating right now, so I have to say no.” Although you don't need to give him a reason, it might make it easier in some situations. Tell him you have a boyfriend or that you don't give your number to strangers anymore after a bad experience you had. Alternatively, give him a fake number, like the rejection hotline number. | Just tell him no. You don't necessarily have to give him an explanation or a reason why. You can just tell him that you're not interested, or you don't want to give him your number. If you use this method, make sure you really don't want to keep in touch with the guy, even if you see him again. For instance, you could say, "Thanks for asking, but I'm not interested." You can also just give him a number to stay in touch as friends, as long as you are abundantly clear about it. For instance, you could say, "I don't mind giving you my number, but I would only do so as friends. I'm not interested in anything else right now." Try a little less direct approach. If you want, you can take a direct, but not quite as direct approach. For instance, you can try to soften the blow by leading with something you like about the guy. That way, the rejection won't come as hard. As an example, you could say, "I'm flattered, but I don't think I'm in a place to be dating right now. I have to say no." This approach helps make it less about him, so he won't feel as hurt. Make sure you include the word "no. " When you're using the direct or indirect approach, "no" needs to be in what you say. If you hem and haw around it without actually using the word "no," you leave him thinking he may still have a chance with you. You don't need to be mean, just direct. For instance, saying "I'm not sure I want to date right now" leaves it a little uncertain. Instead, make sure you make it clear. "I'm not interested in dating right now, so I have to say no." Be polite but firm. Thank the guy for his interest. Say that you're flattered he is interested. However, let him know that you're not looking for a relationship at the moment, and hence, you're not able or willing to share your number. Don't apologize. It's a natural reaction. You want to apologize for making the person feel bad. However, you don't need to apologize for not wanting to give out your number. In addition, it can draw attention to the fact that you feel sorry for him, which in turn can make him feel worse. Give out a fake number. This option can be a little risky, since he can call it right then and see if it is actually your number. However, it can be a way to get someone to stop asking you out in an indirect way. Also, make sure the number you're giving isn't someone else's number. You can look up most numbers online to see if they connect to a person. You don't want to be giving out a person's number to a stranger. If you happen to run into him again and he asks you about it, just ask to see the number, then say "Whoops! Wow, I spaced out. I totally wrote down one of the numbers wrong." And when he asks for the number again you can do the same thing. (If you're going to see him more than twice, it's best to just tell the truth.) Give out a hotline number. Some hotlines have been designed specifically for rejecting guys. Others are just a silly way to give a fake number. Either way, you can use these numbers to hand out to the guys you meet so you don't have to give your number. Another option is the rejection line. It explains to the guy that you've given him a false number as a way of rejecting him with a bit of humor thrown in. The number is (605) 475-6968. Use a friend as a boyfriend. Another option is to take a guy friend with you when you're out who's willing to pretend to be your boyfriend. That way, if you need to reject someone, you can use him as a decoy. You could say, "Oh, I would if I were single, but I'm here with my boyfriend." It helps to grab your decoy boyfriend's arm at this point. Use safety as an excuse. One way to sidestep the issue is to say that you don't ever give out personal information to strangers as a way of staying safe. Of course, this has an element of truth for most people, so you're really not lying. You could say, "I'm sorry, I don't give out my number to strangers. I've had some bad experience with doing that in the past, so I don't give out my number anymore." If you make it so he realizes it's a general rule, he won't feel so personally rejected. Use a boyfriend as an excuse. Even if you don't have a boyfriend, you could pretend to have a boyfriend to make the rejection easier. If the guy thinks you have a boyfriend, then it's nothing personal against him. As an example, you could say, "I can't give you my number. I have a boyfriend." Most guys will walk away without another thought at that point. Turn the tables. Another way to sidestep the issue is to ask for his number instead. That way, the power is in your hands, and you can do with it what you want. Just make sure to take the number yourself. Don't hand him your phone, as he could use it to give himself your number. It may seem cruel to take a number just to blow the guy off later. However, if a guy won't leave you alone, it's a good way to get him to stop. Stay safe. Don't be afraid to walk away if you need to do so. If a guy turns hostile after rejection, get security involved and then leave where you are as soon as possible. It's always better to be safe than sorry. If you're not in a place that has security, tell management or call the police if you feel your safety is threatened. It's also a good idea to go out in groups. While guys don't limit asking girls out to clubs, when you are going out to the club, take some friends with you. | Just tell him no. Try a little less direct approach. Make sure you include the word "no. Don't apologize. Give out a fake number. Give out a hotline number. Use a friend as a boyfriend. Use safety as an excuse. Use a boyfriend as an excuse. Turn the tables. Stay safe. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Dictionary | How to Use a Dictionary | To use a dictionary, start by finding the right section of the dictionary using the first letter of the word you want to look up. For example, if you want to look up the word "dog," you would go to the "D" section of the dictionary. Dictionaries are in alphabetical order, so you would look for the section after "C" and before "E." Once you've found the right section, use the guide words at the top of the pages, which also go in alphabetical order, to find the right page. | Choose the right dictionary. It's also a good idea to upgrade your dictionary every now and then so that you have access to the latest new words that are added to the dictionary every year. Consider purchasing specialist dictionaries if they'd be useful in your study or career. Some examples of specialist dictionaries include language dictionaries, technical dictionaries, rhymes, crossword, subject dictionaries (for example, for math, chemistry, biology, horticulture, etc.), illustrated dictionaries (excellent for learning another language or for technical knowledge), slang and idioms, etc. Many universities have subscriptions to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) that provides in-depth information on the history and origins of the word. Note that many countries have their own native dictionaries that might be more helpful than sourcing a dictionary from just anywhere, such as the Macquarie dictionary in Australia, Oxford dictionary in England, Webster's dictionary in the United States, etc. Some schools, universities, and workplaces prefer the use of one particular dictionary. This is for reasons of maintaining a consistent style and understanding among everyone using them; make sure you use the right one for your assignments, editing, and reports. Check the syllabus or employee handbook to find out. Read the introduction. The best way to learn how to use your particular dictionary effectively is to read its introductory section where you'll find out how the entries are arranged. The introductory section of your dictionary will explain important information such as the abbreviations and pronunciation symbols used throughout the entries. Introductions to dictionaries explain things like how entries are arranged (they typically give the word, and the variations of the word; what part of speech the word is; pronunciation of the word; definition, etc.). Reading the introduction will give you a handle on how to find words and how to use the information that you do find. There may also be information on the pronunciation of words with similar spellings; this can be helpful if you have only heard a word and you're not sure of its spelling. For example, if you hear "not", it might also be "knot" but the "k" is silent, and this list can help you with suggestions. Learn the abbreviations. Dictionaries often have abbreviations in the definitions for a word. This can be confusing if you don't know what the abbreviations stand for. Typically a dictionary will have a list of abbreviations near the front of the book; either in the introduction or after it. For example "adj." stands for "adjective" and will tell you what kind of word the word you're looking up is. "Adv." or "advb." can stand for "adverb; adverbially." Something like "n." can stand for at least three different things: the most obvious and common is "noun," but it can also stand for "neuter" or "north" depending on the context. So make sure that you check the context of the word when you're looking it up. Learn the guide to pronunciation. If you immediately jump right into reading the dictionary without understanding the pronunciation guide, it can be difficult to figure it out. Having an idea about the symbols of pronunciation will make it a lot easier for you. The pronunciation of a word will be placed between two reversed virgules (\ \) and will typically be printed in italics. A single stress mark (') precedes the strongest syllable in a word. A double mark precedes the syllable with a medium (or secondary stress) ("), and the third level of stress has no marker. For example, penmanship would look like this \'pen-m&n-"ship\. The symbol \&\ indicates an unstressed vowel. This symbol often intrudes between a stressed vowel and a following \r\ or \l\, such as in sour \'sau(-&)r\. The symbol \ä\ symbolizes the type of "a" sound that appears in words like "caught," or "fought." Compare this to the symbol \a\ which designates the sound "a" in "mat, map, snap," and so on. The word doesn't necessarily have to have the letter "a" to have a type of "a" sound. Find the section of the dictionary with the first letter of your word. Dictionaries follow alphabetical order. For example, "dog" begins with "d" which means that it will be in the section after "c" and before "e". Don't forget the possible spellings for trickier words, such as "gnome" begins with a "g", or "psychology" begins with a "p", or "knock" begins with a "k", etc. If you're not entirely sure what the first letter is, start with the letter it sounds like. If you can't find the word under that section, then try other sections. For example, if you didn't know that "psychology" begins with a "p" you might start looking in the "s" section. When you couldn't find it there, you might try looking in the "p" section next because you can think along the lines of "psychic" and "psychosis." Also, keep in mind that certain words sound alike that are spelled very differently. For example, "throne" and "thrown" are spelled differently and mean very different things. So be careful that you end up with the correct word. Read the guide words. These are the two words at the top of the page that tell you what types of words are on the page. These words will help you find the word you're looking for in the right letter section. For example if you're looking for the word "bramble" you would begin looking in the "B" section. You would look at the tops of the pages as you went through it until you came to the page with the guide words "braid bread." This tells you that all the words between braid and bread are on this page. Since "bramble" starts with "b-r-a" it will be in this section. As always, the dictionary goes in alphabetical order, so bramble (b-r-a) will come before bread (b-r-e). Scan down the page for your word. If you were looking for the word "futile," for example, you would move past "furry" and "fuse" and "fuss". Since the example word begins with "f-u-t", go past all the "f-u-r" and all the "f-u-s" words alphabetically until you reach the "f-u-t" area of the page. In this example, move right down through "fut" and "Futhark" and this is where you will find "futile." If you're looking up a word like “futilely” but can't find it, look at the root work to see if it mentions the work you're looking for. Read the definition. Once you've located the word it will tell you exactly what it means (and if it has more than one meaning, it will tell you the most common one first), how to pronounce it, how to capitalize it (if it's a proper noun), what part of speech it is and so on. Quite a few people get daunted by the definitions themselves because they can involve words that you have to then look up. Don't feel discouraged. See if you can figure out the meaning from the example sentences provided and if not, look up the words you aren't sure of. Dictionaries can also sometimes give the synonyms (words that mean the same thing as your word) and the antonyms of a word (words that mean the opposite of your word). So, for example, if your word is futile some synonyms might be "fruitless" or "unsuccessful" and some antonyms might be "effective" or "helpful." You can also find near neighbor words such as "futility". You might also find an etymology, derivation, or history of the word. Even if you don't know Latin or Ancient Greek, you may find that this information helps you to remember or understand the word. Check the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) for in-depth looks at the origins of the word. Dictionaries also often provide spellings in other English derivations (US English, British English, Australian English, etc.). Alternately, you could use an online dictionary. Online dictionaries are easy. Choose a suitable free online dictionary, or a subscription one if your place of work or study subscribes. Type in the word you're looking for. The search engine will return the word to you and the definition section should contain most of the elements discussed above. Make use of the audio content provided with online dictionaries. This can help considerably when you're unsure how to pronounce the word. To use Google to find online definitions, type: "define: futile". The search engine will only look for definitions. Note that free services may not be as comprehensive as a subscription or book dictionary, so keep this in mind when you're not sure that you've found the right answer. Always check at least 2 different online definitions for the word you're looking for. Use the dictionary to find standard letter forms. Hard copy dictionaries (rather than online ones) often have standard letters for jobs, for RSVPs, for filing complaints, for various official writings. Research various facts. Dictionaries often have more than just words and their definitions. Some of them have lots of information about the world, usually in the form of various lists. These include geographical information (like maps, countries, cities, capitals, etc.) Hard copy dictionaries often have different weights and volumes, as well as conversion tables. This can come in handy if you need to convert pounds to kilograms or vice versa. You can also usually find statistics on population in various cities and countries, as well as lists of the flags of different countries, states, provinces, and regions around the world. Many dictionaries also have lists of famous or historical people, which you can peruse. Have fun! Simply browse a dictionary to enlighten yourself about new words now and then. Open the dictionary up to any page and scan the page for words that are unfamiliar or seem interesting. Pinpoint them, read the definition and try to add the new word to your thinking or talking during the next few days until it becomes a remembered part of your natural vocabulary. Play the dictionary game with friends. This consists of getting some friends together and a dictionary. The first player looks up a challenging word and uses it in a sentence. The other players have to guess if the use of the word is accurate or an outright fabrication. If a player guesses correctly, it's their turn next. Another dictionary game: Each player chooses a word which should be familiar to the other players, then reads out the dictionary definition. The other players compete to guess the word as quickly as possible - perhaps even shouting out while the definition is still being read. Play Balderdash with a foreign language dictionary. Pick a random obscure word and then have people make up definitions along with having the real definition, having people guess which definition is the "real" one. | Choose the right dictionary. Read the introduction. Learn the abbreviations. Learn the guide to pronunciation. Find the section of the dictionary with the first letter of your word. Read the guide words. Scan down the page for your word. Read the definition. Alternately, you could use an online dictionary. Use the dictionary to find standard letter forms. Research various facts. Have fun! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Litter-Box-Aggression | How to Prevent Litter Box Aggression | The best way to prevent litter box aggression is to set up another litter box in your home, since the main cause of the aggression is usually too few litter boxes. In general, it's best to set up one litter box per cat, plus an extra one, to keep tension in check. It's also important to keep all of the litter boxes equally clean so that dominant cats won't block access to the cleanest box. If the aggressive behavior gets too extreme, try separating the cats for a few days. Make sure each cat has everything they need in their own space, like food, fresh water, a clean litter box, and several toys. | Add another litter box. The main cause for litter box aggression in cats is too few litter boxes in the home. Simply adding another litter box can often dispel much of the tension that is causing your cat to act aggressively. The general rule of thumb is that you should have one litter box per cat, plus one. For example, if you have two cats, you should try to have three litter boxes in your home. You should also make sure that the litter boxes are cleaned regularly. Try cleaning the litter boxes more frequently than you normally do to see if this helps the behavior. If you don't clean the litter boxes frequently, your cats will naturally gravitate toward the cleaner box. A dominant cat will try to protect the cleanest boxy, making it difficult for the other cats to access it. This can lead to accidents. Create more perching space for your cats. Cats need room to roam and be active in your home. Sometimes litter box aggression can be caused by cats not having enough space to move in your house. Adding some extra climbing or perching structures can give your cats more mobility and more space to be active and happy. Try adding perches to window sills so your cats can look out the window. Or you might put a kitty climbing tower in the corner. Make additional feeding locations. Even if your cats don't show aggression during mealtimes, this can still be a source of anxiety. Try adding another food dish so your cat doesn't feel as possessive of the existing food sources. Consider letting your cats self-feed out of a larger food dispenser to alleviate some of the tension. Only do this if your cats are not overweight. Try placing the bowls in opposite ends of your house. This will limit traffic among your cats. Put a bell on the aggressor. Try putting a bell on the aggressive cat's collar so that the other cats can always tell where it is in the house. While this will not help address the aggressive cat's behavior, it will help the other cats protect themselves while you are trying to address the behavior problem. Spend more time playing with the aggressive cat. Sometimes cats who exhibit litter box aggression just need more outlets to expel their energy. Try spending a bit more focused play time with the aggressive cat each day and see if that helps the unwanted behavior. Try throwing a toy mouse around for your cat to chase. Or use a string toy to get your cat to run around following it. Use a feather toy to entice your cat to jump up and grab it. Any active game is good for expending excess energy. If it is safe, try to facilitate positive playtime for all the cats in your house. If they can't play safely, go back to individual playtime. Give the cat choices. Your cat may be aggressive about the litter box because it prefers one location over another, or it likes a certain kind of litter better. In any case, it's important to give your cats choices. Try using several different kinds of litter (one in each litter box) so that your cat may choose which one it likes best. Try using one fine grain litter, one clumping litter, one larger grain litter. See which one your cats prefer. Not which litter your cats like better. If they all prefer one kind, change all the litter to their preferred choice so that there is no competition for the favored box. Separate the cats. If the aggressive behavior gets too extreme, try separating the cats for a few days. Make sure each cat has everything they need in their own space – food, fresh water, a clean litter box, and several toys. Make sure you still take some time each day to hang out and play with each cat. Don't just isolate them. Use positive reinforcement. To help your cat overcome its aggressive behavior, use positive reinforcement. This means that you should provide your cat with treats and praise when you notice that it doesn't bother the other cats while they are using the litter box. Don't give your cat a treat every single time, as this could contribute to a weight problem. Never use negative reinforcement. Don't yell at or hit your cat when you see it acting aggressively. This will only perpetuate the problem. Instead, try to distract the aggressive cat with something more interesting (attention from you, play time, etc.) and then reward the behavior with praise or (occasionally) a treat. Ask a professional cat trainer. It might be helpful to hire a professional cat trainer to come to your home and help you with the problematic behavior. A professional will be able to make sure that your home is set up in a way that is conducive to happiness and satisfaction for the cats. A trained professional can also make observations about your cat's specific behaviors and give you advice that is tailored specifically for your cat's issues. Consult your veterinarian. If the behavior is getting out of hand, you may want to consider asking your veterinarian for their advice. A vet has trained experience working with problems like this and will be able to offer you additional recommendations. Your vet will also be able to check to see if there is any underlying medical condition causing the aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior can sometimes be linked to medical conditions that cause pain for your cat – like arthritis or dental diseases – or to central nervous system conditions such as hyperthyroidism. Consider psychoactive medication. If you have tried adjusting your home and addressing the cat's behavior, it might be time to consider some psychoactive medication like lorazepam. This kind of medication can help decrease the cat's aggressive tendencies and alleviate a lot of the stress that your cats are feeling. This option should only be considered in extreme circumstances once you have attempted to alter the behavior in other ways. These kinds of medication can have a sedating effect on the cat, which is normal. But you may need to change the dosage if your cat seems too sedated. | Add another litter box. Create more perching space for your cats. Make additional feeding locations. Put a bell on the aggressor. Spend more time playing with the aggressive cat. Give the cat choices. Separate the cats. Use positive reinforcement. Ask a professional cat trainer. Consult your veterinarian. Consider psychoactive medication. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Amazon-Ads-On-Your-Blog | How to Put Amazon Ads On Your Blog | To put Amazon ads on your blog, first sign up for a free account with Amazon Associates using your email address. Once you're signed in, you can search for a specific product you've referenced in your blog, and the Amazon Associates website will generate the HTML for you to insert into your website's code. You can also do the same thing with banner links, which advertise a broader type of product, like televisions or music. | Click on one of the Amazon links displayed in the Sources section below this article. These links will direct you to landing pages that reside on the domain for Amazon Associates. Click on the button labeled "Join now for Free" located on the left side of the landing page. Type your email address into the field provided, then select "I am a new customer. " Click on "Sign in" to continue, then complete the registration fields. You will be prompted for your name, and a new password to use with Amazon Associates. Click on "Create Account. " You will be redirected to another page that will ask you to enter your Amazon Associates account information. You will be required to enter your contact information and information about your blog; such as its description, web address, the amount of visitors you receive, and more. Click on "Finish" after you have entered all information pertaining to your blog. You can now begin using Amazon Associates to place ads on your blog. Click on the tab labeled "Links and Banners" displayed near the top of the Amazon Associates landing page. Click on "Product Links" displayed on the left side of the page. "Product Links" will allow you to grab the code for specific Amazon products. For example, if your blog features reviews on video games, you can use the Product Links page to find the product link for a video game you wrote a review for. Type the keyword for the product you want to find into the search field, then click "Go. " Amazon Associates will display a list of products that match the keywords you entered. Scroll through the search results until you find the product you want to advertise on your blog, then click on "Get Link" to the right of the product. Choose whether you want a text link, image link, or text and image link combined to feature that particular product on your blog. For example, if your blog features a review about a cleaning product, place a text link for the product in a paragraph of your review, so visitors can click on the cleaning product link and be redirected to Amazon to buy the product. Scroll down to the bottom of the product landing page, then click on "Highlight HTML. " Copy the code provided, then paste the code into the HTML editor of your blog. Visitors to your blog will then be able to click on the link, and buy the product from Amazon. Amazon Associates will reward you with a referral fee for sending visitors to Amazon by way of your blog. Click on the tab that reads "Links and Banners" displayed at the top of the Amazon Associates web page. Click on "Banner Links" located on the left side of the landing page. "Banner Links" will allow you to feature banners on your blog that advertise certain Amazon product categories. For example, if you write a sports blog, you can add banners to your site that advertise sporting goods that are being sold on Amazon. Choose a banner category link from the options displayed on the "Banner Links" tab. For example, if you have written a blog post about your favorite type of jewelry, click on "Jewelry" to see a collection of banners that advertise jewelry. Scroll through the list of banners provided, then click on "Highlight HTML" below the banner of your choice. Use your keyboard or mouse to copy the HTML code, then paste the code into the HTML editor section of your blog. Any user who clicks on the banner from your blog will be redirected to an Amazon product page that features products for sale in the category you have chosen. | Click on one of the Amazon links displayed in the Sources section below this article. Click on the button labeled "Join now for Free" located on the left side of the landing page. Type your email address into the field provided, then select "I am a new customer. Click on "Sign in" to continue, then complete the registration fields. Click on "Create Account. Click on "Finish" after you have entered all information pertaining to your blog. Click on the tab labeled "Links and Banners" displayed near the top of the Amazon Associates landing page. Click on "Product Links" displayed on the left side of the page. Type the keyword for the product you want to find into the search field, then click "Go. Scroll through the search results until you find the product you want to advertise on your blog, then click on "Get Link" to the right of the product. Choose whether you want a text link, image link, or text and image link combined to feature that particular product on your blog. Scroll down to the bottom of the product landing page, then click on "Highlight HTML. Copy the code provided, then paste the code into the HTML editor of your blog. Click on the tab that reads "Links and Banners" displayed at the top of the Amazon Associates web page. Click on "Banner Links" located on the left side of the landing page. Choose a banner category link from the options displayed on the "Banner Links" tab. Scroll through the list of banners provided, then click on "Highlight HTML" below the banner of your choice. Use your keyboard or mouse to copy the HTML code, then paste the code into the HTML editor section of your blog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Hair-to-Be-Long-and-Healthy | How to Get Your Hair to Be Long and Healthy | To get your hair to be long and healthy, apply shampoo to your scalp rather than along your hair, since this will target the oils produced at your follicles. You should also massage your scalp to increase the blood flow to your follicles and help nutrients reach them more quickly. Additionally, brush and style your hair when it's dry, because wet hair can break easily. When you comb your hair, start from the bottom few inches and work your way up to the top for a gentler approach that will cause less breakage. | Determine your hair type. This may depend on your hair's thickness, chemical processes you've used, and/or your scalp condition. Fine hair is characterized by a small diameter of the individual hairs. This hair tends to fall flat and may be more difficult to style. It also may be more susceptible to damage from styling and chemical processes. Thin hair is hair that has a lower density per square inch. While these hairs may or may not be fine, thin hair has many of the styling issues that fine hair has. Thick hair, by contrast, has a higher density per square inch. No matter whether it's straight, wavy, or curly, thick hair tends to be drier than fine hair and requires daily moisturization. There is a wide range of types of curly hair, from tight kinks to loose waves. The important thing to know about curly hair when choosing products is that it tends to be drier than straight hair. Color-treated hair has been dyed using chemical processes. Dyes strip the protective outer layer of lipids from hair, leaving it vulnerable to damage. Products designed for this kind of hair are meant to protect it and keep heat and water from leaching your color. Dry hair is usually the result of over-processing, be it coloring, heat-styling, or overuse of products containing alcohol. It is fragile, so tends to break easily. Oily hair usually refers to oily scalp. Hair may be difficult to clean, feel greasy, or have an unpleasant smell. Dandruff also results from an oily scalp. This can be due to a number of factors, including hormones, vitamin deficiencies, and heredity. Ironically, it could also be that your scalp was dry–and the body, in compensation, is now overproducing oil. Choose shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Hair types include normal, fine, dry, oily, color-treated, and dandruff. Fine and thin hair may benefit from products labeled "volumizing," which boosts body. For thick and/or curly hair, avoid products with sulfates in them (ammonium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate). These are detergents that can strip curly hair of its moisture and leave it frizzy. For dry hair, look for moisturizing ingredients, especially natural oils like coconut, argan, avocado, jojoba, and grapeseed. Stay away from products containing alcohol. Color-treated hair should be washed with products specifically formulated not to strip the color. Steer clear of "clarifying" shampoos, as they are meant to remove product buildup and may be too harsh for your hair. For oily hair, choose a mild, oil-free shampoo, such as baby shampoo, and a conditioner formulated for oily hair. You can also use a clarifying shampoo, but do not use it every day. Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is caused by an oily scalp. Yeast lives in the oils and creates irritating by-products that cause flaking in the scalp. Consider a shampoo and conditioner with tea tree oil, which acts as a natural anti-fungal. Apply shampoo to your scalp, not along the length of the hair. You want to target where the oils are produced, which is at the hair follicles, located under the scalp. Massage a small amount of shampoo into your scalp, and when you rinse, let it flow through the length of your hair. Massage your scalp. Giving yourself a little scalp massage helps increase circulation; more blood to your hair follicles means that nutrients can reach them more quickly. While you can do this any time, washing your hair is a good opportunity, since you have to massage the shampoo in anyway. After you apply the shampoo, work your fingertips gently into your scalp, starting from the back of the neck and ending at the hairline. Shampoo only as often as you need to. Very oily hair may need daily washing, but dry and even normal hair can often do with a shampoo once every couple of days. Shampoos contain harsh detergents that strip the hair of its oils, so using them less frequently can help your hair look and feel better. Follow shampoo with conditioner. Conditioner can increase shine, improve elasticity, reduce tangles, and even provide some UV protection. Conditioner only needs to be applied to the ends of the hair, however, so skip the scalp. It is also really good to rinse the conditioner out of your hair with cold water before getting out from shower. This will help to close hair cuticles and seal in the moisture. Be very careful with wet hair. Hair is a fiber: think of it as a delicate wool. Just like wool, it is particularly fragile when wet. To minimize damage, avoid brushing your hair when it's wet, and never use heating irons (curling or flattening) on wet locks. Comb your hair from the ends to the top. Using a wide-tooth comb, start from the bottom of your hair and detangle the last few inches. Next, detangle a few inches higher, working your way up to the top. This gentler method detangles gradually, which is a less damaging and will lead to less breakage than yanking a comb from the roots to the ends. Try to let hair dry just a little before combing. Minimize brushing. Brushing your hair causes friction, which damages the cuticle and leaves hair frizzy and dull. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb, and only brush when you need to for styling purposes. Use a paddle brush with ball-tipped bristles, which is gentler on the hair. Trade towel-drying for t-shirt drying. Towels can cause friction and can rough up the hair cuticle, causing frizz (particularly if you rub your hair with one). A soft cotton t-shirt, on the other hand, is a much gentler way to absorb excess water. Instead of wringing out your hair, wrap it in the t-shirt. Minimize your use of heat styling. Let your hair air dry if possible. If you do use a hair dryer, use it on the lowest setting. If you're using a curling or flattening iron, minimize the time it contacts your hair, limiting it to 3-4 seconds per section. Always apply a heat-protective product beforehand to help prevent heat damage. Minimize the use of chemical treatments on your hair. This includes relaxers, perms, dyes (particularly with ammonia or peroxide), and bleaching/lightening your hair. In particular, don't re-bleach, re-relax, or re-perm hair that has already been treated, as this can drastically weaken hair. It is fine to get a touchup every six weeks or so, but this treatment is only applied to the new growth. Use an oil treatment. There's no need to spend money on commercial hot-oil treatments. Instead, apply coconut or olive oil to dry hair, wrap it in a t-shirt (or cover with a shower cap), and let it sit overnight. Rinse it out the next day with lukewarm water. Do this treatment once a week. Trim split ends regularly. While it's a myth that this can actually make your hair grow faster, split ends can actually inhibit the growth of long, healthy hair. Neglected split ends can travel up the hair shaft all the way to the roots. What's worse, you can develop multiple split ends, where the splits themselves develop splits. To keep this problem at bay, cut your hair every 8 to 12 weeks, and ask your stylist to take off the ends only. Avoid very tight hairstyles, especially if you have fine hair. Anything that feels like it's pulling is probably too tight and may cause traction alopecia (hair loss). Extensions and cornrows can also cause damage. Instead, stick with looser ponytails or braids. Eat enough protein. Consuming adequate levels of protein is essential for hair health. While the amount of protein you need depends on several factors, including how physically active you are, a good rule of thumb is to eat a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or about 2.8 grams per pound. Sources of protein include: seafood, lean meats, eggs, beans, nuts, milk, cheese, and yogurt. Check your vitamin levels. Iron-deficiency anemia can be a cause of unhealthy hair (as well as other health issues), so it is important to ensure your iron levels are adequate. B vitamins and biotin encourage hair and scalp health. Likewise, low stores of Vitamin C can result in poor hair growth. If your levels are low, consider taking a multivitamin with iron. Never take more than the recommended daily dose of a vitamin, as some can be toxic in high quantities. Boost your consumption of fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fats have a range of benefits for your hair. They help skin and hair retain moisture and stay supple, and can also help reduce dandruff. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains, and vegetable oils (corn, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, sesame, sunflower), while walnuts, flax seeds, mung beans, and fatty fish are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids. Stop smoking. While this may not sound like a nutrition change, smoking actually limits the delivery of nutrients to your hair by restricting blood vessels. The result is dull, brittle locks. Your hair will look (and smell) better if you quit. Learn to reduce stress. When you're stressed, your body may produce more cortisol (a steroid hormone), which results in increased hair shedding. Learn ways to minimize stress, such as meditation, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Beware of products that claim to make your hair grow faster. The market is full of products that claim to speed up hair growth. However, there is no scientific way to make your hair grow faster , so think twice about spending a fortune on such items, whether pills, shampoos, or oils. What you can do is to support scalp health and hair growth with proper care, styling, and nutrition, as described in this article. Have patience. It takes at least three months to notice the benefits of dietary changes you make. Know that you've made good choices for yourself and your hair and that you'll soon reap the rewards. | Determine your hair type. Choose shampoo and conditioner for your hair type. Apply shampoo to your scalp, not along the length of the hair. Massage your scalp. Shampoo only as often as you need to. Follow shampoo with conditioner. Be very careful with wet hair. Comb your hair from the ends to the top. Minimize brushing. Trade towel-drying for t-shirt drying. Minimize your use of heat styling. Minimize the use of chemical treatments on your hair. Use an oil treatment. Trim split ends regularly. Avoid very tight hairstyles, especially if you have fine hair. Eat enough protein. Check your vitamin levels. Boost your consumption of fatty acids. Stop smoking. Learn to reduce stress. Beware of products that claim to make your hair grow faster. Have patience. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Skin-Irritated-by-Face-Wash | How to Relieve Skin Irritated by Face Wash | If your skin is feeling irritated after using face wash, try rinsing your face with room temperature water to remove any soap that might still be on there. Also, apply some aloe vera to your skin to relieve any discomfort from your dry skin. If your face wash regularly irritates your skin, it might be removing too many oils. To rehydrate your skin, apply a moisturizer after you wash. When you buy face wash, avoid soaps with ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol, as these are typically too strong for most skin types. Instead, look up consumer reviews and pick a face wash that works best for skin with the same oiliness as yours. For irritation that gets too painful or lasts for a long time, see a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. | Rinse face wash thoroughly with room temperature water. Incredibly hot or cold water can actually damage your skin, sending your skin cells into shock. Use room temperature water instead and just make sure that you are rinsing your face completely. If you think you might have residual soap on your face, then rinse one more time than normal. Soap residue can clog pores just like grease and make up can, but instead of breakouts, your skin breaks down after prolonged exposure to the base soap. Use a high-quality moisturizer after you use your face wash. If your face wash irritates your skin, it probably is removing too many oils. A moisturizer will add good oils back into your skin and help seal water in your skin. Dehydrated skin leads to irritation, dryness, flaking, and general discomfort. The key to a good skin care program is a good moisturizer. Moisturizers that contain humectants (substances that reduce water loss) are very effective. Look for moisturizers with urea, alpha hydroxy acids called lactic acid or glycolic acid, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid in the ingredient list. If you find them there, then you've found a great moisturizer. Don’t scratch. Too often dry skin itches and we scratch and scratch and scratch. Doing so only further damages your skin and can possibly lead to secondary bacterial infections of the skin. If you develop such an infection, you may need antibiotics or at the very least you will prolong any skin issues. Fight the urge to scratch. Use other means of combating that itch. Apply some aloe vera to your skin. Aloe vera is a miracle plant. It alleviates discomfort associated with most skin conditions — e.g. sunburns and dry and irritated skin. You can grow your own aloe vera. If you use it in its natural form, cut one of the leaves off the plant and squeeze the gel out. Rub the gel on your irritated skin. If this doesn't sound pleasant, you can purchase aloe vera in dozens of different brands and scents at the pharmacy or grocery store. Use a petroleum jelly to treat dried and/or cracked skin. One of the most common treatments for dry skin (caused by a face wash or not) is petroleum jelly. This jelly is gentle on the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends petroleum jelly over other consumer products for mild dry skin and general irritation. It is inexpensive and can be purchased at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Apply some apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your irritated skin. ACV is an effective antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal agent that fights itching. Just put a few drops on a cotton swab or ball and then spot the intended area. You can use raw, organic, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar or processed ACV. See your dermatologist. If your skin gets too painful, remains dry and irritated for a long period of time, or results in bleeding, see your dermatologist. They may prescribe a new hygienic program or a prescription medication for your skin type. They will also be able to identify if you have a more chronic skin issue — unrelated to your face wash — like eczema or rosacea. Pick a soap based on your skin type. Too often we just pick a face wash based off of a commercial or the recommendation of a friend with “better” skin than ours. The problem is that everyone's skin is different, so a soap made for naturally oily skin will strip too many valuable oils from someone's non-oily skin. Or a face wash engineered for dry skin won't adequately remove oils accumulated over the course of a day on someone's naturally oily face. So ask yourself this question: Is my face naturally oily or naturally dry? Pick a “type” of face soap that works for you. Face soaps come is a variety of different types. Bars, foams, non-foaming, soap-free, cleansing balms, micellar, oil-based, and medicated. Most only require water to be activated and used effectively. Micellar face washes are already watery and only need a cotton swab or pad to be applied and removed. Pay close attention to your face soap’s ingredients. Often times, hints of lavender, coconut, or some other substance is added to face washes to make them seem more luxurious or simply to smell good. Perhaps, this doesn't make your face dry up or break out, but it might. If you've recently tried a new face soap and your complexion gets worse, consider picking another soap without a scent. Don’t purchase face soaps with “bad” ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol. These two ingredients tend to be too extreme for most people. Sodium laureth sulfate is a little milder than its more extreme counterpart — sodium lauryl sulfate — but both will still irritate skin susceptible to strong soaps. If your favorite soap has these “bad” ingredients listed on the side of the package, you may want to consider switching to a different cleanser. While there is some controversy around the use of sodium lauryl sulfate, prolonged use may be linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption. Test out several types of soap to see what suits your skin best. A great test for face soaps is to wipe your face with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball after you've washed your face. If you still find grease or leftover makeup, your soap probably isn't strong enough. Keep in mind, leftover grease or whatnot may also simply signal insufficient face washing. Try washing your face again before you abandon the soap. Look up consumer reviews. Some consumers assume that higher price points equate to a better product, but as we've already established, everyone's skin is different, so some might love an expensive product, while others won't find them equally satisfying. Read a broad spectrum of reviews written by people who've used the product before you try it. See if they complain about dryness afterwards, lingering scents, breakouts, or any other dermatological issue that might send up a red flare or make your skin red and itchy. Ask your dermatologist for advice. Everyone's skin fluctuates between greasy and dry, oily and non-oily. Things like stress, climate, daily activities, contact with pollutants, and other factors can dramatically change your skin. Visit a dermatologist and ask what the best face wash is for you based on your skin type. They may even prescribe a couple of different face washes to accommodate your fluctuating skin. | Rinse face wash thoroughly with room temperature water. Use a high-quality moisturizer after you use your face wash. Don’t scratch. Apply some aloe vera to your skin. Use a petroleum jelly to treat dried and/or cracked skin. Apply some apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your irritated skin. See your dermatologist. Pick a soap based on your skin type. Pick a “type” of face soap that works for you. Pay close attention to your face soap’s ingredients. Don’t purchase face soaps with “bad” ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol. Test out several types of soap to see what suits your skin best. Look up consumer reviews. Ask your dermatologist for advice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Deviled-Eggs | How to Make Deviled Eggs | To make deviled eggs, first place 6 eggs in a saucepan in a single layer. Cover the eggs with about 1 ½ inches (4 centimeters) of water then, bring the water to a boil. When it starts to boil, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook the eggs for an additional minute. Now, turn off the heat and let the eggs sit for about 15 more minutes. Rinse the eggs under cool water then peel off the shells. Cut each egg in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop the yolks into a bowl. Place the egg whites on a plate and set aside. To make the yolk filling, first mash the yolks into small crumbles using a fork. Then, add ¼ cup (60 grams) of mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of white vinegar to the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of mustard, ⅛ teaspoon (¾ gram) of salt, and a dash of black pepper, and stir everything together. Finally, spoon the yolk filling into the egg whites, sprinkle paprika over the eggs, and enjoy! | hard boil and Peel 6 eggs. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks. Scoop them out with a teaspoon and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Mash the yolks. Mash the yolks with a fork or spoon until you have a creamy mixture. Add the other ingredients to the yolk. Add 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp. white vinegar, 1 tsp. yellow mustard, 1/8 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. pepper to the yolk. Mix these ingredients well. Scoop the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Scoop them evenly back into the egg whites using a teaspoon, or pipe into the halves with a large-tipped icing bag. Garnish. Sprinkle the egg whites with paprika. Serve. Place the eggs on a serving platter. To store them, place them in the refrigerator. Peel and hard boil 7 eggs. Halve the eggs lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks with a spoon. Place them in a small bowl. Mash the yolks. You can mash them with a fork until they're nice and creamy. Add ingredients to the yolks. Add 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 1/2 tbsp. sweet pickle relish, and 1 tsp. prepared mustard to the yolks. Mash these ingredients together until they're evenly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture. Make sure to fill them evenly. Just scoop out the yolk with a teaspoon and place it into the eggs. The eggs should be cooled by the time you do this. Garnish the eggs. Sprinkle a dash of paprika onto the eggs and sprinkle 2 sliced sweet gherkin pickles and 1 tsp. pimentos over them. Serve. Place the eggs on a serving platter. To store them, place them in the refrigerator. Peel and hard boil 6 eggs. Scoop the yolks out of the egg halves. Use a teaspoon to do this carefully. Place the yolks into a bowl. Mash the yolks. Mash the yolks until they have a creamy consistency. Mix the other ingredients with the yolks. Mix 1 large mashed avocado, 2 tbsp. cooked and crumbled bacon, 1 finely diced jalapeño, 1 tbsp. diced red onion, 2 tbsp. diced tomato, 1 tbsp. lime juice, and 1 tbsp. chopped cilantro with the yolks. Mash them together until the texture is rich and creamy. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Place a tbsp. of the yolk mixture back into each egg white. Use a teaspoon to carefully scoop the yolk back into the egg whites. Garnish. Garnish the eggs with a pinch of chili powder and a tbsp. of bacon. Serve. Place the eggs on a serving platter. To store, cover loosely and place in the refrigerator. Peel and hard boil 6 eggs. If you add lots of salt to the water, the eggs will be easier to peel. Carefully slice the eggs in half. Scoop out the yolks with a teaspoon. Gently squeeze the egg as you nudge the yolk out of the egg with the spoon. Place the yolks in a food processor. If you don't have a food processor, you can just mash them up with a fork or a potato masher. Add 3 tbsp. mayonnaise to the egg yolks. Use a spoon to add the mayonnaise and blend the mayonnaise and egg yolks together until you've created a smooth mixture. Melt 1/3 oz. of butter. Place the butter in a microwave-safe dish and heat it for about 30 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted. Make sure to cover the dish to prevent it from splattering. Add 1/3 oz. of melted butter to the mixture. Stir the mixture together. Scoop the yolk back into the egg whites. Just use a teaspoon to carefully distribute the yolk evenly into the egg whites. The eggs should be cooled by the time you do this. Garnish the eggs. Use a teaspoon to heap a small dollop of crème fraiche onto the eggs, then add a small dollop of caviar on top and sprinkle a few chives over as a finishing touch. Sprinkle them with paprika to taste. Serve. Place these eggs on a serving platter and get ready to impress your guests. Place on a serving platter and serve to your guests. To store them, place them in the refrigerator. | hard boil and Peel 6 eggs. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks. Mash the yolks. Add the other ingredients to the yolk. Scoop the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Garnish. Serve. Peel and hard boil 7 eggs. Halve the eggs lengthwise. Scoop out the yolks with a spoon. Mash the yolks. Add ingredients to the yolks. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fill the egg whites with the yolk mixture. Garnish the eggs. Serve. Peel and hard boil 6 eggs. Scoop the yolks out of the egg halves. Mash the yolks. Mix the other ingredients with the yolks. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Place a tbsp. Garnish. Serve. Peel and hard boil 6 eggs. Carefully slice the eggs in half. Scoop out the yolks with a teaspoon. Place the yolks in a food processor. Add 3 tbsp. Melt 1/3 oz. Add 1/3 oz. Scoop the yolk back into the egg whites. Garnish the eggs. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-Flowers | How to Plant Flowers | If you want to plant flowers to brighten up your home, check the requirements for the individual flowers you chose so you'll know what time of year to plant them and what type of soil to use. If you're planting seeds, place them about 1/4 of an inch in your soil. If you're transplanting a flower, use your fingers to gently break up the root ball with your fingers, then place it into the ground so the root ball is covered. Fertilize and water your flowers after planting them. | Get the best soil. Flowers, like most plants, need good soil to grow up strong and healthy. Regardless of whether you are planting your flowers in a pot or a garden, good soil is a must. Find out what potting medium is the best for the flowers you are growing and then try to find the best location or potting mix for your flowers. Select your location. Although flowers are typically easy to grow, they can't be grown just anywhere. An area with too much direct sun or too much shade will be difficult for some flowers to grow in. Find out what type of light is best for the flowers you are planting. If you have a specific plant in mind to grow, check the light preferences for that plant and choose your plot accordingly. You may end up wanting to choose an area with more or less sun than your original plot has. If you plan on planting several different types of flowers, choose ones with similar light/shade requirements so that they grow equally well in the same location. Decide on your flowers. Visit a local gardening center to choose the best flowers for your garden. Growing from seeds, a small plant, bulbs, or a cutting requires nearly the same process, so focus on flowers that you enjoy and that will add a beautiful appearance to your yard. Check the tags that come with the flowers or seed packets to make sure the flower is right for you. Look for the completed growth size of the flower. Will it become very large and bushy, or stay relatively small? Will it grow upwards and become tall or outwards like a vine? Ask about native flowers before looking at all the available varieties. Flowers indigenous to your area are already known to be successful growers in your soil, temperature, and humidity zones. Check to see if the flower you are growing is an annual or a perennial. Annuals bloom only once a year and must be replanted yearly, but are known for their bright colors and beautiful blossoms. Perennials grow back every year without needing to be replanted and will continue to grow larger over time. Read the tag for the watering requirements for the flowers. Some need water often, while others require it only infrequently. If you are getting multiple different species of flower, try to choose ones with similar watering requirements. Plant at the right time. Even with the perfect soil, ideal location, and healthy flowers, if you don't plant at the right time your garden will be ruined. Most flowers don't do well in weather that is too cold or hot, so it is usually best to plant flowers in spring because it is between these periods. Although planting in the spring may seem obvious, there is an art to choosing the perfect time. With the exception of bulbs and wildflowers—plant these flowers in the fall—wait to plant flowers till at least two weeks after the most recent frost, and avoid planting until temperatures at night stay above freezing on a regular basis. Use a farmer's almanac to find the best time to plant flowers in your area. Because of differences in weather in different locations, flowers can be planted anywhere from February - July. Check the seed packets of the flowers you are planting to find the best planting time for your flowers. Dig a hole. If you are planting your flowers from seed, you will usually only need to plant your seeds ⁄ 4 inch (0.6 cm) deep, but it is important to check the specific planting recommendations for any flower you want to plant to find out how deep to plant them. A transplanted/potted flower will need a hole as deep as the root ball that it comes with. Flowers don't need to be smothered with soil, so burying them deep isn't necessary. Get out your flowers. This step is mainly for potted flowers that are being transplanted. While the flowers are still in a plastic pot, water them heavily to drench the soil. Then, pull the flowers out of the pot and gently break up the root ball with your fingers. This will help the roots of the flowers to grow out into the soil, rather than back into a confined lump. Feed your flowers. Putting a bit of slow-release food for flowers (similar to fertilizer) will help new plants to grow quickly. Add a few tablespoons to the bottom of each hole, and gently incorporate it into the soil with your fingers. Plant your flowers. Place each plant into the individual holes prepared for them. Use your hands to fill in the empty space around each flower and cover the top of the root ball. Avoid adding much soil to the top of the flower; the stem of the flowers should never be covered by the dirt. Water your flowers regularly. Unless you are experiencing rain on a daily basis, take the time to give water to your flowers. Although individual needs vary based on humidity and the type of plant, it is most common to add several cups of water to each plant by using a watering close to the soil to avoid disturbing the growing flowers or causing soil erosion. You can also have a sprinkler or drip system installed to do the work for you on an automated basis. Weed the area. You want your flowers to be the focal point of your little garden plot, so don't let weeds steal the show! As you see them appear, pull out unsightly weeds from the soil around your flowers. Not only are the weeds unattractive, they take nutrients from the soil and space in the ground that your flowers need to grow healthily. Deadhead your flowers. Whenever blooms on your flowers die off or become old and wilted, cut them off. Cutting off the dead blossoms and leaves will stimulate new growth and have your flowers looking even more beautiful than ever. Add support. If your flowers are tall growing, over time they may become too heavy to stand on their own. Add bamboo stakes or forked branches upright in the ground for the plants to lean against or wrap around for support. This is particularly helpful and necessary for vine-y flowers which grow by wrapping around things. Consider relocating. As you continue to help your flowers grow, they may become too large for the plot you originally chose for them. Consider moving them to a larger location and adding new flowers to their old location. This will keep your garden growing big, healthy, and beautiful! | Get the best soil. Select your location. Decide on your flowers. Plant at the right time. Dig a hole. Get out your flowers. Feed your flowers. Plant your flowers. Water your flowers regularly. Weed the area. Deadhead your flowers. Add support. Consider relocating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Nail-Polish-Colour-That-Suits-You | How to Choose Nail Polish Colour That Suits You | To choose a nail polish color that suits you, consider matching your nails with your skin tone. For example, nude shades look great with lighter skin, while pastels and bright purples look better with dark skin. No matter what skin tone you have, pink or blue will make your nails pop. Every woman needs a red nail polish in their collection, but try to match the shade with your skin color, since darker reds look better with darker skin. Alternatively, match your nails with your personality or mood. For example, if you're feeling happy and energetic, opt for bright oranges, blues, greens, and pinks. For a more sophisticated look, go for darker colors like dark purple and red. | Go for nude shades if you have a light or medium skin tone. Nudes tend to work best for light-coloured or medium-coloured skin. Lighter skins benefit from a pinkish nude. Avoid beige if you have pale skin, as it could create a yellow undertone. If you have medium-coloured skin, you can go for either beige nudes or nudes with a pinkish undertone. Both will look great on your skin. Dark skin tones don't look as good with nude shades, but if you want something lighter and less noticeable, try pastels. Choose a pink shade for any skin tone. If you love pink, you'll be happy to know it works for every skin tone. Pale skin tends to look great with any type of pink, from soft baby pinks to bright fuchsias. Peachy shades of pink look great on medium skin tones. Darker skin looks great with very bright, vibrant pinks. Pick blue for any skin tone. Blue is a universal colour that looks great on pretty much any skin tone. If you have pale skin, played down blues like navy blues look great. Medium skin tones look good with sky blues or pastel blues. Vibrant shades, like cobalt blues, look good on darker skin. Experiment with purple. Purple looks good on pretty much any skin tone, but different shades match better with different tones. If you have a pale skin, opt for lavenders. For medium skin, go for a pastel shade with hints of gray. For dark skin, both pastels and brighter shades of purple look great. Deep purple polishes with berry undertones also work great if you have a darker complexion. Choose the best red for your skin tone. If you have pale skin, go for a bright, classic red and avoid sheer tones. For medium skin, red-orange shades look great. For darker complexions, go for a deep wine red. If you have pale skin, hold up a bottle of red polish to the light when shopping. If you can see through the polish, it's too sheer for your skin. Opt for neutral colours for formal occasions. Neutral colours tend to work anywhere, so they're a safe option if you're wearing polish to work or a job interview. For an every day look for professional occasions, you can opt for grays, whites, beiges, and light peachy shades. For example, wear a beige polish to a job interview. For a fun color that's still neutral, opt for gold with a little bit of shimmer. Go with holiday-themed colours. You can wear the colours associated with a particular holiday for a fun, festive look. For example, wear red, glittery polish for Christmas or bright orange polish for Halloween. Holiday-themed colours can be a particularly great choice if you're going to a party commemorating a particular holiday. Choose a colour based on season. Some colours are more appropriate depending on the time of year. It can be fun to transition your choice of polish colour with each new season. For the fall months, go for colours like grays, dark blues and purples, silvers, cherry shades, and burnt oranges. For the spring months, try greens, whites, bright pinks, yellows, reds, and bright blues. For the winter, try deep purples, light pinks, grays, and silvers. For the summer, try shades like light pinks, greens, bright reds, corals, and light nude shades. Add sparkles for a fun event. If you're going for a night out on the town, incorporate a little fun into your look. Add nail polish in sparkly shades or add a sparkly topcoat over a dark base. A little glitter and sparkle can make for a fun, carefree look. For example, paint your nails black and then wait for them to dry. Once dry, add some glittery gold polish over the black to create a fun, sparkling look. Use metallics to convey a wild personality. Maybe you see yourself as someone with a wild side who enjoys partying. Metallic colours, like metallic blacks, blues, and silvers, really give off a party vibe. These can be a great option to convey your fun loving personality. Go for an edgy look with black polish. If you want to give off a punk rock, edgy vibe, black nail polish can be great. When paired with things like leather, hoodies, and band t-shirts, black polish can appeal to your rebellious side. Pick bright colours for an energetic look. A variety of bright colours can give off an energetic look. Pick oranges, greens, and yellows if you want to emulate energy. Bright pinks can also work for an energetic look. If you want something both bold and energetic, go for a bright orange or green. These are somewhat unusual colours that can add a touch of quirkiness to your look. If you want something very bright, you can even go with white polish. Choose muted colours for a softer look. If you want to give off a serene demeanor, look for softer, more played down polishes. Shades like light purples and pinks have a feminine, soft feel. You can also try pastel shades of blue. Show off sophistication with darker polish. If you want to look sophisticated, choose a deep polish with berry tones. A deep purple polish or a wine red polish can really reflect a classy personality. Deep polishes look great when paired with former outfits, like evening gowns. Go for bright red to look bold. Red is traditionally thought of as the colour of confidence. If you want an overtly bold look, opt for a bright red polish. This can be great for an event where you want extra confidence, like a first date. For example, try something like candy apple, true red, or an red-orange colour. | Go for nude shades if you have a light or medium skin tone. Choose a pink shade for any skin tone. Pick blue for any skin tone. Experiment with purple. Choose the best red for your skin tone. Opt for neutral colours for formal occasions. Go with holiday-themed colours. Choose a colour based on season. Add sparkles for a fun event. Use metallics to convey a wild personality. Go for an edgy look with black polish. Pick bright colours for an energetic look. Choose muted colours for a softer look. Show off sophistication with darker polish. Go for bright red to look bold. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Aloe-Vera-to-Treat-Rheumatoid-Arthritis | How to Use Aloe Vera to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis | Aloe vera is a natural and easy product to help treat rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation. Since a small amount of people have allergic reactions to aloe vera gel, it's best to apply it to a small area of your skin first to test it. If your skin is fine, you can spread the gel on painful areas like any other lotion. Alternatively, drink aloe vera juice. Look for organic juice without additives or preservatives. Start with 2 to 3 fluid ounces once a day to see how your body reacts to the juice. Then, work your way up to drinking it 3 times a day. If the taste is too bitter, mix in a teaspoon of honey or combine it with fruit juice. If you get any side effects, like cramping, diarrhea, or gas, stop drinking the juice. You should also talk to your doctor before combining aloe vera juice with other medications, since it can lower your blood sugar. | Learn about aloe vera gel and juice. Gel from the aloe vera plant is a traditional treatment for wounds, burns, infections, and some kinds of joint pain and arthritis. You can use it directly on the joints or drink aloe vera juice to decrease inflammation. Aloe vera may be useful for RA because of its anti-inflammatory properties, its property as a pain-reliever (likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties), and in speeding up wound healing. It is also a safe moisturizing and anti-aging agent. The gel comes from the central part of the aloe leaf, known as the "inner fillet." It contains larger complex sugars than aloe juice does. These complex sugars are thought to be responsible for the benefits of aloe. The juice is extracted from the outer leaves and also contains complex sugars. Get aloe vera gel out of the plant. If you have a mature aloe plant, cut off a leaf using a pair of sharp scissors and peel away the outer leaf to reveal the clear gel inside. Use your fingers to get the gel out or cut the end off the leaf and squeeze the gel out. If you want to purchase the gel, check online or at your local health food store. Buy organic aloe vera with no additives or preservatives. Apply aloe vera gel to your joints. At first, apply the aloe to a small area to test for any possible reactions. If a rash or other problems develop, stop using it. If there's no skin irritation, spread the gel onto the areas that are bothering you the most. Apply it like you would any other lotion. This will give you temporary relief from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. As long as there's no skin irritation, you can keep treating the pain with aloe vera as long as you want. Most people don't experience side effects, but aloe may cause redness, a burning or a stinging sensation and rarely, a short-term rash. Learn about aloe vera juice's side effects and health interactions. Aloe vera juice has been reported to decrease immune responses, which may be helpful in RA. Drinking aloe vera juice can cause cramping, diarrhea and gas. If this happens, stop drinking it. Drinking aloe vera juice can lower blood sugar and interfere with diabetes medications, so don't drink the juice for more than 3 to 4 weeks. It can also decrease the absorption of steroid creams, and decrease potassium levels if you drink the juice. Always talk to a knowledgeable healthcare professional before combining any medications with supplements, including topical or oral aloe vera. While there are no long-term studies of internal aloe vera's effects, one study found a link between the juice and colon cancer. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) does not recommend drinking aloe vera. But, it strongly recommends using aloe vera topically. Drink aloe vera juice. Look for organic aloe vera juice (like Lily of the Desert or Nature's Way) with no additives or preservatives. Start with small amounts, like 2–3 fluid ounces (59–89 mL) once a day, to see how you react to the juice. Work your way up to 2–3 fluid ounces (59–89 mL) 3 times a day. It does taste a little bitter and may take some getting used to. You can try adding 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of honey to the juice or mix it with a fruit juice until you like the flavor. Never drink the gel, since it contains a strong laxative and can cause diarrhea. Choose higher-quality foods for your diet. Try to eat mainly organic foods. These contain no pesticides or other chemicals, like hormones and antibiotics, which may be related to an increased risk of inflammation. You should also limit the amount of processed and pre-packaged food you eat. This will limit additives and preservatives that may cause increased inflammation in some people. This will also ensure you're eating complex carbohydrates, not simple carbs, which can increase levels of inflammation. Try to cook from scratch, using whole foods. This will preserve most of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. A rule of thumb is that if the food is too white—like white bread, white rice, or white pasta—it has been processed. Instead, eat whole grain breads, brown rice, and whole grain pasta. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Aim for 2/3 of your total diet coming from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables have high levels of antioxidants which might decrease inflammation. Try to choose fresh produce. Frozen can also be used, but you should avoid eating vegetables in any sort of fattening, creamy sauce. Avoid fruits that have sugar or heavy syrup. Instead, choose brightly colored fruits and vegetables with lots of antioxidants. These include: Berries (blueberries and raspberries) Apples Plums Oranges Citrus Leafy green vegetables Winter and Summer squash Bell peppers Eat more fiber. Fiber can decrease inflammation. Try to make sure you're getting a minimum of 20-35 grams of fiber daily. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, and seeds. The following are great sources of fiber: Brown rice, bulgur wheat, buckwheat, oats, millet, quinoa Apples, pears, figs, dates, grapes, berries of all kinds Leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard, collard, Swiss chard, kale), carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, bok choy, beets Peas, lentils, all beans (kidney, black, white, lima) Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and nuts, including almonds, pecans, walnuts and pistachio nuts Limit the amount of red meat you eat. If you do eat meats, make sure the beef is lean (preferably grass fed since it has the natural ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats), and the poultry is skinless. Any meat you eat should be raised without hormones or antibiotics and you should trim the fat. Limiting meat will help reduce your saturated fat intake, something the American Heart Association recommends that you limit to less than 7% of your total daily calories. You can avoid saturated fats by not using butter, margarine, and shortening in your cooking. Instead, use olive or canola oils. The AHA also recommends that you avoid all trans fats. Read food labels and avoid any that have "partially hydrogenated fats." This means the product has trans fats, even if the label says "0 trans fats." Include more fish in your diet. Fish is good quality protein and has good amounts of the healthier omega-3 fats. Higher omega-3 fat intake is associated with a decreased level of inflammation. Fish with higher levels of omega-3 fats include salmon, tuna, trout, sardines, and mackerel. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Add anti-inflammatory spices and herbs to your food. Certain spices and herbs can reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. Several of these exist as supplements (garlic, turmeric/curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C and E), but be sure to talk to your doctor before taking them. It's better to get them from your diet, rather than supplements. These herbs and spices include: Garlic Turmeric/Curcumin Basil Oregano Cloves Cinnamon Ginger Chili peppers Engage in moderate exercise. Exercise can help maintain your overall health and strong muscles and bones. A physical therapist can help you determine the most beneficial type of exercise. But, don't forget that exercise can mean low-impact activities like aerobics, weigh training, walking, hiking, Tai Chi, or yoga. All these can help maintain strength and flexibility. Be sure to balance rest and exercise. If you have a rheumatoid arthritis flare up, it's more helpful to take a short break instead of prolonged bed rest. Take disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These include anti-inflammatory agents. Your doctor may also prescribe antibodies made against tumor necrosis factor. It's not clear how these drugs function in rheumatoid arthritis, but they're usually used alongside anti-inflammatory drugs. Or, you may also be prescribed a newer agent, biologics which are human genetically engineered proteins, combined with anti-inflammatory agents. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics are used along with other medications. DMARDs, like methotrexate, can cause serious liver injury and hypersensitivity reactions. Other side effects can include fever, fatigue, cough, and trouble breathing. Watch for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The first signs and symptoms are tender and swollen joints that often feel warm to the touch. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have relatively mild pain and stiffness but experience periodic “flare ups” where the signs and symptoms get worse. Other people have constant, chronic symptoms. As the disease progresses, joints and bones can become damaged, leading to increasing loss of function, although early treatment can limit the damage. Other symptoms may include: Fatigue, muscle pain, and general stiffness that lasts at least 1 hour after waking or after a long rest period (unlike the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, which dissipates faster). Suffering from other disorders more frequently than those without the disease. These may include other autoimmune diseases (like Sjogren's Syndrome), vasculitis (an inflammation of the blood vessels), anemia (lower than normal numbers of red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues), and lung disease. Rheumatoid nodules, which develop in up to 35% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. The nodules show up as bumps under the skin near the affected joint, most commonly near the elbows. They're not usually painful, are freely movable under the skin, and can range in size from a pea up to the size of a lemon. Understand the risk factors for getting rheumatoid arthritis. While the cause of rheumatoid arthritis isn't known, it seems to be linked to genetic factors. It's likely that inheriting a group of genes, not a single gene, increases your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Hormones and environmental factors also play a role in developing the disease. Men and women of any race or ethnic background can get rheumatoid arthritis, but it occurs in women more frequently than in men. Women are about 2 to 3 times more likely to get the disease, which most often begins in middle age. Learn how rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed using your signs, symptoms, medical and family history along with a physical exam. Your doctor will then use the diagnosis to create a treatment plan, with the primary goal being reduction of the pain by reducing inflammation and minimizing any damage to the joints. To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will do: Lab tests, including x-rays or other imaging of the affected joints Blood samples, specifically one to examine blood for Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and other non-specific tests. The RF test can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, while the non-specific ones indicate underlying inflammation. Diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions that mimic rheumatoid arthritis, such as infectious arthropathies (painful joints from infection), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), ankylosing spondylitis (which primarily affect the spine and larger joints), and fibromyalgia. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to a variety of other health problems if you don't manage it with proper medical care. If you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor right away so they can diagnose your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment. You should see a doctor any time you have persistent pain or swelling in your joints. Possible serious complications of untreated rheumatoid arthritis include osteoporosis, infections, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart problems (such as hardened or blocked arteries), and lung disease. Develop a care plan with your doctor and follow it closely. Once your doctor diagnoses you with rheumatoid arthritis, they can make recommendations for managing your condition safely and effectively. They may also refer you to other specialists, such as rheumatologists or physical therapists, who have experience treating RA. Talk to your doctor and the rest of your care team to make sure you understand their care instructions. In addition to making healthy lifestyle changes, your care team may recommend using medications (such as DMARDs and anti-inflammatory drugs), physical or occupational therapy, and surgical treatments (such as tendon repair or joint replacement) to manage your RA. Get checkups as frequently as your doctor recommends. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that can be managed, but there's currently no cure. You'll need to check in with your doctor frequently to make sure that the treatments they recommend are working and that no new complications have developed. Ask your doctor how often you need to come in for regular checkups. They may recommend coming in every 1-2 months. Research shows that frequent checkups (i.e., between 7 and 11 times per year) are associated with better treatment results for patients with RA than less frequent checkups (fewer than 7 per year). Let your doctor know if you experience new symptoms. Even if you are already receiving medical care for your rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes your condition might change or worsen unexpectedly. If this happens, make an appointment with your doctor right away, even if you're not due for a checkup. For example, see your doctor if you notice increasing pain and swelling, changes in the appearance of your joints, or symptoms of related health problems (such as shortness of breath due to damage in the lungs). | Learn about aloe vera gel and juice. Get aloe vera gel out of the plant. Apply aloe vera gel to your joints. Learn about aloe vera juice's side effects and health interactions. Drink aloe vera juice. Choose higher-quality foods for your diet. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat more fiber. Limit the amount of red meat you eat. Include more fish in your diet. Add anti-inflammatory spices and herbs to your food. Engage in moderate exercise. Take disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Watch for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Understand the risk factors for getting rheumatoid arthritis. Learn how rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice arthritis symptoms. Develop a care plan with your doctor and follow it closely. Get checkups as frequently as your doctor recommends. Let your doctor know if you experience new symptoms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Lamb-Chops | How to Cook Lamb Chops | To cook lamb chops in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking tray with parchment paper or a thin coating of nonstick spray. Next, rub salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and garlic onto both sides of your chops before transferring them onto the baking sheet. Once in the oven, cook your lamb chops for 10 minutes, turn them, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. After you pull the meat from the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. | Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel. Lie a paper towel over the tops of the lamb chops and apply pressure. Then, dab away any excess juices. This removes the juices from the meat and helps the seasoning adhere better to the meat. Be sure to dry both sides of the chops. Brush the lamb chops with olive oil. Pour 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of olive oil into a small bowl and use a brush to coat the chops in it. This will help the seasoning adhere to the meat. Season your lamb chops with cumin to give them a flavorful crust. With your hands clean, rub 1 tbsp (5 g) of whole cumin seeds onto the surface of the chops. Even though cumin is a strong flavor on its own, high heat will tone down the intense flavor and create a delicious cumin crust on the meat. Go with just salt and pepper to bring out the meat’s flavor. Mix 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt and 1/4 tsp (1 g) of pepper in a small bowl to create a simple spice rub that will enhance the grassy flavor of the lamb meat. Use your fingers to apply the spices directly to the chops. Choose rosemary, garlic, and lemon for a citrus spice rub. Mix together 1/2 tsp (2 g) of rosemary, 1/2 tsp (2 g) of garlic powder, and the zest of 1 lemon and rub it on top of the chops. This creates a fresh, citrus flavor. Opt for thyme and garlic for a classic minty blend. Stir together 1/2 tsp (2 g) of dried thyme, 1/2 tsp (2 g) of garlic powder, 1/4 tsp (1 g) of salt, and 1/4 tsp (1 g) of pepper for a delicious blend. Thyme pairs really well with lamb chops, which are often traditionally served with mint jelly. Warm a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high to high heat. Make sure the pan is at least 28 cm (11 in) wide if you plan to cook 4 or more chops at a time. Otherwise, they will not brown well. You can also spray the pan with a coating of nonstick cooking spray to ensure that the chops will not stick. Give the pan 1 or 2 minutes to heat up. To test whether or not the pan is hot enough, sprinkle 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of water into the skillet. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the pan is ready. Place the chops in the pan and cook them for 4 minutes. The chops will start to sizzle right away when you lay them in the pan. Let them cook on 1 side for 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. Use a kitchen timer to monitor the time, if necessary. If the lamb chops don't sizzle immediately upon being added to the pan, the pan may not be hot enough. Remove them and increase the heat if this is the case. After 1-2 additional minutes of warming, put the chops back in the pan. Flip the chops with tongs and cook them for 4 minutes on the other side. The chops are ready to be flipped once the side touching the pan turns a rich "nut" color brown. Continue cooking for an additional 3 1/2 to 4 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check if the lamb chops are done. Insert a meat thermometer into the middle of one of the chops. If it reads at least 155 °F (68 °C), your lamb chops are done. Additionally, the lamb chops should be browned on all sides and the juices should run clear. Transfer the chops to a serving dish and keep them warm in the oven. Keep the lamb chops warm while you prepare the gravy by placing them in the oven. Make sure the oven is on its lowest heat setting so you don't continue to cook them. Cut an onion into long slices. First, trim off the stem-end of the onion, but leave the root intact. From there, slice the onion lengthwise toward the stem end, but don't cut all the way through the onion. Then, slice the onion in half widthwise, cutting perpendicular to the previous cuts. Finally, cut the onion in half from the top down. A large chef's knife will typically work best for this. Be sure to slice off the root as well. Check out this helpful wikiHow article on how to cut an onion for more detailed instructions. Cook the onions in the same pan as the lamb chops for 2-4 minutes. Let the onions cook on low heat until they begin to caramelize and wilt. They should turn a nice golden-brown color around the edges. Add 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of lamb or beef broth to the pan. Stir as you pour in the broth, scraping the bottom of the pan as you go. Heat to a boil and allow the juices to thicken slightly. Additionally, pour in any juices that have accumulated on the plate that the lamb chops are resting on for added flavor. If you would prefer thicker gravy, add a slurry of 1 tbsp (7.5 g) of cornstarch and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of cold water. Heat to a boil and continue stirring until the gravy thickens more. Remove the chops from the oven and ladle the gravy over them. Transfer the chops to serving plates before adding the gravy. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. This dish pairs well with potatoes and vegetables! Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and prepare a baking tray. While the oven is warming, line a baking tray with parchment paper or spray it with a thin coating of nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the bottom of the chops from sticking to the pan. Place the chops on the baking pan. Lay the chops in the center of the pan. Do not cover the meat, however. You can layer some chopped onion on top of the lamb chops to provide extra flavor. The onions will not caramelize completely in the oven, but they will wilt enough to help flavor the lamb chops. Cook the lamb chops in the oven for 20 minutes, turning once. Use tongs to turn the chops at the 10 minute mark so that both sides are able to brown. The chops are finished once the juices run clear and a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius). Allow the chops to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Letting the meat stand after cooking gives the meat's juices a chance to redistribute outward from the center of the meat. This makes it much more tender and enjoyable to eat. into long strips and place it in the slow cooker. Slice an onion Once you've cut the onion, cover the bottom of a 3 qt (2.84 L) slow cooker with it. The chopped onion should cover the entire bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. If you want to make clean-up easier later on, you can apply a thin coating of nonstick cooking spray to the inside of the slow cooker. There are also specially designed slow cooker liners you can place in the bottom of the cooker. Place the chops over the onion. Lay as many chops as possible directly on top of the onion layer. You may not be able to fit the chops in a single layer, but a single layer is not necessary for the slow cooker. If desired, you can also add the lamb broth or beef broth, as well. It is not necessary for this particular recipe, but adding a little liquid to slow cooker recipes results in juicier meat. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chops until the meat is tender enough to pull apart with a fork. If a meat thermometer inserted into the center of one of the chops reads at least 155 °F (68 °C), they are ready! Resist the urge to uncover the slow cooker and peek in before the minimum amount of time elapses. Uncovering the slow cooker prematurely can cause the cooker to lose heat and may result in the meat needing up to an additional 30 minutes to cook. Transfer the lamb chops to a serving platter. Layer the onions on top of the chops if you want. Then, enjoy this low-effort dish! Remove any stuck-on food from your grill with a brush. If there are remnants of your last meal sticking to your grill grates, use a nylon grill brush to scrub away any burned food bits. This stops any food particles from tainting the flavor of your lamb chops. Treat the grill with nonstick cooking spray and preheat it. Spray the grill grate with nonstick cooking spray and allow the grill to get hot. It's best to cook lamb chops on an uncovered grill on high heat. For gas grills, heat the grill on high heat with the lid closed for 10 to 15 minutes. For charcoal grills, create three distinct zones. One area should have no coals, one area should have a single layer of coals, and the final area should have two layers of coals. Heat the coals until a layer of ash begins to form on the top. Trim the fat off of the edges of the chops with a knife. Use a sharp knife to cut away the fat along the outside of the chops. The marbled fat throughout the chops adds flavor, not the fat on the end. Moreover, leaving the fat on the ends increases the risk of fiery flare-ups during the cooking process. Oil the grates of the grill using tongs and a rag. Roll an old rag into a cylinder-shape and pour 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of canola oil on one side of it. Once the grill is hot, grip the rolled rag using tongs and rub the surface over the grates to apply the oil. If you don't want to use a rag, use a paper towel instead. If you do use a rag, store it in a plastic bag for the next time you need to oil your grill. Don't try to use it for other purposes. Grill the chops on 1 side for 4 minutes. Place the chops directly above the hottest part of the grill and cook over high heat with the lid open. The hottest area of a gas grill is above the primary heating element. The hottest area of a charcoal grill will be above the largest pile of coals. If the flames threaten to flare up, move the chops to a cooler part of the grill until the fire dies down. Flip the chops and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes. After 4-5 minutes have passed, check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. At minimum, you should look for an internal temperature of 155 °F (68 °C). Remove the lamb chops from the grill and cover them. Loosely cover the chops on a serving dish with a piece of aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. | Pat the lamb chops dry with a paper towel. Brush the lamb chops with olive oil. Season your lamb chops with cumin to give them a flavorful crust. Go with just salt and pepper to bring out the meat’s flavor. Choose rosemary, garlic, and lemon for a citrus spice rub. Opt for thyme and garlic for a classic minty blend. Warm a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high to high heat. Place the chops in the pan and cook them for 4 minutes. Flip the chops with tongs and cook them for 4 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check if the lamb chops are done. Transfer the chops to a serving dish and keep them warm in the oven. Cut an onion into long slices. Cook the onions in the same pan as the lamb chops for 2-4 minutes. Add 1⁄2 c (120 mL) of lamb or beef broth to the pan. Remove the chops from the oven and ladle the gravy over them. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and prepare a baking tray. Place the chops on the baking pan. Cook the lamb chops in the oven for 20 minutes, turning once. Allow the chops to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. into long strips and place it in the slow cooker. Place the chops over the onion. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Transfer the lamb chops to a serving platter. Remove any stuck-on food from your grill with a brush. Treat the grill with nonstick cooking spray and preheat it. Trim the fat off of the edges of the chops with a knife. Oil the grates of the grill using tongs and a rag. Grill the chops on 1 side for 4 minutes. Flip the chops and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes. Remove the lamb chops from the grill and cover them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sea-Salt | How to Make Sea Salt | To make your own sea salt, gather a gallon of saltwater from an area with clean water, such as a spot that you know is safe for fishing. Strain the water through a cheesecloth to remove impurities such as sand, shells, and other sediments. Turn your oven to the lowest heat setting, pour the water into a deep baking dish, and place it in the oven. Let the water evaporate for several days until only salt remains. Use a spoon to scrape the salt into a container, and season the salt if you like. | Understand the process. Commercial salt makers produce sea salt in much larger scale than a home salt maker would, but knowing the commercial techniques can increase your knowledge and salt making possibilities. Here's how they do it: Small ponds are filled with sea water and the water is left to evaporate. The product left behind after all the water is gone is sea salt. This process works best in areas where there is a lot of sun and very little rain. Salt water is piped into large steel pans. Any mud or impurities settle to the bottom and the remaining good water is siphoned off and heated. As the water heats, any foam that forms is skimmed off the top and the water continues to evaporate until only salt crystals remain. Additives are sometimes included. Commercial seas salt makers sometimes add calcium and magnesium to their salts to provide added nutrition and a distinct taste. Gather salt water. Water rich in salt is gathered from salt-rich seas or salt ponds. Depending on where the water is gathered from, the resulting salt will take on varying shades of color due to the variety of minerals present in each respective location. Collecting some water from the ocean may not provide the quality salt you are hoping for, especially for cooking purposes, because of the low salinity of the water, but it's worth experimenting with water from a variety of sources to find out what produces the best salt. It's essential to gather salt water from a clean source. If you know an area to be polluted, do not gather water from there. Air pollution, oil and chemical runoff, and other types of pollution will affect the taste and quality of the salt. If an area is safe for fishing, it's probably safe to assume the water is clean enough for salt harvesting, too. A gallon-sized glass or plastic jug is a good size for gathering water. One gallon of water will yield about 3 ounces of salt. Strain the water. It's necessary to remove sand, shells and other sediments from the water before you harvest the salt. Use cheesecloth to strain your salt water. One or several layers can be used. To be extra sure impurities are removed, strain the water several times. It won't affect the salt content. Evaporate the water. Sea salt is the product that remains from evaporating the salt water. Plan ahead for the evaporation to take at least a few days, and often several weeks. For home sea salt making, one of several techniques can be employed. Turn your oven to its lowest setting. Pour the water into a high-sided container and place it in the oven. Let the water slowly evaporate over the course of several days. Put your strained salt into a pot and boil until almost all the water is gone. Let the sun do the rest. Remove the damp salt from the pot and place it on a plate or in a bowl. Sit it in the sun to finish evaporating all the water. Place your strained water in a bowl or shallow dish and allow it to sit out in the open so the water evaporates. What is left behind when all the water is gone is the sea salt. This method could take several weeks. Harvest the salt that's left behind. You'll see a crust start to form when the water evaporates. Use a spoon to scrape it into a container. Salt crystals will form in a range of shapes and sizes, and may take on different colors depending on where you collected your water. You may choose to grind it to a finer texture. You can use a salt grinder for this purpose. Enjoy the salt by tasting it plain or using it in your everyday cooking. Make lemon salt. Salt combines beautifully with a variety of different flavors, and lemon is one of the best. The salt and citrus combine to create a seasoning you can use for every meal of the day. This bright, refreshing salt is perfect sprinkled on fresh vegetables, salads, and fish: Mix 1/2 cup sea salt, 1/2 cup lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon in a bowl. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake it in the oven turned on its lowest setting until the moisture has evaporated - several hours or overnight. Scrape the lemon salt into a container. Make bourbon salt. When salty and sweet flavors are combined, the taste is pretty irresistible. In this case sea salt is combined with a bourbon and sugar syrup to create a rich, deep-tasting salt that you can sprinkle on baked goods for a wonderful treat. Simmer 1 cup of bourbon in a saucepan over medium heat until it's reduced to about 1/4 cup. Combine the bourbon reduction, 1/2 cup sea salt and 1/2 cup sugar in a food processor, pulsing until it becomes sandy in texture. Spread the mixture on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake it in the oven turned on its lowest setting until the moisture has evaporated - several hours or overnight. Make smoked salt. Next time you fire up your smoker to smoke a piece of meat , put a tray of sea salt in there, too. Line a tray or a piece of sturdy aluminum foil with 1/2 cup or more of sea salt. Allow it to smoke in the smoker for several hours, then pour it into a container. Enjoy the rich, fragrant taste of smoky sea salt on baked potatoes, pizza and other savory dishes. | Understand the process. Gather salt water. Strain the water. Evaporate the water. Harvest the salt that's left behind. Make lemon salt. Make bourbon salt. Make smoked salt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-Dating | How to Start Dating | Before you start dating, build your self-confidence by eating well and exercising regularly, since confidence will make you more attractive! In addition to feeling good about yourself, you'll also want to take care of your hygiene and dress well so others know you're looking for a date. Then, make an effort to go out and socialize, even if it's just with your friends, so you can meet new people. Alternatively, if you're shy, try creating a profile on a dating site to meet likeminded people. | Think about what you want in a potential partner. Everyone has different preferences for romantic partners. You should think beyond physical attributes about what personalities you enjoy, what you need in a partner, and what you want out of dating. That said, there is no need to be super picky -- just give yourself some guidelines. For example, you might ask: What kind attributes do I look for in my friends (funny, serious, creative, etc.)? Do I want a serious relationship or to casually meet new men/women? What are the "deal-breakers" that I absolutely do not want in a relationship? Take care of yourself before looking for other people. Many people want to find a partner who will "solve all of their problems," but unfortunately such a knight-in-shining-armor rarely exists in real life. By having self-confidence, taking care of your body with diet and exercise, and looking presentable you signal to people that you are ready to meet a partner and are capable of having a relationship. Remember that you are not trying to trick someone into liking you. If the feeling is not mutual than that person is not worth your time. Keep yourself clean and hygienic. This is one of the most obvious reasons someone would turn down a date with you. Develop a strong network of friends. Having a solid social life not only helps you find people to date, it gives you a chance to go out into social settings without being alone. A strong group of friends will support you when dates go wrong and help you navigate the world of relationships as you start dating. Building a social network exposes you to many new people and personalities that can help you find dates. Ask your friends if they know anyone who might be interested in a casual date. Friends can often make the best romantic partners, when done correctly. Learn to flirt. Flirting is often viewed as a secret art form, but in reality it is pretty easy. Study after study has shown that eye contact and smiling is the single most effective flirting technique around, so be happy and respectful and connections will follow. Flirting is great way to try "pre-dating." Smile, make eye-contact, and have casual conversations to see if you want to see someone more often or start dating. If you think they might be a good match, slowly ramp up your flirting to show your interest by: Breaking the touch barrier -- touch a shoulder or knee lean in for a hug, or brush something off their clothes. Teasing-- light teasing, like making a joke about their drink choice or taste in a movie, is one of the oldest techniques in the book. If they tease back then you've made a connection. Asking questions. Genuine interest in someone is not only flattering, it lets you find out more about them and if they are a good match for you. Sign up for an online dating profile. These sites and apps, like Match and OkCupid , help you find compatible dates in your area easily and safely, and are a great way to start dating. When things go well, you've made a great new connection. But if you two aren't a match then you will likely never see each other again and you can move on to other dates without feeling awkward. If you are chatting with someone online for more than 1-2 days it is time to pony up and ask them on a date. Give your number out first. Make the first move and hand someone your number instead of asking for theirs. This shows that you have confidence and puts the ball in their court. If they are interested they will either call you or give your their number in return. Don't always expect someone to give you their number in return. If they are interested they will get in touch, and this is a great sign that there is chemistry between you two. Ask someone on a date. This is the simplest, but hardest, step to start dating. If you never ask someone out then you will never start dating. Remember, however, that dating is supposed to be casual. So keep it casual! You do not need to profess your love and ask someone to a romantic dinner. Simply ask them if they want to come grab a drink or some food with you and see what happens. Just because it is "normal" for a guy to ask out a girl doesn't mean it is the only way to do things. No matter who you are, make the first move and ask. Try lines like, "I've loved talking to you, would you want to grab coffee sometime?" Be receptive when people ask you out. It takes a lot of courage to ask someone out. Unless you know fully well that you would never date someone, a casual date won't hurt you. Set a specific time and place for the date. If someone is interested, schedule a time to meet and exchange numbers. Don't wait for them to suggest something, or make your move without having specifics ready. If they say yes, suggest a time or location and figure out when the best time is to meet. Give them one or two options so that they don't feel like you're forcing anything. For example: "That's great, are you free Saturday or Sunday morning around 11?" Be open-minded. If you've already decided that they are going to hate you, chances are good that you will feel awkward, anti-social, and down during the date. Whether you know it or not, your date will pick up on this. Similarly, if you already decide you don't like someone, you'll spend the whole date looking for faults and issues with them. Dating is supposed to be fun and casual, so go into each date with your expectations cleared and your head held high. Make your first date low-key. Bring them to somewhere they like or feel comfortable. Mildly crowded restaurants, outdoor events, or small get-togethers are often the best places to go because neither party feels awkward pressure to be romantic or perfect. You will have plenty of time to be romantic. For now, focus on being yourself and having fun. Know that dates are a way to get to know someone, not a test to impress them. Both parties on a date are trying to find out if they would be compatible together. Finding out if you're a good match with someone is hard enough, but it is near impossible if you spend all your time trying to make someone like you. What's more, putting on a show gives a false impression of you to your date, which will come back to bite you when your act falls apart later in the relationship. While it seems obvious, be yourself. You want someone to like you because of who you are, not who you pretend to be. Focus on making conversation during dates. Good face-to-face conversation is still the best way to get to know someone. Luckily, conversation is something almost anyone can excel at. You don't need a list of topics to have a good conversation, just a willingness to go with the flow and ask questions. Feel free to share things about yourself, but when in doubt about what to say you should ask questions about them. People love to talk about themselves and feel like someone is interested in them. Ask about work, their family, etc, but whatever you do, be genuine. What do you want to know about them? What made you interested in them? The best questions are specific. Instead of "What do you do at work?" try "What do you enjoy about your job?" Don't make your date all about you. If you spend the entire date talking about how great you are, chances are good this will be the last date you go on with them. Avoid controversial topics like religion and politics on your first date. These topics are often incendiary if you don't know the person well enough to be respectful. Make a move near the end of the date if you feel a mutual connection. While this seems tough to determine, the signals are actually pretty obvious. If your date leans in frequently, makes a lot of physical contact (shoulder touching, linking arms, etc.), holds long, strong eye contact, and smiles in your direction, they likely are into you. Start slow, perhaps by giving a compliment or moving in close to their face, and see how they react. If they don't pull away it might be time to go in for a kiss. If you are not interested in continuing to see someone, then politely say goodnight and go home. Do not feel like you need to kiss them or reciprocate feelings you don't share. Set up another date if things went well. Casually mention that you'd like to see them again sometime. While you don't have to make plans on the spot, as it can seem a little clingy, say that you'll be in touch and would like to go for drinks. If they smile and agree, then you should try and organize another date in the next 1-3 days. Ignore things like "the 3-day rule" and just be yourself. If you feel a connection, pursue it whenever feels comfortable. Remember that a date is not a commitment. When you first start dating, it is natural to think that you need to go on 5-6 dates with someone you ask out. But if you do not feel a connection with someone then you should feel free to move on. Dating is supposed to be a fun way to get to know someone better, it is not a commitment to marriage or a relationship. If you don't want to keep dating, be polite and honest and break things off quickly. Never lie or ignore people you don't want to see, as this often creates more problems. Simply saying, "I had a lot of fun the other night, but I think I'd like to stay friends," should be enough. Schedule more dates if things go well. You don't need to jump right into a relationship, but if you feel like you have a connection with someone then you should invite the person out again. If you're really into someone aim to go out for food, see a movie, go for a walk, or meet for coffee 1-2 times a week and see how things develop. Again, remember to keep things casual to begin. Meeting your parents, for example, usually happens many months down the line in a relationship. Take your relationship slowly to start out. The rush of love is hard to overcome, but both you and your partner will be thankful if you slow down the relationship and get to know each other naturally. Avoid making huge plans for the future together or seeing each other every single night. While intimacy is not a bad thing, rushing into a physical relationship can lead to hurt feelings and complications if both partners are not on the same page. While you might want to spend your entire life with someone after a date, take your time understand your feelings before launching head over heels. Respect their privacy and history -- you don't need to know all of their exes on the second date. Spend nights at your own houses and avoid lots of early sleep-overs. You can always get serious later-- it is much harder to slow things down. Build trust over time. If you really enjoy someone's company, you need to build a rapport that reaches beyond the latest Game of Thrones episode. Building trust requires a little vulnerability from both parties, but the reward is finding someone you can confide in and get truthful, helpful advice in return. Building trust requires giving trust. Share a small secret, insecurity, or goal and see if they are willing to open up in the same way. As you become more comfortable, you'll likely trust someone with more and more of your life. This is the foundation of a strong relationship. Be exclusive. You cannot still be dating around if you want to solidify a relationship. While many people have no problem with going on 2-3 casual dates early on, you need to make a commitment to someone if you want them to make a commitment to you. If you find yourself going on 2-3 dates with the same person, it is time to cancel any other romantic plans and stop searching for new dates. If this doesn't sound appealing, then you should be honest with your partner about your needs. Communicate your expectations for the relationship. This is often a difficult conversation to start, but if you feel a connection they likely feel one too. After going on 3-5 dates, you need to sit down together and talk about where things are headed. Are you interested in a relationship, or do you want tot take things slowly and see how they develop. Talking now will prevent heartbreak later. Remember to set boundaries. No one like it when you stop hanging out with your friends the minute a new love interest comes into the fold. Keep spending time with your friends, working, and seeing your family. You shouldn't feel like you need to spend every waking moment with your new flame. Instead, set boundaries between you so that you are comfortable doing your own thing from time to time. They will appreciate this too. Don't feel bad if you have to turn down the occasional date. Make time in your schedule for your old friends frequently -- they are the ones that will be there for you if something goes wrong. | Think about what you want in a potential partner. Take care of yourself before looking for other people. Develop a strong network of friends. Learn to flirt. Sign up for an online dating profile. Give your number out first. Ask someone on a date. Set a specific time and place for the date. Be open-minded. Make your first date low-key. Know that dates are a way to get to know someone, not a test to impress them. Focus on making conversation during dates. Make a move near the end of the date if you feel a mutual connection. Set up another date if things went well. Remember that a date is not a commitment. Schedule more dates if things go well. Take your relationship slowly to start out. Build trust over time. Be exclusive. Communicate your expectations for the relationship. Remember to set boundaries. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Turtleneck | How to Wear a Turtleneck | If you want to wear a boxy or square-shaped turtleneck, try to pair it with slimmer pants, such as straight-leg or skinny jeans so your outfit doesn't look too baggy. Alternatively, if you have a slim-fitting turtleneck, match it with wide-legged or boot-cut jeans to balance out the look. If you're layering a turtleneck on top of other clothes, go for a light-weight material to maintain a snug fit and keep you cool in warmer weather. You can also wear a turtleneck with an oversized coat for a simple, glam look or with a skirt for a classic, feminine look. | Pair a boxy turtleneck sweater with straight-leg or skinny jeans. If you want to wear a square-shaped turtleneck sweater, opt for a slimmer pant to balance out the shape. If you wear baggy pants, your style will look sloppy. If you're broad-shouldered with narrow hips, wearing jeans with a slight bootcut might be more flattering. If your sweater covers your rear, try pairing it with leggings and knee-length boots for a feminine fall look! Wear a cropped turtleneck with high-waisted pants for a slimming retro look. To emphasize the narrowest part of your waist, wear high-waisted jeans that stop at the narrowest part of your waist, along with a cropped turtleneck that hits just at or below the waistline of your pants. This will draw attention upward, making you look taller and leaner. For instance, you might wear a black cropped turtleneck with a pair of dark-wash, high-waisted skinny jeans, and stilettos for a night out. To make the look more daring, show a little midriff! If you're going to the office, wear a pair of wide-legged, high-waisted trousers with chunky shoes and a cropped turtleneck in a coordinating color, but be sure your midriff is completely covered. If your widest part is around the middle of your waist, this may not be the right silhouette for you. Opt for a light-weight turtleneck if you're layering. Layered looks are always in fashion, and they're a great way to make sure you're always prepared when the weather is unpredictable. If you want to create a layered look with a turtleneck, opt for a thin material, like a lightweight cotton or a rayon blend. Bulky materials can be uncomfortable when you're layering, and you might get overheated if you're indoors. Turtleneck bodysuits are great for layering, since they'll naturally fit close to your body Balance a slim-fitting turtleneck with wide-legged or boot-cut pants. If you've been looking for the perfect top for a pair of wide-legged pants, a slim-fitting, lightweight turtleneck might be the answer! The elongated neck will help give you the extra height you need to balance out even very wide-legged pants. A thin white turtleneck would look great with a pair of tweed wide-legged trousers and loafers! Wear a turtleneck with distressed jeans to look more casual. When you want to look casual but still stylish, toss on your favorite turtleneck and a pair of jeans that are distressed along the thighs and around the knees. Opt for casual shoes, and keep your accessories simple. For instance, you might wear a slouchy, thick-knit turtleneck with a pair of slim-fitting destroyed jeans. You could then finish the look with hiking boots and with your favorite watch. You could also choose to wear a tight turtleneck in a thin material along with distressed boyfriend jeans, canvas sneakers, and a statement belt. Layer a turtleneck under your favorite tank when the weather is cold. Just because the temperature is dropping doesn't mean you have to pack away all of your summer clothes. If there's a tank top in your closet that you still want to wear, slip it on over a close-fitting turtleneck and you'll be warm and cozy all day. This works best with flowy or loose-fitting tank tops. However, don't be afraid to try on creative combinations from your closet. You might be surprised what you like! For instance, you could wear a thin white turtleneck under a floral tank top for those spring days when it's still too cool for short sleeves. Dress up a baggy sweatshirt by layering it over a turtleneck. Turtlenecks tend to look a little dressy, so they instantly elevate whatever you wear with one. If you want your favorite rainy-day sweatshirt to look a little more presentable, try wearing a buttery-soft turtleneck underneath it. Then, pair it with distressed jeans for a casual look or leggings if you have a more athletic style. Wear a moisture-wicking turtleneck under an athletic sweatshirt and running shoes to fight off the wind chill when you're hitting the pavement. Stay cozy by pairing a turtleneck with a flannel button-down. Flannels and turtlenecks are both classic, cozy options during cold weather, so it's no surprise they go so well together! Choose a turtleneck that matches one of the colors in your flannel to look more put-together, or go for contrasting colors to make the flannel pop. If you're wearing a thin turtleneck, layer it under your flannel. You can either button up the flannel or leave it open, depending on what you prefer. For an even warmer outfit, wear your flannel shirt under a thick, oversized turtleneck. Leave your flannel untucked so the bottom peeks out from under the turtleneck. Layer a turtleneck under a leather jacket for an edgy look. Leather jackets are the epitome of cool, and pairing one with a turtleneck looks even cooler. Whether you're rocking a moto jacket or a bomber, this combo will add a dash of mystery to your style. If you want to show off your inner rock star, go with an all-black turtleneck-and-jeans combo, then top that with a black leather jacket. A white turtleneck looks fresh under a leather jacket with a shearling collar. Top your turtleneck with a holiday sweater for a festive look. Want to go all in for the winter holidays? Find a sweater decorated with holiday-themed designs like snowflakes or reindeer, and wear it over a turtleneck. You'll be ready for spiced cider and caroling in no time! Take this look to the next level with a pair of red corduroy pants! Wear a sleek turtleneck under an oversized coat for a simple, glam look. Sometimes style doesn't take a lot of work. Choose a turtleneck that fits close to your body, then wear an oversized coat, slim-fitting pants, and dress shoes. This simple look is chic and versatile, and it couldn't be easier! For instance, a white cable-knit turtleneck would look perfect under a camel-colored peacoat. A simple black turtleneck is the perfect complement to a luxurious leopard-print fur or faux-fur coat. Tuck your turtleneck into a skirt for a classic, feminine look. Show off your feminine style in the cool weather by wearing a turtleneck tucked into your favorite skirt. You can wear this style with anything from a mini-skirt to a maxi skirt, and you'll always look fresh and stylish. Turtleneck bodysuits are especially well-suited to being tucked into a skirt, since they won't bunch up at your waist. If the weather is really cold, wear tights under your skirt to stay warm! Wear a sleeveless turtleneck under a jacket, sweater, or cardigan. Sleeveless turtlenecks are a great layering piece. They give your finished outfit a refined look, but you don't have to worry about extra layers on your arms keeping you too warm. Just slip on a lightweight top layer and you're ready to head out the door! Plan the rest of your outfit the way you would if the turtleneck had sleeves. For instance, if you're wearing a cropped sleeveless turtleneck, you might opt for high-waisted trousers. Layer a turtleneck under a sleeveless dress to wear it in cold weather. Whether your favorite summertime dress is a slip dress or a breezy shirtdress, it can be hard to make it work when the weather turns cold. By wearing your dress over a lightweight turtleneck, you don't have to hang it in the back of your closet until it warms up again! If you're heading to the office, stick with styles that are more structured, like a shirt dress or a wrap dress. For a romantic daytime look, wear a flowy maxi dress over your turtleneck. Add a vest for extra warmth. Turtlenecks and vests are a great pair, no matter what your style. And not only does it look great, but this combo will keep you extra warm when it's frigid out! For an edgy look, opt for a leather or denim vest. If your style is classic and feminine, pair your turtleneck with a long vest. Top your turtleneck with a puffy vest if your style is more active or outdoorsy. Wear a loose choker necklace to accentuate your neck. Turtlenecks elongate your neck, and wearing a choker-style necklace around the outside of your turtleneck will only emphasize this effect. Opt for a loose style that rests just at your collarbone, rather than a tight-fitting choker that sits around your throat. Your necklace will be front-and-center, so don't be afraid to go big with a statement piece! This style works best with a chunkier necklace, rather than a delicate one. Since the necklace will be showcased against a lot of fabric, a dainty necklace might get lost Wear a long chain necklace to elongate your torso. A longer necklace is great to balance out the proportion of a turtleneck. Since this look will give your outfit a boho vibe, it's perfect if you have a more laid-back style. Opt for a thicker chain for the most visual contrast against your turtleneck. Glam up your look with statement earrings. Since your turtleneck will draw attention toward your face, there's no better time to show off a pair of dramatic statement earrings. Look for a style that reaches to about your chin for the most flattering look. Hoop, chandelier, and drop earrings are all popular styles to pair with a turtleneck. Look for these styles with eye-catching details like a big gemstone unique shape, or bold color. Remember to wear your hair up to show off your earrings! Add a brooch to dress up your turtleneck. If you want to add a little visual interest to a solid-colored turtleneck, try pinning a brooch just below your collarbone. Just pass the hinged pin through the fabric on your shirt and secure it to add a glam touch! A brooch may leave a small hole in your shirt or sweater. Belt a long turtleneck sweater to define your waist. If you're worried that your turtleneck is too shapeless, loosely wrap a belt around the narrowest part of your waist. This will emphasize your natural shape without constricting you too much. Tie a scarf around the outside of your turtleneck for a preppy look. A scarf-and-turtleneck combo is a classic look that never goes out of style. Just match the weight of your scarf to the weight of your turtleneck to ensure they look like they belong together, then knot the scarf around your neck outside of the turtleneck. For example, you might wear a silk scarf with a tissue-thin turtleneck. A chunky knit scarf is great for a knit turtleneck sweater. | Pair a boxy turtleneck sweater with straight-leg or skinny jeans. Wear a cropped turtleneck with high-waisted pants for a slimming retro look. Opt for a light-weight turtleneck if you're layering. Balance a slim-fitting turtleneck with wide-legged or boot-cut pants. Wear a turtleneck with distressed jeans to look more casual. Layer a turtleneck under your favorite tank when the weather is cold. Dress up a baggy sweatshirt by layering it over a turtleneck. Stay cozy by pairing a turtleneck with a flannel button-down. Layer a turtleneck under a leather jacket for an edgy look. Top your turtleneck with a holiday sweater for a festive look. Wear a sleek turtleneck under an oversized coat for a simple, glam look. Tuck your turtleneck into a skirt for a classic, feminine look. Wear a sleeveless turtleneck under a jacket, sweater, or cardigan. Layer a turtleneck under a sleeveless dress to wear it in cold weather. Add a vest for extra warmth. Wear a loose choker necklace to accentuate your neck. Wear a long chain necklace to elongate your torso. Glam up your look with statement earrings. Add a brooch to dress up your turtleneck. Belt a long turtleneck sweater to define your waist. Tie a scarf around the outside of your turtleneck for a preppy look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Invisalign-Back-in-if-You-Haven%27t-Worn-Them-for-a-Long-Time | How to Put Invisalign Back in if You Haven't Worn Them for a Long Time | If you need to put Invisalign back in and you haven't worn them for a long time, begin by finding the side of your mouth that requires the least amount adjustment, because it should be more comfortable to get the tray inserted there. Put that side of the tray in place and then slide in the other side without forcing it. Also, change your aligner trays before bed to give them longer to settle in. If you're having too much trouble, stop trying and call your dentist. | Thoroughly clean your teeth. Invisalign fits snugly to the shape of your teeth; ideally there should be no gap between your teeth and invisalign. Cleaning your teeth prior to inserting invisalign ensures that no food particle is caught in your mouth that could change the contour of the invisalign fit. It also guarantees that no bacteria is caught underneath the invisalign tray, which could erode your teeth and cause increased dental bills during your treatment. Use the side to side method of insertion. If you have not work your aligner tray in a while, your teeth might have shifted back. It might be difficult to insert the entire tray into your mouth, so try this method of inserting one side at a time. Find the easiest point of insertion. Depending on which teeth have the most alignment problems (e.g., crowding, rotation, etc.), the tray might be easier to insert on one side of your mouth versus the other. If you know the side of your mouth (either the right side, left side, or center of the arch) that requires the most adjustment, insert the tray on the opposite side: the tray will fit the best on the side that requires the least amount of adjustment. If you are unsure, try trial and error: try inserting the tray on either side, and go with the side that causes the least amount of discomfort. The tray is quite flexible and it is not that easy to break it, so don't get scared to press the tray a little bit on your teeth. Insert invisalign on the other side of your mouth. Once you have inserted the tray on the side of your mouth that has the least amount of discomfort, slide the tray on to the other side. Change your aligner trays at night before bed. This allows an uninterrupted period for your aligners to settle in, which makes it easier to get them in and out during the day.. Use a mirror. Put the aligner tray in in front of a mirror, which will allow you to visualize the prior insertion. This is especially important if you are trying to fit the tray over malpositioned teeth that may stick out in the arch. Don't force it. If you have difficulty inserting the aligner tray or are experiencing a lot of pain, stop trying and call your dentist: you could do damage to your teeth or to the aligner tray, or both. Invisalign should be a relatively seamless fit; a lot of difficulty or pain is a sign that something is the matter. Most likely the doctor will need to adjust the fit, or you might need to go down to another tray size, which is usually kept by your dentist. Try another tray size. If you have not worn invisalign for a while, your teeth might have shifted back to a previous stage in treatment, or even back to the beginning before treatment began. If you have trouble inserting a specific aligner tray, try a previous tray (for example, #7 instead of #8). Continue to wear this smaller size and see your dentist as soon as possible. If it has been a long time since you have worn your aligner tray, it might be necessary to do a “refinement” – which requires getting new impressions and getting a new series of aligners, but this can be expensive. Use“chewies”. If your aligner is not fitting well or there are air gaps between your teeth and the tray, try biting down on chewies. Chewies are small cylindrical cushions made of a plastic-like material; when used regularly they help your aligner conform to the shape of your mouth and get rid of any gaps that might exist. Bite down on chewies a few times a day for 5-10 minutes at a time. You can obtain chewies through your orthodontist or you can order them online. You can also try doing this with cotton balls, but make sure the tray is properly fit on the correct position Give it time. Each aligner starts out “ill-fitting” on purpose. It is designed to fit the shape of your teeth after you have finished wearing it correctly for two weeks, so when you first put it in it might feel a little snug or a little tight. If worn correctly (20-22 hours a day) the tray should sink down and settle in. By the end of the two weeks of wearing them correctly, your tray should conform perfectly to the shape of your mouth. If not, continue to wear the existing tray a few more days until you are able to see your dentist, he/she might have to do a mid-course correction. Consult your dentist. Your dentist is the best expert on the fit of your invisalign alignment trays; he/she should be your first contact in getting back on your course of treatment if you have not worn invisalign for a while. Be honest; in most cases your dentist will be able to tell if you have not worn your aligner trays as much as you claim (Invisalign Teen has a built in “lie-detector” – each aligner contains a blue indicator dot that fades over time when used as directed). | Thoroughly clean your teeth. Use the side to side method of insertion. Change your aligner trays at night before bed. Use a mirror. Don't force it. Try another tray size. Use“chewies”. Give it time. Consult your dentist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Impress-a-Classmate | How to Impress a Classmate | If you want to impress a classmate, stand out from the crowd. While other kids at school can be rude or catty, make an effort to be kind to everyone you encounter. Another way to catch someone's attention is to be good at something that you enjoy. Unless your talent has to do with academics or an elective at school, find a way to showcase your talent, like being in a variety show or asking your friends to watch you perform. If you don't have a hobby or passion, try new things. This will show your classmate how confident you are. However, don't let your confidence lead you to only talk about yourself. Ask your classmates about their interests to show them that you're well-rounded and caring. | Practice good hygiene and grooming. Among a mass of adolescent and teenage students, being clean and well groomed can really make you stand out. When puberty starts causing more body odor, you can impress your classmates by taking good care of yourself. Shower and wash daily. Use deodorant and even consider cologne or perfume, but be sure not to overpower or it will have the opposite effect. Brush your teeth daily. Wear clean clothes and keep your hair neat. Your classmates will notice if you are always hygienic. Dress as your best self. Dressing well will set you apart from many of your classmates, and you can do it without a suit and expensive clothing. Part of dressing well means finding the style that matches your personality and body type best. You don't have to wear business attire to look good, but you probably won't impress anyone wearing sweats either. Try your best to always wear clean clothes that are free of stains. Wear clothes of the appropriate size. Ultimately, you do want to be comfortable because it will show if your clothes are bothering you. People often judge by how others are dressed no matter what, so it is likely your attire is something people will notice. Using that to your advantage to make a statement will help get you noticed in the right way. You can express your personality through what you wear. For example, you might wear apparel depicting a sports team or band that you like. If you are outgoing and a little crazy, you can wear clothes with a lot of bold colors. If you are more conservative, you can express this by wearing dress pants and a button shirt. Master your posture and body language. People notice how you carry your body, so learning to maintain straight posture will show people your confidence. Since you spend much of your time with classmates in class, you will be sitting a lot. Learn to sit up straight and to not slouch down in your chair. Don't cross your arms because it tends to express negative emotions. Keeping your head up and faced forward shows that you are attentive to what the teacher is saying. Nodding is also a good way to show you are listening. Consider keeping your legs firmly planted in a fairly wide position, rather than close together or with your legs crossed. This is seen as a more powerful position. When talking with a classmate, eye contact is a great way to show that you are engaged with what they are saying. Avoiding eye contact is usually seen as a way of trying to hide something. Don’t fidget. This applies to sitting in class but also times when you are standing around with friends. Fidgeting tends to be a sign of stress, nervousness, or an overall lack of confidence, so when people see you doing it, they will notice you in a negative way. Fidgeting can include shifting in your seat a lot, tapping your pencil on the desk, or moving a lot when you talk. None of these things are necessarily bad, but they give an appearance of you not being at ease which can turn people off. If you tend to be constantly moving, you will need to actively tell yourself to calm your body down. This will take work, but once you are conscious of it, you can master it. Smile. This is such a simple thing, but it works wonders for your overall appearance. Smiling makes you seem more confident, gives the look of being positive, and makes you seem friendly, all of which are things you want your classmate to see if they are going to be impressed with you. Even so, you don't want to go around smiling all the time as this will most likely put people off. Just be willing to flash a smile on occasion, especially toward the person you want to impress. Be friendly. School can be a place where meanness and hostility grow, and many students forget the rules of treating each other well. Make a specific effort to be someone who counteracts this. Always speak kindly to people in the class by not criticizing their wrong answers or making fun when they struggle. The person you want to impress will take notice that you are someone who everyone sees as kind and good to be around. There are lots of ways to be more friendly. Go out of your way to be nice to students that usually are overlooked or bullied. Ask people how they are doing and really mean it and listen to their answers. Show an interest in your classmates' lives outside of school. Be good at something. Your classmates will take notice if you are really great at something. Within the limits of school, you have the basic options of academic success, sports, and the arts, but don't be afraid to find something outside of school to excel at. You shouldn't get good at something for the sole purpose of impressing people, but it can be a good addition to making you well-rounded as a person. You may not have a lot of opportunities to show the talent you have, but if something like a talent show does come up, have the confidence to go for it. It's also a good option to invite the classmate to participate in the activity with you so you can show them the skills you have. Be confident in trying new things. If you want to be noticed, go out of your way to try things that everyone else seems to be afraid of doing. A great way to do this is to volunteer in class when the other students are sitting back not wanting to be picked. Your classmate will see that you are confident and will be impressed by your initiative. Keep cool under pressure. School can often be a time of stress, tension, and drama in aspects of school work, fighting among students, and times of performance like giving a speech. When the others around you are giving in to all the pressure, you can maintain a balanced composure and stay cool. Be someone who can handle whatever situations come your way. Your classmate will be impressed and will look to you as someone to rely on when things get rough. A great way to stay composed in any situation is to take deep breaths and focus your attention on your breathing. When you start to feel stressed, your body's natural response is to speed up your breathing, but this often makes it harder to stay calm. Take breaths more slowly than you normally would. It can also help you stay calm to pause for 5-10 seconds before responding or reacting. Losing your cool tends to happen in an instant, but if you practice waiting for a little while before doing anything, you will have time to think first. Ask your classmate about his or her interests. It's fairly common among students, and even adults, to want to talk a lot about themselves and tell all about their lives. You can make an impression on someone by showing true interest in what they like and think about. Go out of your way to notice some of their interests and then learn about those for yourself. Your classmate will be impressed that you cared to let them share with you and that you took an interest in them. If you take the time to get into the interest they told you about, you can go back to the person and tell them about your experience. If they mention a band, go listen to their albums and tell them what you liked about it. Or watch the person's favorite movie and go repeat a line from it to him or her. Give a compliment. With so many people bragging about themselves and wanting everyone to notice them, you can stand out by giving a compliment. If your classmate wears an outfit you like, tell them how great they look. If they do well on a project or big assignment, congratulate them. If you know they played well in a sport over the weekend, tell them nice job. You can do this consistently over time, but not so often that it becomes obvious you are doing it. Let your crush know that you are interested. Much of romance in school is done in secret because you are often afraid to be embarrassed if you get rejected. One way to impress someone you are romantically interested in is to be honest with them and let them know you notice them. Tell them you are interested in getting to know them more. This can be a bold move, and may not always work out, but rather than trying to get someone's attention indirectly, you can come right out with it. In many cases, your crush will be impressed that you had the confidence to tell them how you felt, and if they like you in return, you'll save time and energy you would have used trying to get their attention. If they did not yet like you in return, this move might be enough to win their affection. If you have a crush on someone that you don't actually know yet, it is probably best to introduce yourself first and wait to tell them about your crush. Give yourself a chance to talk to them a few times before revealing why you wanted to meet them. Share something personal with a potential friend. There are always classmates who you want to be friends with but you only ever see them in class. One way to make an impression and move toward friendship is to reveal something personal about yourself to the person. This is probably best done gradually because you don't want them telling the whole school your deepest secret. Make a real effort to talk to the person once a day for a week or so and then tell them something beyond what they would know from class. You want to find a good balance between too surface level, such as what food you like, and the most personal thing you can think of, such as family problems you have never told someone. Tell them about a hobby you have outside of school that most people wouldn't guess. Or tell them about a goal you want to achieve later in life. A good way to try and make space for this conversation is to start sitting with the person at lunch or riding the bus together or simply walking between classes together whenever you can. This will give you a little extra time to talk to the person and get to know each other more. Once you have gotten past the initial step of making a first impression, you can work to build a stronger friendship. Offer help rather than criticism. Being smart in school can be tricky because people may perceive you as being arrogant or a know-it-all, which is rarely a likeable quality. One way that you can impress a classmate with your smarts is to stop correcting people openly during class, but instead ask them privately if they could use some help. There are always students who struggle in school, and if you are really good in a subject, they could probably benefit from your help. Bullying people in class who make mistakes makes an impression, but not in a good way. If you notice someone struggling in class, go to them afterwards and say, “I noticed you were having a hard time with the question you were asked. Would you ever want some help studying?” The person may still turn you down, but you will come across as more respectful than if you call him or her out during class. | Practice good hygiene and grooming. Dress as your best self. Master your posture and body language. Don’t fidget. Smile. Be friendly. Be good at something. Be confident in trying new things. Keep cool under pressure. Ask your classmate about his or her interests. Give a compliment. Let your crush know that you are interested. Share something personal with a potential friend. Offer help rather than criticism. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Reverse-Kegels | How to Do Reverse Kegels | To relax, lengthen, and stretch your pelvic floor, practice doing reverse kegels. Before starting your reverse kegels, go to the bathroom to avoid having an accident. Next, sit or lie down in a comfortable position, and either close your eyes or focus on an object near you to help you relax and concentrate. In order to find your pelvic floor muscles, imagine you're trying to stop yourself from peeing. As you squeeze your muscles, notice where they are and how they feel. After raising your muscles, release them as you inhale. If you want to intensify the exercise, lie on your back and lift your hips while tightening and relaxing your muscles. Repeat this exercise 10 times at a time, 3 times a day. | Go to the bathroom before attempting a reverse kegel. Doing reverse kegels may cause you to urinate or have a bowel movement. This is because they involve the same muscles that you use when you go to the bathroom. To avoid having an accident, make sure that your bladder and bowels are empty first. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. You can do reverse kegels in any position that feels comfortable to you. Sit in a chair, on the floor, or propped up on pillows. Alternatively, lie on your back with your legs flat on the floor, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, or with your legs resting on a sofa or chair. Keep in mind that you can do reverse kegels anywhere. No one will be able to tell that you are doing them, so you could do them while you are waiting for the bus, during a business lunch, or in the waiting room at the dentist. Close your eyes or focus on an object in front of you. This is optional, but you may find it helpful to relax and concentrate on your pelvic floor muscles if your eyes are closed or focused on a focal point. If you want to use a focal point, try lighting a candle and gazing at the flame, or choose an object in front of you to look at, such as a picture or a trinket on a bookshelf. Make sure to keep your gaze soft if you choose to focus on an object. This will help you to avoid creating tension in your face and possibly in other areas of your body. Let your eyelids droop slightly and blink as needed. Contract your pelvic floor muscles enough to identify them. Imagine you are trying to stop yourself from peeing. These are your pelvic floor muscles. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles just enough to identify them. Give them a slight squeeze and hold it. As you hold, notice where the muscles are located and how it feels to squeeze them. This may feel very odd to you if you have never done kegels before. Keep in mind that it becomes easier and more natural with practice. Release the muscles to let your pelvic floor drop. Now that you have identified the muscles required to raise your pelvic floor, release them and inhale as you do so. This will help your pelvic floor drop. You should feel a sensation like your pelvic floor is moving downwards. Let it go completely. Remember that dropping your pelvic floor is the same action you use when you pee or poop, so relaxing these muscles should feel good. You can relax your pelvic floor muscles for as long as you are able. Try counting to 5 if this is your first time and work up to relaxing them for 10 or even 15 seconds. Lift your hips up to improve the stretch if you are lying down. If you want to intensify the stretch that you get from a reverse kegel, do them while you are lying down and lift your hips up as you breathe in and release. This will allow the pelvic floor muscles to lengthen even more and deepen the stretch. Do not tilt your hips. Just lift them off the ground slightly. Repeat the exercise 10 times and do 3 sets daily. To get the most benefit from reverse kegels, it is helpful to practice them daily. Aim for 3 sets of 10 repetitions and add more reps and sets as your pelvic floor muscles get stronger. Only repeat the release portion of the exercise unless you need to re-identify your pelvic floor muscles. If you experience discomfort and can only handle doing a few of these at first, that is fine! Start wherever you are comfortable and work up from there. | Go to the bathroom before attempting a reverse kegel. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes or focus on an object in front of you. Contract your pelvic floor muscles enough to identify them. Release the muscles to let your pelvic floor drop. Lift your hips up to improve the stretch if you are lying down. Repeat the exercise 10 times and do 3 sets daily. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-a-Week-Before-an-Exam | How to Study a Week Before an Exam | To study the week before your exam, first block out time throughout the week to study rather than doing it all at the last minute. Then, when you read and review, highlight and underline key words, phrases, and concepts to help actively process what you're reading. When you finish reading, make notes about the main ideas and supporting details, which can help you remember them. You can also make flashcards or make up mnemonics to help you memorize important information. Additionally, take practice tests if they're available, or work with a friend and quiz each other on the test material. | Schedule 1 to 2 hours of study sessions into each day of the week. Finding time to study can be super hard, but it'll be easier if you plan ahead. Go over your schedule for the week and identify pockets of time you can use for studying. You don't have to do it all at one time, so it's okay to schedule several short study sessions. Mark these times in your agenda or calendar so you won't forget. You can use a paper agenda or your phone's calendar. Try to study for at least 1 hour every day so you can really learn and memorize the material. You may want to study longer than that each day if you need more time to review the material. If you have the same daily schedule, you might plan your study sessions for the same time, like every day from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. You could also split up the sessions, such as 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 to 5:45 p.m. If your schedule varies, plan around your daily events. You might study on Monday from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., Tuesday from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 to 7:45 p.m., Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m., etc. Organize your class materials so it’s easy to pull them out. You don't want to waste any of your study time looking for stuff. Keep your textbook, notes from class, and notes you've taken outside of class together. Additionally, keep pens, pencils, highlighters, and a notebook handy. If you always study in the same spot, such as a desk in your bedroom, keep your study materials in this area. If you like to study on the go, keep your materials together in your book bag. Pick a quiet, comfortable place to study. You don't need a special spot to study. All you need is a quiet place with a table where you can spread out your materials. Identify a place where you feel comfortable studying before your study session starts. Additionally, ask people around you to not disturb you. At home, you might study at a desk in your bedroom or at the kitchen table. You could also try a coffee house, the library, or even a picnic table outside. Remove distractions from your study space. It's super easy to get distracted, so do your best to remove potential distractions. Start by decluttering the space so you have a clear spot to study. Then, turn off your TV and silence your phone so you won't be tempted by them. If you're not using your computer to study, turn it off, as well. If you use your computer to study or feel tempted by your phone, use apps and websites that temporarily block your access to social media. For example, try Offtime, BreakFree, Flipd, Moment, or AppDetox. This way you won't be tempted to give into distraction while you're studying. Don’t try to cram at the last minute. You're probably super busy, so you may feel like you don't have time to study. However, waiting until the night before your test will set you up for failure. It's really hard to memorize a lot of information in a short period of time, so study a little each day over the week before the test so you have time to learn the material. You probably know people who brag about cramming for tests, but don't take their word for it. Just do what's best for you. Examine the review sheet if your teacher provided one. A review sheet will typically cover all of the information that'll be on the test, so use it to your advantage. Go over the sheet to see what material you need to learn. Reference your review sheet before each study session to check your progress. If your teacher provides a list of terms or information you need to memorize, use the review sheet to create flash cards. Your review sheet might include example test questions. If so, use your text and notes to answer the questions. Read important texts aloud to help you remember them. Reading aloud may help deepen your understanding of the text. Go back over your text to review areas you highlighted in your first reading or passages you didn't understand. Read these parts of the text aloud to help you process them. Do this while you're studying at home or somewhere you can be alone. If you have a study group, you could all take turns reading the passages aloud. Summarize your readings to help you identify the main concepts. Chances are, your test will cover the key concepts you learned about a topic. Fortunately, writing summaries helps you find these key concepts so you know what to study. After you read a section of text, summarize it in your own words in your notes. You might write something like, “Each governmental body has separate powers, and they can all check each others' powers. This allows for checks and balances.” Expand on your notes and past assignments to create a study guide. Create a personalized study guide early in the week so you can use it during later study sessions. Start by rewriting your notes. As you do this, expand on them and fill in any gaps using your text and online resources, if you need them. Then, add questions and answers from your review sheet and past class assignments. Type up your study guide if that's easier for you. You might also try handwriting the study guide with different colored pens. You could also get questions from your textbook. Often, there are questions at the end of a reading or chapter. to help you memorize information. Make flashcards Flashcards are super helpful for studying things like vocabulary, facts, and processes. Create your own flashcards using index cards or cut squares of paper. Write a term, question, or date on 1 side, then write the answer on the other. You can also print out pre-made flashcards from online. Carry your flashcards with you during the week before the test. This way you can pull them out and shuffle through them when you have a few spare moments. You can find pre-made flashcards on the website Quizlet. Do a practice test a few days before the exam to check your progress. Taking practice tests helps you check your mastery of the content and identify areas you still need to study. Treat your practice test like the real thing. Time yourself, rely only on your own knowledge, and do your best. After you grade the practice test, spend extra time studying material you struggled with. Use your past quizzes and assignments to create your own practice test. If your instructor has released past copies of the test, use them as practice tests. You can also look up the topic online with the words “practice test” to get a sample exam. Ask someone to quiz you over the material to test your knowledge. Sometimes it's helpful to have someone else check your understanding of the content. Give your review sheet, study guide, and flashcards to a friend or family member. Have them randomly ask you questions about the material, then do your best to answer them. If you get an answer wrong, write down the question so you can go back over the material again before the test. Start a study group so you can learn from each other. Studying with friends can be both fun and beneficial. Invite your friends to a group study session at the library, a coffee shop, or your home. Share your notes and try to learn from each other. You might plan to meet once or twice during the week before the test. For example, you might schedule a group study session the Saturday before the test. Take turns teaching each other the material. This will deepen everyone's understanding of the course work. Go over each person's notes to see if there are things that some of you missed. This can provide a more in-depth review of class discussions. Review online tutorials if you’re struggling with the material. Don't worry if you're having trouble understanding your course material because you still have time to learn it. Take advantage of academic resources online. Watch video tutorials and read free study guides to help increase your knowledge. Try the Khan Academy for free tutorials. You can also check YouTube and sites like Sparknotes. If your school offers free tutoring, attend the sessions offered during the week before your test to get help with the material. Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour so you don’t get mental fatigue. You probably want to maximize your study time, so you may feel guilty about taking breaks. However, breaks will actually help you stay more focused during your study sessions. Plan to take at least a 10-minute break each hour you study. For example, you might study for 45 minutes, then take a 15-minute break. Come back and study for another 45 minutes. Similarly, you might study for 30 minutes, take a 10-minute break, and then study for another 30 minutes. Be active during your study breaks to boost your energy. Get up and move around during your study breaks. Even a short burst of exercise can get your blood pumping, which can help you focus better. Try going for a short walk, dancing to your favorite songs, or doing calisthenics. For instance, you might do some jumping jacks, push ups, and squats. If you have a dog, consider taking it for a walk. Create a short 10-to-15 minute playlist of upbeat songs if you want to dance. Snack on healthy foods to help you stay focused. Eating snacks while you study can help you enjoy your study sessions more. However, pick the right snacks so your brain is performing at its best. Here are some great options for study snacks: Fruit, like apple slices, grapes, or orange slices Nuts Popcorn Greek yogurt Veggies and dip, like carrots and hummus or broccoli and ranch dressing Listen to music so studying is more fun. Studying can feel like a chore, but listening to music may help. Music can relax you and might help you enjoy studying, at least a little bit. In general, listening to instrumental, classical, or music with nature sounds is best while studying. However, it's okay to listen to whatever music helps you concentrate. Create a playlist for your study sessions with songs that inspire you. Songs with lyrics can be distracting. If this is a problem for you, look for instrumental songs in your favorite genre. You can easily find pop, rock, hip hop, and experimental songs that don't have lyrics. | Schedule 1 to 2 hours of study sessions into each day of the week. Organize your class materials so it’s easy to pull them out. Pick a quiet, comfortable place to study. Remove distractions from your study space. Don’t try to cram at the last minute. Examine the review sheet if your teacher provided one. Read important texts aloud to help you remember them. Summarize your readings to help you identify the main concepts. Expand on your notes and past assignments to create a study guide. to help you memorize information. Do a practice test a few days before the exam to check your progress. Ask someone to quiz you over the material to test your knowledge. Start a study group so you can learn from each other. Review online tutorials if you’re struggling with the material. Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour so you don’t get mental fatigue. Be active during your study breaks to boost your energy. Snack on healthy foods to help you stay focused. Listen to music so studying is more fun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Multiply-Decimals | How to Multiply Decimals | To multiply decimals, line up the numbers vertically so that the decimal points are in the same position. Then, multiply as normal and temporarily ignore the decimal points. Once you have your answer, count how many numbers in each of the original factors are to the right of the decimal point. For example, 0.02 is 2 spots to the right of the decimal point. If you were multiplying 0.02 × 0.4, the total number to the right of the decimal point is 3. Take this total number and then move the decimal point in your answer by that number of spots. If you move the decimal point past the first number of the answer, add zeros after the decimal point until you reach the numbers. | Line up the numbers on top of each other. If one number has more digits, you can put the number on top of the other. Let's say you're multiplying.43 by.06. Just line one number on top of the other, above the multiplication bar. Multiply the numbers while ignoring the decimal points. Now, just multiply the numbers as you usually would in ordinary multiplication. Here's how you would multiply.43 and.06: Start by multiplying the 6 in.06 by the 3 in.43 to get 18. Write "8" below the 6 and carry the 1 on top of the 4. Multiply the 6 by the 4 in.43 to get 24. Add 24 to the 1 that was on top of the 4 to get 25. The top row should read 258. When you start multiplying.43 by 0, you'll see that you only get 0, so there's no need to write anything down. The answer is 258 while you're ignoring the decimal points. Count up all of the numbers of digits that are located at the right side of the decimal points of the factors. There are two numbers to the right of.43 (4 and 3), and there are two numbers to the right of.06 (0 and 6). Therefore, add 2 and 2 to get 4, the total amount of numbers to the right of both decimal points. Move the decimal point of the whole number to the left that number of times. Since you counted 4 numbers, start with the decimal point at the end of the whole number 258, and move it over four times to the left starting to the right of the 8. You'll end up moving it one space past the 2 in 258. Fill in the extra space with a zero. Since there's a blank space between the decimal point at the 2, fill it in with a zero. 258 becomes ".0258." Check your work. If you want to make sure that.43 multiplied by.06 is indeed.0258, you can divide.0258 by.06 to make sure that you get.43. So,.0258 ÷.06 =.43. You can check your work by dividing the answer by either number to get the other. Therefore, you can divide.0258 by.43 to make sure you get.06. Does it work?.0258 ÷.43 =.06. You're all done..43 ×.06 =.0258. | Line up the numbers on top of each other. Multiply the numbers while ignoring the decimal points. Count up all of the numbers of digits that are located at the right side of the decimal points of the factors. Move the decimal point of the whole number to the left that number of times. Fill in the extra space with a zero. Check your work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-That-Your-Boyfriend-Really-Loves-You | How to Know That Your Boyfriend Really Loves You | If you want to know whether your boyfriend really loves you, think about the way he treats you. For example, if he respects your ideas and opinions even when he doesn't agree with them, that's a good sign that he loves you. You should also think about the way he touches you. If he only touches you in private, but never in public, this could be a sign that he's not truly in love with you. Along with his actions, you should pay attention to what he says, especially when he does something wrong. If your boyfriend loves you, he should be able to apologize without being dismissive or finding ways to put the blame on you. Most importantly, make sure he says “I love you” while acting in a loving and caring way, and not because he's trying to manipulate you into something. | Ask yourself if he treats you with respect. When your boyfriend really loves you, he'll be interested in you. He will respect your ideas and opinions, even when he doesn't agree with them. He'll pay attention to details about your likes and dislikes, and he'll accommodate your needs to the best of his ability. Does he ask you about your life? Does he appear to genuinely care about your feelings and opinions? Observe his ability to compromise. If your boyfriend respects you, he'll initiate compromises even though you haven't asked him to. Whether he compromises on little things, like going to see a movie he doesn't care for because he knows you'll like it, or bigger issues, compromise is an important sign that your boyfriend really loves you. True compromise doesn't mean "I'll do this for you, if you do this for me." It's not a negotiation. Does he insist on being right on a disagreement of opinion? Or is he okay with letting you have the last word? Notice where your boyfriend touches you. Most people in love have a need to touch the object of their attention, even without sexual activity. Does he seem interested in touching you? Does he feel interested in you when he's touching you? Public touches are a public display of affection, and demonstrate to the world that the person cares for you. If you're not sure how he feels when he touches you, check with your own feelings. Are you feeling loved? Or are you feeling like he's trying to "stake a claim" by touching you in public? If he's shy, or if he's from a culture where public touching isn't acceptable, he may love you and yet rarely touch you. When a man touches a woman's face, this is often a sign that he wants to be closer to her. A touch on the shoulder or hand isn't necessarily an intimate touch in most cultures. However, if he touches you on the lower back, or gently moves his hand along your leg, this is often a sign of attraction. If he only touches you in private, this is a warning sign. If he touches you ONLY in public, never in private, this is another warning sign. Respect is required in the way he touches you. If you don't like the way he touches you, and he does it anyway, he's unlikely to really love you. Make sure he wants you to spend time with his friends and family. If your boyfriend wants to keep you all for himself, not share you with his friends and family, he's unlikely to really love you. If he really loves you, he'll want to include you in all areas of his life. Including you in his family life may be difficult at first, especially if his relationship with his family is unsettled or rocky. If he treats you differently around his family and friends, ask him why this is. If he's really in love with you, he'll be proud of you no matter what company you're in. Confirm that he wants to spend time with your friends and family. Someone who loves you will be interested in your family and friends. Even if he doesn't like them, he'll be willing to spend time with them if you want him to. If your boyfriend avoids your family and friends, he might be shy. If he tries to get you to avoid them as well, he may be overly controlling. This is a bad sign. If he doesn't care to get to know your family and friends, this is a sign that he doesn't really care about you. Notice if he does things you want to do. Someone who loves you will try to do the things you want to do, even if he doesn't care for them. For example, he'll eat in restaurants because you like them, or go to cultural events because you've asked him to. If all your activities revolve around his interests, this may be a sign that he doesn't really love you. Doing things because someone else wants to is an action of generosity. If he insists on your doing something for him, because he did something you enjoy, this isn't generous. It's a form of manipulation. A man who really loves you will pay attention to what you like and dislike. He'll try to make sure you're happy, because your happiness matters to him. Avoid him if he hurts you. Sometimes people say that they are doing hurtful things "because I love you." If your boyfriend says this to you, this is a warning sign. Learn to Recognize a Potentially Abusive Relationship and ask for help. Abusive behavior isn't limited to physical violence. If your boyfriend really loves you, he will treat you with respect. He won't degrade you, call you names, or put down your accomplishments. If you aren't sure whether to trust your boyfriend when he says he loves you, ask a parent or a trusted friend for advice. Listen for his use of the word "we" rather than "I". When someone loves you, he considers you when he's thinking about his daily life. When he makes plans for the future, he includes you. Does he include you in his plans, or does he make plans for himself alone? When he talks to his friends or family on the phone, does he mention things you've done together? Does he let them know when he's with you? Or does he avoid talking to his friends when he's with you? See if he apologizes when he's wrong. Some men have an easy time saying they're sorry, but their actions might not change. Some men refuse to say they're sorry, even when they're clearly in the wrong. Notice how your boyfriend reacts when he's done something hurtful or insensitive. Does he apologize? If someone apologizes easily, but seems to repeat the same behavior patterns, his apologies aren't very meaningful. A boyfriend who is stubborn may have a hard time apologizing for when he's wrong, but if he loves you he'll be uncomfortable until things are right between you again. Check out whether his words match his actions. The boyfriend who says things that his actions don't back up is essentially untrustworthy. Someone whose actions and words doesn't match has a disconnect with his thinking. This disconnect is demonstrated through his actions and words. When someone's words and actions don't match up, he isn't trustworthy. Even if he loves you, you won't be able to trust him. Many times, a boyfriend will try to explain away this disconnect through confessing his negative life experiences. This often has the result of girls feeling sorry for him and trying to help. Other times, someone caught in a disconnect will try to blame you. He'll turn your conversation around to accuse you of negative thinking. This is a warning sign. Remember that saying "I love you" isn't enough. Someone who says, "I love you," but doesn't act in loving, caring ways doesn't really love you. The words "I love you" are sometimes used in dishonest, manipulative ways. When someone says, "I love you," consider if their actions match their words. If you aren't sure whether you should trust someone's words, ask a trusted person for help figuring it out. Maybe they've noticed something that you haven't. If you feel convinced your boyfriend really loves you, then you're ready to think about whether or not that's good enough for you. If your boyfriend loves you, it doesn't mean that you have to love him back. | Ask yourself if he treats you with respect. Observe his ability to compromise. Notice where your boyfriend touches you. Make sure he wants you to spend time with his friends and family. Confirm that he wants to spend time with your friends and family. Notice if he does things you want to do. Avoid him if he hurts you. Listen for his use of the word "we" rather than "I". See if he apologizes when he's wrong. Check out whether his words match his actions. Remember that saying "I love you" isn't enough. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wean-Kittens | How to Wean Kittens | Before weaning your kitten, make sure that it's around 4 weeks old, with the ability to focus and walk steadily. At that point, place ⅓ cup of milk replacer and kitten chow in a shallow bowl. Then, dip your finger in the food and present it to your kitten to encourage it to eat from the bowl. If your kitten is reluctant, try feeding it with an eye dropper, or by letting it lick the milk off your finger. However, begin each feeding by offering the bowl first to eventually acclimate your kitten to bowl feeding. | Determine when to wean your kitten. The weaning process begins when kittens are around four weeks old. For most kittens, this process is usually completed when they reach eight to ten weeks old. Once a kitten has opened its eyes, is able to focus, and can walk steadily, you can begin the process. At around 10 - 14 days, a kitten's eyes and ears start to open. Between 2 -3 weeks they start to stand and take wobbly steps, building up their muscles, and learning to walk. During this time, they still get all their nutrition from mother's milk. Once a mother sees that their kitten is mobile, they'll begin the weaning process themselves in the wild. Purchase the necessary nourishment. When you first start weaning your kitten off of its mother's milk, you'll want to buy milk replacer. It is designed to replicate the nutritional value and to a degree the taste of its mother's milk. You'll also want to be sure to purchase high-quality cat food, which will be introduced to the kitten gradually. A good rule of thumb is to see if a meat is listed first on its ingredients. This will mean that the food has a higher percentage of protein, which growing cats need to be healthy. Do not give your kitten cow's milk. This is not a suitable replacement because your kitten's stomach cannot process it. The kitten will end up with diarrhea. Buy a shallow food and water dish. Ceramic or plastic bowls work equally well. Make sure that your kitten can easily reach the bottom of the bowl. Your kitten will take to its milk replacer and other foods much easier if it can lap its food up easily. Do not abruptly remove your kitten from its mother if you can. Kittens, like children, learn through observation. Your kitten will observe its mother eating, using the litter box, and playing. It will then replicate much of this behavior. If you have both the mother and her kitten, try to keep them together as long as possible - or at least until the 10 weeks mark. They will naturally separate over time. It is ok to separate them for a few hours a day at around four weeks. Make sure that they have their own litter box and food/water bowls. Eventually, your kitten will become more independent and will willingly chose to be away from its mother. Do not worry if your kitten has been orphaned. Your kitten has strong instincts when it comes to self-preservation. It will figure out a way to feed itself, even if its mother is not present. Most people that raise orphaned kittens choose to wean them onto solid food early, at around four weeks or so. At this point the kitten's stomach has developed to the point that it can process solid food. It just needs to be taught to eat solid food. Present your kitten with replacement milk. At first, your kitten will need about four to five meals a day. Give them around 1/3 cup of replacement milk and kitten chow for each meal. They'll be fine to go through the night without a meal, but if you hear them making noise, it is ok to leave them some extra food before you go to bed. If you have a newborn that's been removed from its mother, you'll need to replicate the suckling nature of its normal feeding time with an eye dropper. Fill the eye dropper with the replacement milk you've purchased. Hold the kitten securely and then slowly add a few drops of milk into the kitten's mouth at a time. Alternatively, some people dip their finger in the milk and let the kitten lick it off this way. Acclimate the kitten to bowl feeding. This may be a difficult process for your kitten. If it is used to suckling milk from its mother, it will find the bowl a strange substitute. Simply show the kitten where the milk is. Dip your finger in the bowl and present it to the kitten. It will eventually recognize the scent and will explore it further. Refrain from pushing the head of the kitten into the bowl. Doing so could cause him to inhale the milk, which could lead to lung issues. If the kitten is initially reluctant, return to dropper feeding or to his mother. However, begin every feeding by offering the bowl first to encourage the kitten to drink from the bowl. Introduce solid food. Once the kitten is accustomed to lapping from the bowl, offer a gruel mixture. To make a gruel, mix a ground high quality kitten food with the milk replacer. The initial consistency should be similar to oatmeal. Many people use a blender to mix their cat food with the milk replacer. You can introduce your kitten to this gruel and other moist foods around five to six weeks. Transition to solid food around eight to 10 weeks. Eventually stop providing gruel and, instead, offer well moistened kitten food. When you switch to the kitten food, make sure you provide a separate bowl of water for the animal. To complete the transition, moisten the kitten food less and less until it is accepted by the kitten in its original consistency. A bowl of water should always be available next to the food dish. Make sure that your kitten has the opportunity to eat around four times a day until it is six months old. At this point, it is ok to transition them down to two meals a day. Talk to your vet about feeding methods. Some vets promote the "ad lib" or "free feeding method" over the scheduled feeding routine. Proponents of ad lib feeding argue that it accommodates persnickety eaters - or those cats who won't eat at scheduled times. In general, if this seems to make your kitten/cat happier, it is ok. If your kitten turns into an overweight cat, you might consider going to a scheduled feeding schedule to limit the amount of food they consume a day. | Determine when to wean your kitten. Purchase the necessary nourishment. Buy a shallow food and water dish. Do not abruptly remove your kitten from its mother if you can. Present your kitten with replacement milk. Acclimate the kitten to bowl feeding. Introduce solid food. Transition to solid food around eight to 10 weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Someone-Miss-You | How to Make Someone Miss You | To make someone miss you, stay busy with work and other friends to show that you have a life outside of them, so they don't feel obligated to you instead of truly missing you. If the person contacts you, wait a while before replying to give them a chance to anticipate your reply. If you can, ask the other person to do a favor for you, since studies suggest that doing a favor for someone increases affection for them. Finally, if you know you won't see someone for a while, create a strong impression before you leave by making looking nice and keeping things pleasant. | Put your phone on silent so that you aren't texting them constantly. When you really miss someone, it's hard to resist the temptation of texting them every second of the day. But if you do, they don't really have a chance to miss you. Put your phone on silent, so that you don't hear it buzz when the person texts you. That way you will take a bit longer to respond. You can also leave your phone at home when you go out with your friends, or turn it off when you're about to watch a movie. Taking breaks from your phone will mean that the other person has a chance to reach out to you first, and you won't text back quite so fast. Avoid posting too much on social media. If you're in the habit of posting every minute of your life on social media, try easing up a bit. They'll miss you more when they don't know what you're doing every minute of the day. Also avoid liking and commenting too much on their posts. For your own sanity, try to resist endlessly scrolling through their social media accounts. If you can't resist, at least don't leave a tell-tale trail of likes and comments behind you. Text or message them cute pictures of yourself. If you get a new haircut, or a cute new outfit, send a picture to your special someone, and it will make them miss you. This is an especially powerful tactic for long-distance romantic relationships. If you want to make it less obvious, send a picture of you hanging out with your friends, and say what a fun adventure you had. Just make sure you look cute in the picture! Be the first person to end the phone call. Don't wait for the conversation to fizzle out or the other person to hang up because they have somewhere to be. Instead, end the phone call by saying you've loved talking with them, but you have somewhere to go. Make it clear that you still care about the person by ending on a positive note, but still leave them wanting more by initiating the goodbyes. Make plans to give the other person something to look forward to. When you speak to someone before meeting up again, make a promise to do something special together. Then they'll have something to actively look forward to and they'll be eager to see you again. Consider keeping the actual event a secret. Simply say that you have plans for when you meet up, but don't go into too much detail. The element of surprise should increase the anticipation and the other person's eagerness to see you. Leave something of yours behind in their house or car. Before you part ways, pick something to purposefully “forget” and leave it with the other person. That object should remind the other person of you whenever he or she sees it, and it also creates an unspoken promise to meet again soon so that the object can be returned to you. Make sure that the object is something you can actually afford to forget. A bracelet, a watch, or your favorite book can all be good options. Your cell phone or wallet would be bad ideas. If you don't want to be sneaky about it, you can come right out and say that the object is meant as collateral—proof that you'll return to claim it and see the holder once more. Write a surprise note and leave it where they'll find it. Write a heartfelt letter or card and mail it to the other person. This is a sweet, genuine gesture that shows more effort than just sending a text message. The other person will feel loved and cared for, and happily surprised, which will make them miss you. If you spend a lot of time in that person's home, you can write notes in advance and hide them around their home before you part ways. When he or she finds one by surprise, it'll serve as an instant reminder of the last time you were there. Wear a signature fragrance and leave the scent on their items. The sense of smell is actually quite powerful, and evidence suggests that scent and memory are closely linked. Wearing the same subtle, pleasant scent on a regular basis can imprint yourself in someone's mind and make that person think of you whenever he or she smells it. If your special scent gets on the other person's clothing, pillows, or bed spread, they'll be reminded of you when you're not around. This is most commonly seen in romantic relationships. The scent of a lover's shampoo, body wash, perfume, or cologne can linger on pillows and other objects, jolting the other partner's memory whenever he or she gets a whiff. Signature fragrances can work their magic in platonic relationships, too. For instance, if you love baking and your kitchen always smells like fresh bread, a friend or relative could easily come to associate that smell to the warmth of your home. Send a surprise gift or leave a parting gift. When you leave, give the person a gift. It doesn't have to be big or expensive. Something as simple as a new coffee mug will make them miss you because they will think of you whenever they are drinking their coffee. If the person is already far away, you can send them a gift through the mail. Getting a surprise gift in the mail will feel much more meaningful than just getting a text message. If they love to read, send them a book you think they would like. If they love fashion, send them a pretty new scarf. If you do art, send them a piece of art you made. Spend time with the people you love. Plan to see friends or family most days of the week. The more fulfilling relationships you have in your life, the less desperate you will be for the person you miss. This will give the person a chance to start missing you. You will be much less tempted to text the person you miss all the time if you are having fun with your friends. Pursue your own hobbies. Working on hobbies gives you something to think about besides the person you miss. It can also be very personally fulfilling, and a great stress-reliever. Don't be afraid to try new hobbies and stretch yourself. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be an excellent distraction for For example, if you love to draw, block out time every week to practice drawing. Working on your hobbies is not only personally fulfilling, but it makes you a much more interesting dating-prospect. Working on hobbies will also give you something to think about besides your crush, which can be very therapeutic if you're quite love-struck. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Exercising gives you a bunch of endorphins that make you feel happy and distract you from missing someone long enough that they start to miss you. It also boosts your physical and mental health, and can make you seem more confident and attractive. Taking good care of yourself makes you seem put-together and on top of your life, which is attractive. Go on dates if you feel comfortable. If you're not in love with the person you miss, consider going on dates. New romantic sparks can be very exciting and can distract you from the friend you're missing. Obviously, don't do this if you're in a relationship with the person you miss, or just to make the person jealous. If you don't want to date anybody, then make lots of plans with your friends and family. The person you miss will see you're a person who a lot of people love. Do activities that you like and the other person doesn’t. If the person you're missing hates going hiking, or shopping, or watching that one TV show you love, then go ahead and do it while they're far away. It will make you happy, and will show you there's a life outside of that person. Making time for doing things that you enjoy will prove that you're not spending all your time pining after the person you miss. You're focused on your own well-being too. | Put your phone on silent so that you aren't texting them constantly. Avoid posting too much on social media. Text or message them cute pictures of yourself. Be the first person to end the phone call. Make plans to give the other person something to look forward to. Leave something of yours behind in their house or car. Write a surprise note and leave it where they'll find it. Wear a signature fragrance and leave the scent on their items. Send a surprise gift or leave a parting gift. Spend time with the people you love. Pursue your own hobbies. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Go on dates if you feel comfortable. Do activities that you like and the other person doesn’t. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Brine-Chicken | How to Brine Chicken | To brine chicken, start by adding 3/4 of a cup of salt to 1 gallon of water. Then, mix in some sugar and other seasonings, like crushed garlic, sage, and rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil and then let it fully cool. Next, place the chicken in the brining solution and cover it with plastic wrap. Finally, put the chicken in the fridge and let it soak in the brining solution for 8-12 hours. | Pour some water into a large bowl, up to a gallon. The bowl will need to be large enough to submerge all of the chicken you are cooking, but also able to fit into your refrigerator. Fill the bowl with enough water to cover the chicken completely. Consider using warm water as you will be dissolving some solids into solution. Add 3/4 cup of salt for every gallon of water. All brine contains salt, as it is necessary to force the water into the meat's cells. The amount of salt used can vary greatly, but start by adding 3/4 cup of kosher salt per gallon of water (46 ml of salt per liter of water). Stir the salt into the water to dissolve it. Add sugar to the water. Sugar, while not required in a brine, is a useful ingredient to brown the skin. Adding sugar to a brine will increase the amount of caramelization achieved when cooking the chicken, regardless of cooking method. Try adding the same amount of sugar as salt. You can use any type of sugar, including white, brown, turbinado, or even molasses or honey. Stir the water to dissolve the sugar. Add any other desired seasonings to the brine. You can also add other ingredients to your brine to season the chicken. Peppercorns, fresh herbs, and fruit juices are all options for seasoning a brine. Some great ingredients to mix and match include: Add aromatics such as: 2-4 cloves of garlic (crushed with a knife), bay leaves, a handful thyme, sage, or rosemary sprigs, 2-3 tablespoons uncracked peppercorns, parsley, juice from 1-2 large lemons or oranges, bay leaves, or 1-2 tablespoons of mustard, cumin, or coriander seeds. Beer and Tyme Brine: Mix 4 12-ounce cans beer (lager, like Budweiser), 1 cup kosher salt, 3/4 cup light-brown sugar, Small handful of thyme sprigs, 5 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper, and 6 cups ice in a large saucepot. Rosemary Lemon Brine: 1 small onion, thinly sliced, 4 garlic cloves, smashed with the flat side of a knife, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, 1 cup Kosher salt, 5 or 6 branches rosemary, 1 liter water, juice of 1 lemon. Boil your brine mixture before adding chicken if you have added seasonings. Otherwise, the flavors won't penetrate the chicken. Add all ingredients (salt, sugar, water, seasonings etc.) and bring to a boil for approximately 1 minute. Allow to cool completely before moving on. Place the chicken into the brining solution. Make sure that the chicken is fully submerged in the brine. You can use a brine for either a whole chicken or for smaller pieces of chicken; the process is the same either way. Place the brine in the refrigerator and let it soak. Place the entire bowl into the refrigerator, covering it with plastic wrap. Let the chicken soak in the brining solution for several hours. For small pieces, 1 or 2 hours is sufficient, while 8 to12 hours is ideal for a whole chicken. If you can't spare that much time, a brine will still impart flavor and improve tenderness if used for only a short period of time, at least 2 hours. Never brine chicken at room temperature, as this can lead to bacteria growth. Remove the chicken from the brine. Take the chicken out of the brining solution and pat off the excess water before cooking. Dispose of the brining solution by pouring it down the drain. Know that dry brines keep your chicken flavorful and the skin extra crispy. While wet brines are the traditional way to prep a roast chicken, many chefs are starting to experiment with dry brines instead, which lead to a more robust texture. The salt draws out moisture, which dissolves the salt into a thin, natural wet brine that the chicken then reabsorbs. Use course sea salt or kosher whenever possible for a dry brine. Fine-grained salts, like table salt, will coat too much of the chicken, dissolve too quickly, and make the final roast taste too salty. Pat the chicken dry. Use a paper towel to get as much moisture off the outside of the chicken as you can. You do not have to rub it down or squeeze water out, a simple pat-down will do. Mix your dry brine in a small bowl before applying. Dry brines are simply massaged into the chicken and are made almost completely of salt. That said, you can mix in other spices and flavors as well. Start with roughly 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt for every pound of chicken you have (4lb chicken, 4 teaspoons salt) , then add any of the following spices that you want: 2 tsp cracked black pepper. 1 tsp paprika, chili powder, or cayenne 1 tsp rosemary or thyme 1-2 tsp garlic powder Massage the salt evenly into every side of the chicken. Rub the top, bottom, inside, and outside of the chicken with your dry brine. Use a little extra salt on thicker parts, like thighs and breasts. You want an even, generous coating of salt. The whole chicken shouldn't be coated in salt, but there should be a fair amount of kernels on everything. You may need an extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt to complete the brine. Cover the chicken and let it refrigerate between 2 and 24 hours. The longer you let the chicken brine, the better the results. Still, if you are in a hurry then you should see some results after two hours. Aim for an overnight brining, at the very least. Two hours will work, but it will not be incredibly effective. The longer you let your chicken brine, the better. Try not to exceed 24 hours, however. Remove the chicken and pat it dry. There should not be much excess moisture on the chicken, and all the salt should be dissolved. Still, pat down any extra moisture or wet areas with a paper towel if you see them. When you're done you're ready to get the chicken in the oven and add any extra flavors. Try stuffing lemon wedges, garlic gloves, and springs of herbs in the chest cavity or between the legs and wings for added flavors. Consider butterflying the meat for crispier skin and moister breast meat. Roast chickens are notoriously hard to keep moist, especially where the breast meat is concerned. Butterflying is when you cut and split the chicken, providing a more even cooking surface for optimum crispiness. This is best done before brining, but can be done afterward as well. To butterfly a whole chicken: Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut out the spine of the chicken. This is the long bone in the center of the chicken on the opposite side as the breast meat. Place the chicken breast-side up on a cutting board. Use the heel of your hand to press straight into the center of the breastbone. You'll hear a crack and the chicken will flatten down. Lightly brush the entire top surface with olive oil. Preheat your oven to 500°F with a rack in the middle of the oven. Make sure there are no other racks above the middle one. Get out a roasting or baking pan and place your chicken in the center. Add any aromatics you want to the chicken. Aromatics, like herbs and lemon, add flavor to your roast. Squeeze the juice of a large lemon on the chicken, add sprigs of rosemary or thyme between the wings and thighs, or crack some black pepper on top of the breasts. If the chicken is whole, stuff lemon slices, garlic cloves, and herbs into the cavity in the middle of the chicken to your liking. Place the chicken in the oven, basting every 10-12 minutes. Basting is taking the hot oil and juice from the pan and spreading them on top of the chicken. This helps the chicken stay moist and gets the skin nice and crispy. Use a baster or a cooking brush to reapply the liquid from the pan on the chicken. Try not to leave the oven open for too long as you work -- this causes the heat to drop too quickly and slows cooking. Cook the chicken for 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer in the breast reads 150°F. Breast meat is best at this temperature, and thigh meat needs to be 170°F to be safe. If the outsides start to darken before the insides are fully cooked, lower the oven temperature to 450°F. Let the chicken stand before cutting into it. You need to let the chicken rest, otherwise all the juice will leave the meat when you cut into it. Set the chicken aside on a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. After 5-6 minutes, you can remove the foil, cut into the chicken, and start eating. | Pour some water into a large bowl, up to a gallon. Add 3/4 cup of salt for every gallon of water. Add sugar to the water. Add any other desired seasonings to the brine. Boil your brine mixture before adding chicken if you have added seasonings. Place the chicken into the brining solution. Place the brine in the refrigerator and let it soak. Remove the chicken from the brine. Know that dry brines keep your chicken flavorful and the skin extra crispy. Pat the chicken dry. Mix your dry brine in a small bowl before applying. Massage the salt evenly into every side of the chicken. Cover the chicken and let it refrigerate between 2 and 24 hours. Remove the chicken and pat it dry. Consider butterflying the meat for crispier skin and moister breast meat. Preheat your oven to 500°F with a rack in the middle of the oven. Add any aromatics you want to the chicken. Place the chicken in the oven, basting every 10-12 minutes. Cook the chicken for 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer in the breast reads 150°F. Let the chicken stand before cutting into it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-at-a-Meet-and-Greet | How to Act at a Meet and Greet | Meet and greets can be nerve wracking, but by using open body language and asking appropriate questions, you'll have an easier time relaxing and enjoying yourself! When you meet a celebrity, avoid standing too close to them so you're respecting their personal space. Maintain eye contact and keep your body facing them to create a friendly, relaxed impression. One way to chat with them is to ask a straightforward question, like “What inspired you to make this film?” However, you may want to be more creative to show that you're a fan of their work. For example, a more specific question could be, “Why do you always end your songs with 2 claps?” Remember that you usually only get a minute or 2 to chat with them, so make your questions count. | Avoid touching the celebrity. Though you may be tempted to grab or touch the celebrity in your excitement to meet them, avoid doing this. Do not grab the celebrity's hand or touch them in any way unless they seem open to touching. Approach the celebrity as someone you have just met and respect their personal space. Be respectful of the celebrity's personal space. Avoid standing too close to the celebrity or placing your body in their personal space. If the celebrity is behind a table, stay on your side of the table. If there is no table between you and the celebrity, stand at a respectable distance from the celebrity. This will show them that you are engaged in the meet and greet and are able to respect their personal space. Shake hands with the celebrity only if they offer it. Most celebrities at meet and greets will offer to shake hands with you. Let the celebrity offer first and then shake their hand firmly and briefly. Waiting for the celebrity to initiate the handshake will show them you are able to respect their boundaries. Some celebrities may offer different forms of greeting, like a hi-five or a wave. Respond in kind by hi-fiving them back or waving back. Let the celebrity dictate the terms of the interaction. Have an open and friendly demeanor. The meet and greet should still feel warm and friendly, especially if you are meeting a celebrity you really admire. You should focus on maintaining open body language, where you maintain eye contact with the celebrity and position your body so it faces the celebrity. You should also let your excitement come through on your face by smiling at the celebrity. Show off your smile and let your happiness light up your face. This will signal to the celebrity that you are thrilled to meet them in a respectful and appropriate way. Plan out your questions or thoughts in advance. To avoid getting overwhelmed by your meeting with the celebrity, you may want to sit down and plan out a few questions for them. Try to choose one main question you would like to ask the celebrity and/or one thought you would like to share with them. This will allow you to gather your thoughts and be prepared for the meet and greet. You may ask a simple question, like, “What inspired you to make this film/create this album/write this book?” Or, you may ask a more specific question that may be obscure to show the celebrity that you are a true fan. For example, you may ask, “Why do you always end your songs with two claps?” or “How did it feel to work with Mia Farrow in Deadweight?” Often, more obscure questions will impress the celebrity and help you stand out from the crowd of fans. Speak calmly and clearly to the celebrity. Take a deep breath once it is your turn to speak to the celebrity. Greet them with a “hello” or “hi”, as well as a handshake or a wave, if they initiate it. Smile and speak calmly to them, maintaining eye contact. Try to speak slowly and clearly, just like you would speak to a friend or someone you admire. Compliment the celebrity’s work. Most meet and greets allow for only a few minutes with the celebrity. Once you greet the celebrity, you may transition quickly into a compliment about the celebrity's work. You may also ask your one question at this point, initiating conversation with the celebrity. Try to stick to one to two questions or compliments, as you do not want to take up too much of the celebrity's time. This is especially important if you are in front of a long line of fans and do not want to hog time with the celebrity. If the celebrity responds to your questions, be respectful and listen to their answers without interruption. Make sure you say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate, as this will show the celebrity you are treating them like a fellow human being who happens to be famous. Plus, it is just polite and good manners. Request an autograph, if allowed. You should bring an item you would like to be autographed, such as a picture of the celebrity or a copy of their work. Only ask for an autograph if it is permitted at the meet and greet. If there is a sign that clearly states no autographs, do not request one as this could seem rude or presumptuous. Consider asking for the celebrity's autograph at the end of the meeting as a way to close out your meet and greet with them. Make sure you bring a pen with you and have the item ready so you can easily hand it to the celebrity to sign. Do not take pictures of the celebrity if it is not allowed. If there is a sign that clearly states no photography is allowed at the meet and greet, do not ask for a picture anyway or try to sneak a photograph with the celebrity. This could be seen as rude by the celebrity and annoy them. You may want to check with the meet and greet event to see if photography is allowed so you are aware of the policy in advanced. Some celebrities are more comfortable with having a one on one conversation with fans, rather than taking pictures. Ask if you can take a photo with the celebrity. If there is no sign that says “no photographs allowed”, you should ask for a photograph with the celebrity before you take it. Some celebrities will have a photographer at the event who will take pictures for you. Other meet and greets allow you to take pictures with the celebrity on your own camera by asking a friend to take it for you. You may want to read more on how to pose in a photograph. Make sure you have a big smile and maintain eye contact with the camera as you take the photograph with the celebrity. Try to appear happy but relaxed in the photograph. You can then treasure the photograph with the celebrity for years to come. Bring gifts for the celebrity, if allowed. You may decide to bring personalized gifts for the celebrity to give to them. Most meet and greets will specify if it is okay for you to bring gifts for the celebrity. If it is allowed, you may give the celebrity the gift at the end of your interaction with them as a parting gift. Many celebrities appreciate fan made gifts and will perceive the gift as your way of saying “thank you” and “I love you” at the end of the meet and greet. You may want to create a custom gift for the celebrity, where you use their image to create a t-shirt, an original painting, or another craft project. You could then sign your work and give it to the celebrity as a gift. You may also choose a gift that will show the celebrity what a big fan you are, such as an item that references their role in a movie or a commemorative item that relates to their verse in a rap song. Get creative and present a gift that is memorable to the celebrity. | Avoid touching the celebrity. Be respectful of the celebrity's personal space. Shake hands with the celebrity only if they offer it. Have an open and friendly demeanor. Plan out your questions or thoughts in advance. Speak calmly and clearly to the celebrity. Compliment the celebrity’s work. Request an autograph, if allowed. Do not take pictures of the celebrity if it is not allowed. Ask if you can take a photo with the celebrity. Bring gifts for the celebrity, if allowed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Disinfect-Gardening-Tools | How to Disinfect Gardening Tools | To disinfect your gardening tools, start by removing any dirt and debris with water. If the grime is caked on, use a stiff wire-bristle brush to remove the dirt and a paper towel dampened with disinfectant or paint thinner to remove any sticky residue. Once you're ready to disinfect your tools, dip them in 70% isopropyl alcohol or a mixture of 9 parts bleach to 1 part water. Alternatively, try rubbing your tools down with disinfectant wipes, or soaking them in a commercial household disinfectant for a few minutes. | Remove dirt and debris from tools with water. Before disinfecting tools, remove dirt and grime using a forceful stream of water. Wash them beneath a strong spigot, or use a hose with a jet-stream setting. Clean tools are easier to use and disinfect. Scrub tools that aren’t easy to clean. Some soils are difficult to wash off. If you're having trouble removing dirt and debris from your gardening tools with just water, use a stiff wire-bristle brush or a scraping tool (a caulking knife, for instance) to remove the caked-on material. Wipe away sap and resin using a disinfectant. If your tools have any sticky residue on them, such as sap or resin, wipe the affected tools with a cloth or paper towel dampened with a disinfectant. If the sap or resin resists removal, wipe the affected area vigorously with paint thinner. Disinfect your tools with a household cleaner. Commercial household disinfectants (such as Lysol or Simple Green D) can be used to disinfect your gardening tools. The advantage of these types of disinfectants is that they are relatively gentle on you and your tools compared to bleach or industrial cleansers. Fill a bucket with a household cleaner of your choice. Soak the tool in it for a couple minutes, then remove it. To reduce the corrosive aspect of household cleaners further, combine them in a solution of one part cleaner and five parts water. Use disinfectant wipes. Some gardening stores might offer disposable disinfectant wipes for gardening tools. You can also use general purpose wipes, such as Lysol or Clorox disinfecting wipes. To use the disinfectant wipe, remove it from its container and wipe the tool thoroughly. Throw away the wipe after use. You might need to use more than one wipe per tool. Use steam or dry heat to clean your gardening tools. Heat your gardening tools to 180°-200° F (82°-93° C) under a cover for about 30 minutes. For instance, you might place some of your smaller gardening tools on a steam basket, cover it, then steam them on the stove for half an hour. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your tools. Dip the tools you want to clean in the alcohol, then remove them and allow them to dry. Alternately, wet a rag with alcohol and wipe the gardening tools down. You could use wood, grain, or rubbing alcohol. There's no need to rinse your tools after using alcohol. Don't use alcohol around fire or a strong heat source. Use liquid bleach. Mix one part liquid bleach with nine parts water. Dip your gardening tools in the mixture, then remove them and let the material drain off. Alternately, spray or brush the mixture onto the gardening tools and allow it to drain off. Rinse the remaining mixture off the object after most of it has drained away. Liquid bleach is sold under trademarked names like Clorox, Everchlor, Hypo, Bridos, Bleacol, and Hispec. Bleach is one of the most corrosive of all gardening tool disinfectants. If inhaled, bleach may cause damage to your nose, throat and lungs. It can also damage or irritate your skin. Always wear protective masks and rubber gloves when cleaning tools with bleach solutions. Clean your tools with an industrial disinfectant. If you have diseased plants, you may wish to get an industrial-grade gardening disinfectant to help prevent the problem from spreading. The most common varieties are “quats” (or “q-salts”) and hydrogen peroxide-based cleansers. Purchase the disinfectant of your choice from a horticulture or garden supply store, and follow all package directions and warnings carefully. These industrial products are formulated to kill algae, fungus, bacteria, and spores immediately on contact. A few common commercial Q-salt products are Green-Shield, Physan 20, and KleenGrow. Hydrogen peroxide (or hydrogen dioxide) is marketed under trademarked names like ZeroTol and TerraClean. Disinfect your tools regularly when working on infected plants. If you're using your gardening tools on diseased plants, shrubs, or trees, treat your tools with a disinfectant after every use. This will prevent the disease from spreading throughout a plant or between plants. | Remove dirt and debris from tools with water. Scrub tools that aren’t easy to clean. Wipe away sap and resin using a disinfectant. Disinfect your tools with a household cleaner. Use disinfectant wipes. Use steam or dry heat to clean your gardening tools. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your tools. Use liquid bleach. Clean your tools with an industrial disinfectant. Disinfect your tools regularly when working on infected plants. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-The-Bible-In-a-Year | How to Read The Bible In a Year | To read the Bible in a year, set aside 20 to 30 minutes each day for reading. Alternatively, divide the number of pages in your issue of the Bible by 365, then read that number of pages each day. Alternatively, consider listening to an audio version of the Bible. If you find it challenging to read by yourself, consider joining a reading group to help you stay focused and boost your comprehension. | Time yourself. To get through a long text without losing focus, try reading your bible for a regular amount of time every day. You might read for twenty minutes to an hour, depending on your reading speed and attention span. If there is a time of your day when you can count on having a certain amount of quiet time, read then. Keep a calendar and track your progress. Tick a box every day you do your reading. If you have an average reading speed and you read for about ten minutes a day for a year, you should finish with time to spare. To be able to take off some days and spend extra time on dense passages, try reading for at least twenty minutes at a time. Count your pages. Take the number of pages in your edition of the Bible, and divide it by 365. Then, read that number of pages every day. For example, if your edition of the Bible has 1,760 pages, that's 4.8 pages a day. Round up and read 5 pages a day. Check your progress every month to make sure you've made your monthly page count. If dividing your reading up by day doesn't work, because you have a changeable schedule, try setting weekly or monthly reading goals. Read with others. You might find it easier to meet your reading goals and boost your comprehension if you have company. Join an existing reading group, or form your own. If you attend a church, an interfaith organization, or a secular organization such as an anarchist free school, propose a reading group and decide on a pace, order, and meeting schedule that suits your group. Members of your group can read together in a room, or read separately and come together for monthly meetings. Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to read along with you. Even a long distance friend can be a good reading buddy—set reading goals together, and make a weekly discussion date online, in person, or over the phone. Take a class. Search online, or at your local community college, church, or free school, for Bible study classes. Taking a course that requires you to read the whole Bible will motivate you to read, while providing valuable historical context. Read in a way that commands your focus. Taking in a text is very different from skimming. Choose to read in a way that lets you really absorb the words in front of you. Reading aloud can help you retain what you read. Rereading can also be helpful. If you are a morning person, read in the morning. If you focus better at night, read then. If you find your mind wandering, try reading in sections. For instance, read for twenty minutes, stand up and have a glass of water, then read for another twenty. Listen to an audio Bible. If you have trouble comprehending reading, or would just like to hear the Bible while you do your daily chores or exercises, download a recording of someone reading it. If you search online, you can even find audiobooks that are designed to be listened to over an entire year. Even if you are also reading the Bible, you might consider listening as well. If you are reading one translation you might choose to listen to a different translation, for example. Sign up for an online Bible email service. You can sign up for a plan that emails you your daily readings. If you have trouble picking up a book regularly, but are very prompt with emails, you can motivate yourself by marking your Bible email "read" each day. Read with prayer. If you are reading for purposes of devotion, include your reading in your daily faith routine. Pray before or after you read. Read purposefully, as if you were praying. Ask for guidance in your reading. Read with a question in mind, or read blindly and allow your mind to absorb the wisdom of the words. Read the Bible from start to finish. Pick up your Bible as if it were a novel, and read it from Genesis to Revelations. This choice might be good for you if you believe in "canonical order," an order ordained by God. It might also be a good choice if looking up verse numbers or chapters slows you down. In that case, ignore the numbers and start reading from the first page. You can even purchase versions of the Bible that contains no verse numbers, if you choose. Read in chronological order. You can read the Bible in the order in which its events occurred. Look online for reading plans that lay out the order of events in the Bible. If you read chronologically, you will break up the different books. For example, you will find yourself switching to the Book of Job in the middle of reading Genesis, because Job lived during the time covered in Genesis. Read in historical order. Read the books of the Bible according to estimates of when they were written. If you are interested in tracking the ways different writers of the Bible responded to, and revised, one another's thinking, you might choose to read in this order. Find lists of estimated dates online. Read every day, beginning in January. One method of reading the Bible is to do it every day, beginning in January. If you would like to begin in another month, adjust your schedule accordingly. Read Genesis and Exodus in January. Genesis and Exodus are part of the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the Bible) and are known as books of the law because they provide laws and instructions for the people of Israel. Read 3 chapters each day. At this rate, you will complete the book of Genesis on Jan. 17 and the book of Exodus on Jan. 31. If you would like to use this schedule but do not plan to begin in January, adjust your monthly plan accordingly. Read Leviticus and Numbers in February, and start the book of Deuteronomy. The readings this month focus on the books of the law. Continue to read an average of 3 chapters each day. Chapter length varies. Read 4 chapters on Feb. 1; 3 chapters each day from Feb. 2-4; 2 chapters on Feb. 5; 3 chapters each day from Feb. 6-7; 2 chapters each day from Feb. 8-13; and 1 chapter on Feb. 14. Read 3 chapters each day from Feb. 15-16; 2 chapters each day from Feb. 17-18; 3 chapters on Feb. 19; 2 chapters on Feb. 20; 3 chapters on Feb. 21; 2 chapters on Feb. 22; 3 chapters on Feb. 23; and 2 chapters each day from Feb. 24-28. Using this reading plan, you will complete Leviticus on Feb. 10 and will finish Numbers on Feb. 26. On the last day of February, you will have completed Deuteronomy 4 (the fourth chapter of Deuteronomy). Read the rest of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth and part of 1 Samuel in March. The book of Deuteronomy will conclude the books of the law. The other books for this month are considered historical books, which share the history of God's people in the Old Testament. Start with chapter 5 of Deuteronomy. Read 3 chapters each day from March 1-4. Read 4 chapters on March 5; 3 chapters on March 6; 4 chapters on March 7; 2 chapters each day from March 8-9 and 3 chapters on March 10. Read 4 chapters each day from March 11-12; 3 chapters on March 13 and 4 chapters on March 14; 3 chapters each day from March 15-17; 2 chapters on March 18; 3 chapters on March 19; 2 chapters each day from March 20-21. Read 3 chapters each day from March 22-25; 4 chapters on March 26; 3 chapters on March 27; 5 chapters on March 28; 4 chapters on March 29; 2 chapters on March 30; and 3 chapters on March 31. If you follow this plan, you will complete Deuteronomy on March 10, Joshua on March 17, Judges on March 25 and Ruth on March 26. You also will complete the first 17 chapters of 1 Samuel, which is more than halfway through the book. Complete 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings in April. These books are classified as historical Old Testament books. Read 3 chapters on April 1, beginning with 1 Samuel 18. Read 4 chapters on April 2; 3 chapters on April 3; 4 chapters on April 4; 3 chapters on April 5; 4 chapters on April 6; 5 chapters on April 7 and 3 chapters each day from April 8-11. Read 2 chapters on April 12; 3 chapters on April 13; 2 chapters each day from April 14-16; 3 chapters each day from April 17-19 and 2 chapters on April 20. Read 3 chapters on April 21; 2 chapters on April 22; 3 chapters each day from April 23-26; 2 chapters on April 27; 3 chapters each day from April 28-29; and 2 chapters on April 30. By following this plan, you will complete 1 Samuel on April 4, 2 Samuel on April 11, 1 Kings on April 20 and 2 Kings on April 29. On the last day of the month, you will begin the book of 1 Chronicles. Read 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther in May. These books conclude the historical books of the Old Testament. Begin the May reading with the third chapter of 1 Chronicles. Read 3 chapters on May 1; 1 chapter on May 2; 2 chapters on May 3; 3 chapters each day from May 4-6; 4 chapters on May 7 and 3 chapters each day from May 8-10. Read 4 chapters on May 11; 3 chapters on May 12; 4 chapters on May 13; 5 chapters on May 14; 3 chapters on May 15; 4 chapters on May 16; 3 chapters on May 17; 4 chapters on May 18; 3 chapters on May 19 and 2 chapters on May 20. Read 3 chapters on May 21; 4 chapters on May 22; 3 chapters each day from May 23-25; 1 chapter on May 26; 2 chapters each day from May 27-29; and 5 chapters each day from May 30-31. This reading plan will enable you to finish 1 Chronicles on May 10, 2 Chronicles on May 20, Ezra on May 23, Nehemiah on May 29 and Esther on May 31. Read Job and part of Psalm in June. These books are classified as poetic books of the Old Testament. Start with chapter 1 in the book of Job. Read 4 chapters on June 1; 3 chapters each day from June 2-5; 4 chapters on June 6; 3 chapters on June 7; 5 chapters on June 8 and 3 chapters each day from June 9-11. Read 2 chapters on June 12; 3 chapters on June 13; 8 chapters each day from June 14-15; 4 chapters on June 16; 5 chapters on June 17; 6 chapters on June 18 and 4 chapters each day from June 19-20. Read 6 chapters on June 21; 5 chapters on June 22; 7 chapters on June 23; 8 chapters on June 24; 4 chapters each day from June 25-27; 2 chapters on June 28; 6 chapters on June 29; and 4 chapters on June 30. With this reading plan, you will complete the book of Job on June 13 and get more than halfway through the book of Psalm. Read Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and part of Isaiah in July. Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon are considered poetic books of the Old Testament. Begin with Psalm 90. Read 6 chapters on July 1; 7 chapters on July 2; 3 chapters on July 3; 2 chapters on July 4; 7 chapters on July 5; 4 chapters on July 6; 1 chapter split between July 7- 8 (this is Psalm 119, which is a long chapter); 13 chapters on July 9 and 7 chapters on July 10. Read 6 chapters on July 11; 5 chapters on July 12; 3 chapters each day from July 13-19 and 2 chapters on July 20. Read 3 chapters each day from July 21-22; 2 chapters on July 23; 4 chapters each day from July 24-26; 8 chapters on July 27; and 4 chapters each day from July 28-31. Using this reading schedule, you will finish Psalm on July 12, Proverbs on July 23, Ecclesiastes on July 26 and Song of Solomon on July 27. The last 4 days of the month will be spent reading the first 17 chapters of Isaiah. Complete the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Lamentations during August. These books are classified as Major Prophets, and share the stories and warnings from the prophets of Israel. Begin the August reading with Isaiah 18. Read 5 chapters each day from Aug. 1-2; 3 chapters on Aug. 3; 5 chapters on Aug. 4; 6 chapters on Aug. 5; 3 chapters on Aug. 6 and 5 chapters each day from Aug. 7-10. Read 3 chapters each day from Aug. 11-14; 4 chapters each day from Aug. 15-16; 5 chapters on Aug. 17; 3 chapters on Aug. 18; 4 chapters on Aug. 19 and 2 chapters on Aug. 20. Read 3 chapters each day from Aug. 21-22; 4 chapters each day from Aug. 23-24; 3 chapters on Aug. 25; 2 chapters each day from Aug. 26-27; 3 chapters on Aug. 28; 2 chapters on Aug. 29; and 4 chapters each day from Aug. 30-31. With this reading plan, you will complete Isaiah on Aug. 11, Jeremiah on Aug. 27 and Lamentations on Aug. 29. During the last 2 days of the month, you will begin the book of Ezekiel. Read Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai and Zechariah in September. The books of Ezekiel and Daniel are considered Major Prophet writings, while the remainder of the books for this month are classified as Minor Prophet writings. The reading plan may appear to be a lot of material for one month, but many of the books are short, with only a few chapters each. Start with chapter 9 in the book of Ezekiel. Read 4 chapters on Sept. 1; 3 chapters on Sept. 2; 2 chapters on Sept. 3; 3 chapters on Sept. 4; 2 chapters each day from Sept. 5-6 and 3 chapters each day from Sept. 7-18. Read 7 chapters on Sept. 19-20; 3 chapters on Sept. 21; 5 chapters on Sept. 22; 4 chapters on Sept. 23; 5 chapters on Sept. 24; 7 chapters on Sept. 25; 3 chapters on Sept. 26; 6 chapters on Sept. 27; 2 chapters on Sept. 28; and 7 chapters each day from Sept. 29-30. This reading plan enables you to finish Ezekiel on Sept. 14, Daniel on Sept. 18, Hosea on Sept. 20, Joel on Sept. 21, Amos on Sept. 23, Obadiah and Jonah on Sept. 24, Micah on Sept. 25, Nahum on Sept. 26, Habakkuk and Zephaniah on Sept. 27, Haggai on Sept. 28 and Zechariah on Sept. 30. Read Malachi, Matthew, Mark and most of Luke in October. Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, so you will complete the Old Testament and begin the New Testament if you follow the reading plan this month. You also will begin the chapters known as the gospels in the New Testament. Begin with Malachi 1. Read 4 chapters each day from Oct. 1-2; 2 chapters each day from Oct. 3-7; 3 chapters on Oct. 8; 2 chapters each day from Oct. 9-12; 1 chapter on Oct. 13; 2 chapters on Oct. 14 and 3 chapters on Oct. 15. Read 2 chapters each day from Oct. 16-20; 1 chapter on Oct. 21; 2 chapters on Oct. 22; 1 chapter on Oct. 23; 2 chapters each day from Oct. 24-29; 3 chapters on Oct. 30; and 2 chapters on Oct. 31. If you stick to this reading plan, you will complete Malachi on Oct. 1, Matthew on Oct 14 and Mark on Oct. 22. Complete Luke, John, Acts and Romans and begin 1 Corinthians in November. During this month, you will finish the gospels and learn about New Testament history through the book of Acts. You also will begin the epistles, which are letters written to specific communities. Start this month's reading with Luke 19. Read 2 chapters each day from Nov. 1-9; 3 chapters each day from Nov. 10-15. Read 2 chapters on Nov. 16; 3 chapters on Nov. 17; 2 chapters each day from Nov. 18-19; 3 chapters each day from Nov. 20-24; 4 chapters on Nov. 25; 3 chapters each day from Nov. 26-28; and 4 chapters each day from Nov. 29-30. Using this reading schedule, you will complete Luke on Nov. 3, John on Nov. 12, Acts on Nov. 23 and Romans on Nov. 28. Finish the Bible in December. The books for this month include 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude and Revelation. These books are categorized as epistles, except for Revelation, which is typically considered a book of prophecy. This month's reading assignment may appear lengthy based on the number of books, but many of the books are short and some contain only one chapter. Begin with 1 Corinthians 9. Read 3 chapters each day from Dec. 1-2; 2 chapters on Dec. 3; 4 chapters on Dec. 4; 5 chapters on Dec. 5; 4 chapters on Dec. 6 and 3 chapters each day from Dec. 7-10. Read 4 chapters on Dec. 11; 4 chapters on Dec. 12; 5 chapters on Dec. 13; 3 chapters on Dec. 14; 6 chapters on Dec. 15; 4 chapters each day from Dec. 16-17; 6 chapters on Dec. 18; 4 chapters on Dec. 19 and 3 chapters on Dec. 20. Read 5 chapters on Dec. 21; 5 chapters on Dec. 22; 3 chapters on Dec. 23; 5 chapters on Dec. 24; 3 chapters on Dec. 25; 3 chapters on Dec. 26; 5 chapters on Dec. 27; 4 chapters each day from Dec. 28-29; and 3 chapters each day from Dec. 30-31. Using this reading plan, you will finish 1 Corinthians on Dec. 3, 2 Corinthians on Dec. 6, Galatians on Dec. 8, Ephesians on Dec. 10, Philippians on Dec. 11, Colossians on Dec. 12, 1 Thessalonians on Dec. 13, 2 Thessalonians on Dec. 14, 1 Timothy on Dec. 15, 2 Timothy on Dec. 16, Titus and Philemon on Dec. 17, Hebrews on Dec. 20, James on Dec. 21, 1 Peter on Dec. 22, 2 Peter on Dec. 23, 1 John on Dec. 24, 2 John, 3 John and Jude on Dec. 25, and Revelation on Dec. 31. Most importantly, you will have completed the entire Bible from beginning to end in one year. | Time yourself. Count your pages. Read with others. Read in a way that commands your focus. Listen to an audio Bible. Sign up for an online Bible email service. Read with prayer. Read the Bible from start to finish. Read in chronological order. Read in historical order. Read every day, beginning in January. Read Genesis and Exodus in January. Read Leviticus and Numbers in February, and start the book of Deuteronomy. Read the rest of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth and part of 1 Samuel in March. Complete 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings and 2 Kings in April. Read 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther in May. Read Job and part of Psalm in June. Read Psalm, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon and part of Isaiah in July. Complete the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Lamentations during August. Read Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai and Zechariah in September. Read Malachi, Matthew, Mark and most of Luke in October. Complete Luke, John, Acts and Romans and begin 1 Corinthians in November. Finish the Bible in December. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Impress-a-Girl-in-Class-Without-Talking-to-Her | How to Impress a Girl in Class Without Talking to Her | To impress a girl in your class without talking to her, speak up when you have something positive to share, so she'll notice you and see that you have a good attitude. For example, compliment great ideas that come up in class and remember to thank people who help you. At the same time, avoid acting like a show-off by answering too many questions or being sarcastic, since this could end up making a bad impression. If you have some space, you could also try stretching your arms in the air or extending one arm over an empty chair to grab her attention. As a result, she'll see you as both comfortable and confident, which will attract her to you even more. | Be the center of attention. Getting a girl's attention and making an impression is much easier to do when you've surrounded yourself with others. If she sees you as being the center of attention, she may become curious about you, wondering what draws people to you. Try surrounding yourself with friends and getting along with those around you to catch her interest. Try meeting with your friends just before or after the class starts. Be somewhere in the class that she can see you and how well you are engaging with your friends. You might try walking into the class with your friends while you are telling a great story. Treat others well. If you want to make a good impression, it's always a good idea to treat others around you well. Chances are, if a girl is interested in you, she will be judging how you treat other people to get an idea of how you might treat her. Make it a point to show your character by supporting those around you in class. Try complimenting good ideas that come up in class. Avoid saying anything negative or sarcastic to others. Remember to thank others who help you during class. Always speak supportively and kindly to those around you to help make a good impression. Stay active during class. If you want to get the attention of the girl you like, you will need to make yourself stand out during class. Sitting quietly and taking notes won't get anyone's attention. It's important to engage the instructor and answer or ask questions to help you stand out and make an impression. Try not to be a show off during class. Answering too many questions might make a bad impression. Make sure your questions are actually aimed at furthering the topic under discussion. Don't make inappropriate jokes during the class. Establish your space. Women are generally attracted to men who appear more dominant and confident. To show how confident you are, you can try to establish your space whenever you are around a girl you like. Simply taking up whatever space you need can be a good way to get her attention. When you sit down, feel free to relax and take up whatever space you'd like. For example, you might try extending your arm over an empty chair that you are sitting next to. Stretching your arms up into the air can be a good idea. Try to avoid being too aggressive or obnoxious. Make yourself comfortable, but not if it means making others uncomfortable. Have fun. There are few things more attractive than a person who is happy, joyful, and having fun. Whenever you are near a girl that you like and with some friends, it can be a good idea to be open about how much fun you are having. People are naturally interested in sharing in good times with others. Enjoying yourself can be a simple and easy way to make an impression. Talk about an exciting idea or project you and friend are working on. Let your enthusiasm show to help catch her attention. Try sharing a joke with your friends before class starts. Make sure you say it loud enough so she can hear it. Talk with your friends about something exciting you have planned, such as going to a concert or going on a trip. Think about what she might like. Even though you haven't spoken with the girl you are interested in, you might still learn a few things that she is interested in. Knowing what she likes can help you steer your conversations and actions in a direction that can make an impression. You may have noticed that she was reading a book about a certain artist. You can try asking a question about that artist during your art class to show your interest. Maybe she carries a backpack with her favorite band on it. You might try bringing up that band's genre during a music history course. Try talking about something you know she likes with your friends during class. Make eye contact. Making eye contact is a great way to show you're interested in a girl and to judge her interest. Whenever you feel it's appropriate, try meeting her gaze for a moment. However, don't stare too long as this may make her uncomfortable. Try to meet her eyes for as long as you feel is appropriate to get her attention. Remember to wear a friendly look on your face, offering a smile. Try not to glance away quickly as this might make you seem un-confident or nervous. Get her attention with a fun gesture. If you've caught her gaze for a few moments, you might want to make a playful gesture. This can be something simple such as making a silly face or sticking your tongue out. Playing around like this can demonstrate your confidence and interest to her. Smile. It's important that you feel and represent yourself as being friendly, open, and approachable. You want to convey that you are confident, comfortable, and have a kind personality. Use your smile to break the ice and make a good impression on the girl that you like. Don't force your smile. Let your genuine happiness show through. Don't put on a big grin or smile too long. This can cause you too look disingenuous or strange. Dress well. Your appearance makes an impression on everyone you meet. This rule applies to any girl that you want to impress. You don't have to wear a suit to make an impression, but you will have to wear clean and sensible outfits. Try evaluating what your clothes say about you to judge if you are making a good impression. Make sure your clothes are clean when you wear them. Check to make sure your clothes fit well. Clothes that are too big or small may give you an odd appearance. Make sure your clothes match or present an image that you think is appropriate. Practice good hygiene. A huge part of impressing a girl you like is by practicing good personal hygiene. Chances are, if your hygiene is lacking, you may actually make the wrong impression when being around the girl that has your interest. Keep some of these basic hygiene tips in mind to help you make a good impression: Take a shower everyday. Wear deodorant. Brush your teeth at least once a day. Keep your fingernails trimmed. Watch your body language. Your body language says a lot, without you ever having to speak a word. Take a careful look at your body language when you are near the girl you like. Make sure to keep these tips in mind when you are trying to say the right thing with your body language: Don't hunch your shoulders down or forward. Have them naturally pushed back. Stand up straight at all times, keeping your head up. Avoid slouching whenever sitting down. Keep your body open. If you are nervous or guarded when you are near a girl you like, you're body language might demonstrate those feelings. Any kind of “closed off” body language will prevent people from approaching you. Taking an open and relaxed stance when standing or sitting can help show your confidence and send the message that you are open to interacting with her. Keep some of these tips in mind when trying to maintain open body language. Make sure you stand so that you are directly facing her. Keep your arms down, at your sides. Avoid crossing your arms or otherwise blocking the other person off. | Be the center of attention. Treat others well. Stay active during class. Establish your space. Have fun. Think about what she might like. Make eye contact. Get her attention with a fun gesture. Smile. Dress well. Practice good hygiene. Watch your body language. Keep your body open. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Mastitis | How to Prevent Mastitis | To prevent mastitis, try to keep a regular feeding schedule, since mastitis can develop when your breasts are too full of milk. Additionally, alternate which breast you offer at each feeding to prevent to prevent a build-up of milk in one breast. You should also avoid giving your baby a bottle between feedings as this will reduce its appetite and cause it to leave milk in your breast. Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothes, and avoid wearing bras if possible to reduce the pressure on your milk ducts. | Learn about how to breastfeed from a healthcare professional. Mastitis can develop at any point during the nursing process, but many women who experience it in the first four weeks of nursing, when their breasts are still very engorged. It occurs more often in first-time mothers who are new to breastfeeding. Speak to your physician or midwife about how to breastfeed properly so you can prevent mastitis. At the beginning of your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will likely provide you with handouts and information booklets preparing you for pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and the first few weeks with your new baby. If she doesn't offer these materials to you, ask for them. After the baby is born, don't hesitate to talk to a medical professional if you need help learning to breastfeed. It's important that you start your time as a mother by learning how to breastfeed properly to ensure your baby gets the nutrients she needs and to prevent mastitis. Maintain a breastfeeding schedule. Having consistent feeding times will prevent your breasts from becoming too full of milk. A full breast can lead to engorgement, which can lead to an episode of mastitis. You should breastfeed every one to three hours, or whenever your baby is hungry. If you know you're going to have to miss a feeding, pump your milk to empty your breasts at the scheduled time for the feeding. If your breasts feel full before the regularly scheduled feeding time, it's important to empty them. If milk sits in your breasts, it will thicken, impeding flow and possibly lead to mastitis. You don't have to wait for your baby to tell you it is feeding time. Your baby will more likely than not nurse a little when offered the breast. Don't be afraid to wake your baby if you have to. It is better to interrupt baby's sleep and drain the breast than to put yourself at risk of developing mastitis. Allow your baby to nurse for as long as necessary to empty your breasts of milk. All babies have different nursing needs and all mothers have different milk supplies. Some babies will drain a breast entirely in 10 minutes while others can suckle for up to 30 minutes on each breast. Get to know your baby's nursing needs and allow him the time he needs to empty your breasts completely. Do not put a time limit on how long you allow your baby to nurse. It's important to spend the amount of time it takes to completely drain your breasts of milk during each feeding. Most babies will release the breast when they are finished feeding, so do not remove your breast before your baby finishes. Begin each nursing session with the opposite breast. If you offered the left breast first during the previous feeding, offer the right breast first for the next feeding. Rotating between the two breasts reduces your chances of getting mastitis. Sometimes it can be confusing to remember which breast you left off with. Some mothers find it helpful to wear a “nursing bracelet” on the wrist of the breast they offered first. You can buy nursing bracelets at maternity stores, or use a bracelet you already own as your “nursing bracelet.” Make sure your baby is latching on correctly to your breast. Improper latching can affect the nipple and interfere with the proper flow of milk. Check through your resources for information on proper latching techniques. If your baby is having difficulty latching on, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant. In order to latch correctly, your baby should be positioned upright, with her chest to your chest. You can raise your breast with your hand while you feed to help encourage the milk to flow to your baby. You can also massage your breast gently before allowing baby to latch on to help the milk flow downward. If your areolas are flat, massage your nipples to help them stand out so your baby can latch onto them correctly. Switch positions for each feeding session. Experiment with different feeding positions and incorporate pillows into the feeding session for comfort and ease of nursing. This also helps to ensure your breasts are fully drained at the end of each feeding. Choose positions that allow the milk to flow downward to your baby. For example, you can try feeding while lying on your left side to help prevent blockage on the right side of either breast. You can also try feeding on all fours by kneeling over your baby. Avoid giving bottles to your baby in-between feedings. You want to empty the breasts as much as possible to prevent mastitis, so do not give your baby bottles between feedings as this will lessen his appetite at feeding time. As well, offering a bottle may cause nipple confusion as your baby tries to transition back and forth between the two types of nipples. If you give your baby a bottle between feedings, he may come to prefer sucking from a bottle, because the milk flows much faster. He may also reject your breast or have difficulty sucking from your breast. Get at least eight hours of sleep. As a new mother, you will likely be overwhelmed with the care required for your new baby. In addition to taking care of your baby's needs, it's important that you also meet your own needs and get lots of rest. If you are feeling overly tired, ask your partner to watch the baby and take a quick 10-minute break so you can take a rest and relax. Stress and lack of sleep can contribute to a low immunity to infections and lead to the development of mastitis. When sleeping at night, try to sleep on your back to avoid putting pressure on your breasts and do not wear a bra to bed. This can place pressure on sensitive milk ducts, which can cause them to become inflamed. If inflammation occurs, the milk ducts can become clogged, which can then lead to mastitis. If you like to sleep on your side, use a body pillow to help you get into a comfortable position that doesn't put pressure on your breasts. Avoid wearing tight-fitting tops or bras throughout the day. Go braless as often as possible to avoid added pressure on the milk ducts. Wear loose, comfortable clothing so you don't put pressure on your breasts. If you do wear a nursing bra, it should be properly fitted to your body. You should be able to lean forward when putting on the bra so your entire breast falls in the bra cup. There should be no breast tissue punched at the edges of the cup or bra. You should avoid wearing other constricting clothing like tight bathing suits, breast pads, and placing heavy shoulder purses or diaper bags across your chest. Take care of cracked nipples. It's very common for your nipples to crack while you're nursing, and cracked nipples provide an entryway for bacteria to get in and cause mastitis. Prevent cracked nipples by doing the following: Let your nipples air dry after feedings. This is better for them than toweling them dry or washing them off each time, which can be drying. Rub your nipples with a lanolin cream. Look for a natural, alcohol-free cream that you can use to treat dry, sore nipples. Note if you develop flu-like symptoms or feel ill and run down. Many mothers with mastitis start to feel like they have the flu, with symptoms like a high fever, body aches, chills, and exhaustion. This is the is the most common presentation for mastitis. Take your temperature if you are feeling ill and think you may have mastitis. A temperature above 101 °Fahrenheit (38.3 °C) can be an indication that you have mastitis. Check your breasts for inflammation, redness, or swelling. These symptoms often occur when a milk duct is clogged prior to the development of mastitis. Detecting these symptoms early can help you take steps to treat the problem before full blown mastitis develops. The skin of your breasts may also appear shiny and have red streaks or red wedge shaped marks. Your breasts may also feel tender and warm to the touch and it may feel painful when you try to breastfeed. Mastitis usually occurs in the first few weeks of breastfeeding, though it can occur any time during breast feeding. Keep in mind mastitis tends to affect only one breast. See a doctor if your symptoms do not improve. If your breasts are not improving, you continue to have a high temperature or you are feeling more ill as time passes, chances are you are dealing with a mastitis infection and should seek immediate medical care. If the doctor determines that the mastitis is the result of an infection, she may prescribe a round of antibiotics. Mastitis can turn into an abscess which is very difficult to treat and may involve disfiguring surgery, so it is important to see the doctor as soon as you feel like mastitis is developing. Keep breastfeeding. You will need to continue breastfeeding, even if you have an infection. You will not pass the infection to the baby. Not breastfeeding when you have mastitis can make the infection worse. Talk with your doctor about ways to minimize the pain. | Learn about how to breastfeed from a healthcare professional. Maintain a breastfeeding schedule. Allow your baby to nurse for as long as necessary to empty your breasts of milk. Begin each nursing session with the opposite breast. Make sure your baby is latching on correctly to your breast. Switch positions for each feeding session. Avoid giving bottles to your baby in-between feedings. Get at least eight hours of sleep. Avoid wearing tight-fitting tops or bras throughout the day. Take care of cracked nipples. Note if you develop flu-like symptoms or feel ill and run down. Check your breasts for inflammation, redness, or swelling. See a doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Keep breastfeeding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Your-Trading-Cards | How to Organize Your Trading Cards | There are a few different ways to organize your trading cards and keep track of them. Put your collection in a card binder or a box with partitions. Then, decide how you'll organize your cards so you can find them easily. For cards you battle with, like Pokemon and Yu-gi-oh, categorize them by type or rareness. For sports cards, separate them by team, player position, or year. If you want to buy more cards, leave space for your missing cards in each section. Once you've categorized your cards into their sections, label each section with a marker or stickers to make it clear. | Get a binder or box. Most card collectors use binders to keep their cards. A binder offers safety and an accessible showcase if you want to show your cards off to someone. You should prepare to buy a high-quality binder that's appropriate for displaying such high-value items. Boxes, on the other hand, offer more safety, but don't have the same readymade presentation. If you get a box, index card dividers will act as a trusty partition between categories. Each of these index partitions will help you categorize the cards within each box. Sticky tabs may be used to the same effect in binders. If your cards are too valuable to be worth storing in basic binders, it may be worth it to buy high-protection plastic sleeves for each of the cards. This will reduce smudging and tear risks. Toploaders are recommended for the most hardcore, high-value collectors. Depending on the size of your collection, you may need multiple binders and boxes. If this is the case, you should try to turn each binder/box into a broad category. Choose a organization method. Depending on the type of trading cards you're using, it's a good idea to figure out early on how you're going to sort your cards. Most card brands offer prescribed categories. You may choose to follow these categories if you want. Otherwise, you can order them numerically (if applicable) or alphabetically. A numerical or alphabetical ordering system can be used within each category as well. Sports cards might be categorized by player type, team, year, set and the sport itself. Some collector choose to specialize in specific teams. Collecting all of the cards in a given team will increase your collection's value. Pokemon cards might be categorized by the particular card type or its rareness. Other "character" cards may be sorted according to the unique categories of that given product. For duplicate cards, you can place them side by side. For less valuable cards in binders, a common trick is to make the cards share the same sleeve. It is helpful to make a note somewhere that the duplicate exists, as it won't be readily visible from the start. Sort by your chosen category. Before you put the cards into a binder, it's a good idea to sort them out first. Place each card in its assigned pile. Keep a healthy distance of space between certain piles. If you are dealing with enough cards, the piles may get big enough to the point where separate piles eventually merge. Label your sections. Once you have your card piles sorted out, it's time to list the categories listed in your box or binder. With a permanent marker, neatly list the category on a tab and place it at the beginning of a given category. It helps to have all of your categories planned out before you get to this stage. That way, you can allot enough space to each section in your storage. Though it may seem obvious, you should make a point of marking the box or binder itself. If you're storing them in your attic, they can get lost amidst a number of other things. There's a tendency for collectors to scribble the categories. While you obviously don't need to make the lettering perfect, it is a good idea to ensure the writing is legible for anyone who might see it. Furthermore, giving your lettering some creative flair might add to the aesthetic value of your collection. It's a good idea to count out the number of cards in each category before marking your sections. That way, you can give each category ample space in your binder. Put the cards in their place. Organizing a collection should be relaxing, and won't require all of your attention. Put on a show or listen to music while you arrange the cards by type. This will make your time feel more worthwhile. Make a point of placing the cards in carefully. If your cards have a monetary worth associated with them, the slightest crease or tear could ruin their value. Leave room for missing cards. The vast majority of card collections are constantly growing. If you're a passionate collector, you'll always be on the lookout for new additions. With this in mind, it's good to organize your binder with future finds in mind. Leave some extra space at the end of each category to accommodate for this. If you're ordering within each category itself, you can save yourself organizing in the future by taking account of the cards you still need. If there's a limited amount needed to complete a collection, leave an open space where that card will eventually go. This also gives you a visual reference as to how complete your collection currently is. If your collection expands beyond the capacity of your given storage, it may be time to reorganize the collection. Luckily, with your cards already in their proper categories, reorganizing will only take a fraction of the original time it took to get things together. Find a safe place to store your cards. Trading card collections can be very valuable, both emotionally and financially. With that in mind, finding a spot where they'll be safe and untouched is paramount. A temperate basement or attic is a good place to store basic hobby cards for the long-term. More valuable cards should be kept somewhere heat and moisture controlled, like an office. Renting out a moisture-regulated lockup to keep your cards in is recommended if they're sufficiently valuable. If you want quick access to your collection, a filing cabinet is a good idea. Binders are more frail than boxes, and should be placed in a storage box if you're storing them for a long time. Make sure your basement or attic is free from excess issues like heat or moisture. If this is the case, you should store it somewhere more temperate, such as a bedroom closet. If you have to store your cards in a damp or hot area, you should invest in rigid snap-cases. This will protect your cards from most of the environmental issues. They can run up a cost if you need enough of them, but they're worth it if your cards are sufficiently valuable. If your collection carries some significant monetary weight, it's not unreasonable to lock it up in a safe. Make a spreadsheet. A spreadsheet will give you quick fingertip access to your cards and a way to automatically catalogue what you have. While a digital representation of your card collection may be redundant for smaller collections, it becomes increasingly useful once your collection crosses over into needing multiple boxes or binders. Make sure to include the essential card data, including the name, category, and estimated monetary value. Sports cards will indicate the maker of the card, the year, sport, player name, number, condition and whether or not the card itself is signed. Other card systems (such as "character" cards) should be catalogued according to each of that brands specific properties. There are software programs specifically designed for card-collecting. If a spreadsheet is too impersonal for your needs, you should look up a card organizing program. Number your cards. Although it's not recommended that you draw numbers on the cards themselves, it can be useful to associate a given card with a corresponding number. This offers a shorthand method of referring to certain cards. Again, this is a card-keeping method that only really makes sense if your collection gets really big. Keep track of your card values. Trading cards can have enormous monetary value. A lot of things factor into a card's market worth, including condition, rarity, desirability and historical significance. If you aren't sure of the values themselves, you can show them to trading card specialist. For a fee, a specialist will appraise the condition and rarity of a card and give you a rough estimate of its worth on the market. Set aside duplicates and tradables. An avid collector will inevitably run into plenty of duplicates. Having more than one card isn't usually seen as a particularly desirable, but a card copy can come in handy if you're trading with other collectors. With this in mind, it's a good idea to set aside the cards you want to trade. At a convention, you may run into another collector that has a card you want. By trading your duplicates for cards you want, you'll be able to get a solid use out of them. Organize your collection as early as possible. The longer you let your collection grow unchecked, the more harrowing it will be to ultimately get it in order. If you're starting out with a trading card collection, it's never too early to start sorting them out by type. As time goes on, your categories will get more elaborate. However, even a basic set of 5-10 cards can be arranged in a way that makes logical sense. | Get a binder or box. Choose a organization method. Sort by your chosen category. Label your sections. Put the cards in their place. Leave room for missing cards. Find a safe place to store your cards. Make a spreadsheet. Number your cards. Keep track of your card values. Set aside duplicates and tradables. Organize your collection as early as possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Printer-Without-the-Installation-Disk | How to Install a Printer Without the Installation Disk | If you need to install a printer without an installation disk, you can use a USB cable. If you're using a Windows computer, first, plug the printer's USB cable into your computer's USB port, which should be on the side of your computer if you have a laptop or on the front of your computer tower. Press the power button on the printer to turn it on. Then, click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen to open the Start menu. Type “Printers and Scanners” into Start, then click on the top result. Next, click “Add a printer or scanner,” which should open the printer installation window. Click on your printer, or, if the name of your printer doesn't appear, click the “the printer that I want isn't listed” link to add it manually. Then, simply follow the on-screen installation steps. | Plug the printer's USB cable into your computer. It should fit into one of the USB ports on the side of your computer (laptop) or on the back or front of the CPU box (desktop). If your printer doesn't have a USB cable, you may have to buy one for your printer before continuing. Look up the printer's model number followed by "USB cable". If there isn't a USB cable available for your printer, you'll need to install the software manually instead. Turn on the printer. Press the printer's {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png\/30px-Windowspower.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} On button to turn on the printer. Be sure to wait for a minute or so after doing this before proceeding. If plugging the printer into your computer doesn't prompt the installation process to start, continue with this method. Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. The Start menu will open. Type printers & scanners into Start. Doing so will search for the Printers & Scanners section on your computer. Click Printers & scanners. You'll see this at the top of the Start window. Click Add a printer or scanner. It's at the top of the Printers & Scanners window. Click your printer's name. It should be in the Add a printer or scanner window. Doing so will bring up the printer's installation window. Follow the on-screen installation steps. Each printer will have a distinct installation process. Once the installation process is complete, your printer should work. Ensure that your printer is compatible with Mac. Not all printers can run on a Mac's operating system. Before you spend hours trying to install a printer on your Mac, look up the printer's model name and number to see if it is compatible with your Mac. Make sure the printer is close to your computer. Most printers come with relatively short USB-to-printer cables that allow you to connect your printer to your Mac for direct communication between the printer and your computer. To attach this cable, your printer and computer must be close to each other. Make sure you have a USB adapter if needed. Most modern Mac computers don't have traditional USB ports—instead, they have smaller USB-C ports. If this is the case, you will need a USB-to-USB-C adapter from Apple to attach a USB cable to your Mac. Plug the printer's USB cable into your computer. It should fit into one of the USB ports on the side of your computer (laptop) or on the back of the iMac display (desktop). Turn on the printer. Press the printer's {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png\/30px-Windowspower.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} On button to turn on the printer. Click Install when prompted. Macs will automatically detect your printer and determine whether or not it needs to be updated; if you've never installed the printer on your Mac, you will receive the update prompt. Follow the on-screen prompts. Click through the printer's installation steps to install the latest software and drivers on your Mac. When the process is complete, you'll be able to use your printer. Consult your printer's manual. The manual may have a section with instructions specific to your printer model regarding what you can do to install your printer without the software. If this is the case, follow those instructions to find and download your printer's software. Go to the printer manufacturer's website. For example, you would go to http://www.hp.com/ for an HP printer. Some other popular printer manufacturer's websites are: Canon - https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support Epson - https://epson.com/ Brother - http://www.brother-usa.com/printer/ Click the Printers tab. Each manufacturer website will vary in appearance, so you may have to poke around for this option at the top of the page. Search for your printer model. Either scroll through available models, or type your printer model's name into a search bar if applicable. Look for a "Software" download link. You may have to re-enter your printer model in a search bar to find software here as well. Some websites place the Download Software link in very small text at the bottom of the page. Click the download link for your printer's software. Doing so should prompt the software to begin downloading to your computer. Wait for your printer's software to download. This can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. If prompted, select a save location first. if you're on Windows. Unzip the software's folder Simply double-click the folder, double-click the setup file, click OK when prompted, choose a location, and click Extract Here... to unzip the folder. Mac users can simply double-click the folder to open it. If your software downloaded in one unzipped setup file, skip this step. Double-click the software setup file. On Windows computers, you'll first have to open the new unzipped folder and then double-click the EXE file in it. Mac users can simply double-click the setup file (most likely a DMG file) to run it. If you're on a Mac running MacOS Sierra, you may need to verify the software before continuing. Follow the on-screen instructions. What you see after double-clicking the software setup file will vary depending on your operating system and your printer in general, so just follow the on-screen prompts until the installation is complete. Try to connect to your printer. If your printer has a USB cable, connect it to your computer to see if your computer now recognizes your printer. If the printer connects via Wi-Fi only, make sure that both the printer and your computer are connected to the Internet. You should now be able to access your printer. | Plug the printer's USB cable into your computer. Turn on the printer. Open Start . Type printers & scanners into Start. Click Printers & scanners. Click Add a printer or scanner. Click your printer's name. Follow the on-screen installation steps. Ensure that your printer is compatible with Mac. Make sure the printer is close to your computer. Make sure you have a USB adapter if needed. Plug the printer's USB cable into your computer. Turn on the printer. Click Install when prompted. Follow the on-screen prompts. Consult your printer's manual. Go to the printer manufacturer's website. Click the Printers tab. Search for your printer model. Look for a "Software" download link. Click the download link for your printer's software. Wait for your printer's software to download. if you're on Windows. Double-click the software setup file. Follow the on-screen instructions. Try to connect to your printer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Deer-Tick | How to Remove a Deer Tick | To remove a deer tick, start by using hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the area around the tick. Next, use a pair of pointy tweezers to grab the tick by the head as close to the skin as possible. Then, use a slow and steady motion to pull the tick out of the skin. Once the tick is out, rinse the area with clean water and use a disinfectant to reduce the chance of infection. Finally, dispose of the tick by squeezing it with the tweezers and submerging it in alcohol or flushing it down the toilet. | Use pointy tweezers. Household tweezers are too large and increase the chances of tearing the tick apart during removal, increasing the likelihood for the spread of Lyme disease or infection. If you do not have a pair of pointy tweezers, use a pair of household tweezers. They will work better than your fingers. Do not use pliers. This will squish the tick and increase the likelihood of infection. Disinfect the area where the tick is attached. Before you remove it, be sure to disinfect the tick and the area surrounding it. Soak a cotton swab with a disinfectant, such as hydrogen peroxide, and apply it to the area of the bite. Applying disinfectant before removing the tick creates a sterile area and helps prevent the spread of infectious disease. Grab the tick’s head. With your pointy tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. The tick's head is under your skin, and if it is agitated it will empty its stomach contents into your system. Therefore, the goal is to grab it by its head, and avoid squeezing the tick's body, which will cause bacteria in its gut to squirt into the wound and possibly spread infectious disease. Getting the tick by its head will close off its throat and prevent it from regurgitating the toxins in its system into yours. Use a slow and steady motion to pull the tick backwards out of the skin. Keep pulling straight back until the entire tick is out of the skin. Pulling too fast can cause the tick to tear, leaving the head of the tick still attached to the skin. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Although it is best to removal the entire tick at once, do not be too concerned if the head breaks off. As long as the tick's throat is closed, disease transmission will be limited. Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with clean water and use an over the counter disinfectant on the area to reduce the chances of an infection. Be sure to clean off any blood or other bodily fluids, especially around the wound. Use iodine or rubbing alcohol, as well as soap and water, to clean the wound. Do not rub too vigorously. This might irritate the bite area. Dispose of the tick. Make sure that the tick is dead by squeezing it with the tweezers. Submerge the tick in alcohol, place it in a tissue or a plastic bag, and put it in the garbage. You can also flush it down the toilet. Avoid squeezing the tick with your fingers. This will cause the infectious contents of its stomach to spill onto your fingers. Think about getting the tick tested. You may consider sending your tick to your state or local health departments for testing. This will tell you if the tick was carrying an infectious disease. However, these tests are generally not useful because they do not indicate if you are infected, just the tick. Also, if you are infected, you will probably develop symptoms before you get the tests results. Monitor the site where the tick was removed for signs of infection. If you see increased redness, pus oozing out, or feel pain, apply an antibiotic ointment or contact your doctor. It is important that you monitor your symptoms and keep an open for any complications. Write down the date you were bitten. This may help your doctor determine if you are experiencing symptoms of a tick borne illness. Place a drinking straw at a 45-degree angle over the tick. Make sure that the straw is big enough to encircle the tick but not so big that there is too much room around it. The straw will act as a guide for the knot you will use to grab the tick. Although you can perform this operation on yourself, depending on where the tick is located, it is best to have someone help you. If you, or someone else, are unable to remove the tick, have a doctor remove it safely. Tie a loose knot at the top or midsection of the straw. Using either thread or dental floss, create a loose knot on your straw. Do not make it so tight that you cannot move it on the straw or so loose that it does not grab onto anything. The goal is to have a knot that can move on the straw. Slide the knot down the straw to the tick. Once it has reached the tick, position the knot under the tick's belly. This will encircle the embedded head and mouth of the tick, making it easier to remove the entire insect. Avoid tying the knot around the tick's body. This will cause it to regurgitate its stomach contents into the wound. Slowly tighten the knot around the tick’s head. Gently and carefully pull the knot tighter. Pulling too forcefully or quickly may tear the tick. Your goal is to create a knot that closes off the tick's throat and prevents regurgitation. Remove the straw and pull the thread upward. Get the straw out of your way and begin pulling upwards on the tick with a steady motion. After a few moments, the tick will detach without spilling its stomach contents. Be sure to kill the tick and dispose of it. Find the nearest doctor’s office. If you are close to a clinical or hospital, you may want to have a doctor remove the tick using an intradermal blister. This procedure is great for cleanly removing a tick without pulling it from the skin and risking stomach regurgitation. The procedure is relatively quick and painless. However, it does involve needles, so it may not be perfect for those with needle phobias. Let the doctor inject Lidocaine into the skin under the tick. This is a medication used to numb tissue in a specific area. A Lidocaine filled blister will slowly begin to develop under the tick. Lidocaine is also referred to as Xylocaine. Watch the tick detach itself. Because the tick will find the Lidocaine unappealing, it will release its grip and remove itself from the bite on its own. Because it was not pulled from the wound, the tick will not have released its stomach contents into your body. Be sure to grab the tick before it runs off and finds a tastier spot on your body or attaches to someone else. Once the tick is gone, you can squeeze the Lidocaine out of the blister or let your body break it down on its own. | Use pointy tweezers. Disinfect the area where the tick is attached. Grab the tick’s head. Use a slow and steady motion to pull the tick backwards out of the skin. Clean the wound. Dispose of the tick. Think about getting the tick tested. Monitor the site where the tick was removed for signs of infection. Place a drinking straw at a 45-degree angle over the tick. Tie a loose knot at the top or midsection of the straw. Slide the knot down the straw to the tick. Slowly tighten the knot around the tick’s head. Remove the straw and pull the thread upward. Find the nearest doctor’s office. Let the doctor inject Lidocaine into the skin under the tick. Watch the tick detach itself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-to-Move-out-of-Your-Parents%27-House | How to Prepare to Move out of Your Parents' House | To prepare to move out of your parents' house, try to save up at least $500-800 to have in case of an emergency once you're living on your own. You should also budget for all of the living expenses you'll have, like rent, utilities, food, electricity, internet, and transportation. Then, once you have some money saved up, start looking online for a place to live and shopping for home supplies, like dishware, toiletries, bedding, and furniture. | Draw up a realistic monthly budget based on your income. Start by calculating how much you'll need for monthly essentials like rent, utilities, car payment, insurance, groceries, medical expenses, phone, transportation, and so on. Then, calculate how much you spend monthly on non-essentials like entertainment and new clothes. Add those numbers together and compare them to your monthly income. Can you easily cover those costs with your current income? If your monthly income isn't sufficient, you may need to get a second job or find a new job that pays more. In general, your monthly income should be about 3 times the cost of your monthly rent. If your monthly income covers expenses but you don't have any money leftover, you won't be ready for an unexpected expense or emergency. If possible, reduce some of your non-essential expenses. Don't forget to factor in expenses that are automatically debited each month. For example, streaming services (like Netflix and Hulu), Amazon Prime membership, gym membership, Spotify, and so on. If your budget is looking tight, you may need to cancel some of these. Work out a ballpark figure for moving expenses. Moving can be an expensive process and the amount of money you need for the first month will probably be significantly higher than your budgeted monthly average. Research everything ahead of time so you can start saving money for those expenses. For example, you may need to get a rental truck to transport your stuff, hire movers, or pay for a storage unit to hold your belongings for you. Set aside money for rent, security deposits, and utility setup. Many landlords expect a security deposit or ask for the first and last months' rent upfront, so you'll need to be prepared for that. If you have a pet, you may need to pay the landlord a pet deposit. Some basic utilities, like electricity, may charge connection fees to get them set up. Since you haven't moved out yet, you won't know exactly how much to save for utilities, rent, and deposits. Check out apartments to get an idea of rent and deposit costs and use that number. Estimate high to err on the side of caution. For utilities, you might ask your parents what they pay or call the utility company for an estimate. If you're planning to buy a house, save up enough money to make a significant down payment and cover at least the first month of a mortgage payment. Typically, you need a down payment of at least 3% of your target home price. Some lenders require 5% or more. Establish your credit so you can be financially independent. Before you live on your own, make sure that you not only have established credit, but that your credit score is good. To establish credit, you might want to consider getting a credit card. Research different types, and pick one that is best for you. Pay your credit card bill on time each and every month to establish good credit. Landlords will check your credit history when reviewing your rental application. If your credit is bad, or if you have no credit at all, they may not rent to you. To build more credit, you can ask your parents to put your name on one of the household bills. For example, if your name is on the cable account, that can help to establish your credit. This is especially important if you're planning to buy a house. Lenders will check your credit history before deciding if they want to work with you. Start saving money to build a financial cushion for yourself. What will you do if your car breaks down? What's your plan if your boss cuts your hours at work? Unfortunately, these things happen, so it's important to have emergency funds set aside. When you are first setting out on your own, your goal should be to have at least $500-$1,500 set aside in case of emergency. The recommended amount for most emergency funds is enough to cover 3 to 6 months' worth of expenses, but you can start small and work toward that. Keep adding to your emergency fund even after you move out. For example, choose an amount that you can afford to set aside every month, like $20, and add it to your list of fixed expenses. That way, you're putting a little aside every month in case of emergencies. If you don't already have a savings account, consider opening one so you have a place to put the emergency funds. You're less likely to spend this money on other things if you keep it separate from your checking account. Find a place to live that’s within your price range. Start by considering a location: do you want to live near work or school? Next, choose what sort of home works for you. Are you an apartment person or do you prefer to rent or buy a house? Once you narrow down a few options, schedule an appointment with the landlord to view the space. If you're having a hard time finding a place that you can afford, consider living with a roommate. Splitting costs can save you a lot of money. Keep in mind that you'll need to learn to compromise with a roommate and split up the chores and other responsibilities fairly. Don't forget to factor in safety concerns. You can always scout locations at night and on the weekends to see what kind of activity goes on in the area. If things feel sketchy near a potential place, keep looking. Look over the space carefully before agreeing to anything. Don't sign a lease agreement until you view the space, confirm it has the amenities you want, and report any damages, like cracks or leaks, to the landlord. Tell the landlord you want the pre-existing damages noted in your lease agreement so you won't be responsible for them later. Open all of the cabinets and closets and check for rodents and rodent damage. If you're buying a house, ask the realtor to give you a thorough tour and look for any issues or damages. Agree on a move-in date with your landlord and sign the lease. Confirm the length of your lease with your landlord and make sure it's clearly written on the lease agreement before you sign the papers. If you're able to choose your move-in date, consider moving in at the first of the month. If that's not an option and you have to move in mid-month, see if you can negotiate a pro-rated rent price so you don't have to pay a full month's rent. Pro-rated rent means that you only pay for the amount of time you're actually there. For example, if your monthly rent is $1,000 and you move in mid-month, pro-rated rent would be $500 because you're only there for 2 weeks of that month. Do not hand over any rent or security deposit money until you sign the lease. Once your payment clears, the landlord will hand over the keys. Keep in mind that there's no law requiring landlords to give pro-rates, but most will honor this, especially if you ask about it specifically. If you're buying a house, work out your move-in date with the mortgage company. Set up your services and utilities after you sign the lease. Ask your landlord which utilities you are responsible for, since some may be set up for you and included in your monthly rent payment. Once you sign the lease or sign off on the mortgage, go ahead and schedule any services and utilities you need, like internet and electricity. Be sure to tell each company your move-in date and schedule everything to be on before you get there with all your stuff. You may be required to put down a deposit with a utility company if you're a new customer. Come up with a plan for moving your belongings into your new place. If you have a lot of stuff and can afford to hire movers, you'll need to hire them ahead of time and schedule the service. Renting a moving truck is also an option if you need to move a lot of big items. If you don't have a lot of stuff, you can transport everything in your car or borrow a friend's truck. You may want to enlist a few friends and family members to help you so you don't have to carry everything yourself. Change your address with the post office to forward your mail. Go to the post office or check online to fill out a change of address form so your mail will start arriving at your new place. You can usually choose a start date for that or make it effective immediately. You may also need to officially change your address with important accounts, like your bank, as well as with your workplace. Get a new driver's license that reflects your updated address. Take care of this after you have officially changed your address with the post office. Head to the DMV in person or check out your state's DMV website to find out what you need to do. In some cases, you'll need to do this in person, but some states allow you to do it online. You might need proof of your new address to make this change. Most DMVs will accept a utility bill in your name, but check your state's specific requirements. Make a plan for handling responsibilities and emergencies. You are responsible for everything at your new place, including chores and cleaning duties. Make sure you know how to do basic cleaning and laundry before you move in. Be prepared to handle all of the financial basics, as well, like how to write a check and pay your own bills. Create a plan for handling emergency situations like a flat tire or an accident. You can talk to your family and friends if you need help coming up with solutions. It's a good idea to create a plan for things like home fires, natural disasters, break-ins, and evacuation. Stock up on cleaning supplies. It's a good idea to clean your apartment thoroughly before you move into it. You'll also need cleaning supplies on hand to keep your place tidy after you move in, so go ahead and stock up. Make a list of everything you need and hit the store. Basic cleaning supplies include: All-purpose cleaner Glass cleaner Disinfectant wipes Toilet bowl cleaner and a toilet brush Dish/dishwasher soap and sponges Broom (for hard floors) and vacuum cleaner (if your new place has carpet) Trash cans and trash bags Gather basic toiletries to fully stock your bathroom. Since you're not used to thinking about buying these things yourself, it's easy to forget crucial stuff like toilet paper. You will also need towels, wash cloths, a shower curtain, and a bath mat for your new bathroom. Other bathroom basics include: Toothbrush and toothpaste Hand soap Shampoo and conditioner Body wash and face wash Invest in home maintenance items to be prepared for anything. Living on your own means you have to be ready to take care of accidents, emergencies, minor repairs, and so on. Start by buying a basic toolkit or create your own. Include a hammer, flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers, and a small assortment of nails and screws. You should also get: A first aid kit A sewing kit Fire extinguisher Power strips Plunger Light bulbs Smoke alarms Batteries Get everything you need for your kitchen area so you can make meals. You will be preparing your meals yourself, so be sure to get a microwave, toaster, coffee maker, can opener, basic utensils, and a small assortment of pots and pans. You'll also need plates, glasses, bowls, and mugs for your food and beverages. If you're worried about cost, thrift stores can be a great place to pick up kitchen supplies. You may want to buy: Storage containers for leftovers Paper towels Aluminum foil Blender Tea kettle Mixing bowls Buy new furnishings or go thrifting to buy any furniture you need. Furniture can be expensive! You may have a few things that were already in your bedroom, but chances are your apartment is going to need some furniture that you don't already have. If money is an issue, check out thrift stores for furniture. Furniture items you might need include: Couch Coffee table End tables Entertainment unit or TV stand Area rug Lamps Kitchen table and chairs Bookcase Bed frame and mattress Go grocery shopping for the essentials. After moving your furniture and boxes, you're going to be hungry. Go ahead and grab some basic food items so you don't move into a new place with a completely bare cupboard. You can stock up on more stuff later, but you should consider moving in with essentials like: Cereal and milk Fresh fruit Loaf of bread Canned soup Frozen pizza Microwaveable snacks Salt and pepper Talk to your parents about any concerns or needs you have. You're going to be living independently for the first time in your life—it's exciting but can also be a little overwhelming! You may be unsure of certain things you need to do during the moving process or need to ask for financial assistance to make everything happen smoothly. Be sure to sit down with your parents well in advance to discuss everything. Are they going to be helping you financially? Will you still be free to come over and do laundry? If you need help, don't be too proud to ask your parents for it. Chances are, they will help you with whatever you might need. Set up a support system with your friends so you don’t feel alone. Moving out can feel like a lonely experience. Before you go, make sure that you have a support system in place. Invite some friends over for an unpacking and pizza party. Plan weekly group grocery shopping trips together or set up a weekly game night so you can check in with each other regularly. Make a visitation plan with your family so you can keep in touch. Moving away from your parents and siblings for the first time can be emotional and even a little scary for you. Don't forget that it's also a pretty emotional time for your parents. They may be worried that they won't see you much once you get your freedom. Ease their minds by making a plan for how often you will visit and call home. For example: Will you still come over every Sunday for dinner? Or will you call every Sunday night but only see them on holidays? | Draw up a realistic monthly budget based on your income. Work out a ballpark figure for moving expenses. Set aside money for rent, security deposits, and utility setup. Establish your credit so you can be financially independent. Start saving money to build a financial cushion for yourself. Find a place to live that’s within your price range. Look over the space carefully before agreeing to anything. Agree on a move-in date with your landlord and sign the lease. Set up your services and utilities after you sign the lease. Come up with a plan for moving your belongings into your new place. Change your address with the post office to forward your mail. Get a new driver's license that reflects your updated address. Make a plan for handling responsibilities and emergencies. Stock up on cleaning supplies. Gather basic toiletries to fully stock your bathroom. Invest in home maintenance items to be prepared for anything. Get everything you need for your kitchen area so you can make meals. Buy new furnishings or go thrifting to buy any furniture you need. Go grocery shopping for the essentials. Talk to your parents about any concerns or needs you have. Set up a support system with your friends so you don’t feel alone. Make a visitation plan with your family so you can keep in touch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Roaches-with-Borax | How to Get Rid of Roaches with Borax | To get rid of roaches with borax, start by sprinkling borax anywhere you've found evidence of the insects, like visible eggs. Alternatively, you can dissolve the borax in hot water, then apply it as a spray to these areas. If you suspect there may by roaches in the walls, remove outlet covers and lightly sprinkle borax into the space around the plugs. Finally, to kill roach eggs and larvae, sprinkle borax onto carpets and allow it to sit for 20 minutes before vacuuming. | Inventory potential roach habitats in your home. Roaches are omnivorous and seek dark, moist places. Inspect areas around the baseboards of your floor, under or around pipes, anywhere there is food waste, behind electrical outlet covers, and narrow, hard to reach spaces are ripe for potential infestation. Roaches prefer to leave their eggs protected in dark crevices if they are not viviparous or oviparous. Check these areas for infestation. You can do this by blowing a portable fan around the area to provoke an escape response, or by using an intense sudden light source to provoke the escape response. Leaving bait out without any pesticide is not recommended, as it will simply encourage infestation. Note any areas roaches would live, feed, or lay eggs. These are areas with regular food contact, exposure to water, or that are dark and inaccessible. These areas should be targeted regardless of observed infestation. Boric acid has a strong prophylactic effect that kills generations of insects over time. Check areas roaches may live for unpleasant smells. Cockroaches have a number of scent glands used in communication and courtship that produce a distinctive smell, in some cases sweet, in others oily and musky. These are telltale signs of an area that is infested and should be targeted. Some cockroaches are perching insects that can thrive on top of high surfaces like shelves, and these should be inventoried and cleared for application of the insecticide. Clean areas of any food debris or standing water. Make sure this is done before preparing or applying the insecticide. Clean surfaces and preventing standing water from building up deprive cockroaches of resources. Bait is unnecessary with this insecticide, and eggs are less likely to be spread where there is no feeding resource for the female insect. Use borax if you are uncomfortable making boric acid. Boric acid is a more effective insecticide, more soluble in water, and is equally unlikely to produce any lasting harm in humans. Both can be applied as a powder and have identical methods of killing the insect. React excess hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) with Borax to produce boric acid and salt water. Boric acid will appear as large white crystals in suspension. Boric acid can be bought as well, and is less hazardous than hydrochloric acid, which is required to convert borax into the far more effective insecticide, boric acid. Hydrochloric acid is sold commonly as muriatic acid as a solution to acidify swimming pools. Hydrochloric acid should be handled with extreme caution. Use gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection (in a well-ventilated area) and can cause significant harm. Have baking soda on hand to neutralize any strong-acid reaction that is unintended. Do not use water to treat strong acid burns. Filter out the boric acid crystals. Treat any excess solution with baking soda to neutralize the strong acid. Do not pour the solution down the sink until you are sure it is neutralized. Use litmus paper to test the acidity of the excess solution. When the crystals are dry they are ready for storage. Take the borax or boric acid and place it in a container. Make sure it is clean, inert, clearly labelled container and free of moisture. Proper storage and labeling is key to maintaining safety and avoiding accidentally ingesting the product, as it is visually quite similar to table salt. Avoiding moisture will prevent unwanted large chunks from forming. A recycled ketchup bottle can be used as a kind of bellows to distribute the insecticide powder in the tight space of an electrical outlet with minimal risk. Squeeze the bottle to test and make sure dust comes out (take care to not get any in your eyes, mouth or nose). Make sure the hole of the bottle you're using is large enough for the borax crystals to go through freely. Borax is soluble in hot water, as is boric acid and can be dissolved and put in a spray bottle, and the dried residue of aqueous boric acid is essentially undetectable to the insect and low risk to humans. However, if you are applying it near electrical outlets use it as a powder. Sprinkle or spray the borax or boric acid on target areas. It is unnecessary to mix it with bait, as it is not repellant to insects normally, and is tracked by the insect and spread as a surface toxin to other insects. Once you have covered the areas take care that no food preparation or dusting occurs to prevent accidental ingestion. Spread the borax really thin so it's not as visible, or else the roaches will try to avoid it. Remove electrical outlet covers, dust inside the walls with borax. This is an easy access to interior spaces in walls where roaches live and lay eggs. Spray the borax into the space using your bottle like a bellows, squeezing repeatedly. Replace the outlet covers when done. Do not use dissolved borax. Cover any noted areas with a light dusting of insecticide. The insecticide will spread among the colony through contact. Complete coverage is desirable, but if any targeted areas have infestations, the insecticide will spread to other insects and kill them, and will not affect the desirability of food to the insects considerably. Sprinkle the borax or boric acid, dry, on any carpet or rug. The borax will destroy eggs and larvae in the carpet. Vacuum up the powder some 20 minutes after application. Any eggs or insects killed will go up with them. Follow any rug care instructions. If you targeted carpeted areas, vacuum a short time after application. Any eggs will be killed in short order, but the insecticide dust can cause lung irritation or toxicity in pets and small children. It is not advisable to leave it in an area where it will be kicked up as dust continually. Wipe down any targeted areas with a damp cloth before using the surface. Reapply treatment after use, or after several days if roaches are still a problem. This is a relatively slow insecticide, but an extremely effective one. Continue the treatment in this manner until the roaches are gone. | Inventory potential roach habitats in your home. Check these areas for infestation. Note any areas roaches would live, feed, or lay eggs. Check areas roaches may live for unpleasant smells. Clean areas of any food debris or standing water. Use borax if you are uncomfortable making boric acid. React excess hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) with Borax to produce boric acid and salt water. Filter out the boric acid crystals. Take the borax or boric acid and place it in a container. Sprinkle or spray the borax or boric acid on target areas. Remove electrical outlet covers, dust inside the walls with borax. Cover any noted areas with a light dusting of insecticide. Sprinkle the borax or boric acid, dry, on any carpet or rug. Wipe down any targeted areas with a damp cloth before using the surface. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Jeans | How to Dye Jeans | Before dyeing your jeans, wash them and wring them out so they're damp but not dry. Then, pour the dye into a bucket of hot water, stir it with a metal stick, and check the instructions to see if you need to add salt or dish soap to the solution. Once the dye is ready, soak your jeans in it for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring the dye bath every 10 minutes. When the jeans are done soaking, rinse them out until the water runs clear. Finally, wash your jeans with a gentle detergent, and allow them to hang dry. | Choose blue jeans for a dark color or white jeans for a light color. Dye is translucent, so the original color will show through. This means that if you try to dye blue jeans pink, you'll get purple instead. That aside, you can still dye white jeans any color you want, including black or blue. You can also use this technique to revitalize an old pair of faded jeans. Just stick with black dye or indigo dye. Weigh the jeans with a scale to find out how much dye you need. Each dye is different, so read the instructions on the package first to find out how much dye you should use. In most cases, you'll use ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) or half a bottle of dye for every 1 pound (500 g) of dry fabric. In most cases, 1/2 to 1 bottle of fabric dye should be enough to dye 1 pair of jeans. If your jeans are more than 1 pound (500 g), however, get another bottle of dye. Powdered dye will also work, but you will need to dissolve it in 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water first. Wash the jeans following the instructions on the care tag. You should do this regardless if they are new or old. Jeans fresh off the rack often contain a chemical coating that helps them look nice in the store. Unfortunately, this can also keep dye from adhering. On the other hand, used jeans need to be washed too; otherwise, the dirt and skin oils will keep the dye from sticking as well. Wash the jeans according to the instructions on the tag. Most jeans can be washed in the washer, but some need to be hand washed. Pay attention to the water temperature. Most jeans will require cold water, but some can withstand warm water. Squeeze out the excess water but don't dry the jeans. Dyeing wet fabric actually yields better results than dyeing dry fabric. This is because wet fabric absorbs dye more evenly than dry fabric. You don't want the jeans soaking-wet, however, so gently squeeze the excess water out. Protect your clothes, skin, and work surface against stains. Cover your work surface with newspaper, a plastic bag, or a plastic tablecloth. Next, pull on an apron or change into clothes that you don't mind ruining. Finally, pull on a pair of plastic gloves. If you have nothing to cover your work surface with, plan to work carefully. Have some bleach, rubbing alcohol, or acetone on hand to wipe off stains. Dye can get pungent, so open a window or turn a fan on. You don't have to prepare the dye if you will be using a washing machine. Just skip down to the washing machine section. Pour the dye into a bucket filled with 2 to 3 gallons (7.6 to 11.4 L) of hot water. Fill a bucket with 2 to 3 gallons (7.6 to 11.4 L) of hot water that's around 140 °F (60 °C). Next, shake up your bottle of dye, and pour it into the water. Give the water a good stir with a wooden stick or spoon; make sure that you won't use the spoon for cooking again. Depending on the weight of your jeans, use between 1/2 to 1 bottle of dye. This amounts to about ⁄ 2 to 1 cup (120 to 240 mL). If you are using powdered dye, mix it with 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water first. Use twice as much dye for darker colors. For example, instead of using 1/2 a bottle of black dye, use a full bottle. If your jeans weigh more than 1 pound (500 g), use more dye and water. Stir in 1 cup (273) of salt dissolved in 2 cups (470 mL) of hot water. Fill a cup with 2 cups (470 mL) of hot water; the exact temperature does not matter. Next, add 1 cup (273 g) of salt, then stir the solution until the salt dissolves. Pour the solution into the dye bath. Double-check the instructions that came with your dye. Most dyes require salt and liquid dish soap, but some don't. This is for just 1 pound (500 g) of jeans. For jeans weighing more than that, double the amount of salt and water. While not absolutely necessary, it would be a good idea to add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap. This will help the dye adhere better. Soak your jeans in the dye for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring often. Place the jeans into the water, then push down on them with the wooden stick to ensure that they're submerged. Let them soak for 30 to 60 minutes. Every 10 minutes or so, give the dye bath a good stir. If you're using the stove-top method, make sure that the water is still just under a boil. Don't turn the stove off. Stirring the jeans is important; otherwise, the dye will come out splotchy. Take the jeans out of the bucket and squeeze out the dye. If the color still isn't dark enough, put the jeans back into the dye bath and let them soak for another 30 minutes or so. Keep in mind that the jeans will appear lighter after they dry. If you're dyeing the jeans longer, remember to stir them every 10 minutes or so. Take them out of the dye bath and squeeze out the excess dye. Rinse the jeans until the water runs clear. Start with warm water, then lower the temperature as the dye rinses out. Once the water runs clear, rinse the jeans one last time using cool water. It would be easier to do this in a tub, but you can use a bucket too. If you choose to use the bucket, change the water time after you dunk the jeans, take them out, and squeeze them. Wash the jeans with a gentle detergent. Read the instructions on the care tag inside your jeans to find out how you should wash them. Most jeans are machine-washable, but some must be hand-washed. In most cases, expect to use cool water and a gentle cycle. Wash the jeans separately or with similar colors. Even though you rinsed the jeans until the water ran clear, there might still be some dye left. The dye may fade a little in the wash. If you're worried about this, turn the jeans inside-out first. Allow the jeans to hang dry. You can speed the process up in the dryer, but this is not recommended because it can damage the jeans. Alternatively, dry the jeans part-way in the dryer, then hang them up to finish air-drying. Don't leave the jeans in the dryer for a full cycle. Use a half cycle instead. This could be anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. Fill the washing machine with hot water. Set the washing machine to the hottest water cycle available. Turn the machine on and allow it to fill up. You don't have to wait for it to finish filling before moving on to the next step. This method is not recommended if you are using a public laundry room. The residue might ruin the next person's laundry. A top-loading water will work the best, but you can use a front-loading washer too. In this case, don't let it fill with water yet. Pour the dye into the barrel of the washing machine. Start with half a bottle of dye, which amounts to about ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL). If you're dyeing the jeans a dark color, then use a full bottle of dye instead. If your jeans weigh more than 1 pound (500 g), double the amount of dye. For a front-loading machine, pour the dye into the detergent dispenser, then add 1 cup (240 mL) of water to flush it. Stir 1 cup (273 g) of salt into the water. Read the instructions on the back of the dye first. Most brands of dye require 1 cup (273 g) of salt for every 1 pound (55 g) of fabric. Some brands, however, don't require any salt. Agitate the dye and salt with a wooden stick or run the washer for a few minutes. Some people like to add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of dish soap into the dye bath as well. This helps the dye adhere more evenly. For a front-loading machine, let it run for 10 minutes first, then add 1 cup (273 g) of salt dissolved in 4 cups (950 mL) of hot water into the detergent dispenser. Flush it with 4 cups (950 mL) of hot water. Place the jeans into the washer and let it run through 1 cycle. Set the jeans into the washer, making sure that they are completely submerged. Close the washer, and run a cycle. Depending on the care tag's instructions, use either a normal or delicate cycle. Don't change the water temperature, even if the care tag inside the jeans tells you to wash them with cold water. A single wash with hot water won't ruin your jeans. It's only when you wash them every time with hot water that they start to wear down. Run a second rinse cycle using cold water, then take the jeans out. As soon as the cycle is complete, run a second cycle. This time, use the cold water and rinse-only setting to remove the excess dye. Once you take the jeans out, run a third cycle in the empty washing machine. This will get rid of residue and keep your next load of laundry clean. Spread the jeans out flat to dry or hang them up instead. This is the safest way to dry your jeans as the dryer can damage them. If you're in a hurry, however, you could toss them into a dry and let them dry halfway, then hang them up to allow them to finish drying. How long it takes for the jeans to dry halfway depends on the strength of your dryer. This shouldn't be more than 15 to 20 minutes, or so, however. | Choose blue jeans for a dark color or white jeans for a light color. Weigh the jeans with a scale to find out how much dye you need. Wash the jeans following the instructions on the care tag. Squeeze out the excess water but don't dry the jeans. Protect your clothes, skin, and work surface against stains. Pour the dye into a bucket filled with 2 to 3 gallons (7.6 to 11.4 L) of hot water. Stir in 1 cup (273) of salt dissolved in 2 cups (470 mL) of hot water. Soak your jeans in the dye for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring often. Take the jeans out of the bucket and squeeze out the dye. Rinse the jeans until the water runs clear. Wash the jeans with a gentle detergent. Allow the jeans to hang dry. Fill the washing machine with hot water. Pour the dye into the barrel of the washing machine. Stir 1 cup (273 g) of salt into the water. Place the jeans into the washer and let it run through 1 cycle. Run a second rinse cycle using cold water, then take the jeans out. Spread the jeans out flat to dry or hang them up instead. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Midwife | How to Become a Midwife | To become a midwife, start by getting an undergraduate degree in a science or health related field. Next, research midwifery graduate programs and apply to the program that focuses on aspects of the profession that are the most important to you, whether that's spiritual, philosophical, or otherwise. After you finish your coursework, you'll need to pass the national certifying exam administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board before you can starting working in the field. | Understand the multilayered role of a midwife. Midwives have played the role of assisting women through the process of childbirth for centuries. Midwives traditionally operate under the philosophy that pregnancy and the act of giving birth can be a spiritual experience in a woman's life, and it's healthier to have as few instances of medical intervention as possible. Many say they have a calling to do the work they do. Midwives have the following responsibilities: Monitor the health of the mother and fetus throughout the pregnancy. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid999675-v4-728px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Provide guidance to the mother on prenatal nutrition and self care as well as emotional well-being. Educate the mother on available options for labor and delivery, and empower her to make decisions that are right for her. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet3.jpg\/aid999675-v4-728px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-1Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Guide the mother and child through labor and delivery. Work with an obstetrician should complications arise. Be ready to assume a high level of responsibility. Midwives are incredibly knowledgeable, highly skilled practitioners who take on the highest responsibility: they act as first responders in the unpredictable process of pregnancy, labor and delivery. Since every pregnancy is different and subject to a range of complications, midwives must be able to act confidently in emergency situations. Responsibility for both the mother and child's life lies in the midwives hands. Also important is the midwife's responsibility for the emotional and spiritual health of the mother, who looks to the midwife as a leader and guide through the confusing, painful, difficult process of childbirth. Women who choose to give birth under the care of an obstetrician may work with a midwife who is responsible for acting as the women's advocate in the hospital setting. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-2Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/aid999675-v4-728px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-2Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Midwives are responsible for standing up for their own profession; in some states, it is illegal to practice midwifery. Be willing to make personal sacrifices. Midwives work with women from the beginning of their pregnancy through the labor, delivery, and for months and sometimes years beyond. Due to the intimate, extraordinarily important nature of their work, midwives must be willing to put their clients' needs ahead of their own. Midwives must be on call at all times, since they never know exactly when a woman will go into labor. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid999675-v4-728px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Labor can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and midwives must be present the entire time. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/aid999675-v4-728px-Become-a-Midwife-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Midwives are often emotionally present for expectant mothers, giving out their cell phone number and email address and making themselves available for questions or as a shoulder to lean on at stressful moments. Some midwives have to be flexible enough to move to a different city or state, since it's difficult to practice midwifery in some locations. Get an undergraduate degree. In order to become a midwife you will need a graduate degree, so you must start by getting a bachelor's degree. Look into midwifery graduate programs to find out exactly what prerequisites you'll need. You should have a solid foundation in the following areas: The sciences. Take courses in chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology and health. The social sciences. Take courses in psychology, sociology, and anthropology. Humanities courses such as women's studies and literature. If possible, study the history of the midwifery profession. Asking midwives about their views and experiences will help you gain more perspective on your planned field. Get experience working with midwives. If possible, get an internship at a birthing center, or offer to volunteer. Contact midwives in your area and ask for informational interviews. Ask midwives what steps they took to achieve success in their profession. Keep up with the trends in midwifery. This will help you figure out what types of programs to consider. Apply to midwifery graduate programs. Each midwifery program has a different "personality." Some require a degree in nursing before the midwifery study begins, and others are more focused on the philosophical, political or spiritual aspects of the profession. Find a program that's right for you and start the application process. The majority of midwives working in the United States today are Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). This certification is recognized in all fifty states. It is possible to become a midwife without also being a nurse and become a Certified Midwife (CM). This certification is only recognized by a few states. Choose the professional path that is right for you. Your personality is as important as your grades when it comes to getting into midwifery programs. Read books written by midwives and do research on the politics of the profession to inform your personal statement and essay. Demonstrate your passion for becoming a midwife. Explain why you think midwives play an important role in society today. Complete the midwifery program. This will include a set amount of courses, a clinical internship and, depending on the program, a degree in nursing. Pass the national certifying exam, administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). In most countries you are required by law to take and pass an examination in order to get a license to practice midwifery. Find a job. You can look at hospitals, clinics, and birthing centers. Consider setting up a private practice. In addition to practicing as a midwife, you can use your knowledge to work as an educator at the undergraduate or graduate level. Health policy is another popular choice for CNMs and CMs. Some midwives work at nonprofits or other organizations that provide advocacy for women making their own health decisions. | Understand the multilayered role of a midwife. Be ready to assume a high level of responsibility. Be willing to make personal sacrifices. Get an undergraduate degree. Get experience working with midwives. Apply to midwifery graduate programs. Complete the midwifery program. Pass the national certifying exam, administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). Find a job. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Snap-Your-Fingers | How to Snap Your Fingers | To snap your fingers, rest the pad of your thumb against the pad of your middle finger, and fold down your ring finger and pinky so they rest against your hand. Hold your index finger so it's beside your middle finger but not touching your thumb. Press your thumb and middle finger together firmly until the tips of your fingers turn a little red, then slide your thumb from your middle finger to your index finger. It might take a little practice, but when you get it right, you will hear a sharp cracking sound. | Press your thumb to your middle finger. Begin by resting the pad (the flat, fleshy part) of your thumb against the pad of your middle finger. Don't use the tips of your fingers — you want the soft, squishy parts to meet. A good way to get the right positioning is to pretend you're picking up something heavy with your thumb and middle finger. To start, practice with your dominant hand (the same one you use to write). When you master the basic snap, you can try with your other hand. Fold your ring finger and pinky down. Without moving your thumb and middle finger, take your ring finger and pinky and rest them gently against the heel of your palm or the base of your thumb — wherever feels natural. Try to leave a little room at the base of the thumb for your middle finger to snap against the fleshy part at the bottom. These fingers aren't involved in the snap, but this part is crucial. The ring finger and pinky basically "prop up" the rest of the hand, allowing you to use more force when you snap (and thus get a louder sound). Build up a little pressure between your thumb and middle finger. Now, start to press your thumb and middle finger together, but don't let either one move out of the way yet. Press fairly hard here — a little harder then may feel natural at first. There should be enough pressure to turn the tips of your fingers a little red. The more pressure you build up, the more power behind your snap. While it's hard to hurt yourself this way, if you feel pain, you're pressing a little too hard. Listen for the Snap! Move your index finger down so it rests against your thumb without letting up on the pressure. Move the thumb from the middle finger to the index finger. Your middle finger should slide off of your thumb and "snap" towards your palm. It should hit the fleshy base of your thumb and make a sharp cracking sound. Congratulations — you've just snapped your fingers. Don't worry if you can't get it on the first try. This is something many people have difficulty with at first, but once you get it, it quickly becomes easy. See below for tips on getting your snap just right. Practice this snapping motion until it comes naturally. The only way to get better at finger snapping is to do it! Once you get your first good, loud "snap," try to replicate your motions exactly until you get good results again. Within a few days, you should be able to snap fairly consistently. If you can't seem to get a good snapping noise, try a few more times and make sure you're doing the following: Keeping good pressure between your thumb and middle finger until you make your snap Keeping your ring finger and pinky folded firmly down against your palm Leaving enough room at the base of your thumb for your middle finger to hit — your middle finger should not end up behind your ring finger If you're still having little success, try one of the alternate methods below — some people find them easier. Try snapping with your ring finger. Though the middle finger usually gives easier, louder, "sharper" snaps, some people prefer using their ring finger to snap. The basic approach here is to simply do the basic snapping motion, only with your thumb shifted down one finger. In other words: Press the pad of your thumb against the pad of your ring finger. Fold your pinky down against your palm or the base of your thumb. Build up pressure between your thumb and ring finger. This can be easier if you move your middle finger and index finger down next to it. Slide your thumb from your ring finger to your middle finger. Your ring finger should snap down and smack against the base of your thumb, making a snapping sound. Try shaking your hand to get a louder snap. Some people are able to get exceptionally loud snaps by essentially putting their whole arm into the snapping motion, snapping as they whip their hand down. Be careful not to over-do the hand motions here — you can give yourself a sore wrist if you use too much force. To snap with this method: Get ready to do a normal snap. Press your thumb against against your middle finger (or ring finger, if you prefer), fold the ring finger and pinky down (just the pinky if you're snapping with your ring finger), and build up pressure. Turn your palm so that it faces to the side (in the direction of your torso). Your arm should be loose and relaxed from the wrist through the elbow. In one quick, smooth motion, bring your elbow in and turn your palm up. Then, bring your elbow out and whip your hand down, turning your wrist so that your palm faces the ground. Snap as you whip your hand! If you're successful, you should get an extra-loud snap. Keep practicing if you don't get it at first. This one can take some time. Try doing a "double" snap. When you've gotten the hang of doing one snap at once, try to make two. It's tricky to get the same level of volume with this technique, but getting the double snap sound itself isn't that difficult. To do a double snap: Get ready to do a ring finger snap. Your thumb and ring finger should be pressed together, with your pinky folded down and your other two fingers lined up next to your ring finger. You must start on the ring finger — you can't do a double snap starting on your middle finger. Build up pressure against your ring finger. Keep your middle and index finger close to it. Slide your thumb to your middle finger without letting up on the pressure, then quickly slide it to your index finger without pausing. If you do this right, your ring finger should snap against the flesh of your palm immediately followed by your middle finger, making two quick (but separate) snapping sounds. Try practicing this rapid-fire double snap along to your favorite song! Try snapping with both hands. What use is knowing how to snap if you can't recreate your favorite scenes from West Side Story ? Snapping with both hands is easy — it's simply a matter of building up your strength and technique in your non-dominant hand with practice once you've mastered snapping with your dominant hand. Any of the techniques above can work for your non-dominant hand, so experiment until you find the one you like the best! For an added challenge, try using two different snapping techniques at once! For instance, you might try doing normal snaps with your right hand and double snaps with your left. | Press your thumb to your middle finger. Fold your ring finger and pinky down. Build up a little pressure between your thumb and middle finger. Listen for the Snap! Practice this snapping motion until it comes naturally. Try snapping with your ring finger. Try shaking your hand to get a louder snap. Try doing a "double" snap. Try snapping with both hands. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Eye-Problems-in-Boston-Terriers | How to Diagnose Eye Problems in Boston Terriers | To diagnose eye problems in a Boston terrier, monitor your dog to see if it rubs its eye a lot or keeps one of its eyes closed at all times, which could be a sign of corneal ulcers. Also, keep an eye out for symptoms of cataracts, like bad vision and white pupils. You should also watch for redness, wateriness, bulging, or general eye irritation. If you think there's something wrong with your Boston terrier's eyes, take it to see a vet for a proper diagnosis. | Look for the signs of corneal ulcers. Corneal ulcers occur when the clear surface of the eye, called the cornea, is severely damaged. Signs that your Boston terrier may have corneal ulcers include the dog rubbing his eye repeatedly and keeping one of his eyes closed at all times. Dogs rub their eyes because corneal ulcers can be very painful and this reduces the pain temporarily. They keep their eyes closed involuntarily to protect the damaged eye. There are two different types of corneal ulcers. One is caused by trauma to the cornea of the dog's eye. This is common in Boston terriers due to the size and prominence of their eyes. The other type of corneal ulcers is caused by a hereditary condition called corneal dystrophy. The second type is particularly hard to treat, in addition to being very painful for your dog. The surface of the eye may lose its shiny appearance. It becomes dull and instead of having unbroken reflections, you may see jagged edges on a reflection, as if looking in a broken mirror. Be on the lookout for the signs of cataracts. Cataracts are another common eye problem for Boston terriers. Cataracts is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque, eliminating the ability for light to get into the eye properly. Cataracts, especially juvenile cataracts that come on very early in a dog's life, can cause the dog to go completely and permanently blind if not caught early. Signs that your Boston terrier might have cataracts include: Blindness: The dog may start finding it difficult to pick up her favorite toy or bump into objects placed in her path. The dog may seem fine on a familiar walk (because she knows the route) but hesitates and hangs back if you visit somewhere she has not visited before. White pupil: When you look directly into the eye you may see a white area at the center of the pupil, a mistiness in the lens, or a white opacity to the lens. Pay attention to the signs of other eye problems. Boston terriers can get a variety of other eye problems. These include, but are not limited to, cherry eye, retinal atrophy, glaucoma, proptosis (bulging eyes), and eyelash problems. Because the dog's eye problems can vary so drastically, you should be on the lookout for general changes in your dog's eyes, as well as specific symptoms, which include: General eye irritation: The dog may squint, holding the eye partially closed. He may rub his eyes with his paws or on the ground or furniture around your home. Red eye: The white of the eye may have angry red blood vessels streaking over the surface and have a red haze to them. If your dog has cherry eye, his third lid may be red as well. Watery eye: Soreness causes the eye to water, so the dog's cheek may appear wet from tears. Bulging eyes: Proptosis can cause your dog's eye to move out of place, bulging out of his face. This condition is usually fixed with surgery. Different sized eyes: Glaucoma can cause one, or both, eyes to swell. This is because the fluid of the eye is not draining properly, increasing eye pressure and the size of the eye. Take your dog to her veterinarian. If you spot any abnormalities, get your Boston terrier checked by the vet immediately. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms you see, if you are in the least suspicious, get the dog checked out. Earlier intervention could reduce the severity of the problem and, in extreme cases, could save your dog's sight. Understand how the vet will assess your dog's eyes. First, the vet conducts a physical examination, paying particular attention to the eyes, the area around the eyes, and the inside of the eye. The vet will look carefully for hairs or whiskers that may be rubbing on the surface of the eye and causing an ulcer. The vet will then use an ophthalmoscope (part light and part magnifier) to examine the surface of the eye, the front chamber, the back chamber, and the retina. This will give the vet information about a cataract, as a cataract will block the light going into the inner part of the eye, making it difficult or impossible to see the retina. To double check, the vet will stand back in a darkened room and shine a bright light directly into each eye from a couple of feet away. Again, the opaque lens blocks light casting a dark shadow on the retina. This confirms that a cataract is present. To check for ulcers, the vet may put a special optic dye, called fluorescein, into the eye. This dye is orange, and in contact with damaged tissue it turns green. An ulcer shows up as a vivid green island on the surface of the orange cornea. This confirms a corneal ulcer is present. Follow your veterinarian's advice about treatment. Some eye problems can be treated more effectively than others. Unfortunately, in the case of the major problems with Boston terrier eyes, the treatments mainly consist of pain management and delaying blindness for as long as possible. Treatment of cataracts is geared at reducing a sudden inflammation that has occurred within the eye. This may temporarily delay the development of the cataract, but unfortunately it is likely to progress again at some point in the future. Even with prompt treatment, a dog with cataracts may lose his sight. Prepare yourself for this if you have a Boston terrier with cataracts. Treatment of a corneal ulcer can be extremely difficult to do and requires a combination of drops plus a debridement procedure to scrape away devitalized tissue that is preventing healing. Pain relief will also be required to alleviate the discomfort. In some cases, if the issue cannot be fixed the best option for your dog will be the removal of the affected eye. Understand what a corneal ulcer is. The cornea is the transparent capsule on the front portion of the eye globe, through which light passes to reach the lens and pass onward to the retina. Think of it like a clear skin over the eye (that is the full thickness of the globe). The cornea is actually made up of stacks of clear cells, arranged in layers, much like bricks in a wall. An ulcer is like a burst blister on the skin of the eye or an erosion or crater sitting on the surface of the eye. In the case of the Boston terrier, the ulcer may develop because of a problem called corneal dystrophy. This is a problem where the glue holding the cells together fails, like not enough mortar between the bricks. This allows sheets of cells to lift up and peel away. Corneal ulcers are painful. If they erode too deeply the eyeball is severely weakened and it can burst, causing the dog to lose that eye. Learn about hereditary cataracts. A cataract refers to a cloudiness of the lens. The lens is the structure which focuses light on the retina. It is a transparent sack of jelly and sits just behind the colored part of the eye, the iris. It is a genetic condition that can cause a cataract to develop at as young as 12 months of age. Juvenile cataracts can develop distressingly quickly, sometimes in as little as 24 hours. If the cataract is very dense, you see a bright white object sitting in the middle of the eye, where the black pupil normally is. It is thought that one in 10 Boston terriers will suffer from this condition during their life. Sudden formation of a juvenile cataract is sometimes associated with inflammation within the eye, so the eye is sore and inflamed. If the cataract is very dense it blocks the passage of light, and although the retina is healthy, the dog is blind because the light is prevented from penetrating that deep into the eye. Understand how breeding practices can increase or decrease the chances of eye problems. Part of the reason that Boston terriers, and other purebred dogs, have so many eye problems is because dogs that have these problems already are being bred with each other. It increases the likelihood of these conditions if one or both parents have a genetic condition already. Fortunately, if good breeding practices are observed (for instance not breeding dogs with these conditions) the issues could be reduced greatly. For example, there is now a genetic screening test available for juvenile cataracts. In the case of juvenile cataracts, prevention is better than a cure. If all breeding stock were screened, and only negative dogs were bred, the problem could be brought under control. When you adopt a dog from a breeder, as to see the medical records of the dog's parents. If they have had proper veterinary care and have been screened for eye problems, then the chances that your prospective dog will have eye problems are much lower. | Look for the signs of corneal ulcers. Be on the lookout for the signs of cataracts. Pay attention to the signs of other eye problems. Take your dog to her veterinarian. Understand how the vet will assess your dog's eyes. Follow your veterinarian's advice about treatment. Understand what a corneal ulcer is. Learn about hereditary cataracts. Understand how breeding practices can increase or decrease the chances of eye problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Staples | How to Remove Staples | Removing staples is pretty simple if you have the right tools. To remove staples from wood, use a carpenter's staple remover tool. Just wedge the tool underneath the staple and pull up on it. If you don't have this tool, you can use a flathead screwdriver or pliers instead. Office staple removers also work on wood. You can also remove staples by wedging a small, solid object under the staple and pulling up on it. Pennies, nail clippers, and pens would all work. | Choose a staple remover. There are lots of different mechanisms that you can use to loosen staples and remove them from paper, some super-simple and some a bit more complex. Depending on how much paper you've got to remove, you might find one or the other more useful. Spring-activated staple removers are the most simple and cheap mechanisms for removing staples. Basically, these are little claws that you can use to pinch open the back clasps of the staple to free it up and remove it. You can get these at most office supply stores for a dollar or less. "Office-style" staple removers are more complex, but just as simple to use and more ergonomic. Featuring a scissors-like design, these staple removers allow you to position the end over the staple claps, then pull the trigger to activate and loosen the staple. Couldn't be easier. Your fingers are also perfectly effective at getting a few staples out of paper. If you've got a big stack, though, it might not be worth the aggravation, and would be better to get a staple remover. Use a small penny, nail clippers, the end of a pen, or some other object to help lift the tabs of the staples if you just want to use your fingers. Place paper upside-down and examine the staple. The back of the staples should form two prongs that will need to be straightened out to remove them without tearing the paper too much. Expose the side of the staple with the prongs and position it facing up on the table. If you notice that the prongs are broken, or already loose, it may be quicker and more simple to just pull it loose, rather than fiddling with the remover. Use the staple remover to lift the prongs. Position the staple remover over the prongs of the staple and pinch the staple open. This won't remove it entirely, but it should help to straighten the two prongs that were holding it in place. Doing this should allow you to pull the staple free. If you're using the spring-style staple remover, make sure the little teeth are positioned accurately, so you'll pinch them open cleanly, without damaging the paper. You usually can do this on either side of the paper, if you're using a real staple remover. Flip over the paper and remove the staple. After you've loosened the teeth, you should be able to wiggle the staple free. You can use your fingers, or use the teeth of the staple remover to grab the staple and pull it free. If it catches some, be careful not to rip the paper. Wiggle your wrist back and forth gently to help coax the staple through. Bent, old, or rusty staples will be more difficult to get loose than newer staples, so it might take some work. Just slow down and give it time. Discard old staples. Keep your staples in a clean pile while you're working, especially if you've got a big pile of papers to go through, and then dispose of them properly. Stepping on a loose staple, or getting one caught on your finger can be a painful experience, so it's good to start cleaning up as you work, rather than waiting for later. Keep a trash can right beside your desk, so you can sweep the loose staples directly into it if necessary. Do this regularly to avoid building up too much clutter in your work area. Choose a staple remover. After removing carpeting, it's a common sight to find many leftover staples stuck in the subfloor. It can be aggravating, but necessary, to take the time to go around and remove them quickly to make your new install as clean and secure as possible. A few tools are helpful at getting this done as quickly as possible: Flathead screwdriver and pliers make a good tandem if you want to go primitive. You can use the screwdriver to pry up or separate the screws and the pliers to pull them loose. If you'd rather, you can just go for the pliers. Office-style staple removers can be effective at removing certain varieties of staples. If the staples are small enough to work in a trigger-style staple remover like you might use to remove staples from paper, feel free to give it a shot. Better yet would be a flat prybar-style staple remover, which are common at office supply stores. Knee pads are extremely valuable while you're undertaking this project. After fifteen minutes crawling around on your knees on a hard floor covered in carpet adhesive and staples, you'll be wishing you had some. Pull as many up with carpeting as you can. If you're removing carpet, lots of floor staples will come up with the carpet as you remove it. Discarding the staples will mostly be a matter of sweeping them up from the floor. Many, however, will remain stuck and will need to be removed, but getting as many as you can while you're removing the carpet in the first place will make it a lot easier. Go slowly, using your pry bar underneath to loose the carpet as you're pulling it loose to help bring up as many staples with the carpet as possible. Don't take too much carpet at once, or go too quickly. You'll make the job much easier on yourself if you leave fewer staples. Pry up the staples using the staple remover. Whether you want to use your staple remover or go primitive with a screwdriver, there's little science to the job. Just get down there and start prying them loose. If you've got a partner, it can be effective to have one person doing the loosening and another pinching them loose with pliers. Get coordinating to see what works best for you and the tools you've got at hand. Sweep up loose staples thoroughly. It's important that you don't leave any staples laying around. Sweep them up, or use a Shop-Vac to suck them up from the floor when you're done, especially if you're going to be installing new carpet relatively soon. Try to get all of them. | Choose a staple remover. Place paper upside-down and examine the staple. Use the staple remover to lift the prongs. Flip over the paper and remove the staple. Discard old staples. Choose a staple remover. Pull as many up with carpeting as you can. Pry up the staples using the staple remover. Sweep up loose staples thoroughly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Watercress | How to Grow Watercress | To grow watercress outdoors, start by getting some mature watercress plants from your local gardening center or supermarket. Then, find a cool, partially shaded spot in a shallow stream or creek and mix some organic compost into the soil. If you don't have a stream or creek to plant in, make a bog by digging a hole, lining it with pond liner, and filling it with soil and water. Finally, plant the mature watercress in the soil and wait until it's around 5-6 inches tall before harvesting. | Purchase the watercress seeds. Seeds can be ordered online or from gardening supply stores and nurseries. Popular varieties of watercress include English Watercress and Broad Leaf Cress. You can also start growing from mature watercress purchased at a supermarket or farmer's market. Cut the ends, then soak the base of the stalks in water for a few days to encourage root growth and proceed to plant them in soil as you would from seed. Prepare the container for planting. Choose a large container or planter with drainage holes that is at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) deep. Add a layer of landscaper's cloth at the bottom of the container to keep the potting mix from escaping when you water. Add pieces of broken pots or small pebbles to the bottom layer of the container to allow for good drainage. You can also use multiple small containers and place them in a larger drainage tray. Plastic containers are recommended over terra cotta ones, which can dry out too quickly for watercress. Place a larger drainage tray or bucket beneath the planting container. You need to water the plant often. It's soil should be wet at all times. You can put excess water in the tray or bucket to keep the plant wet. You can also place small pebbles in the drainage tray to allow water to flow freely into the growing container. Fill the growing container with potting mix. Use a soilless mixture that drains well and contains peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. Leave approximately two inches (5 cm) of space to the top rim of the container and water the mix well. The ideal pH of the potting mix should be 6.5 and 7.5. Sow the watercress seeds. Place the seeds 1/4 inch (.64 cm) deep in the potting mix, allowing three to four inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) between each seed. Water heavily. Soak the potting mix deeply enough so that water fills the drainage tray below roughly halfway full, but doesn't rise higher than the growing container. Replace the water in the drainage tray with fresh water every two to three days. Make sure the tray never dies out. Check it daily to see if you need to add more water. To keep the soil thoroughly cover the surface with a thin, clear plastic sheet that has small holes poked in it, which will retain water and allow airflow. The sheet can be removed when the sprouts begin to appear above the soil. Mist the soil surface well with water in a spray bottle every other day. Place the container in indirect sunlight. Position the watercress where it will receive roughly six hours of natural light each day, but try to avoid harsh, direct rays that can burn the young plants. You can keep the containers indoors or when the weather is regularly between 55˚F and 75˚F (13˚ and 24˚C) where you live, you can place the container outside during warmer months. Fertilize the watercress. Add a small amount of water-soluble, all-purpose gardening fertilizer to the water in the drainage tray at the package-recommended rate. Harvest the watercress. Once the plants have grown roughly five to six inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm) in height use kitchen or gardening scissors to trim the top four inches (10.1 cm) of the plant as needed. Avoid taking more than a third of any plant when cutting to allow the plants enough foliage to continue growing. Periodic harvesting helps encourage new growth. Wash the watercress. Rinse the watercress in cool water, dry it and use immediately or wrap it in bundles and store in the refrigerator for use with a few days. Start growing from mature watercress or seeds. You can purchase mature watercress at a supermarket or farmer's market. Just soak the base of the stalks in water for a few days to encourage root growth and proceed to plant them in soil as you would from seed. You can also start watercress from seeds, which you can find at a farmer's market, gardening store, or online. Choose a location for planting. Watercress grows well in cool, but sunny spots with partial shade. Planting watercress in the shallow portion of a steady-flowing, freshwater stream or creek is ideal, but you can also create your own pool or bog of water. Ideal planting times are in early spring after the last frost, or in early fall before temperatures drop too low. Prepare the growing site. If you have a steady flowing stream or creek, simply mix in four to six inches (10.1 to 15.2 cm) of organic compost into the top six to eight inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm) of soil. Create a growing site. If you don't have an existing water source, dig a hole that is roughly two feet (61 cm) across and 12 inches (35 cm) deep to create a bog. Line the bottom and sides with a large sheet of heavy plastic pond liner, leaving a four inch (15.2 cm) lip at the top and punch a few holes in the sides for drainage. Fill the lined hole with a mixture of one part garden soil, one part coarse builder's sand, one part compost and a handful of fertilizer. Water the growing site. If planting next to a stream, make sure the soil is deeply soaked. If you've created a growing site, fill the bog to the brim with water. If you've created a growing site, water the area every two to three days to ensure it remains thoroughly soaked or install a water pump to keep fresh water circulating through the bog. Plant the watercress. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) deep and roughly 1/2 inch (12.6 mm) apart, and cover with a thin layer of fine gardening soil. You can also start the watercress indoors using the method above or transplant mature plants. However, as the plants can be delicate, they may prove difficult to transplant. Cultivate the watercress. Once the watercress has sprouted, thin the seedlings roughly four to six inches (10.1 to 15.2 cm) apart. If small white flowers appear, trim them back with gardening scissors to encourage new growth. Harvest the watercress. Once the plants have grown roughly five to six inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm) in height use kitchen or gardening scissors to trim the top four inches (10.1 cm) of the plant as needed. Avoid taking more than a third of any plant when cutting to allow the plants enough foliage to continue growing. Periodic harvesting helps encourage new growth. | Purchase the watercress seeds. Prepare the container for planting. Place a larger drainage tray or bucket beneath the planting container. Fill the growing container with potting mix. Sow the watercress seeds. Water heavily. Place the container in indirect sunlight. Fertilize the watercress. Harvest the watercress. Wash the watercress. Start growing from mature watercress or seeds. Choose a location for planting. Prepare the growing site. Create a growing site. Water the growing site. Plant the watercress. Cultivate the watercress. Harvest the watercress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Age-Spots | How to Remove Age Spots | To remove age spots without chemicals, simply dab a little fresh lemon juice directly onto the spot and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing. By doing this twice a day, you'll naturally bleach your skin with citric acid, and you should see results in a month or 2. Make sure to avoid going outside with lemon juice on your skin, since it will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which could make your age spots worse. Another way to get rid of age spots is to use the lactic acid in buttermilk. Just like the lemon juice, apply the buttermilk to your age spots twice a day and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. | Use hydroquinone cream. Hydroquinone is a very effective bleaching cream which can significantly reduce the appearance of age spots. It is available in concentrations up to 2% over-the-counter, but higher concentrations will require a prescription from your doctor. Be aware that hydroquinone has been banned in many European and Asian countries, due to its potential carcinogenic properties. However, it is still widely available in the US. Try Retin-A. Retin-A is an excellent anti-aging skin care product which is used to combat fine lines and wrinkles, improve the skin's texture and elasticity and fade discoloration and sun damage, including age spots. Retin-A is a vitamin A derivative which is available in cream or gel form, in a variety of different strengths. It is only available by prescription, so you will need to see your doctor before you start using it. It helps to eliminate age spots by exfoliating the skin, removing the outer hyperpigmented layer and revealing the fresh, new skin underneath. Select products containing glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid commonly used in chemical peels. It works by exfoliating the skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. When sold OTC, glycolic acid is found in cream or lotion form, which is usually applied and left to sit on the skin for a few minutes, before being rinsed off. Glycolic acid can be quite harsh on the skin, sometimes causing redness and discomfort. You should always moisturize your skin after using glycolic acid products. Look for products that contain salicylic and ellagic acid. The combination of these 2 ingredients has been shown to help lighten age spots. Talk to your dermatologist to see what they recommend, or check labels on products to find 1 that contains both. You may be able to find a skin cream or lotion that contains both of these ingredients. Apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. Sunscreen won't actually help to reduce the appearance of your existing age spots, but it will prevent new ones from forming (as they are caused primarily by sun damage ). In addition, the sunscreen will prevent your existing sunspots from becoming any darker or more noticeable. You should wear a sunscreen with a zinc oxide base and an SPF of at least 15 every day, even if it's not hot or sunny. Dab on some lemon juice. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to bleach age spots. Simply dab a little fresh lemon juice directly onto the sunspot and leave to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Do this twice a day and you should start to see results in a month or two. Lemon juice makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight (and could make the age spot worse) so never leave lemon juice on your skin if you're going outside. If you have very sensitive skin, the lemon juice might be irritating on your skin, so try diluting it to half strength with water or rosewater before applying. Coat your skin in buttermilk. Buttermilk contains lactic acid, which bleaches the skin in the same way as the citric acid in lemon juice. Apply a little buttermilk directly onto your age spots and leave for 15 minutes to half an hour before rinsing off. Do this twice a day. If you tend to have very oily skin, it's a good idea to mix the buttermilk with a little lemon juice before applying, as this will prevent your skin from becoming greasy. For added benefit, mix a little tomato juice in with the buttermilk, as tomato also contains bleaching properties which can help to reduce age spots. Mix honey and yogurt and apply to age spots. A combination of honey and yogurt is believed to be beneficial when it comes to reducing age spots. Simply mix equal parts of honey and plain yogurt together and apply directly onto the age spots. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off. Do this twice a day. Use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is an important ingredient in many home remedies, including one for age spots! Apply a little apple cider vinegar directly onto the age spots and leave for 30 minutes before rinsing off. Only use this treatment once a day, as apple cider vinegar can be drying on the skin. You should start to see an improvement in the appearance of the age spots after about six weeks. For added benefit, mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part onion juice (which you can extract by pushing chopped onion through a strainer) and apply this to the age spots instead. Apply aloe vera. Aloe vera is commonly used to treat a number of skin ailments, including age spots. Simply rub a little fresh aloe vera gel (taken directly from the plant) onto the affected area and leave to soak in. As aloe vera is very gentle, there is no need to rinse it off. However, you may want to rinse it off if it starts to feel sticky. If you don't have access to the gel from an aloe vera plant, you can bu fresh aloe vera juice at the market or health food store. This works just as well. Massage your skin with castor oil. Castor oil is known for its skin healing properties and has proven effective in the treatment of age spots. Apply a little castor oil directly onto the age spots and massage into the skin for a minute or two until absorbed. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening, and you should start to see an improvement in about a month. If you suffer from dry skin, you can mix a little coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil in with the castor oil for added moisturization. Try sandalwood. Sandalwood is believed to contain effective anti-aging properties, and is often used to reduce the appearance of age spots. Mix a pinch of sandalwood powder with a couple of drops each of rose water, glycerin and lemon juice. Apply this paste onto the age spots and leave to dry for 20 minutes before rinsing off with cold water. Alternatively, you could massage a drop of pure sandalwood essential oil directly onto the age spots. Talk to a dermatologist about laser technology to remove age spots. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL lasers are especially effective at lightening age spots. During the treatment, an intense laser light penetrates the epidermis and causes the skin to rejuvenate. The intensity of the light scatters the skin pigments and destroys the discoloration. The laser treatment is not painful but may cause minimal discomfort. An anesthetic cream is applied 30 to 45 minutes before the procedure to ease the discomfort. The number of sessions required will depend on the size of the area and number of spots to be treated. Generally, 2 to 3 sessions will be required. Each session can last from 30 to 45 minutes. The treatment requires no downtime, but redness, puffiness, and sensitivity to sunlight may occur. Although laser treatment is extremely effective, its major downside is the cost. Depending on the type of laser used (Q-switched ruby, alexandrite or Fraxel dual laser) and the number of age spots requiring treatment, prices can range from $400 to $1500 per session. Try microdermabrasion treatments to remove age spots. Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive skin treatment that uses a wand with air pressure. The wand blasts crystals, zinc or other abrasive materials directly against the skin, exfoliating the top layers to remove the dark, hyperpigmented skin. Microdermabrasion requires no downtime and there are no side effects. A session can be from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the area being treated. Treatment sessions are given in 2- to 3-week intervals. Typically, 2 to 3 sessions will be required. Prices range can be $75 or more per session. Get a chemical peel. A chemical peel works by dissolving dead skin so the new, radiant skin will surface. During a chemical peel, the area to be treated is thoroughly cleansed and a gel-like acidic substance is applied. The area is then neutralized to stop the chemical process. Side effects include redness, peeling and sensitivity, which may require downtime. Generally, two treatment sessions are required, which are given in 3- to 4-week intervals. The prices can be $250 or more per session. One study found that combining a Jessner peel with a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel was more effective than 1 of these types of peels alone for removing acne scars, so it might also be helpful for age spots. Ask your dermatologist if this might help to reduce your age spots. | Use hydroquinone cream. Try Retin-A. Select products containing glycolic acid. Look for products that contain salicylic and ellagic acid. Apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. Dab on some lemon juice. Coat your skin in buttermilk. Mix honey and yogurt and apply to age spots. Use apple cider vinegar. Apply aloe vera. Massage your skin with castor oil. Try sandalwood. Talk to a dermatologist about laser technology to remove age spots. Try microdermabrasion treatments to remove age spots. Get a chemical peel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Aloe-Vera-Gel-on-Your-Hair | How to Use Aloe Vera Gel on Your Hair | To condition your hair with aloe vera gel, start by filling an empty container halfway with your favorite hair conditioner, followed by an equal amount of aloe vera. Attach the container lid and shake until everything is mixed together. To use your aloe conditioner, apply it to your hair after you shampoo and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out. Make sure to give the container a few shakes every time you use it, just in case the ingredients separate. | Transfer half of your favorite conditioner to an empty container. Use a spare plastic bottle or a resealable glass jar to put half of the conditioner in, and set it aside somewhere safe so you can use it later and make a second batch of aloe conditioner. Mixing up a batch of aloe conditioner saves you money because it doubles the amount of time you'll go between having to purchase new product. Funnel aloe vera gel into the half-empty bottle to fill it up. You may be able to simply spoon the gel in, but if the mouth of the bottle is narrow, it would be easier to use a funnel. In general, you should aim to make your conditioner bottle a mixture of 1:1 aloe to conditioner, but it's okay if the proportions are a little bit off. Use fresh aloe vera gel, which can be purchased at your local health food store, or harvest the aloe vera gel yourself if you have a plant at home. Shake up the bottle to fully incorporate the aloe and conditioner. Reattach the lid to the bottle, and give it several good shakes until everything is mixed together. Test the product by squeezing some out into your hand—if it is primarily aloe, then you need to mix it up more. Each time you use the conditioner, give it a few shakes in case either of the ingredients settled. Apply the conditioner after washing your hair and leave it in for 2 minutes. After you wash your hair, apply the conditioner and let it sit for a few minutes before you rinse it out. It may take a week or two for you to notice the difference, but before long the aloe should start working its magic on your hair. Aloe vera helps clear up dry skin and dandruff, and it also heals hair that has been damaged by heat or chemicals. Apply aloe vera gel directly to your scalp. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 44 mL) of aloe vera gel onto your fingertips. Massage the gel into your scalp—don't forget the back of your hair, too! You can use aloe vera gel from the store, or harvest it yourself if you have an aloe plant at home. Leave the aloe vera gel on your scalp for 1 hour. There's no need to cover your hair with a towel or shower cap—simply set a timer for an hour and go about your business. If you're going to lay down, though, you could wrap a towel around your head to keep the aloe vera gel on your scalp, though it won't hurt anything if it rubs off. Wash off the aloe vera gel with shampoo and then condition as normal. After the hour has passed, simply wash and condition your hair like you normally do. For extra conditioning and hair-growth benefits, use an aloe vera conditioner. Avoid using high-heat instruments if you're trying to encourage new hair growth, as it can damage your hair follicles. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week for the best results. If you're trying to encourage new hair growth, repeating this process several times a week is the best option. Make it a part of your routine at night before you go to bed. Combine the scalp treatment with a once per week hair mask for shiny, smooth hair. Put 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of aloe vera gel into a bowl. For such a small amount of aloe, you'll only need 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of an aloe leaf if you're harvesting it yourself. If you don't have fresh aloe at home, use store-bought aloe vera gel, which can be found at health food stores. Mix the aloe vera with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of virgin coconut oil. For the easiest results, use coconut oil that is at room temperature—it'll be easier and faster to incorporate with the aloe. Use a spoon to mix up the ingredients until they make a single paste. If your hair needs a little extra conditioning, you could also add in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of honey. Use your fingers to apply the gel to your hair, starting at mid-shaft. Work the mask down through the ends of your hair, and then go back up and massage it into your scalp, too. Keep working the mask through your hair until it is covering everything. If you have really long hair, you may need to double the recipe. Starting at mid-shaft helps ensure the mask gets smoothed over all your hair and isn't mainly at the scalp, which could end up making it look greasy. You may need to massage the coconut oil and aloe gel with your fingers for a few minutes to warm it up and make it easier to spread. Wear an old t-shirt that you don't mind getting a little messy, just in case any of the mask gets onto your clothes. Wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel or a shower cap. This is mainly to protect your clothes and furniture while you let the mask do its work, but the warm, damp towel can help to provide your hair with a little extra moisturizing power, too, and it'll keep the mask moist. If you leave your hair unwrapped, it's possible that the mask will start to stiffen on your hair and won't work as well. Let the mask penetrate your hair for 40-45 minutes. Set a timer or turn on the TV and catch up on a few episodes of your favorite show and relax! The mask will do all the work itself. Don't leave the mask in for longer than two hours or it'll definitely start to dry out. as normal after the time is up. Wash your hair Once your timer goes off, take a shower and wash your hair to get all of the mask rinsed out. You'll notice that your hair feels smoother than it did before. No need to add conditioner after washing out the mask! Try applying this mask once per week to keep your hair nicely conditioned. | Transfer half of your favorite conditioner to an empty container. Funnel aloe vera gel into the half-empty bottle to fill it up. Shake up the bottle to fully incorporate the aloe and conditioner. Apply the conditioner after washing your hair and leave it in for 2 minutes. Apply aloe vera gel directly to your scalp. Leave the aloe vera gel on your scalp for 1 hour. Wash off the aloe vera gel with shampoo and then condition as normal. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week for the best results. Put 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of aloe vera gel into a bowl. Mix the aloe vera with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of virgin coconut oil. Use your fingers to apply the gel to your hair, starting at mid-shaft. Wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel or a shower cap. Let the mask penetrate your hair for 40-45 minutes. as normal after the time is up. |
https://www.wikihow.tech/Change-the-DVD-Region-on-a-Mac | How to Change the DVD Region on a Mac | Open your DVD player , and insert a DVD coded with a different region code than your current setting. You'll be prompted to change your region before you can play the disc. | Open the DVD Player app on your Mac. DVD Player is a stock app that comes installed with all Mac computers. You can find it in your Applications folder. Insert a DVD that has a different region code than your DVD drive. When you insert a DVD from a different region, you'll be asked if you want to change your Mac's DVD region. If the DVD plays without asking to change your region, your DVD drive is already set to a compatible DVD region for this disc. If you've reached the maximum number of five changes, DVDs from other regions will be automatically ejected. Select a region that matches your DVD disc. This will change your DVD drive's region settings. You can now play and watch DVDs coded with this region's code. | Open the DVD Player app on your Mac. Insert a DVD that has a different region code than your DVD drive. Select a region that matches your DVD disc. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Mussels | How to Clean Mussels | To clean mussels, start by removing them from their store-bought packaging and discarding any cracked, smashed, or open mussels. Next, soak them in salt water for 15 minutes and transfer them to a colander with a slotted spoon. Then, pick up each mussel and pull off the beards, or string-like appendages, that you see coming out of them. Finally, rinse the de-bearded mussels with cold water and scrub the shells gently to remove any sand and grime. | Examine the mussels as soon as you get home from the store. Remove the mussels from whatever packaging the store used right away, otherwise the mussels are at risk of suffocating. If you don't have time to sort through them immediately, at least move them out of the package and into a bowl in the fridge, and cover them with ice. Mussels are the best when bought and cooked on the same day, though they can last in the fridge for 1 to 2 days if you need to buy them beforehand. Discard cracked, smashed or open mussels, as they can make you ill. Look at each mussel individually. Any mussels that have large cracks across them or that are smashed and crumpled need to be thrown away. Chances are, they are already dead. If a mussel is open, that is also a sign that it has died and should be discarded. Not all gaping mussels need to be discarded. You can quickly test to see if it's still alive by tapping it on the counter or against another mussel. If it closes, that means the mussel is still alive and you can use it. If it doesn't move, throw it away. Some mussels that are stressed, but not dead, will open slightly, so give them a quick check before throwing them out. Store fresh mussels in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. Put the good mussels in a clean bowl, and cover them with a resealable plastic bag that is full of ice. Cover the bag with a damp dishcloth. This will keep the mussels alive and fresh until you're ready to clean and cook them. If you don't want to use a dishcloth, you could also use damp paper towels. Use fresh mussels within 1 to 2 days of purchasing them. You can sometimes leave them in the fridge for longer, but 1 to 2 days is a safe window. If you do leave them for a few extra days, make sure they still smell like the ocean (rather than like rotten fish) and that they haven't gotten slimy. If you find you won't be able to use your mussels in time, you can transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. Soak the mussels in a salt water bath for 15 minutes. Mix 1/4 cup (68 grams) of kosher salt with 3 cups (710 mL) of cold water. Whisk the mixture until the salt is incorporated. Add your mussels to the bath and set a timer for 15 minutes. The mussels will “breathe” and expel salt and dirt from their shells as they soak in the salt water. It helps purify them, and it'll give you a much nicer eating experience. Use a slotted spoon to move the mussels from the bath to a colander. Once the 15 minutes are up, spoon the mussels out of the salt bath and into a colander that has been placed in your sink. Once all the mussels have been removed, you can drain and clean the bowl. Don't dump the water and mussels into the colander, as all the salt and grime that was released during the salt soak will just end up back on top of the mussels. Remove the beard from each mussel by pulling it toward the hinge. Pick each mussel up individually and check for any string-like appendages coming out of them (this is the beard). Grab the beard between your forefinger and thumb, and gently pull it toward the hinge of the mussel to remove it. If you have trouble removing the beard with your fingers, try gripping it with a paper towel or scraping it off with a knife. If you can't get the entire beard off, that's okay, too. They're edible and won't hurt you if they get cooked in with your meal. Run cold water over the de-bearded mussels in the colander. After you've removed the beards from all the mussels, turn on the water and let it run over them as you clean them. Use cool to cold water, rather than warm. If you notice any beards you missed earlier, take a moment to remove them now. Scrub each mussel to remove sand and grime from the shells. Use a scrub brush to gently wipe each mussel. Sand and dirt should come away easily, and it shouldn't take you more than a couple of minutes to clean an entire batch. The shell of the mussel should be smooth to the touch. If you feel any bumps or rough spots, scrub that area a little harder. Discard any dead or damaged mussels you have may missed initially. Continually check the mussels to make sure they're all still alive and well. If you come across any that are open or badly cracked, throw them out. With mussels, it's better to err on the side of caution and get rid of any suspicious ones. The last thing you want is to end up with food poisoning! Set the cleaned mussels on paper towels to dry before you cook them. After you clean each mussel, set it to the side on a clean paper towel and let them dry as you continue cleaning the rest of your batch. Pat them dry once they've all been cleaned, and you're good to continue on and cook them. You could also set them on a clean dish towel if you don't use paper towels. | Examine the mussels as soon as you get home from the store. Discard cracked, smashed or open mussels, as they can make you ill. Store fresh mussels in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. Use fresh mussels within 1 to 2 days of purchasing them. Soak the mussels in a salt water bath for 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to move the mussels from the bath to a colander. Remove the beard from each mussel by pulling it toward the hinge. Run cold water over the de-bearded mussels in the colander. Scrub each mussel to remove sand and grime from the shells. Discard any dead or damaged mussels you have may missed initially. Set the cleaned mussels on paper towels to dry before you cook them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Shape-a-Beard | How to Shape a Beard | To shape your beard at home, begin by choosing the right shape to suit your face. For example, a longer beard can offset a round face and a bushy beard can bulk up a thin face. Then comb your beard, stroking each hair outward, away from your face. Using a beard trimmer set to 3, work from the outside edges of your beard toward the center of your face, being careful to keep your trimming symmetrical and blend your beard into your sideburns. When you're done, use a razor to remove any remaining stubble. | Identify your natural face shape. Take a look in the mirror and note what stands out to you. Do you have a chiseled jawline, or do your cheeks protrude slightly? Is your head a perfect oval or something that more closely resembles an inverted pyramid? Do a little creative visualization to determine what changes would be needed to achieve a more proportionate appearance. If you really want to do your homework, measure your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and find the distance between your crown and chin. The longest measurements will be an indicator of how your head and face are structured. Zeroing in on the ideal beard style is largely a matter of knowing which features to highlight and which to draw attention away from. Regardless of your face shape, a beard can help balance out your nose, draw attention to your eyes, and make your chin look more defined. Wear your beard longer to offset a round or blocky head. Crop the growth on your cheeks and sideburns closer to the skin and let the hair gradually get longer as it reaches your chin. A sleek taper will have a lengthening effect that makes each of your features appear more evenly balanced. A small amount of beard oil or a low-hold pomade will help you maintain your carefully-crafted beard shape throughout the day. Keep your beard bushy on the sides to fill out a thin, angular face. Some men have the opposite problem—a long, slender head shape that a pointy beard only exaggerates. If you're one of these men, you can trim the hair on the tip of your chin to do away with excess length, but leave the thickest tufts around the cheeks and sideburns intact. This will add some volume around the sides of your face. Your goal should be to sculpt a smooth, subtle curvature of the jawline. Be careful not to let your beard grow out too much on the sides, or it may push your face shape too far in the other direction. Draw on more unique styles to hide thin, patchy areas. If your mustache doesn't quite grow into your chin hair, you might dispense with it altogether and go for a swashbuckling style beard with a disconnected mustache and soul patch. Similarly, a no-man's-land between your goatee and the hair on your cheeks can be dealt with by deliberately leaving a strip of extra space on either side of your mouth. Just because your facial hair isn't thick and full all the way around doesn't mean you can't make what's there work in your favor. Comb out your beard. Run a fine-toothed beard comb or small hairbrush with flexible bristles through your facial hair from cheek to chin. Stroke the hair outward, away from your face, so that it all stands up in one direction. This will give you a better sense of how long your beard actually is and also make it easier to prune without making costly mistakes. Daily combing is necessary to identify areas that need trimming, prevent tangles, and redistribute natural oils. Keeping your beard brushed out is also a useful way to create the appearance of added volume, since it gets the hairs fluffed up nicely. Use a beard trimmer to control how much you take off. Glide the head of the trimmer over your face slowly, using light pressure. If your goal is to thin out a bushy beard, use upward strokes, so that the blades of the trimmer cut square across the hairs. If you'd rather preserve more of the bulk you've been so committed to growing, move the trimmer downward in the same direction that the hair lays naturally. Set the guard to about a 3 initially (which is usually somewhere around 9mm) and switch to a lower setting if you want to go shorter. That way, you can avoid accidentally shaving too much at once. Beard trimmers offer a more customizable trimming experience because of their ability to cut hair to a consistent length with every pass, unlike scissors, which force you hack away at tufts piece by piece. Work from the outside in. Start by buzzing both cheeks until you strike the desired balance between volume and tidiness. Once the sides look good, move the trimmer inward and go over your chin and mustache area. Double check that both sections are equally full, and that both halves of your face match. Most men's facial hair tends to be thicker around the goatee, so starting with the cheeks helps ensure that your beard comes out even without having to go shorter on the sides than you'd like. Create transition with your sideburns. Sideburns are tricky, since they can be treated as either an extension of your beard or your head hair. Assuming that your head hair and facial hair are approximately the same length, you can let what's up top flow seamlessly into what's underneath. If one is significantly longer than the other, try fading your sideburns using increasingly smaller guards so that the difference isn't too jarring. For extremely short hairstyles like buzz cuts and shiny bald domes, blend your sideburns until they disappear around the top of your ear. Longer locks are a little simpler. Just keep your sideburns clean and neat, then leave everything above and below your ears as shaggy as you please. Place two fingers just above your Adam’s apple. Hold the fingers sideways, so that they lay across your throat. This is the sweet spot where you should begin your neckline. You'll be leaving just enough growth beneath your jaw to ensure a natural transition without letting it get out of control. If you're having trouble finding the exact point, feel for the rigid lump in your windpipe, then slide your fingers up until they rest in the little groove at the top. Most stylists recommend that a beard should terminate about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm) above the midpoint of your neck. Shave all the hair below your upper finger. Take a mental snapshot of the exact point, or make a small mark with your clippers to serve as a reference. Shear off the beard's lower extremities so that it forms one clean line straight across. Your neckline is every bit as important as the rest of your facial hair. A sloppy-looking neckbeard can sabotage an otherwise sophisticated style. Shape your neckline in a gentle curve from ear to ear. Now it's time to apply the finishing touches. Picture an imaginary line running beneath your chin in a shallow “U” shape. Using your clippers, chip away at the remaining hair on both sides of your Adam's apple. When you're finished, your neckline should roughly mirror the shape of your jaw. Be careful not to start your neckline too high up. A lower jaw that's completely hairless can make your beard look like it lacks coverage. Remove any remaining stubble with a manual razor. Go back over the area you just buzzed to cut the coarse hair down to the skin. Not only will this leave your neckline looking pristine, it will also keep unwanted growth from returning quite so fast. To prevent irritating razor burn, lather up with moisturizing shave gel and make your strokes with the grain, not against it. Wash and dry your beard before shaping it up. Use shampoo and conditioner to clean and soften your facial hair regularly. After showering, hold off on trimming or styling until your beard has had time to fully dry and reassume its original form. This is when it will be most manageable, as it will have a little extra volume and look like it will when you're out walking around. A few passes with a blowdryer on a low heat setting can help speed up the drying time. Attempting to shape a wet, limp beard is risky because the hairs will draw up and change shape as they dry. Clean up the lines of your cheeks. Guide your clippers along the upper perimeter of your beard to get rid of fuzzy overgrown edges. Ideally, your facial hair should be just as thick at the top as it is at the bottom instead of becoming sparse and fading away. The same rules apply even if you decide to trim it down nearer to your jawline. Generally, it's best not to let your beard climb any higher than the points of your cheeks. It may help to visualize a line running from the top of your mustache to your sideburns. When it comes time to manicure the top half of your beard, you'll want to follow your natural contours rather than choosing an approximate stopping point like you did with your neckline. Trim stray hairs to an even length. Use a pair of scissors to snip any scraggly or overly-long strands that have managed to escape your clippers. Tilt your head at different angles so you can more easily see hairs that are sticking out. Each part of your facial hair should be a uniform length. Gently tease out longer sections with a comb to make them easier to clip. It's perfectly acceptable to have a mustache or goatee that's longer than the rest of your beard, as long as these sections are a consistent length. | Identify your natural face shape. Wear your beard longer to offset a round or blocky head. Keep your beard bushy on the sides to fill out a thin, angular face. Draw on more unique styles to hide thin, patchy areas. Comb out your beard. Use a beard trimmer to control how much you take off. Work from the outside in. Create transition with your sideburns. Place two fingers just above your Adam’s apple. Shave all the hair below your upper finger. Shape your neckline in a gentle curve from ear to ear. Remove any remaining stubble with a manual razor. Wash and dry your beard before shaping it up. Clean up the lines of your cheeks. Trim stray hairs to an even length. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Select-a-Monocular | How to Select a Monocular | The type of monocular you should get will depend on what you'll be using it for. Most monoculars have a magnification between 5 and 10. 5-8 is great for normal use and will give you a wider field of view, but if you'll be looking at things really far away, you'll want to go for 9 or 10 times magnification. Most lenses have a size between 20 and 42 millimeters. A big lens will give you a wider, brighter view, but they'll also be bulkier and are sometimes harder to operate. A good beginner monocular would be 8 times magnification with a 25 millimeter lens. You can also get a monocular with night vision if you want to use it in the dark. Monoculars are the kind of product you should try out in stores to make sure you find the right one. | Decide how much magnification power you need. The magnification power of the monocular will affect how far and how detailed you can see something. Monoculars with higher magnification power will let you see further and in more detail. Most monoculars have a magnification power of 5x to 8x. Though higher magnification can seem like a better option, it will be harder to use the instrument at higher magnifications, as small movements make the image jump more at higher magnifications. If you are looking for an easy to use monocular with decent magnification, you may opt for a 5x, 6x or 8x one. If you want monoculars with higher magnification power, you may go for a monocular with a 9x or a 10x magnification. You may opt for higher magnification power if you are experienced with using binoculars, spotting scopes, and monoculars. Keep in mind that as the magnification power gets higher, your field of view goes down. So you may opt for a monocular with lower magnification power if you want a wide field of view. Determine the lens size. You should also consider your ideal lens size, as a bigger lens will allow you to see a wider view and get a better, brighter image. A smaller lens may not have as good of a view, but they are easier to use and less bulky. Most monoculars will have a lens size of between 20mm to 42mm. You may find that monoculars come with a specific magnification power and lens size, such as an 8 x 25, which is a monocular with an 8x magnification and a 25mm lens. You may try out several different monoculars with a set magnification power and lens size to get a sense of what you are looking for. Check if the lens has a coating. Most monoculars have a lens that has an anti-glare coating on it. The coating on the lens can affect the image brightness and enhance or obscure your view through the monocular. There is a range of anti-glare coverage, from just the external elements to all the lenses fully coated. The best (and most expensive) option is "fully multi-coated," which means all sides of all the lenses have multiple layers of anti-glare coatings, so your view is not obscured. Other options are coated (the lowest quality, should be used only in non-direct light); fully coated (lenses are coated with a single material and may still be affected by glare and sunlight); and multi-coated (lenses are layered with multiple anti-glare coats, though the coating is not of the same quality as fully multi-coated lenses). Test out the close focus on the monocular. You should also look at the close focus capabilities on the monocular. The close focus is the distance at which the monocular will focus on an object. Close focus may be measured in inches, rather than yards. If you want to view objects in detail when they are a few feet away from you, you may opt for a monocular with a high close focus. A monocular with a high close focus will allow you to view objects at a distance in detail. Consider the eye relief distance on the monocular. Eye relief is the space between your eye and the eyepiece on the monocular. It is measured in millimeters and will affect how far you can see through the scope of the monocular. If you wear glasses, you will need an eye relief of at least 14mm. If you do not wear glasses, you may not need a large eye relief. Consider the prism. Monoculars use both lenses and prisms to refract light and make distant images appear magnified. Monoculars usually use a roof prism or Porro prism. The type of prism used will usually depend on the magnification level of the monocular. If you are choosing a model with a higher magnification, the monocular will likely have a roof prism. This image will be more narrow and compact than one produced bt a Porro prism. A Porro prism is the most commonly used. Porro prisms will give the image more depth and produce a brighter image than roof prisms. Determine if you want a small or a large monocular. You should consider your ideal size for the monocular. A smaller sized monocular will often fit in your pocket and can be a good portable device. A larger monocular may be bulkier and harder to carry, but it may also offer a sharper, brighter image. An 8 x 25 or 10 x 25 monocular are considered pocket or compact models. You can slip a compact monocular in your bag, in your pocket, or keep it in your car. Larger monoculars that are 9 x 30 or 10 x 42 may require a larger carrying bag and are often set up on a tripod. Look at the weight of the monocular. Think about how often you are planning to use the monocular and in what ways. If you want a monocular that is lightweight and easy to carry with you on hikes or walks, you may opt for a smaller, lightweight model. If you do not mind a heavier monocular that you need to transport in a carrying bag, you may opt for a larger monocular model. You may try several different sized monoculars to get a sense of their weight and girth. If you are planning to carry the monocular around with you often, you may not want to get a model that is too heavy or bulky. Consider if you will use the monocular in the dark or around water. If you are planning to use the monocular at night, you may opt for a model that has night vision. Night vision monoculars have a built-in illuminator that allows you to see through them at night. These models also have a lower magnification so the image is less fuzzy or obscured at night. If you are planning to use the monocular around water, such as when you are boating or fishing, you may want a model that waterproof. Waterproof monoculars can be more expensive so you may not go for this feature unless you know you are going to use the device near water. Compare monoculars by price. When you shop for a monocular, you should look online at several models and brands to compare their prices. Take into consideration what you are looking for in terms of magnification power, the lens, the size, and the weight of the monocular. Try to compare several retailers online as well so you can get the best price for the monocular model you want. You may also visit several retailers and compare prices that way. Talk to the salesperson about getting a price match or a reduced price on a monocular if you find the same model at a different retailer for a lower price. Try out the monocular before you buy it. You should go in person to several retailers and try the monoculars yourself before you buy one. Hold the monocular in your hand to feel its weight and size. Slip it in your pocket and see how comfortable it feels. Put the monocular to your eye to make sure the eye relief is a fit for you. You may try out several different models to get a sense of what will suit your needs. Do not be afraid to ask a salesperson to let you hold the monocular and try it out in the store. Notice the magnification power and the lens on the monocular. Make sure it is a good fit for you. Get a warranty for the monocular. Once you decide to buy a monocular, you should speak to the salesperson about getting a warranty for the product. In general, monoculars are often more expensive and may come with a warranty to ensure the product works well. Having a warranty for the monocular will make it easier for you to return it if there is an issue and give you some assurance that the manufacturer stands by their product. | Decide how much magnification power you need. Determine the lens size. Check if the lens has a coating. Test out the close focus on the monocular. Consider the eye relief distance on the monocular. Consider the prism. Determine if you want a small or a large monocular. Look at the weight of the monocular. Consider if you will use the monocular in the dark or around water. Compare monoculars by price. Try out the monocular before you buy it. Get a warranty for the monocular. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stargaze | How to Stargaze | To stargaze, start by finding a place that's away from bright lights, like a park or nature preserve, so that you can see the stars more easily. Then, wait for a clear night when there's a new moon to give you a better view. If you want to find some constellations, bring along a telescope or binoculars, and star charts that you can find online. When you arrive at your spot, identify the North star so you can find other constellations based on its location. Alternatively, use an app like SkySafari, which will tell you what constellations you're looking at. | Find somewhere away from bright lights. It is easiest to see stars if you're away from large urban areas that produce a lot of artificial light at night. This reduces visibility of the night sky, making it harder to see stars. The further you get away from urban lights, the more stars you'll be able to see, so try heading to rural areas or even parks or nature preserves. Stargaze when there’s a new moon. The darker the sky is, the more stars become visible. At night, the size of the moon has a large effect on how bright or dark the sky. If you go stargazing when the moon is at its smallest, you will have a better view of the stars. You can look up the phases of the moon online on various astronomical websites. Some weather forecasts will also include information about the moon. Go to a place with high elevation. Just as with landscapes on Earth, views of the stars become better the higher up you go. Being at a high elevation not only makes you relatively closer to the sky but also puts you above trees and other things that can block your view. Astronomers often place their observatories on mountains for these reasons. If you can't make it out of a city, though, you can try stargazing from the top of a building. You can research state and national parks to find public spaces with high elevations. If you're interested, you can often camp at the park you stargaze from. Go stargazing in the winter for the best views. Views of the night sky are usually best in the winter for several reasons. There is less daylight in the winter, so the sky gets darker at night and stays that way for longer. Also the leaves have fallen off of most trees, so there tend to be more places to find an unobstructed view. If you stargaze in the winter, though, you will want to make sure to bring heavy clothing and any other equipment you might need to keep yourself warm and safe. Pay attention to weather forecasts. When planning a stargazing outing, you want to make sure you have good, clear weather. Cloudy skies will severely limit your ability to see stars. Additionally, stargazing requires spending long stretches of time outdoors, so you should avoid having to stand in the rain. Research upcoming astronomical events. The night sky always has interesting things to see, but there are sometimes occurrences that make stargazing particularly interesting. Comets or meteor showers, for instance, can be especially fun to watch. If you want to see something like that while stargazing, you can research upcoming astronomical events online. Astronomers often know what you will be able to see on a certain night well in advance. A good place to start looking for this information is the NASA website, which has a useful Sky Events Calendar. You can find that calendar here: https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SKYCAL/SKYCAL.html Research campsites. To try finding place that has high elevation and relatively little light pollution, you can begin by searching campsites in state or national parks. Some parks have particularly great areas for stargazing, and many are free or inexpensive to enter. Many state and national parks have informative websites that let you know what kinds of activities you can do there. If a website says nothing about stargazing, however, you can always call and ask to speak with a park ranger, who should be able to answer your questions.. Bring binoculars. While telescopes are more commonly associated with stargazing, binoculars can also be very useful for watching the night sky. Especially if you're just looking to try stargazing, binoculars can be a simpler and more affordable option than getting a telescope. There are many different brands and types of binoculars that you can research to choose the best ones for your needs. Bring a telescope if you’re an advanced stargazer. If you do want to make sure you can see as much as possible, you will want to bring a telescope. Telescopes have been used by astronomers for centuries, and they offer better clearer views of stars than any other device. There are many different telescopes on the market, but you will probably only need highly advanced models if you're especially serious about stargazing. If you are looking to buy a telescope, keep in mind that some of the most important factors are magnification power, portability, type, and price. Bring charging equipment for your devices. Depending on how long you plan on spending outdoors stargazing, you will want to bring external chargers for your phone and any other devices you have with you. You can find a variety of USB chargers online that should serve your needs. If you are bringing a lot of high-tech gear, you may want to bring a portable power source. Take along a chair. If you plan on stargazing for several hours or a whole night, you should bring a portable folding chair so you don't have to stand the whole time. Ideally, you should have a chair that enables you to use your telescope comfortably. You don't want to put undue strain on your neck or back by hunching over your telescope. If you're going with several people, you can also spread a blanket on the ground so multiple people can sit at once. Dress for the weather. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for the weather you'll face when you go stargazing. No matter the season, it makes sense to bring several layers along. That way you will always be able to adjust how many warm clothes you're wearing to make yourself as comfortable as possible. If you're going in the winter, you will especially want to make sure you have a proper coat, warm socks, and other warm layers, like sweaters, sweatshirts, and scarves. Bring bottles of water. As you will probably be away from the indoors for at least several hours, you will want to make sure to bring plenty of water with you. You do not want to ruin your stargazing experience by becoming dehydrated. If you're going in the winter, you may also want to bring a thermos so you can have warm liquids, like hot tea or soup, on hand. Wear gloves. In the winter, you will definitely need to bring gloves, though even in summer temperatures can get much chillier at night. You may want to bring gloves that have either retractable coverings over the fingers or no covering. This will help you to operate your telescope, binoculars, or other equipment. Take a small table if you're bringing a lot of equipment. Depending on how much equipment you're bringing with you, you may want to bring a small, portable table. This will give you something besides the ground to spread out your stuff on. A table can be especially useful for spreading out any stargazing guides you might bring. Bring reference material. You will want to consult your star charts and star atlases while you stargaze. These will help you to figure out what to look for and how to find it. You can usually find star charts online, in bookstores, and in libraries. Identify important stars for orientation. If you're in the northern hemisphere, figure out how to find the North Star. If you're in the southern hemisphere, learn how to identify the Southern Cross. Stargazers often use these markers to figure out what part of the sky they're looking at. From these touchstones, you can often easily identify other stars and constellations. This process of using one star to identify the others around it is sometimes called star-hopping and is often practiced by even veteran astronomers. Look for constellations. Constellations are groups of stars that sometimes form interesting shapes in the night sky. One of the most recognizable of these in the northern hemisphere is the Big Dipper, which looks like a spoon or a bowl with a handle. Constellations are not only beautiful to look at, they can also help you to identify individual stars and orient yourself. You can help yourself find constellations by consulting star charts and star atlases, or by using a stargazing app. Go with a local astronomy club. If you're new to stargazing or simply want to go with a group, you can often find local astronomy clubs that organize stargazing outings. If you want help identifying stars in the sky, these clubs often have experienced members who can help teach you. This might be especially useful if you're having trouble reading star charts. Many local astronomy clubs are affiliated with NASA's Night Sky Network. You can find a listing of these clubs on NASA's website. Download a stargazing app. There are several apps for phones and tablets that can help you identify stars and constellations. Usually, you simply put your device's camera at the night sky and the app tells you what stars and constellations you're looking at. These are great educational tools for beginners. They can also be an effective way to interest kids in stargazing.. Some popular stargazing apps include SkySafari and Starmap. Learn the difference between stars and planets. You can tell the difference between stars and planets by paying attention to the light they give off. Sparkling lights in the night sky tend to be stars, while lights that don't sparkle and seem to keep a fixed position are usually planets. Keep a stargazing diary. It might help you enjoy stargazing more if you if you keep track of what you see, especially if you plan on going more than once. In your diary, you can record any details that you find relevant, including your location, the weather, what equipment you used, and so on. Relax. While there is a lot you can plan for when stargazing, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. Sometimes you will not be able to see as many stars as you'd hoped, and that's okay. If you're new to stargazing, you might have a harder time identifying stars than you'd expected. Even if that's the case, try not to get frustrated. Instead, enjoy the time spent outdoors looking at the beauty of the stars. | Find somewhere away from bright lights. Stargaze when there’s a new moon. Go to a place with high elevation. Go stargazing in the winter for the best views. Pay attention to weather forecasts. Research upcoming astronomical events. Research campsites. Bring binoculars. Bring a telescope if you’re an advanced stargazer. Bring charging equipment for your devices. Take along a chair. Dress for the weather. Bring bottles of water. Wear gloves. Take a small table if you're bringing a lot of equipment. Bring reference material. Identify important stars for orientation. Look for constellations. Go with a local astronomy club. Download a stargazing app. Learn the difference between stars and planets. Keep a stargazing diary. Relax. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-Study-Guides | How to Create Study Guides | To create a study guide, format it based on your learning style. If you're a visual learner, use color-coded sections or drawings to organize the information you're studying. If you learn best through repetition, format your study guide as flashcards or a long repetitive list. Regardless of your learning style, you can also create a sample test and take it a few times so you're familiar with the test layout and the kind of questions you'll be asked. | Make the form match the function. There are many different types of study guides, each formatted to suit different subject types and learning styles. Whatever you're reviewing for, there's a study guide not only right for the subject but for your particular needs in learning that subject. Organize the information into the most user-friendly study guide you can. If you're a visual learner , consider using color-coded sections in your study guides or using idea mapping to draw out the information and make it more quickly-accessible. If you've got a linear mind , organize the information chronologically, or alphabetically, so you can make learn one thing in a series, and then move on to the next. If you need to connect to information emotionally to understand it, organize your notes into narrative form to study it better. Translate concepts from math into a story that you can connect to, then organize your study-guide like a short-story you can recite to remember the application of the formulas. If you can memorize information quickly , use a format that will help you memorize efficiently, whether it be recording yourself reciting vocab words and definitions, then listening back on your iPod throughout the day, or by creating flash cards and testing yourself regularly. Draw concept maps to connect main ideas and prioritize information. Concept maps involve writing each main idea into a separate box, which is connected according to their chronology or importance. Then, connect branches of associated information stemming from the main ideas. This study guide method provides a good visual of how subject material fits together to make a whole concept. An example of a concept map for a history chapter on space flight might involve "The Space Race" as the main heading, which would branch off into separate categories for The United States and the Soviet Union, with trailing data about specific missions, projects, successes, and failures. A formal outline, as you're sometimes expected to write for an essay assignment, is an example of a concept map. If outlining works for you and organizes information in a way you find useful, outline the info to study. Formal outlines can make excellent study guides, but only if you find them easy to write out. If it would be stressful to make one, find another solution. Diagrams of technical information can help to visually represent processes or procedures that take place by way of a series of defined steps. These start with a main concept and are organized from left to right in a way that highlights important key factors in the order in which they must happen. Timelines are good for outlining a series of chronological events, most often used for subjects like history, politics, and biology. When you're studying, it can be helpful to prioritize studying broad facts, formulas, and concepts, and the relationships between them. Then, it will be easier to remember things like historical dates, names, and other details. Use comparison charts to highlight the differences in key concepts. Create study guides using comparison charts, or tables, when it is necessary to compare and contrast a related group of ideas. You might use tables to organize particular parallels in history or biology or to compare different writers for a literature course. For example, a comparison chart collecting different plant species might have the names of various plants in different column headers, with the plants' kingdom, family and genus in rows underneath. This will help organize the information for quick comparison and review. You could also make use of comparison charts when you're studying literature, setting up different characters in a novel in different columns, with attributes or other information under each. Likewise, information from two different novels might be nicely organized in a comparison table like this. Use flash cards or concept cards to memorize vocabulary. Flash cards are generally created using blank 5 x 7-inch index cards and may contain as much or as little information as you wish, though they tend to be most effective for memorizing individual words or defining specific concepts. For this reason, they're especially effective for studying languages and history. Write 1 key concept on the front of each index card and then, on the back of the cards, write whatever fact(s) you'd like to associate with the key concepts. Cycle through the cards yourself, or have someone quiz you using the cards. To make sure you've really got things memorized, go forwards and backwards, starting with the front of the card, then with the back. This works especially well for foreign language vocabulary. Write your own sample test to study. Writing up a practice test can be an excellent way to make you analyze the content you'll be tested over from two perspectives: if you think about what would be good to include on the test, you'll be thinking like the teacher, and if you can anticipate those questions, you'll be one step ahead. Try to find out if you'll be given a multiple choice test, fill-in-the-blank, or required to answer essay questions. Prepare accordingly by writing questions of the sort you'll be tested over. Use your study materials to help you write the questions. Try to think of it in terms of what an instructor might ask you, then write out the answer to those questions the way you would on your test. Many teachers will be willing to provide old versions of the test, if they're available, for you to use as a study guide. Textbooks will often include sample tests that are an excellent way of studying. While it may seem extra-stressful to take the test more than once, it can be a great way of studying, and might even clue you into which questions will be on the test. If you're studying with another student from your class, set aside some time for each of you to make up an exam. Then, trade the exams with each other and try to answer each other's questions. That way, you'll be more sure you haven't glossed over anything important. Study multiple study guides. Create a study guide in a combination of formats, using the main concepts and supporting information you pulled from your study materials. You may draft the guides on paper, by hand, or use a computer word processing, spreadsheet or specialized study guide program to organize your information. Some students find that re-writing notes and organizing the information into hand-written study guides forces your mind to connect more physically with the information when compared with typing. While rote recopying of notes has no effect on memory, actively reading and rewriting information can help you double-up on the studying: you've read through the info once when reading, and again, when writing. Alternatively, if you struggle with hard-to-read handwriting, or simply prefer working on the computer, feel free to type out your study guide, make it as graphically-interesting as you want, and print out copies, or read through it on your mobile device. Ask your teacher about what information the test will include. The first place to start studying is by talking to your instructor, professor, teacher, or TA, to direct your efforts and attention to the correct place. If it isn't a major part of class discussions, make sure you find out what information discussed, read, and covered throughout class this particular test will include. Some courses are cumulative, meaning the information and skills in class accumulate over the course of the semester, while some courses wait to test over all the material until the final examination, testing instead over isolated topics or chapters. Make sure to ask your teacher about the specific content on the upcoming exam for which you're studying, and only study that information. When in doubt about what to study, emphasize studying new information or skills. While teachers' may delight in throwing an old question at you to test your memory, it's more likely you'll only be tested over the most recent chapters, lectures, and information. Most teachers don't want to trick you. Go through your textbook and other reading materials. Depending on the class for which you're studying, the most important source of information is likely the textbook and the associated reading assignments for the class. Many textbooks will have already bolded or otherwise emphasized the most important main concepts, skills, and ideas for you to study, making them excellent resources for study guides. Re-read materials to isolate the main ideas to include in your study guide. When reviewing, it's probably not necessary to read every word of a particular chapter. Instead, scan for the main concepts to remind yourself and mark this information for inclusion on your study guide. This, in itself, makes for a good first step in reviewing for a test. Look for chapter review or study questions to guide the content of your study guide. If a textbook lists possible questions or comprehension checks, copy them into your notes to include in your study guide. Even if the teacher doesn't base tests on the textbook, knowing the information extra thoroughly is an excellent way to review for the questions that might be asked. Gather and "translate" your class notes. Compile all your lecture notes from class, including any handouts or other supplementary materials that the teacher has provided you. Depending on the focus and content of the course, class notes can be just as important, if not more so, than the textbook and assigned readings. Sometimes, notes taken in class can be messy, confusing, and otherwise difficult to review, making a study-guide more like an all-inclusive and clean version of your class notes. Save a bit of time for recopying, not word-for-word, but taking the main concepts and important ideas the teacher discussed, from your notes. Translate them into a concise set for your study guide. If you're not a great note-taker, ask a classmate if you might review their notes, being extra careful to care for them and return them in a timely manner. Return the favor in the future by taking closer notes and letting your friend use them for review. Seek out additional definitions, explanations, and resources. Sometimes, for particular subjects, outside research might be helpful, or even necessary. If your notes and the text don't do enough to ensure that you fully understand a concept, skill, or fact, do additional research to clarify important terms that you don't understand. Fully exploring a particular concept will make sure you've got a unique perspective and understanding of it for the test. If you're studying for a final exam, be sure to collect your previous tests, study guides, and handouts. These can make for excellent study guides. Focus on the main concepts in each chapter and lecture. Identify the most important concepts in a particular section or chapter, and make sure you understand those at the cost of more specific, but less important information. Depending on the subject, some specific details like dates, formulas, or definitions may be important, but the skill or topic is more important. When reviewing for math or science , make sure to have necessary formulas memorized, if need be, but make applying those formulas the more important study-focus. Understand how to use the formula, and when to use it. The concept behind the formula is more important than the formula itself. This goes, as well, for physics, chemistry, or other science courses, in which it's helpful to create practical examples that apply the material to real-life situations. When reviewing for English , make sure you know all the characters names in the book you'll be tested over, but focus more on the plot, the significance of the story, and other themes in the reading, rather than specific details. If you have to refer to "the main character's sister" in an essay test, because you forgot the name, it won't matter much if your essay is thoughtful and well-written otherwise. When reviewing for History , it's common to spend a considerable amount of time memorizing key facts and vocabulary words, but it's also important to understand the themes of the period of history you're studying, and the reason those facts are important. Understand the relationship between all the names and dates, and you'll be in even better shape. Prioritize information. Condense all of the study materials into manageable sections that will make studying more convenient than looking through the entire chapter. Use bold headings for different sections of information, and consider organizing things into a bulleted list to access it quickly and efficiently. Identify, explain and demonstrate the relationships between ideas and concepts in sub-steps on your study-guide, or by grouping your study guides into linked packets of info that you can study together. If you're reviewing for a history final, it might make sense to bind all the war sections into one study-group, or all the information on various presidents, to look for the common themes. Include everything you'll need to study, then carry it around with you all the time. If you make sure that everything you'll need for the test is included in your study guide, you can leave your textbook at home and carry around your handful of papers instead. This is especially important for cumulative exams, in which you'll be tested over a lot of information. Going through all the individual chapters could be overwhelming, while going through your thorough notes will be quick and effective. Pull out your study guide on the bus, or while you're watching TV, and just flip through it. The more often you do "hospital rounds" of the testing information, the closer you'll be to memorizing it. Highlight difficult material to return to before the test. If you're having trouble remembering a particular formula or getting a concept down, highlight it in a designated color, like blue, and continue studying the rest of the material. When you study again, start with everything highlighted blue and make sure you've got it down before the test. This can be an excellent way of reminding you not only what you need to learn, but give you specific goals to accomplish in your studying. Study in more than one place. Some studies show that changing the location of your study can help increase your ability to memorize information. In other words, if you do nothing but study in your bedroom, it may be more difficult to remember the information than if you studied a bit in your bedroom, a bit in the backyard, a bit in the lunch room during school. Schedule your studying. Create your study guides as early as possible, and set aside enough time to study them before the test sneaks up on you. In the few weeks before the test, divide up your time for all the different subjects and sections of each subject you'll need to study, to make sure you've got enough time to spend on each individual area of information. Don't cram everything in at the last minute. If you struggle with stress anxiety and tend to panic before tests, it can be an especially good idea to get ahead of the game and set deadlines for particular chapters or topics. If you know that you've got to cover the first two chapters this week, before moving on to 3 and 4 the following week, it means you'll have a whole week to devote to that time, and you won't be able to stress about what's in 3 and 4 until later. Put your studies in different compartments, and only focus on one at a time. Don't switch back and forth between five different subjects until you've studied for one and completed it. | Make the form match the function. Draw concept maps to connect main ideas and prioritize information. Use comparison charts to highlight the differences in key concepts. Use flash cards or concept cards to memorize vocabulary. Write your own sample test to study. Study multiple study guides. Ask your teacher about what information the test will include. Go through your textbook and other reading materials. Gather and "translate" your class notes. Seek out additional definitions, explanations, and resources. Focus on the main concepts in each chapter and lecture. Prioritize information. Include everything you'll need to study, then carry it around with you all the time. Highlight difficult material to return to before the test. Study in more than one place. Schedule your studying. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Being-Punished-with-Bad-Grades | How to Avoid Being Punished with Bad Grades | If you've recently gotten bad grades, the best thing you can do is be honest and talk to your parents about the issues you're having. The more honest and mature you are, the less likely you are to get in a lot of trouble. Let them know if you're genuinely struggling or if you just slipped up and didn't prepare or study. This can lead to a conversation about possible solutions or what to do differently next time instead of a punishment. Another way to show your parents that you want to do better in school is to offer to talk to your teacher about how to bring your grades back up. Showing your parents that you're handling the situation maturely will make them feel like punishment isn't really necessary. | Be upfront about the problem. If you got a bad grade on a test or on your report card, be upfront about the problem right away. This can help you avoid punishment. Your parents want you to be successful in school. If you tell them that you're honestly struggling, they'll be more likely to want to look for a solution than try to punish you. You may know your parents will find out about your grades soon. You may be getting a progress report, for example, or parent-teacher conferences may be coming up. If this is the case, give your parents a warning ahead of time. Say something like, "Mom, Dad, I wanted to be honest with you. I'm really struggling in algebra and my semester grade isn't what it should be." When telling your parents about your grades, pick a good time to talk. Choose a time when your parents are free and there are no external time constraints. A Wednesday night when everyone's done with work and school, for example, is a great time to bring up the issue of your grades. Honesty is the best policy here. Tell your parents that you're struggling in a certain subject. If you know your exact grade, tell them. Do not try to obscure the truth. For example, if you're getting a D in chemistry, do not say, "My chemistry grade is kind of on the low side." Instead, say something like, "I'm getting a D in chemistry and I thought I should let you know." Explain why your grades are slipping. If you got a poor grade, there may be a reason for this. It may be that you were legitimately struggling, in which case your parents are unlikely to respond with punishment. However, even if your poor grade was due to irresponsibility on your part, confessing to your negligence may help evade punishment. The point of punishment is to teach responsibility. If you already understand your mistake, and want to do better, your parents may not feel the need to punish you. If you're genuinely struggling, say so. Also, highlight how you did genuinely try in a course. For example, you may simply not be doing well in algebra. Point out how often you study and how you always do your homework. Your parents will see you're trying, and may respond by trying to get you a tutor rather than punishing you. If you slipped up, however, admit it outright. Ultimately, your parents want to see you learn from your mistakes so you do not repeat them. If your D on a test is because you stayed up too late playing video games, admit this and promise to do better in the future. If you've already learned your lesson, your parents may not feel the need to punish you. Offer to talk to your teacher. If you're already willing to make the effort to change, your parents will be less likely to punish you. Offer to talk to your teacher in order to prevent your grades from slipping further. Remember, you want to make your parents feel like punishment would not be helpful at this point. Promising to speak to your teacher shows that you're handling the situation with maturity and already taking steps to change. It would be unnecessary to put more pressure on you at this point. Ask for help working towards a solution. The more maturity you show, the better. If you go into a conversation angry, expecting your parents to be mad, you're creating a problem. However, if you go into a conversation eager to find a solution, you'll be able to smooth things over and evade punishment. Your parents are invested in seeing you succeed. Ask them to help you work on your grades. Be as mature about things as you can. A little flattery can also help. For example, say something like, "I know I screwed up, and you and Mom raised me better. You guys are super responsible. Maybe you can teach me how to do better." Offer to go along with whatever your parents want in the future. For example, your parents may request that you show them your homework when you finish it. They also may want to meet with your teacher regularly. While these regulations may feel stressful or embarrassing, go along with them. If you're cooperative about fixing the problem, you'll avoid getting punished. Recognize an abusive response. It's normal for your parents to be upset or frustrated over a bad report card. However, an extreme response can constitute abuse. If you're in an abusive situation at home, it's important you recognize abuse so you can seek help. Physical abuse involves a parent beating, kicking, hitting, or otherwise hurting you. Your parents may feel physical abuse is a normal or appropriate response to what they perceive as bad behavior. They may believe in a "tough love" route to discipline. Understand that physical violence is never okay. It is not normal and it is not something all parents do. If you are being physically harmed, this constitutes abuse. Abuse can also be verbal or emotional. All parents lose their tempter at some point, and may yell on occasion if frustrated. However, if yelling becomes very loud, and is coupled by foul language, name calling, or threats, this is emotional abuse. Your parent, for example, may threaten to kick you out or abandon you when you present a poor report card. Emotional abuse is not normal and can be very damaging to your self-image. Show you're responsible. After confessing about your bad grades, make an effort to show how responsible you are. If your parents see you're taking the setback as an incentive to change, they'll be less likely to respond with punishment. Start keeping your parents up-to-date on your grades. Show them your graded assignments, tests, and quizzes. If you get regular progress reports, show these reports to your parents without prompting. Keep your parents up-to-date on the progress you've made. Do not just say you'll talk to your teacher. Actually talk to him or her and, after the conversation has occurred, report back to your parents. Tell them what your teacher said and any suggestion he or she gave for improvement. Develop a plan to bring your grades up. You can avoid punishment by being willing to work on the problem with your parents mutually. Together, talk about ways you can work on bringing your grades up to standard. A lot of your plan depends on why your grades were low. If you were genuinely struggling, a tutor may help. You also may want to ask your teacher for help on an assignment. If you slipped up due to irresponsibility, you can take steps to be a better student. Promise your parents you'll always do your homework after school. Set a bedtime for yourself and stick to it. Write down assignments ahead of time so you do not forget them. Let your parents know about any personal issues that are affecting your grades. There are many reasons your grades may have slipped. If you are having personal problems that are affecting your grades, let your parents know. They will want to help you get through difficult times and want to offer you suggestions on how to fix any issues affecting your studies. Depression is a common problem in teenagers that can affect grades. If you've been feeling low lately, suffering mood swings, are having thoughts of death or suicide, and have lost interest in certain activities, you may be experiencing depression. Talking to a therapist to address the issue can help. Let your parents know if you're worried you may be depressed. Attention Deficit Disorder can also cause a slip in your grades. ADD is marked by irritability, an inability to concentrate, and poor decision-making skills. If you think you may have ADD, talk to your parents about getting diagnosed so you can get the treatment you need to get back on track in school. If you're having any personal problems, such as getting bullied in school, you should also let your parents know about this. This can also affect study habits. Seek help from another adult in the event of abuse. If you're in an abusive situation, it can be very difficult to talk through things with your parents. Your parents may be unwilling to listen or compromise. In this case, seek help from another adult. A trusted adult can be another relative, like a grandparent, aunt, or uncle. You can also talk to your family doctor, if you get the opportunity to speak to the doctor alone. A teacher or guidance counselor at your school can also help. In the event you cannot think of anyone to talk to yourself, you can contact Childhelp. This is a non-profit agency dedicated to helping children in abusive situations. You can call at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). If you're not comfortable calling in your home, you can ask to use a friend's phone or even try to find a pay phone. Improve your study habits. Once you and your parents have worked things out, try to do better moving forward. You can prevent getting punished for bad grades by keeping your grades reasonably high. To do so, work on bettering your study habits. Improve your organizational skills. Use a weekly planner or calendar to keep track of upcoming tests and quizzes. Try to have different binders or folders for notes for your various classes. Study in a location free of distractions, like a coffee shop or library. Turn off your cellphone and other electronics before studying. Bring all the materials you need with you when you go to study. Study in short intervals. Trying to cram too much in one session can be daunting. Study in 40 to 50 minute blocks, taking 5 to 10 minute breaks in-between. Keep up with your homework. You should also strive to keep up with your homework, as homework assignments go towards your overall grade. Try to do your homework after school each day, before you engage in any fun activities like seeing friends or playing video games. You should also be upfront with your parents about your homework, letting them know what is due and when. You can also write down homework assignments in your calendar or planner to make sure you remember to do them on time. Ask your teacher for regular progress reports. Transparency is important to evade punishment. If your parents are concerned about your grades, they will want to keep track of your progress. Talk to your teacher about getting regular progress reports detailing how you're doing in a particular class. You can bring these home to your parents to show them evidence that you're working on keeping your grades up. Report abuse. Abuse needs to be reported. Hopefully, you'll have recruited the help of a trusted adult who can help you alert the authorities of the situation. You may have to report what's been happening to a police officer, therapist, or another authority figure. It can be emotionally devastating to report abuse, but it's worth it for your own health and well-being. How things will unfold after abuse is reported depends on your situation. You may be temporarily placed in a foster home or have to stay with relatives. Your parents may be required to attend counseling to work through certain issues. The experience of reporting abuse is very stressful. However, remember that abusive situations are not sustainable longterm. It's necessary for you and your parents to get professional help in the event abuse is occurring. | Be upfront about the problem. Explain why your grades are slipping. Offer to talk to your teacher. Ask for help working towards a solution. Recognize an abusive response. Show you're responsible. Develop a plan to bring your grades up. Let your parents know about any personal issues that are affecting your grades. Seek help from another adult in the event of abuse. Improve your study habits. Keep up with your homework. Ask your teacher for regular progress reports. Report abuse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calibrate-a-Digital-Pocket-Scale | How to Calibrate a Digital Pocket Scale | If you need to calibrate a digital pocket scale, start by finding a solid item with no air pockets, like a U.S. coin, to use as a calibrating weight. As long as you know the item's exact weight, it can be used as a calibration weight. To start calibrating, put your weight on the scale, enter its weight, and press the “Enter” key to store that data as a reference when you're weighing. Next, add weight to the scale until you get near the maximum weight limit and check the scale to see if it matches the known weights you've placed on it. If the weight on the display doesn't match what's on the scale, adjust the calibration with the button on the front of the scale to tell it the actual mass. | Place the scale on a sturdy, level surface. This will provide the best area to calibrate your scale. Gently push on the surface a few times in different areas to make sure it doesn't shake or wobble. If you're unsure if the surface is level, use a carpenter's level to check, or place a small ball or pencil on the surface to see if it rolls off. Place one or two computer mouse pads on the table’s surface. The mouse pads will act as a “dampener” to reduce vibrations that can interfere with the scale calibration. If you don't have a mouse pad, you can use a gripping pad, or rubber pot holders. Place your scale on the mousepad and power on the unit. The location of the power button will vary based on the brand of the scale. Normally, it is located on the front face of the scale with the rest of the buttons, but it could also be a switch on the back or side of the scale. Press the “Zero” or “Tare” button on your scale. This will be located on the face of the scale, where the weight is displayed. Wait patiently while the scale clears any remaining data from previous uses. It may take a second, but your scale should show a “0.00” weight once it is zeroed. Verify that your scale is set to “calibration” mode. The instructions for placing your device in calibration mode will vary depending on the brand of your scale. Sometimes, there will be a button or switch, or you may have to press a series of buttons. Check the manual of the scale or search online to see how you should put your scale into calibration mode. Often, the manufacturer's website will have calibration information for specific models. Select an appropriate weight to use for calibration. There are a few options for weights, including calibration weights made specifically for this purpose, U.S. coins, or household items. A calibration weight is a solid item that usually features no air cavities and helps determine the accuracy of your scale reading. Calibration weights normally range anywhere from 1 mg to 30 kilograms (66 lb). If you don't have calibration weights, you can use a candy bar, since the outer wrapper does not have much mass. Alternately, you can use coins: Pennies made after 1983 weigh exactly 2.5 grams (0.088 oz). Nickels made after 1866 weigh 5 grams (0.18 oz) Dimes made after 1965 weigh 2.27 grams (0.080 oz) Quarters made after 1965 weigh 5.67 grams (0.200 oz) Place a calibration weight, a U.S. coin, or household item on your scale. As long as you know the exact weight of the item, you can use it to calibrate the scale. If you don't know the exact weight, don't use the item to calibrate the scale as it can be harmful for the scale if the item is too heavy. Enter the mass of your chosen weight into the scale and press the “Enter” key. It's best to start with a smaller weight such as 5 or 10 grams. The scale will store and use the data entered to weigh other items. For example, you will enter “5 g” if you're using a U.S. nickel as a calibration weight. If you're using a candy bar or other grocery item, the mass will be reported on the outside packaging. Make sure you enter the exact amount reported, or rounded to the nearest digit that your scale can measure. Add weights to the scale until you approach the maximum weight limit. Once you are near this limit, check the scale to see if it weighs the same as the known weights that you have placed on the scale. This limit varies from scale to scale, but the information should be in the manual or available on the manufacturer's website. If you're using coins, calculate the number of coins you need to achieve the maximum weight limit by dividing the maximum weight limit by the weight of the coin you are using. Adjust the calibration up or down using the buttons on the front of the scale. If the weight on the screen does not match the expected weight, you can adjust the difference and “tell” the scale what the actual mass is of the weights. Turn your scale off until you need to use it. Once the scale is calibrated, you can turn the scale off. You can also do this to return the scale to normal weighing mode, if your scale does not use a switch to turn on calibration. Keep your scale stored out of reach. When the scale is not in use, store it somewhere out of the way to prevent accidents that can affect its calibration. Good storage places include high shelves or closed closets or pantries. Brush the surface of your scale using a small brush before weighing. This will help to remove any debris located on the weighing surface. Make sure you are gentle and not pressing on the scale at any point, as it can damage the strain gauge that helps to provide accurate measurements. Wipe your scale with a slightly damp, soft cloth. Very gently wiping the weighing surface will remove any debris that the brush may have missed. Make sure the cloth is only slightly damp, as any water that gets into the scale can cause damage. If you need a sanitary surface, you can use a drop or two of regular dish soap on your cloth to cleanse the weighing surface. Check the battery compartment. If you're using a battery-operated scale, open the battery compartment, remove the batteries, and gently wipe the inside of the battery compartment. You may want to replace your batteries while you have the compartment open because poor battery strength can negatively affect the performance of the scale. Use a knife, blade, or pin to remove caked-on debris. For scales that are used in the kitchen, you will often have some dried debris on the weigh surface that cannot be removed with a cloth. Gently scraping at the area with a sharp object will remove the dirt and give you a clean weighing surface. | Place the scale on a sturdy, level surface. Place one or two computer mouse pads on the table’s surface. Place your scale on the mousepad and power on the unit. Press the “Zero” or “Tare” button on your scale. Verify that your scale is set to “calibration” mode. Select an appropriate weight to use for calibration. Place a calibration weight, a U.S. Enter the mass of your chosen weight into the scale and press the “Enter” key. Add weights to the scale until you approach the maximum weight limit. Adjust the calibration up or down using the buttons on the front of the scale. Turn your scale off until you need to use it. Keep your scale stored out of reach. Brush the surface of your scale using a small brush before weighing. Wipe your scale with a slightly damp, soft cloth. Check the battery compartment. Use a knife, blade, or pin to remove caked-on debris. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Canary-to-Sing | How to Get a Canary to Sing | To get your canary to sing, play recordings of other birds singing, since canaries imitate the sounds they hear when singing in the wild. Additionally, speak and sing softly to your bird to comfort it and make it more likely to sing. Since canaries sing most during mating season, trick it into thinking it's mating season by making sure it gets plenty of natural light. You should also keep the temperature around its cage between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. | Ensure you have a male canary. Identifying the sex of a canary is challenging, as males and females have very similar appearances. While singing likely indicates a male, this will not be apparent at birth. Check the cloaca area, or the area just in front of the underside of the bird's tail feathers. Blow on the area to improve visibility. If there is a bump in this area, the bird is likely a male. If you don't have a canary yet and you want to make sure you get one that sings, you can always wait for proof. You can get canaries from breeders who will know which of their birds love to sing. Similarly, visit pet stores until you hear a bird sing for yourself! Female canaries also sing, though their song is much simpler and less expressive than that of a male canary. Play recordings of canaries singing. In the wild, male canaries learn to sing by hearing other canaries sing. They will also emulate other songbirds or similar noises. Many of the tunes that a male canary hears will affect the development of their own personal song. You can even teach your canary to make video-game-like noises by playing recordings of these sounds. Most often, your canary will sing the songs it believes are most likely to attract a mate. Once a canary is sexually mature at around 6 months of age, they will likely begin to stick to traditional canary songs. Keep the lady canaries out of sight. Males sing for one reason: attracting a female canary. If you keep a male and female canary together, the male won't be searching for a mate, and will not sing. That said, a male canary may be more likely to sing if a female canary is close enough to him to hear the noises she makes. For instance, if you keep a female canary in another room, your male canary won't be able to help himself from singing non-stop, especially during the mating season. Talk and sing to your canary. Speaking to your canary in a soft, soothing voice will also provide him with motivation to sing. Similarly, softly singing to him may goad him into outdoing you with his vastly superior singing abilities. Further, the emotional stress caused by loneliness may keep some canaries from singing. Your company may provide him with comfort. Jump start a canary’s mating season. In the wild, canaries' mating season is determined by seasonal changes in daylight and temperature. If you keep your canary indoors, you'll need to control the amount of light and the temperature of the room. This will keep your canary healthy, as well as affect when he is most likely to sing. Your canary will start thinking about breeding if you slowly increase the amount of light they're receiving. Meanwhile, keep the room they are kept in between 65 °F (18 °C) and 75 °F (24 °C). Depending on where you live, natural light can likely be utilized most of the time. You can have lights turn on before sunrise and stay on until the room is naturally lit, or cover a cage early in the evening if there is too much natural light. Use a timer to help control the amount of light your canary gets. For instance, set a timer to turn lights on near your canary's cage and run for 12 hours. Each week, increase the amount of time you leave the lights on by 30 minutes, either by having the lights turn on earlier or run longer. Stop increasing the amount of light at 14 hours. Canaries will begin to molt as the “days” reach 15 hours, concluding their breeding season. Feed your bird well! While bird seed will likely be your bird's main diet, seeds do not offer all of the nutrients your bird needs. Make sure to balance your bird's diet with either canary-specific pellets or “egg food.” Both of these can be found at your local pet store or online. Supplement your canary's diet even further with finely chopped leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, and grain. Include Vitamin A in your canary's diet to help bring out the color of their feathers. Carrots and sweet potato are great options to provide this nutrient to your bird. Provide two separate food bowls. Place seeds and pellets in one bowl and fresh fruits and veggies in the other. Do not be fooled by fortified seeds. Though additional nutrients have been added to the exterior of seed, your canary may leave this fortified hull behind, eating only the contents inside. Avoid feeding your canary anything sugary or fried, as well as avocado. Take any food out of the cage that is not eaten within 24 hours. Provide ample entertainment options. Aside from nutritional sustenance, your canary also needs mental and physical stimulation. Play and exercise are necessary to maintain health, as well as contentment. Meanwhile, boredom may contribute to negatively effect your bird's mood, which may keep them from singing. Keeping multiple male canaries together will keep them entertained, but may lead to fighting. Toys and perches are additional options to keep a canary active. Hang strips of leather or sturdy string for your bird to play with. Mount perches made of various different materials at different locations in the cage. Include at least three different types, as perches of different thicknesses help prevent foot injuries. Ensure a comfortable cage. Temperature is extremely important to your canary. Fortunately, normal room temperature is perfect. Make sure the temperature never exceeds 78 °F (26 °C). If you only have one canary, house it in a cage that's at least 18 inches wide, 18 inches tall, and 18 inches long. For two birds, choose a cage that's at least 24x18x18 inches. The bigger the better, and additional horizontal space is better than additional vertical space. (Note: 1 in. = 2.54 cm) Make sure the space between the bars of the cage are less than 3/8 inch. Place the cage in your living room, or whichever room is most often occupied during the day. Do not place the cage in the kitchen. Position the cage with one side against a wall, and in a place that receives only a bit of direct sunlight, if any. Consider covering the cage at night to help your canary rest. Keep your canary clean. Canaries enjoy grooming and depend on good hygiene to stay healthy. Use a water spray bottle with room temperature water to mist your canary a few times a week. Further, provide a bowl with 2 to 3 inches of water in it so your canary can wash itself. Remove and replace the water after a bath, which will likely occur about twice per week. Aim the spray above the bird so that mist descends onto the bird like rain. Do not spray a canary directly with a stream of water. If you bird does not clean itself, take it to the vet. Ensure that there are no drafts that reach your bird's cage. Drafts can cause a bird to become dangerously cold while they are wet. Check to see if the bird is molting. Your canary will not sing while it is molting, and may not sing during non-mating seasons as well. Often, this means your bird is less likely to sing during the summer and the winter. However, if a bird suddenly stops singing without an apparent change of temperate or lighting, take it to a vet. Talk to an avian veterinarian. If you know you have a male canary and it simply does not sing, this does not necessarily mean anything is wrong with it. For help diagnosing reasons it may not be singing, see a vet that specializes in taking care of birds. You should take your bird in for an annual check-up even if nothing seems wrong. Talk to a vet then about any curiosities you have about their singing behavior. Look for signs of illness. There are certain signs you should watch out for. These may affect singing, but may also pose a serious danger to your canary. Watch out for permanently fluffed feathers, missing feathers, or incessant plucking. Also be on the look out for any swelling, unusual marks, discharges, or wheezing and coughing. Further, see a vet if your bird stays low in their cage, stops eating, or holds either foot or wing in odd positions. | Ensure you have a male canary. Play recordings of canaries singing. Keep the lady canaries out of sight. Talk and sing to your canary. Jump start a canary’s mating season. Feed your bird well! Provide ample entertainment options. Ensure a comfortable cage. Keep your canary clean. Check to see if the bird is molting. Talk to an avian veterinarian. Look for signs of illness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Paper-Butterfly | How to Make a Paper Butterfly | To make a paper butterfly, grab a piece of origami paper, fold it in half, unfold it, and then fold it in half the other way. Next, fold the paper in half diagonally, unfold it, and fold the opposite diagonal. Once you have 4 folds intersecting in the exact center of the paper, bring the right and left creases together to create a triangle. With this triangle shape, you should now have 2 layers, so grab the corners of the top layer and line up their edges with the crease in the middle of the triangle. Flip the triangle over and fold the bottom up just enough to leave a small tip showing. Take the top layer of that tip and bend it over the base, then pull down the pieces from the bottom layer to give your butterfly its lower wings. | Fold the paper in half, then open it and fold it in half the other way. Make sure to crease both of the folds. Line up the edges when you're folding to ensure the crease is directly in the center. If your paper is the same color or pattern on both sides, it doesn't matter which side you start on. However, if one side is white, or the “backside,” begin with that side facing up. Fold the paper in half diagonally, open it, and fold on the other diagonal. Bring 2 opposite corners together to create the folds. Press down firmly to create defined creases. Repeat on both diagonals. Open the paper to lie flat after you fold it. Your 4 folds should intersect in the exact center of the paper. Bring the right and left creases together, creating a triangle. With the paper laying flat in front of you, press the right horizontal crease to the left one. As you do this, the paper should collapse onto itself in a triangle shape along the diagonal creases you made. Press down on the triangle to crease the paper once it's collapsed. If the paper isn't folding properly, go back over your original creases again. If they aren't defined enough, the paper will have trouble falling into the shape. Fold the 2 top corners into the center. When you created the triangle shape, it made 2 layers. Grab the corners on the top layer and line up their edges with the crease in the middle of the triangle. Try to align the corners with the crease perfectly so they aren't overlapping or so there isn't a large gap between the edges in the center. Flip the triangle over and fold the bottom up, leaving a small tip showing. You aren't folding it completely half. Instead you're folding it about 1/3 up from the base of the triangle. Hold the fold in place gently with your hand. Don't crease the fold. Bend the top layer of the tip over the base. There are 2 layers at the tip of the triangle. Peel the top 1 forward, folding it over the wide triangle bottom you're currently holding in place. The tip will be the head of the butterfly. Crease the fold that you make with the tip. This will help secure the body of the butterfly in place and prevent it from unraveling. Pull down the pieces from the bottom layer to create the lower wings. With the top layer folded over, bring the bottom layer of the tip in the opposite direction. The points of the 2 triangular pieces should be facing down, away from the folded head. It may help to hold the folded tip with your thumb while you pull the other pieces down so that the butterfly doesn't come apart. Re-crease the folded tip after you arrange the bottom pieces if necessary. Trim the edges of the wings if you want a smaller butterfly. Fold the square piece of paper in half, creasing it. Line up the edges of the paper when you fold it to make sure you're creating a line directly down the middle. Press firmly with your fingernail to form the crease. Use any type of paper you'd like, whether it's origami paper, colorful cardstock, or even pretty gift wrap. The size of your paper doesn't matter, as long as it's square. If you have a rectangular piece, simply trim it down so all of the edges are the same length. Unfold the paper and cut along the crease line. Use your scissors to cut the piece of paper in half. The groove of the crease should help guide your scissors in a straight line through the paper. Make sure your scissors are sharp so they don't tear or crinkle the paper. If you have trouble cutting in a line, hold your scissors against a straight edge, like a ruler, while you cut. Make accordion folds with one of the pieces of the paper. Fold a small piece lengthwise, then flip the paper over to fold it back onto itself. Continue flipping the paper from side to side as you fold along the entire length of the paper. Think of this motion as similar to making a pleat or a fan. You can make the folds as thick or as thin as you'd like. Keep the folds all the same thickness, no matter what size you choose. Take the other piece of paper you cut and fold it in half lengthwise. Place the 2 longer edges on top of each other. Then create a crease by pressing down along the fold. Try to make the crease as straight and even as possible so it splits the paper directly in half. Open it up and fold the 4 corners in toward the center crease line. Line up the edges straight along the crease. Your paper will now be in the shape of a hexagon, with 2 pointed ends formed by the folded corners. Leave the corners folded. If they won't stay in place, use a piece of double-sided tape or a little bit of glue under the flap. Flip the paper over and make accordion folds on each side of the crease. Fold one half the paper in towards the center. Then repeat on the other side. This will be the top half of the butterfly's wings. Make the folds as large or as small as you'd like, depending on the size of your paper. Bend both pieces of pleated paper in half. Press the pleats together and hold the paper between your thumb and forefinger. Carefully fold one end onto the other, creasing it firmly. The paper won't stay folded, but that's okay. You just want to make a crease, so the paper is in a V-shape. Place 1 piece above the other and tie them together at the center. Arrange the 2 pieces so that they form a butterfly shape. Pinch them together while you tie string or cord around both pieces. To secure the 2 pieces together better, you can add a dab of craft glue or hot glue in the middle. Having a friend hold the pieces together while you tie the string makes it easier to get a tight knot. You can also use ribbon or a pipe cleaner instead of string. Pull out the pleats to open up the wings. Scrunched-up folds don't exactly resemble a beautiful butterfly. Gently pull the pleats apart so that the 2 pieces of paper look like 1 large wing on each side instead of 2 disjointed ones. Be careful not to rip the paper when you're arranging the pleats. | Fold the paper in half, then open it and fold it in half the other way. Fold the paper in half diagonally, open it, and fold on the other diagonal. Bring the right and left creases together, creating a triangle. Fold the 2 top corners into the center. Flip the triangle over and fold the bottom up, leaving a small tip showing. Bend the top layer of the tip over the base. Pull down the pieces from the bottom layer to create the lower wings. Fold the square piece of paper in half, creasing it. Unfold the paper and cut along the crease line. Make accordion folds with one of the pieces of the paper. Take the other piece of paper you cut and fold it in half lengthwise. Open it up and fold the 4 corners in toward the center crease line. Flip the paper over and make accordion folds on each side of the crease. Bend both pieces of pleated paper in half. Place 1 piece above the other and tie them together at the center. Pull out the pleats to open up the wings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Red-Eyed-Tree-Frog | How to Care for a Red Eyed Tree Frog | To take care of your red-eyed tree frog, keep it in a 10-20 gallon tank that's lined with non-fertilized potting soil at the bottom. Add some driftwood, rocks, and non-toxic plants to your frog's tank so it has things to climb on and hide under. Since red-eyed tree frogs thrive in a warm environment, you may need to use heating pads or bulbs to keep the tank between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Once your frog is settled into its habitat, feed it 15 live crickets every 2-3 days so it gets all the nutrients it needs. Additionally, place a shallow water dish in the tank so your frog has something to drink at all times, and replace the water once a day. | Gut-load your crickets. Before you feed your frog, you should feed its prey. Crickets are the primary food source for captive red-eyed tree frogs. One or two days before you feed your frog, feed the crickets a mix of dried and fresh foods to ensure that they are full of essential nutrients. Some good foods for crickets include crushed dog or cat food pellets, commercially produced cricket feed, mixed seeds, alfalfa, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, and fruit. For adult frogs, dust their prey with reptile calcium/vitamin D3 supplements once a week. For younger frogs, you may have to do this every day. This will ensure that your frog is receiving all of its proper nutrients. The crickets you feed your frog should be no larger than their head. For young frogs, make sure that they are no bigger than a quarter of an inch long. Feed your frog insects every two or three days. Red-eyed tree frogs are insectivores, which means that they eat bugs and insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and moths. You can buy live crickets from a pet or reptile store. Feed your frog around fifteen live crickets every two to three days. Red-eyed tree frogs will occasionally eat worms as well. Wax worms are recommended for this. Do not feed them meal worms. Not all frogs will accept worms to eat, however. Provide a water dish. A wide, shallow water dish will allow your frogs to drink and hydrate. A water dish is essential because it will allow the frog to cool down if they are too hot or wash down if they become too dry. It can even increase the humidity in the terrarium. A heavy plastic or clay water dish will prevent spills. Water should be changed every day. If you have many frogs in one cage, you might want to have multiple water bowls. Spray the terrarium to increase humidity. Red-eyed tree frogs need a humidity of around 90%. To help maintain the humidity, spray the terrarium with a water-filled spray bottle twice a day. Spray the walls, substrate, and furnishings. If your frog's skin is looking dry, you can even spray them. Be careful not to spray them in their face. You can also invest in an automatic misting system. These are expensive, but they will handle the spraying process to ensure that your frogs are properly hydrated. Invest in a glass terrarium. You will need at least a ten to twenty gallon glass terrarium for your tree frog. This size can accommodate up to four frogs comfortably. Make sure that you have a properly fitting screen-top. This will ensure proper ventilation while keeping everything secure in your frog's habitat. Pet stores will often sell these terrariums. You will also be able to find them online. Remember the more frogs the larger the terrarium will have to be. Lay down a proper substrate. The material lining the bottom of the cage is called a substrate. For your red-eyed tree frog, you should put down about two or three inches of non-fertilized potting soil. You can mix this soil with bed-a-beast bedding, orchid bark, coco coir, paper towels, or peat moss to give it more texture. The substrate should be scooped out and replaced every two to three months. Furnish with leaves and natural décor. Your frog will appreciate some items around the cage to climb and hide under. Find some natural, leafy looking furnishings to place in the cage. Make sure that these are non-toxic to prevent damage to your frog's sensitive skin. Coconut halves make great dens for the frogs. Leaves, driftwood, rocks, cork, and branches can give your frog something to climb and explore. You can put in both fake and living plants, but fake plants are easier to keep alive. Keep the habitat warm. During the day, the cage will need to be between 78 and 84 degrees F (25 and 28C). At night, the temperature can drop no more than ten degrees. If your room temperature is cooler than this, you may have to invest in heaters for your terrarium. There are several options for heating the terrarium: Low wattage heat bulbs can attach to the screen top. They provide enough heat without burning your frogs. Heat pads can rest beneath the cage. Look for ones specially designed for reptiles at your pet store. Be warned that if water touches the hot glass, it can crack the glass. Red or nocturnal bulbs can be left on all night to ensure around the clock warmth. Red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal so extra lighting isn't necessarily. Bulbs would simply provide warmth. Clean the cage regularly. The frog's enclosure should be cleaned once a week. Remove all of the furnishings, and wash them with hot water only. Do not use soap; this could irritate your frog's skin. Remove visible debris from the substrate, such as leftover cricket parts or feces. The substrate itself only needs to be replaced every two to three months. Mist and wipe down the terrarium walls, but do not use commercial cleaning solutions or soap. Avoid handling the frog. Frogs are not pets that should be handled often. They may be skittish and afraid of human contact. In addition, their sensitive skin means that human skin can irritate them. Only handle your frog when necessary, such as during cleanings or if taking the frog to a vet. To pick up a frog, dampen a dip net, and gently coax the animal inside. Place your hand over the net to prevent the frog from jumping out as you lift the net. If you do have to handle your frog, wash your hands first. Keep your hands damp after washing. Frog skin burns when it is in contact with dry human skin. Give tadpoles plenty of space. If you have multiple frogs in a terrarium, you may find that your females have laid eggs. Red-eyed tree frogs can lay up to 100 eggs at a time. The eggs will hatch after 9 days, after which you will have dozens of tadpoles in your water bowl or reservoir. Make sure that the tadpoles have at least two or three inches of water. Feed them crushed fish food until they can walk. If they are swimming on top of one another, they don't have enough water. Add more water to give them some space. You may not be able to accommodate so many frogs at once. Be prepared to find these frogs new homes once they grow up. You can call a local pet store or post ads on local pet forums. Find a herpetarium veterinarian. If your frog is showing signs of low energy, appetite, or other unusual behavior, you will want to take it to see a vet. You should find a herpetarium vet who specializes in caring for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. These can be very difficult to find, so locate one before your frog becomes sick. To find a herp vet, you can contact local veterinary schools, or you can look through the member listings of the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians. | Gut-load your crickets. Feed your frog insects every two or three days. Provide a water dish. Spray the terrarium to increase humidity. Invest in a glass terrarium. Lay down a proper substrate. Furnish with leaves and natural décor. Keep the habitat warm. Clean the cage regularly. Avoid handling the frog. Give tadpoles plenty of space. Find a herpetarium veterinarian. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Baby-Guppies | How to Care for Baby Guppies | To care for baby guppies, use a heater to keep the water temperature between 76 and 80 °F, install a good filter, and clean out the aquarium once per week to keep the environment healthy. It's also important to keep the tank light on for 8-12 hours each day so the guppies' spines will grow properly. Feed the fry every 2-3 hours for the first 6 weeks, then decrease the feedings to every 4-5 hours. Give them a mixture of high quality dry food and fresh food like brine shrimp. | Place the pregnant guppy in a breeder net or separate tank, if you can. Fit the breeder net in the corner of your tank. As another option, place the mother fish in a separate, small tank until she gives birth. This way your baby guppies are born in a safe environment. For example, you might keep your pregnant fish in a small 5 US gal (19 L) tank until she gives birth. After they're born, the baby guppies can live in this tank until they're big enough to join your aquarium. You can find a fish breeder net at your local pet store or online. They're fairly inexpensive, as you can find some for around $10. Don't put the breeder net near the tank filter's pump, as the baby guppies might get sucked up into the filter. Monitor the tank until the mother gives birth to live baby guppies. Unlike other fish, guppies don't lay eggs. That means your female guppy is going to give birth to live baby fish, which are called fry. You'll know your mother fish is in labor when you see her hiding or resting near the heater. Her color will look faded, her belly will look square, and she will appear to be swimming in place or shivering, which is really contractions. Guppies are typically pregnant from 22 to 40 days. Notice when the mother guppy is swimming normally. During labor, the mother guppy may pace or appear to swim backwards. When she's swimming calmly, you'll know the birth is over. The birth can take up to 6 hours but may be shorter. Newborn guppies are typically 7 to 10 millimetres (0.28 to 0.39 in) long. They're usually transparent, but they may be slightly colored gray or black. Guppies typically have 20 to 50 babies at one time. Remove the mother immediately after the birth or she'll eat the babies. It's natural for the mother to eat her babies, so it's important to remove her as soon as you can. Use a fish net to scoop the mother from the breeder net or tank, then place her back in her regular habitat. If the babies are born inside a large aquarium, you can try removing the babies from the tank. However, this can be difficult since the babies are so small and are easily injured. It's much easier to remove the adult fish. Fill your tank with plants if you don’t want to separate the baby guppies. Place real or artificial plants in multiple places in the aquarium. Group 2 or 3 plants close together to form a safe hiding place for the baby guppies. They will attempt to hide in the plants so that the adult fish won't eat them. Using plants will prevent the adult fish from eating all of the baby guppies, but it's likely that some of the babies will still get eaten. They only way to guarantee the babies won't get eaten is to place them in a separate tank. Keep the tank temperature between 76 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C). This is the optimal temperature for keeping the baby guppies comfortable and hungry so they'll eat enough food for healthy growth. If your tank temperature isn't within this range, you can install a heater in your tank. Choose a heater that can handle the capacity of your tank. Cold water will make your fish too sluggish, while very warm water can harm the fish. To check the precise temperature of your water, use a thermometer that sticks to the side of your tank. You can find a tank heater at a local pet store or online. Install a filter in your fish tank to keep the water clean. Follow the directions on your filter model to place it in the tank. Baby guppies don't have a strong immune system, so they're vulnerable to disease. A filter can keep your water clean enough to protect the fry, though you still need to change the water often. It's best to put a thin fishnet or sponge over the intake valve in your filter, where water is pulled into the filter. That way, the baby guppies can't get pulled into the filter. Make sure you read all of the instructions that come with your filter. weekly because a dirty tank can cause illness. Clean the tank Scoop the baby guppies out of their tank using a cup or fish net. Then, pour the old water out of the tank. Wipe any algae or grime from the sides of the tank. Finally, refill it with fresh, clean water that's been treated for chlorine. Wait until the tank thermometer reaches the optimal temperature for your guppies before you return them to the tank. If you can't change the water every week, replace at least 1/4 of the water each week with fresh, clean water. Chlorine can harm your fish, but you can neutralize it. Purchase chlorine treatment tablets or liquid from your local pet store or online. If you don't have this, let the water sit out for 24 hours before you use it to replace the water in your fish tank. Turn on the tank light for 8 to 12 hours a day so their spines grow. Baby guppies that grow up in dim lighting may develop deformities, especially in their spine. A regular tank light installed at the top of your tank is all you need to give your fish light. Turn the light on in the morning, then turn it off in the evening. Don't leave the light on longer than 14 hours a day, as the baby guppies need to be able to sleep. Feed your baby guppies every 2-3 hours for the first 6 weeks. They need to eat 5-6 times a day when they're very small. After the first 6 weeks, it's okay to decrease your feedings to every 4-5 hours, which will be 3-4 times per day. It's best to give your guppies a mixture of fresh and dry food, if you can. If you can't give your fish a mix of fresh and dry food, choose the best dry food you can find. Look for one that's labeled as providing all of the necessary nutrients for baby livebearing fish. Give your baby guppies ground up dry food for baby livebearing fish. The food may come already ground up, or you might need to grind it yourself. Sprinkle the food into the tank at feeding times. Watch to make sure the baby guppies are able to eat the bits of food. Read the label on the fish food to make sure you're feeding the fish in the right quantity. You can grind up the food using a mortar and pestle. If you don't have one, place the food on a plate, then grind it up with the back of a spoon. Don't feed your baby guppies large pieces of adult fish food, as they will be too small to eat this food. Check the label to make sure the food you choose is appropriate for baby fish. Add dried blood worms to the food for added nutrients. Baby guppies love the taste of bloodworms, so they'll gobble them right up. Make sure the blood worms are ground up, just like the dry food. You can feed them the bloodworms mixed into their dry food or separately, depending on your preference. You can feed your baby guppies bloodworms every day. Look for dried blood worms at your local pet store or online. Give your baby guppies freshly hatched brine shrimp as a supplement. Brine shrimp are very tasty to baby guppies. Plus, the shrimp are full of nutrients that will help the fish grow and develop a nice coloring. Offer brine shrimp at 1-2 feeding a days. Brine shrimp are available at local pet stores or online. Offer freshly hatched daphnia, as another supplement option. Daphnia is a type of aquatic crustacean. Like brine shrimp, they're very tasty to baby guppies and contain lots of nutrients. Offer the daphnia as a supplement at 1-2 feedings a day. You can buy daphnia at your local pet store or online. Remove fry that show signs of deformity and illness. Baby guppies are especially vulnerable to illnesses caused by bacteria or aggression from other fish. Don't leave sick fish in your tank, as others may become ill, as well. You can either attempt to nurse the sick fry in a separate tank or dispose of them, as they're unlikely to thrive. If you notice the following symptoms, remove the affected fry from the tank: Bent or warped spine Sores Tail rot Fin rot Avoid medicating your tank, as you risk harming the fry. You can find medications to help treat common illnesses in guppies. However, these medications aren't appropriate for fry, unless you are very knowledgeable about dosing fish. It's better to remove ill fish from the tank rather than risking the health of the other fish. You can try to treat the sick fish in a separate tank. However, they're unlikely to thrive if they've become ill at such a vulnerable stage. Place your baby guppies into your regular aquarium at 6-8 weeks old. Most baby guppies will be too big to eat at this point. Make sure they're bigger than the mouth of your adult fish before you put them in the aquarium. Otherwise, the bigger fish may still eat them. Your fish will continue to grow until they reach 6 months old, which is considered adulthood. You may notice some growth after your fish is an adult, but it will be minimal. Separate males and females if you don't want more babies. Female guppies usually start to reproduce at 2 to 3 months of age. Additionally, they can store sperm for up to 3 months. If you don't want more babies, you'll need to separate your male and female fry once they reach about 6 to 8 weeks old. You'll be able to determine the sex of your baby guppies when they're about 1 month old. Male guppies will have a long, rod-like fin on their underbelly, which is called a gonopodium. Females will have a dark spot called a gravid spot on their underbelly. | Place the pregnant guppy in a breeder net or separate tank, if you can. Monitor the tank until the mother gives birth to live baby guppies. Notice when the mother guppy is swimming normally. Remove the mother immediately after the birth or she'll eat the babies. Fill your tank with plants if you don’t want to separate the baby guppies. Keep the tank temperature between 76 to 80 °F (24 to 27 °C). Install a filter in your fish tank to keep the water clean. weekly because a dirty tank can cause illness. Turn on the tank light for 8 to 12 hours a day so their spines grow. Feed your baby guppies every 2-3 hours for the first 6 weeks. Give your baby guppies ground up dry food for baby livebearing fish. Add dried blood worms to the food for added nutrients. Give your baby guppies freshly hatched brine shrimp as a supplement. Offer freshly hatched daphnia, as another supplement option. Remove fry that show signs of deformity and illness. Avoid medicating your tank, as you risk harming the fry. Place your baby guppies into your regular aquarium at 6-8 weeks old. Separate males and females if you don't want more babies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Farmer-Without-Experience | How to Become a Farmer Without Experience | If you want to become a farmer but don't have any experience, start by choosing the type of farming you'd like to get into, like crop production or livestock raising. Then, arrange to visit a working farm so you can ask questions about how the farm works and what your key responsibilities will be. You should also attend local agricultural events to interact with farming experts. Additionally, try to offer your services as a farm laborer so you can build up your experience. | Decide why you're interested in farming. What is motivating you to get into the practice of raising crops and/or animals and leaving the urban area where, usually, more money is to be made without having to work so hard for it? Any kind of farming involves a lot of hard work, it takes huge amount of responsibility, and is not the kind of venture that you will get rich quick on, if at all. Farming is a way of life, and also a business that gives you less of a financial "reward" for all the hard work you have to do throughout the year. But, the emotional and spiritual reward you get can be accounted for more than the paycheck you get at the end of the year. The industry is, for the most part, steeped in tradition. If you've never farmed in your life nor have any agricultural experience to bring to the table, and yet you still want to become a farmer, you may run into some individuals who are more skeptical of your future endeavor than you wish. But, do not let this bring you down, as there are many people who will embrace your goals and want to help out as much as possible. You will be surprised at how helpful a lot of farm people can be with the new farmers that want to learn as much as possible! Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question. However, don't be discouraged or lead yourself to feel slightly offended if someone is more blunt and forward with some of their advice and/or criticisms of what you intend to do and how to do it than you expected. Those farmers that have been in the business for decades have been-there and done-that, and will give you as much advice as you ask for, and even a few stories here and there. Be open to possibilities, listen well, and don't try to argue on something that they have known to work for them for the last umpteen years. Especially, talk to various farmers to get a better understanding of what to expect with what you are doing and the locale you intend to start a farm in. Choose what farm enterprise[s] you would like to get into. In most cases there are two main categories of agricultural production to choose from: Crops , seed or grain production (oilseeds, cereals, and pulse crops), citrus and apple orchards, berry farms, vineyards, vegetable production, hay and silage production; and Livestock include raising beef and/or dairy cattle, hogs (pigs), poultry (ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens), horses, sheep, goats, beekeeping or exotic animals (ostrich, elk, bison, buffalo, yak, muskox, deer, emu, etc.). Organic, sustainable and even regenerative farming is another sector of agriculture which covers all crop and livestock production, but pertains to non-conventional means of producing such products. Most, if not all farms regardless of economical classification (i.e., commercial/industrial versus small, organic, sustainable or family farm), rely on and utilize more than one enterprise to maintain an operable farm. For instance, a dairy farm cannot be profitable without also having silage, hay and grain enterprises to feed its cow herd. A crop-only farm will often have a rotational cropping system that may pertain to growing and harvesting at least two crops per season, rotating cereal, oilseed and/or pulse crops every year in order to balance out soil fertility and quality, and to meet future market projections. It is generally considered that the larger the farm, the more specified the enterprise. However, this is not always the case, as shown above. You should not have to worry about this, though it's best to dabble in only a couple enterprises at first before you start weighing the options of diversification. This is so that you don't spread yourself out too thin when you first start up, because it's so easy to spend a lot of money on a lot of things and then realize that you may have wasted a lot of money on something[s] that turned out to be wrong for you. Visit with some experienced farmers. It is highly recommended that you find those who are farming in a similar manner to what you intend to do. It's also recommended to ask them to give you a tour of their operation. Run a web search to find out about some upcoming local agricultural events happening, and attend as many of them as you can. You will find many active producers you may want to visit with at such events. There you can ask questions and get a better understanding of their own farming experiences. Start off with talks of the weather (because farm folk always like to talk about the weather) and how it's impacting their operation. Introduce yourself as well and tell them, albeit briefly, about what you want to do. Usually that will open them up more than someone suddenly inundating them with questions without giving them a sense of who you are and why you are so interested in what they do. Then you can follow up by asking if they wouldn't mind you asking about their own operation: What they do, how they do it, what's changed and what hasn't, and if they have any advice for you. You could also bring up the idea of coming out to their farm to see what the do for yourself. Farmers markets are also a great place to meet producers. Not only do you have an opportunity to purchase their product to try out at home, but to also talk with them about their own farming operations. They may appear to specialize in one particular thing (i.e., goat-cheese making, or jam-making), but you don't know without asking them first. They may even allow you to come out to their farm to talk with them more and get a personal tour. Research as much as you can. Utilize as many resources as possible: Books, the Internet, agricultural newspapers and magazines, podcasts, videos, etc. Read books that discuss the kind of farming you want to get involved in. The library is a great place to start, and ideally a library of a post-secondary institution will give you more resources than one at a local elementary, secondary school. A bookstore is also ideal if you want to start your own collection of farming-related books that you can reference any time you like through purchasing and/or ordering any book you need. On-line book sites are also good to look through. Search the Internet for various articles that cover the many topics of the particular enterprise you want to get started in. In the United States, the Center of Rural Affairs also offers online PDF documents that contains lots of information for beginning farmers and ranchers. A PDF link here gives some advice for those wanting to get into agriculture. There is also a beginner farmers website called Beginning Farmers that contains a lot of information for beginner farmers. Quite frankly, if you search Google with the search term "beginner farmer" you will find a large number of links to look at that caters to those wanting to get started in farming. Look for and read some online discussion forums that contain various topics on agriculture, from cattle to goats to crops and machinery. Online forums are great places to discuss a number of topics in farming and ranching with other producers and agricultural experts. In your research, find out every aspect of farming that you need to know about, from skills needed to accomplish various jobs (basic mechanical aptitude, how to operate machinery, knowing animal behavior, growth stages of crops, etc.), market potential for your product (where, how, what, when, to whom, and even why), environmental conditions and changes of your area (soil type and quality, vegetation [type, above-ground biomass, natural biome], topography [flat or hilly, high elevation or low] and climatic conditions [precipitation amount, storm frequency and type, drought/flood frequency]), and things you need to know about how to perform the many duties on your farm (from how to harvest a grain crop , feeding cattle , or bottle-raising a goat kid , to knowing how to make a rope halter or to drive a tractor ). Attend informational or continuing-education sessions or classes on the sector of your interest. You can either choose to attend college or university, or just attend various information sessions held by various agricultural organizations, agricultural schools, or government extension services. Attending university or college to study agriculture is not required, but recommended if you want to learn more than what you need for running a farm. Depending on the institution, you may want to get into animal sciences, agri-business, agricultural management and production, crop sciences, animal health or pre-veterinary medicine, horticulture, agricultural mechanical engineering, and many others. You have the choice of getting a diploma, a certificate, or a degree if you decide to go into college or university. However, choose wisely and if you can, incorporate classes on business, economics and financial management to your education so that you are not going to be caught unprepared for the amount of financial and economic decisions that you will ultimately need to make for the betterment of your operation. Typically a college diploma or certificate would be recommended, if not a university degree, however learning to farm does not really require formal education because there are many aspects to it that cannot be covered in the classroom. As mentioned, you do not need to attend college or university in order to qualify to start farming, even though the studies will help immensely in the long-run. Attend some informational sessions held in your area or within your state or province (or, if necessary, in a different province or state in your country, or even in a neighboring country). They will give you the information you need to run your farm. Such sessions may be on farm economics and finances or how to grow and harvest a certain crop. They may be even on the advancing technologies of your sector of interest, or even on improving management on your farm to be more sustainable and environmentally-conscious.. Some sessions are free, others may require an entrance fee or admission to attend Consider having to move. Without a doubt you will not be able to achieve your dream of becoming a farmer if you do not move out of your urban residence, if that is where you are currently situated. However, with regards to starting a farming operation you will need to consider the right location where you can start farming. Some regions of the country are more conducive to farming than others. Some areas are more conducive to different sectors of agriculture than others. In your research that you would have been doing above, you will need to find out which location[s] is/are more suited to the kind of operation you are interested in starting up. Note that environmental conditions were mentioned above based on soil, climate, topography and vegetation. The reasons these were included was because all of these determine what kind of farm you can have and what kind of operation you should not even bother considering. For example, an area that has rocky soil is ideal for raising livestock and some hay, but not growing crops. Offer your services as a farm worker or laborer. This is probably the most important step on your way to becoming a farmer because you are working and gaining necessary experience in the form of a learning opportunity in exchange for giving some extra help needed by the farmer. Like with all careers, you will be entering at the very bottom. The only way you will work your way up is to work hard and do what is asked of you, and to also not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. There are several ways to start working for a farm: Look for government-run programs that cover agriculture and farming. For beginning American farmers especially, the Center of Rural Affairs offers many different programs that new farmers can enroll in.These classes are fantastic because they link new farmers up with more experienced farmers or retiring landowners. Programs can range from getting advice from farmers, to linking up with landowners to take over their farm once they retire. For new Canadian farmers, a program called Farm Start was started in 2005 for the purpose of educating those new farmers with non-farming backgrounds. Beginning Farmer is also a website that has job and internship postings for anyone interested in getting involved in farming and needing the experience. Job and internship opportunities are available not only in the US, but also internationally. Join a beginning farmer training program. There are quite a few of these that can be found through a basic internet search (just type "farming programs [your location]" into your search engine). A program such as WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) allows you opportunity to get involved in organic agriculture and allows you to explore many different options because you can travel from farm to farm during your time as a WWOOFer Select your country and then explore all of the options available in your area. Find a summer job as a research assistant for a college or university that holds research trials on one or more research farms. You will get the opportunity to not only participate in research activities, but also learn some duties that are pretty much parallel to what you would have to do on a farm. Put your resume out to various farms that both need the extra seasonal help and will be open to taking in someone with no or very little prior farming experience in to provide a learning opportunity over the busy season. Some of these opportunities may not be seen in the local newspaper or listings on Kijiji, but rather by word of mouth. Many opportunities can be based on who you know, because they may know someone (or ask any of their connections if they know of anyone) who can take in and mentor an aspiring future farmer like yourself by giving them some work over the season. Be aware that salary payment may not be higher than minimum wage. The pay for farm laborers or hired hands is nothing to be excited about, primarily because most farmers are strapped for cash themselves and will not be able to pay an expected hourly wage that is well above the minimum. Many positions include housing, but usually only on a seasonal basis (i.e., during growing and harvest seasons but not during the winter). Expect to work for longer than a typical 8-hour work day. This is especially true during harvest time when the crop needs to come in as soon as possible before any potential bad weather ruins any chance of getting it in. Other times include birthing season, hay harvesting, or checking livestock and finding one needs medical attention immediately. Express your desire to learn. Watch how people do their tasks and ask them to teach you if you feel you won't be able to learn it by yourself. You may also find that you will have to ask why quite often, so don't be afraid to do so! You will go through a steep learning curve the first month or two that you are a part of the farm's operations. You will also learn to do many tasks including how to change oil in the tractor, fix the combine, get the cows prepared for milking, how to manage pastures and the livestock that graze them, make feed for livestock, and even simpler things like how to tell the difference between wheat and barley. Do not expect that you know everything and how to do it simply because you have read about it somewhere in book or even on wikiHow. You will find that the things you can read about are an entirely different thing when put into practice. Experience is everything, and the more experiences you gain, the better equipped you will be to start up a farm on your own. You cannot expect to be a farmer without knowing the seemingly-trivial technicalities and understanding the art and science that goes into how various enterprises are managed on the farm you are working at, and the farm you will eventually own and operate. Be flexible and open to new activities. You must be willing to perform any and every task that needs to get done on a working farm as equally as you are willing to learn more about it. Many of these activities will take practice to sufficiently master, as well as a good deal of manual labor. If there is something you're not willing nor comfortable doing, let your employer know (and state why), while also understanding the possibility that you may not have much of a choice in the matter. However, if, for instance, you're uncomfortable with having to euthanize a sick and dying animal, you may be missing the point in understanding that you will actually be doing the kindest thing for that animal in ending its suffering. Other tasks you may not like to do at first because of certain fears or aversions include: Mucking out barns and stalls of animal manure. Climbing ladders or climbing up on top of grain bins. Operating machinery like a skid steer, tractor or combine to do various tasks like hitching up, backing up a machine (which is as hard as backing up a trailer), maneuvering in tight quarters, etc. Operating a tractor and the machine hooked up to it to cut, till or harvest a crop. Killing pests like rats, mice, gophers, and rabbits. Handling and catching unruly animals that may harm you in some way if they decide they don't like being chased anymore. Keeping on top of feeding and milking schedules. Weeding or harvesting for 12 straight hours or more often with few to no breaks. Applying pesticides to fields. Slaughtering and butchering an animal or participating in the activity. Dehorning/disbudding/polling, branding, tagging or castrating livestock (also includes detusking and/or tail docking in pigs, clipping wings in poultry, etc.) Fixing and/or maintaining machinery, treating sick livestock etc. Be physically fit. A whole lot of farming is made up of a lot of physical exercises including crouching, kneeling, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.. Only farm managers who've paid their dues can skip some physical labor, but even they often must push their bodies close to the limit for the job. Or, ask for help from others to do something they find they cannot do themselves. You must realize the same limitations for your body, and ask for help when you feel you need it. Don't shy away from mechanical tasks. Become as familiar as you can with farm machinery, how to use them safely , and how to maintain and fix them. Even the smallest farms usually depend on a rototiller and a small acreage tractor, among other equipment. Dress the part. This may sound superficial, but if you walked into a law firm interview dressed in a pair of scrubby blue jeans and work boots, it's as inappropriate attire as walking onto a farm to start work wearing a suit and some classy shoes. It's highly recommended that you wear a T-shirt, jeans, and work boots, particularly those that are safety-standard approved and have steel toes. Invest in a good pair of work gloves because you will have to handle materials and tools that could give you some nasty slivers, cuts, abrasions, or blisters in a short period time. They're also ideal if you don't wish to get your hands very dirty. If you have long hair, tie it back in a braid or ponytail so it doesn't get caught in anything and stays out of your eyes. A hat or cap is ideal as well, to keep your eyes and head shaded from the bright sun. Have a good sense of humor. Laughter makes the day go by faster, especially when your muscles are aching, your fingers feel like they are going to fall off, and the weather has ruined your plans once again. A positive attitude is an asset to any farm! Know when you are ready to begin your own farm. For most it will take at least a year or two of being a part of a farming operation before they can be considered "good enough" to graduate from being a mere farm hand to an actual farm-owner and operator. For more information, please see the article How to Start a Farm. | Decide why you're interested in farming. Choose what farm enterprise[s] you would like to get into. Visit with some experienced farmers. Research as much as you can. Attend informational or continuing-education sessions or classes on the sector of your interest. Consider having to move. Offer your services as a farm worker or laborer. Expect to work for longer than a typical 8-hour work day. Express your desire to learn. Be flexible and open to new activities. Be physically fit. Dress the part. Have a good sense of humor. Know when you are ready to begin your own farm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Dota-2 | How to Play Dota 2 | To play Dota 2, start by fighting against bots so you can learn how the controls work and improve your skills. During the game, work on your strategy to win, including by deciding how many heroes to put in each lane and working with your team's creeps. Improve your chances by destroying the enemy's tower, then win the game by destroying their Ancient. When you feel confident enough, try playing against your friends by creating a password-protected game so only they can access it. | Fight against bots. When you first start playing, you'll want to play against bots first. This will help you learn how to play the game and get comfortable with the controls, so that when you play with your friends you won't be a terrible teammate. Click on "Play Dota" at the bottom right, then choose "Practice With Bots", where you will be able to select the difficulty and team. Always play against bots first. The strangers you get paired against will not be...welcoming if you suck. Another way to play against bots is to join a Co-op bot match. With this type of game you will play with strangers or your team (if you become part of a team) against bots. Fight against friends. When you've got a good idea of how to play the game, you can play against and with your friends. Nothing build friendships like killing your friends and insulting their moms. Create a lobby from the play menu and either password protect it to only play with your friends or leave it open to play against a few friends and a few strangers. Fight against strangers. If you enjoy having your playing aptitude, gender, and sexual preference mocked or simply enjoy making strangers look like idiots by thoroughly beating them, play a match or play a team match (if you have a team). Choose your game mode. Sometimes you might want to change your game mode. This is possible for any matchmaking game, as well as lobby games. Game modes affect how you can choose the heroes that you, your teammates, and the opposing team play with. “All Pick” is wide open. “Single Draft” gives players a choice of three heroes based on attribute. “Captain's Mode” (the standard format for championship games) allows team captains to choose heroes in turn for their players from a nearly unlimited pool. “Random Draft” gives players a 22 hero pool to choose from and turns are taken in choosing heroes. “Least Played” removes your 40 most-played characters from the pool. “Limited Heroes” is limited to the easiest to play heroes. “All Random” is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Adjust settings. Don't forget to make sure the settings are correct when you go to join a match. The settings can help get you matched with the right people and make sure your connection is strong, combating rage-inducing lag. Remember: Lag kills. Friends don't let friends lag. The most important setting to pay attention to is region or server location. You want to play against people and with people that are close to you if you know your connection is slow. This will help ease lag issues. Choose a character. After joining a match you will choose your hero (or have one chosen for you). What character you choose is really important, so don't just choose the red-headed chick because she's hot. That is a bad plan. Choose your character based on how you play best and based on what your team needs. There are many roles but here are a few: A “Durable” or “Tank” is a hero who purposefully draws the enemy attention and takes damage while the other teammates work on taking out the other team and the towers. Good examples of Tanks are Axe, Dragon Knight, and Elder Titan. A “Carry” is the hero who will deal the majority of the team's damage, theoretically ranking in the most kills by the end of the game. At early game, this role is still weak and needs a great care of the supports for they will be carried in late game. This is a powerful role with powerful heroes, but it takes a great deal of skill to pull off. Good examples of Carries are Phantom Lancer, Medusa, and Spectre. A “Lane Support” sticks with the team's carry to keep them safe, healing them or replenishing their mana. These heroes generally do not make kills, and accordingly do not get gold. Good Lane Supports include Lich and Dazzle. A "Support" focuses on buying the courier and buying the wards to give vision to his/her team. Great supports include Crystal Maiden and Omniknight. A "Initiator" starts the clashes and manipulates the war. They have the abilities that can disrupt the formation of the enemies, leaving them unguarded. Great initiators are Clockwerk and Tidehunter. ”Pushers” are the heroes who focus on bringing down enemy towers as quickly as possible. Examples of Pushers include Broodmother and Leshrac. If you're familiar with the role of mages in other games, then you'll understand the “Nuker”. Nukers deal damage using spells with large areas of effect, often from a distance. These characters make great Pushers and the roles can be doubled. You can always random if you think you've got what it takes. If you random you'll get 200 extra starting gold. But remember, you can't random in the last 10 seconds of the picking phase, so don't wait too long. Pay attention to character attributes. Attributes determine the effectiveness of the armor, the amount of health your hero has, and the amount of magical power (or mana) that they can draw from. Each character has a major attribute (one which is higher than the others) which greatly determines how they will play. Attributes increase with level. Strength, which builds health, is essential for heroes who will need to take a lot of damage. Agility, which builds defense, is essential for heroes who will carry the team (explained below). Intelligence, which builds mana, is essential for supporting heroes or those who intend to attack from a distance. Purchase items. When you first enter the map, you will be placed next to the store, where you should buy some items. You can purchase consumables (potions and similar items), items which fortify your attributes, armaments to protect yourself with, and magical items (if your character is so inclined). You can also return to the shop during the match or buy a Courier which will take items back and forth for you. Use secret shops. There are also secret shops hidden in the jungles between the roadways (or lanes). These sometimes have items for sale which are not available in the regular shop. You will purchase these item with gold. Gold is earned passively (every few seconds) but also for things like killing enemy soldiers (called Creeps), destroying enemy towers, and various other accomplishments. Find runes. There will be two runes in the river, between the three lanes. They give short-term boosts and disappear once taken. They respawn every 2 minutes. They can be stored in a bottle (purchased at the shop) to be used later. Choose a strategy to win. There are three main roadways on the game map. These are called lanes. During the game, you and your enemies will largely be positioned in these lanes, in varying numbers, where you will fight for control in order to reach and destroy each other's towers. You and your teammates will need to figure out how you want to handle your lanes. Center Lane - The Center Lane, which go diagonally across the screen from base to base, is usually played with one hero versus one hero. This is why it is often called the solo lane. Players in these lanes will commonly move to the outer lanes to create uneven numbers and gank (or gang kill) the enemy heroes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet1.jpg\/aid2185940-v4-728px-Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Top Lane - The top lane is usually played 2v2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet2.jpg\/aid2185940-v4-728px-Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Bottom Lane - The bottom lane is usually played 2v2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet3.jpg\/aid2185940-v4-728px-Play-Dota-2-Step-10Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Work with your teammates. Work together with your teammates to slowly chip away at the enemy. Remember, the goal is not to kill them but to instead destroy their towers. Be strategic and play your hero well. There is no “i” in team but there is an “i” in dick: support your teammates and together you can all succeed. Creeps, the funny looking fellows that you can't control, are also part of your team. Use them. Worship them. They are the key to your success. They will spawn every so often and come in waves down the lanes. There they will clash with enemy creeps and towers, protecting you from much damage. Stay behind the creep line of defense. Destroy the other team's creeps to gain money, though. Those guys are jerks. Win by destroying enemy towers. The game is won when the enemy's main structure, called their Ancient, is destroyed. This main tower is located on the opposite corner of the map from where you begin. Progress your way there by destroying the intervening towers that block your progress. The other side of this, of course, is that the enemy team will be trying to destroy your towers. Protect your towers. Attack the enemy. Mostly you'll be dealing with enemy creeps, sometimes enemy heroes, and hopefully the enemy towers. Attack the enemy but never forget your focus of getting to their towers (and eventually their Ancient). Don't be stupid and don't be rash, take your time and make smart kills. Right click on enemies to perform basic attacks. Use and advance abilities through the course of the game. Abilities will be different for every character. They are assigned to keys which you choose when you start the game. Experiment with abilities and find the best ways to use them. Make sure you use them to help not only yourself but your team as well. Make sure to get last hit. Last hit is a very important aspect of playing DOTA 2. Only the person who gets the last hit on an enemy gets the gold (though all in the immediate area get the experience). If your character is one that benefits from gold, make sure you're getting the last hit. The best way to do this is to wait until you see an enemy's health is low and then go in for the kill. Timing this is a learned skill. Don't forget that last-hitting will also push the lanes forwards if not countered with a friendly hit. (See below) Deny your enemies. You don't want your enemies to get gold or experience for killing your creeps, so when you see the opportunity, kill your own creeps to deny them the pleasure and rewards. This should be done just like last hitting. Don’t forget about Roshan and the neutral creeps. Don't forget that there are neutral creeps in the jungles between the lanes who will attack you given opportunity. There is also the dragon Roshan lurking just off the lanes and he will deal out a butt kicking like you can't even imagine. Be cautious. Heal yourself using salves. Pick up some healing salves at the beginning of the game (from the store). These will allow you to regain some health while fighting. Later in the game, after winning a hundred battles, you will be allowed to teleport to base for free (which will also heal you). Heal yourself by returning to base. You'll need scrolls to return to your base, so this isn't ideal, but it's preferable to dying so keep it in mind. You can also use tangos. A tango is an item you purchase in the store at the beginning of the game. Use it in order to gain back some health. Using a tango allows you to cut down three trees which are then converted to health. DON’T DIE. Remember, this is a strategy game. A STRATEGY GAME. Not run-in-and-kill-things game. It requires skill and patience. Dying is seriously punished, so you will need to play smart. Dying means you're missing out on experience and gold, and your teammates are going to get gut-punched while they wait for you. So, yeah, don't die. | Fight against bots. Fight against friends. Fight against strangers. Choose a character. Pay attention to character attributes. Purchase items. Find runes. Choose a strategy to win. Work with your teammates. Win by destroying enemy towers. Attack the enemy. Make sure to get last hit. Deny your enemies. Don’t forget about Roshan and the neutral creeps. Heal yourself using salves. DON’T DIE. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Black-Girls-Hair | How to Grow Black Girls Hair | If you're an African American girl who wants to grow her hair out, make sure to keep it strong, healthy, and moisturized. Wash your hair every 1 to 2 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying it out, which can lead to breakage. Use a silicone and sulfate-free shampoo so you don't strip your hair of moisture. As you use the pads of your fingers to massage your shampoo and conditioner into your hair, work from the scalp down to the ends of your hair to prevent any tangles. For extra moisture, use a hot oil treatment once a month. When styling your hair, use a wide-toothed comb, which will help prevent breakage and frizz. Try to air-dry your hair whenever possible to avoid drying it out. | Wash your hair every 1 to 2 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. If you wash your hair more often then that, your hair will end up too dry and brittle. This can lead to breakage. If you need to wash your hair more often, consider using just conditioner. This is known a "co-washing" and is safe to use regularly, because it doesn't strip hair of its moisture. Consider rinsing your hair with cold water. This will help seal the hair cuticles, and make it appear smoother. Use the pads of your fingers to massage your scalp, and never pile your hair on top of your head. If you pile your hair on top of your head as you massage your hair and scalp, you will create tangles and make it more difficult to detangle later on. Instead, massage the hair, starting from close to the scalp and going down to the ends of the hair, to prevent your hair from tangling. Never use your fingernails to scrub your scalp. Focus the shampoo on your scalp, and the conditioner on the ends of your hair. It may be helpful to wash the hair in sections, especially if you have longer or thicker hair. Use a silicone and sulfate-free shampoo. Silicones are great for making hair smooth, but they can only be washed out using sulfates. Sulfates are harsh cleaning agents that strip hair of its moisture, leaving it dry and brittle. If you don't wash the silicones out, you will end up with build-up in your hair, which can leave it looking limp and greasy. Just because a product says that it moisturizes, doesn't necessarily mean it's true. Always look at ingredients on the back label rather than empty promises on the front. Always follow shampooing up with conditioner to maintain moisture. After you have rinsed the shampoo out, divide your hair into sections, and apply the conditioner. Then, gently comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb. This will allow for a more-even distribution of the product. It will also make your hair easier to detangle later on. Rinse the conditioner out after a couple of minutes (or as per the conditioner's directions). Be wary of hard water. If you live in an area with hard water, consider getting a shower filter. Hard water contains minerals that can lead to build-up, and make your hair dry, brittle, and unmanageable. You can also use a chelating or clarifying shampoo once a month instead to clear up buildup and improve the state/manageability of your hair. Use a moisturizing, deep conditioner every 1 to 2 weeks. Apply the deep conditioner to damp hair, then tuck your hair under a shower cap. Leave it there for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out. Heating caps can be used to boost the performance of the deep conditioner. If you do not have a heating cap, tuck your hair under a plastic shower cap, then drape a towel over your head, like a hood. Use a blow dryer to heat the inside and outside of the towel. Consider using a moisturizing, leave-in conditioner, followed by a natural oil. The leave-in conditioner will moisturize your hair, and the oil will help "seal" the moisture in. Make sure to cover all your hair with the leave-in and oil. You can use just about any natural oil, including: Argan, almond, castor, coconut, jojoba, and olive. You can also use natural butters, such as shea butter. Consider a hot oil treatment once a month for extra moisture. Heat ½ to 1 cup (120 to 240 milliliters) of oil in a double boiler, then apply it to your hair. Tuck your hair under a shower cap for about 20 minutes, then rinse it out with shampoo. You can use any type of natural oil, such as: Argan, avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, and olive. Don't use a microwave, or you'll destroy the oil's nutrients. Warm oil is easier for hair to absorb than room-temperature oil. Try an over-night mask with a leave-in conditioner, oil, and setting cream. Apply some leave-in conditioner, oil (such as coconut oil), and setting cream to your hair, then twist it. Cover your hair with a scarf or bonnet, and fluff it out the next day. On the third or fourth night, you can re-twist your hair. Spritz your hair with water to re-activate the leave-in conditioner, and reapply the oil and cream. Use a little bit less product than the first time, since the same products are already in your hair from before. Try a protein treatment once every six weeks for extra strength. If you have finer hair, you can use it as often as once a week. You can use either a store-bought protein mask, or make your own. Consider massaging egg whites into your hair and letting it sit for ten minutes under a shower cap. Wash it out with cool water, not hot. Egg white contains vitamins which will make your hair healthy and strong. Always focus conditioners, oils, and butters on the ends of your hair. These are the oldest parts of your hair, and need the most moisture. Dry hair is brittle hair, and brittle hair tends to break easily. If you don't take good care of the ends of your hair, it will just keep on breaking; it won't "grow" very fast. Always use a wide-toothed comb, and never a brush. Fine-toothed combs can snag and break hair, while brushes can lead to frizz. When combing your hair, remember to start from the tips, and work your way up. Never comb straight down from roots to ends. You can also gently comb your hair out using your fingers. Avoid using heat, if possible, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do. Try to use a lower temperature, if you can, as heat protectant sprays can only do so much. It may take longer to get the results you want, but it will be safer for your hair. When heat styling, don't go above 380°F (195°C). Great styles that enable you to cut down on harsh heating tools include: roller sets, braid-outs, twist-outs, bantu knot outs, buns, and ponytails. Try to air dry your hair whenever possible. This is the safest way to dry your. Consider putting your hair into twists or braids first. When you take them out, after your hair dries, you'll end up with beautiful curls. Avoid drying your hair out in the sun, however, as the sun's rays can be just as harmful to your hair as your skin. If you must dry your hair out in the sun, consider using a UV protectant spray for hair first. Be gentle with your hair when towel-drying it. Never rub your hair with a towel, as this can lead to frizz and breakage. Instead, gently pat it dry, preferably with a microfiber cloth or towel. You can also use a t-shirt instead. To preserve your curls, consider wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel or t-shirt instead. Keep your strands protected at night by using a satin pillowcase. If your hair is long, or not already in a protective style (such as braids or twists), consider putting your hair into a high ponytail or high bun. This will help preserve curls and prevent your hair from getting tangled and roughed up as you toss and turn throughout the night. You can also use a silk or satin scarf or bonnet instead. Cotton pillowcases are not recommended because they draw the moisture out of your hair. They also tend to be coarse, and can lead to snags, frizz, and breakage. Keep your hair in braids or cornrows to reduce breakage and hair loss. At the same time, however, avoid braiding your hair too tightly, as this can weaken the hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Also, remember to care for your hair and scalp. You should wash and condition your hair at least every two weeks. After taking your braids out, be sure to detangle your hair before washing it. If you don't do this, your hair will get matted. Consider giving your hair and scalp some time to recover from the pulling involved with braiding/twisting every once in a while. | Wash your hair every 1 to 2 weeks with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Use the pads of your fingers to massage your scalp, and never pile your hair on top of your head. Use a silicone and sulfate-free shampoo. Always follow shampooing up with conditioner to maintain moisture. Be wary of hard water. Use a moisturizing, deep conditioner every 1 to 2 weeks. Consider using a moisturizing, leave-in conditioner, followed by a natural oil. Consider a hot oil treatment once a month for extra moisture. Try an over-night mask with a leave-in conditioner, oil, and setting cream. Try a protein treatment once every six weeks for extra strength. Always focus conditioners, oils, and butters on the ends of your hair. Always use a wide-toothed comb, and never a brush. Avoid using heat, if possible, and always use a heat protectant spray when you do. Try to air dry your hair whenever possible. Be gentle with your hair when towel-drying it. Keep your strands protected at night by using a satin pillowcase. Keep your hair in braids or cornrows to reduce breakage and hair loss. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Gain-Weight-and-Muscle | How to Gain Weight and Muscle | To gain weight and muscle, focus on making progress at a healthy pace instead of eating a lot of unhealthy food to gain weight quickly. Try to increase your daily caloric intake by 250 to 500 calories a day, which will help you gain 1/2 to 1 pound per week. To consume more calories in a healthy way, eat nutritious, calorie-dense foods, like full-fat dairy products, olive oil, avocados, and nuts. Also, make sure you're eating plenty of protein and healthy carbohydrates, which will help you build muscle. | Meet with a doctor. Before you begin a new workout regimen or try a drastically different diet, you need to meet with a doctor to discuss your health. Talk to her about why you want to gain weight and muscle mass, and tell her about the kinds of things you're going to change in your lifestyle. Ask your physician what a safe amount of weight gain is for your age and gender. Gaining too much weight could put your body weight into an overweight category. Make realistic goals. Everyone's body has different capabilities. Sit down and write up a realistic long term goal for yourself. Goals should be measurable and specific. Not just “gain weight” or "gain muscle". Try to be as specific as you can with your goals. Vague goals or out of reach goals are harder to stick to. Also include a timeline for your long-term goals. For example, I want to gain 10 pounds in three months. Once you do this, come up with short term goals to help you reach your long term goal. Weekly goals are a great way to keep you on track for this kind of endeavor. Track your progress. Whenever you've set up goals for yourself, it helps to track your progress. This will help motivate you and also provide you with valuable feedback. Track a variety of measures that will show your progress. You might track your weight, body fat percentage or circumferential measurements. Tracking your progress will help you evaluate how your diet and exercise program are working. For example, if you're not gaining enough weight, you might need to readdress your caloric intake or how many calories you're burning through exercise. Reassessing or re-measure every two weeks to get an accurate picture of how your program is working. Find an accountability partner. Find someone to be your accountability partner. Making lifestyle changes like this can be difficult. Having someone to talk to may help you stay motivated or stay on track. Talk to friends, family members, your trainer/dietitian, or coworkers about your goals. Ask them if you can check in with them weekly to tell them about your progress. Take personal accountability as well. It is up to you to make the necessary changes. While your partner is there to help, it is mainly your job to stay focused. Talk to a dietitian. These nutrition experts will be able to coach you on the appropriate diet and foods to eat to help you build muscle and gain weight. Ask your primary care physician for a recommendation or do a quick online search for a local dietitian. Many specialize in weight gain and/or sports nutrition. Talk to your dietitian about your goal and how they suggest you reach it. You may ask for a meal plan, cooking advice, and a total calorie goal to follow. Increase your caloric intake. In order to gain weight, you'll need to increase your overall caloric intake. Increase your caloric intake by 250–500 calories a day in order to gain weight. This will generally result in about 1/2-1 pound weight gain each week. Gaining weight faster than this or using unhealthy foods to help you gain weight is generally considered unhealthy. Choose calorie-dense foods. Increasing your total daily calories may be difficult. You'll need to eat more and choose foods that are higher in calories. If you're finding it difficult to meet your calorie goals each day, try adding in healthy, yet higher-calorie foods. Try eating full-fat dairy products, olive oil, avocado, nuts and nut butters. Drizzle olive oil or put a pat of butter on your foods after you've prepared them. Put avocados on your salad or serve with scrambled eggs in the morning. Blend peanut butter into protein shakes or have it as an afternoon snack. Avoid eating sugary junk food to increase your calorie intake. Eating cookies, candy, donuts, etc. may help you gain weight, but not in a healthy way. Eat adequate protein. If you're trying to gain weight and build muscle, you'll need to consume adequate protein to support your goals. Lean proteins (and greens) should be the cornerstone of your diet. It's typically recommended to consume 0.8 g of protein per kilogram (your weight in pounds divided by 2.2) of body weight. However, some studies show this may not be enough — especially if your goal is to build lean muscle mass. On the higher end, consume about 1 g of protein per pound of body weight. You should never exceed this amount. A typical serving of protein is about 3–4 oz. Including a serving of lean protein at each meal and snack will help you meet your minimum goal and most likely provide you with an amount that's slightly higher than your minimum goal. Focus on both lean and moderately high fat protein sources. Try including items like: poultry, eggs, low-fat or full-fat dairy, moderately lean beef, pork, seafood, or legumes. Avoid high fat, fried, or processed protein choices. Items like fried foods, processed breakfast meats, or fast foods are not healthy options and should not be used to help you gain weight. Eat healthy carbs immediately before and after your workouts. Studies have shown that when you refuel with complex carbohydrates after a work out, it helps minimize muscle break down and can help increase muscle mass long-term. Eat a carb-dense snack 30 to 60 minutes before you work out as well. This will provide your muscles with fuel to power through your workout, keep your blood sugar level, and give you a head start on post-workout recovery. Healthy post-workout carbs include: fruit, mashed potatoes, whole grain breads or a whole grain bagel, dried fruit or yogurts. Also include healthy sources of carbohydrates at your other meals and snacks. Whole grains, fruits, legumes and starchy vegetables all are great sources of essential nutrients in your diet. Include a variety of these foods each day. Eat fruits and vegetables. Although you may be focusing on protein and higher calorie foods to help reach your goal, it's still important to get in adequate servings of fruits and vegetables each day. It's recommended to consume five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Including a fruit or vegetable at each meal or snack can help you reach this goal. One serving of fruit is considered 1/2 cup chopped or one small piece. One serving of vegetables is considered one cup, or two cups of leafy greens. Consider drinking a protein supplement. You may want to consider drinking a protein shake during the day to help meet your daily protein goals but also to help build muscle faster. You can incorporate your protein shake at any point during the day. However studies have shown that if you consume a 20 g protein shake prior to your strength training workout, you'll have increased protein synthesis. You can also use your protein drink to help increase your total overall calories. You can mix it with higher fat milk, add in fruit, peanut butter, or even avocado to help boost calories. Start a food journal. Starting a food journal may be a helpful activity to do when you're trying to gain weight. You'll be able to see exactly what you're eating and how that's affecting your weight. Be realistic about your intake and write it down. Invest in a a food scale and measuring cups to help yourself be more accurate. These tools are extremely helpful when trying to determine how much to eat. When you're first starting out, it can be difficult to keep track according to your goals—especially if it's a big change. Use your workout journal, or buy a separate one, to make yourself aware of how much and how often you're eating. Revisit your food journal if you're not gaining weight, losing weight, or gaining too fast. Make any necessary changes to your diet plan as needed. Meet with a trainer. Once you get the OK from your doctor, consider meeting with personal trainer. The trainer may recommend a variety of exercises to help support your weight goal and fitness goals. These fitness professionals have the job qualifications that can allow them to help you with your workout goals. Talk to your trainer about your goals and ask how they can help you build muscle mass. You may even want them to set up a weekly plan for you. You may be able to work with a trainer that is at a local gym or find a consultant trainer that works independent of gyms and fitness facilities. Work every major muscle group. To increase your muscle mass, you'll need to work each and every muscle group. It's important to strengthen all muscles including your core, lower body, upper body, arms and chest. You can choose to do three to four days of a total body workout. This is where you'd spend time working every major muscle group in one day. Ideally, you follow this with a rest day. You can also do strength training on most days if you choose to work separate muscle groups each day of the week. Ensure you're not working the same muscle group two days in a row. Include rest days. Although working out regularly is essential to increasing muscle mass, having one to two rest days each week is equally important. Much of your muscle growth and strengthening actually occurs during the resting phase of your work out. If you don't include regular rest days, then do not work the same muscle group two days in a row. For example, do not work arms and chest on Monday and Tuesday. Try doing arms and chest on Monday and legs on Tuesday. Log your progress. Keep track of the exercises you're doing by keeping a journal of your workouts. This may help keep you motivated and also give you a guideline for your week. This will ensure that you're increasing weights during workouts. Also, it will help you keep track of what workouts you've done on what days. This is important because you need to include rest days. In addition to tracking what you've done each day or week, look at how far along you've come and how far you still need to go to hit your long-term goals. Do heavy-weight core exercises. There are a few studies that suggest using heavy weights for this exercise to maximize muscle mass and definition in your core. You use your abdominal muscles on a daily basis. Since they are used regularly, you'll need to increase the weight or resistance with your exercises to help increase muscle mass. There is no set answer on whether you should do a few reps or do many reps for your abs. However, it's suggested to do the exercise until your muscles are very fatigued. Make sure that you do slow, controlled exercises whenever you're working your abs. Don't forget to breathe! Include upper body exercises. To gain muscle mass in your upper body, you'll need to include a wide variety of exercises to work the muscles in your chest and arms. Use a heavier weight and lower reps with these exercises: Overhead press Incline bench press Dips and pull-ups Bicep curls Do lower body exercises. To enhance muscle mass in your lower body, it's recommended to do isolation exercises first, followed by heavier strength training exercises. Incorporate some of these exercises with heavy weights and moderate reps: Seated leg curl Leg extension Lunges Dumbbell Step-Up Barbell squat Take it slow. Whenever you're starting with new exercises or a new strength training plan, it's important to take it slowly at first. Even if it's recommended to do very heavy weights at first, you'll fare better and stay safer if you choose lower weights as you build up your strength and fitness level. You may also need to include more frequent rest days if you're a beginner. This will help allow your muscles to rest and repair appropriately. Plan to do about two weeks of strength training in which you gradually increase weight. After this period, you'll need to hit it heavy to gain significant muscle and weight. You can add more or longer rest periods, but you'll need to start working with the heavy weights to gain that lean mass you're after. | Meet with a doctor. Make realistic goals. Track your progress. Find an accountability partner. Talk to a dietitian. Increase your caloric intake. Choose calorie-dense foods. Eat adequate protein. Eat healthy carbs immediately before and after your workouts. Eat fruits and vegetables. Consider drinking a protein supplement. Start a food journal. Meet with a trainer. Work every major muscle group. Include rest days. Log your progress. Do heavy-weight core exercises. Include upper body exercises. Do lower body exercises. Take it slow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Car-Smell-Good | How to Make Your Car Smell Good | To make your car smell good, start by sprinkling baking soda on the seats, floors, and floor mats, letting it sit for 3-4 hours, then vacuuming it up to get rid of any odors. For stubborn odors, mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, spray it on the car's interior surfaces, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. After that, put an open box of scented dryer sheets or an unlit scented candle under the front seat to make your car smell nice. Alternatively, spray some air freshener into the car, or give the car's interior a spritz of your favorite perfume or cologne. | Hang an air freshener in the car. There are many types of air fresheners that are designed specifically for cars. To pick a scent, simply find one that appeals to your sense of smell. No matter what kind you get, be sure to place it in an area that gets lots of airflow, so that the scent circulates throughout the car. Vent clip and dashboard air fresheners are meant to be clipped to or positioned over the vents. Tree-style and other air fresheners can be placed hanging from the rear view mirror, or under the dash—where the passenger's feet go—to get the most circulation. Apply an odor-eliminating air freshener. Spray or aerosol-style air fresheners can also be used in cars to mask smells and leave a fresh scent. Spray the liquid into the air in the car, rather than directly onto the seats, dash, floor, or roof. You can use a regular house and home spray like Lysol or Febreze, or you can purchase one that's made specifically for cars, such as: Chemical Guys new car smell K1 air freshener for cars Armor All new car smell air freshener Spray perfume in the car. Instead of purchasing an air freshener, you can also use a few spritzes of your favorite cologne or perfume to make the inside of your car smell nice. As with the air freshener, don't spray the liquid directly onto any of the car's surfaces. If you have an old tree-style air freshener lying around that doesn't have any scent left, you can spray perfume directly on this and place it back in the car. Place an unlit scented candle under the front seat. Scented candles come in hundreds of different smells, and there's no reason you can't use them to make your car smell nice. Look for a smaller candle that will fit under the driver or passenger seat. A tea light or votive will be a good size. Don't use candles that are in jars, otherwise you won't be able to smell them. Keep dryer sheets under the front seat. Take a new box of dryer sheets and open the box. Place the box under the driver or passenger seat to give your car that fresh laundry smell. To make for a slower release of the scent, keep the box sealed and poke a couple holes in the top and sides. Go for a drive with the windows down. Sometimes a smell gets into your car and just won't leave, and the first thing you can do is try to force the smell out. Pick a warm day, and make sure you don't have any papers or garbage in the car that could fly out while you're driving. If you don't want to drive around with the windows open, leave the car in the driveway with the windows down and the doors open on a windy day, and hopefully some of the smell will blow out. Sprinkle everything with baking soda. Certain smells, like smoke, can get into everything in a car, and sprinkling baking soda everywhere will help draw out and neutralize some of the odors that are in the seats and floors. Don't forget the floor mats, under the floor mats, and the space between the back seats and the rear window. Be sure the floors and upholstery are completely dry before you sprinkle on the baking soda. Let the baking soda sit for three to four hours. Vacuum the interior. This is important to clean up the baking soda, but it will also help remove bad odors, plus any dirt or crumbs that are in the car. Be sure to use the upholstery attachment so that you can get into all the nooks and crannies between the seats, under the seats, and elsewhere. When you're finished vacuuming, leave the floor mats out of the car. Spot clean tough stains. When you know of specific stains or marks in your car that need cleaning, spot clean them with a rag and the appropriate cleaner. The right cleaner will depend on what kind of stain you're dealing with: Tackle mold and mildew with disinfectant sprays. Address bodily fluids (such as vomit) and food stains with bio-enzymatic cleaners. For really powerful smells—think skunk—use an oxidizing cleaner. Wipe down the interior with vinegar and water. In a clean spray bottle, mix a fifty-fifty solution of white vinegar and water. Starting with the driver seat, spray down the entire seat with the solution and then wipe it with a lint-free or microfiber cloth. Then do the passenger seat, followed by the back seats, the dash, the floors, the mats, and any remaining surfaces. Then It may take a while for the vinegar smell to dissipate, but it will work to help remove most smells, even cigarette smoke. Clean the mats. Fill a bucket with several drops of dish soap and some warm water. Place the mats on the lawn, driveway, or garage floor. Dip a shoe brush in the soapy water and scrub the mats with the suds. When you're finished, spray the mats with water from a hose or pressure washer. Hang the mats to dry over a railing or on a clothesline. Deodorize the car. There are many products that you can use that will neutralize odors in your car, and you can actually leave the products in the car to continue working even after you remove the smell. Place some freshly ground coffee beans in a jar with a plastic lid. Poke holes in the lid and place the jar somewhere in your car. Keep an open box of baking soda in your car to absorb and neutralize smells. Leave a few orange peels under the front seat to neutralize odors and leave a fresh citrus smell in the car. Charcoal is another traditional odor neutralizer, so you can even place a couple lumps under the driver or passenger seat to control smells in your car. Don’t leave food and drinks in the car. It can be easy to forget that sandwich in the back seat, or the cereal that spilled the other day, or the leftover apple in the cup holder, but always make an effort to remember to clean these things from your car daily. Food will rot quickly in a car, and what began as a mildly unpleasant odor can quickly become an unshakable smell of decaying organic matter. Take out the garbage. Never leave garbage in your car, especially when it's food related. This includes wrappers, fast food bags and containers, coffee cups, and any other refuse. When you exit your car at the end of the day, take with you any garbage you've accumulated over the day and recycle or dispose of it properly. Clean up food spills immediately. If you're driving when a spill occurs, pull over when it's safe to do so and remove food spills and soak up any liquids you can. When you get home or to a car wash, address the spot with a cleaner, such as soapy water, vinegar, or another cleaner of your choice. It's a good idea to keep a few old towels or paper towels in the car to deal with emergencies and spills. Run the blower and the air-conditioning periodically. Air-conditioning systems get quite damp, and this can lead to mold growth and bad smells in the car. To prevent this, turn on the air-conditioning and the blower weekly or every two weeks. Allow the air-conditioning to blow for about 10 minutes. | Hang an air freshener in the car. Apply an odor-eliminating air freshener. Spray perfume in the car. Place an unlit scented candle under the front seat. Keep dryer sheets under the front seat. Go for a drive with the windows down. Sprinkle everything with baking soda. Vacuum the interior. Spot clean tough stains. Wipe down the interior with vinegar and water. Clean the mats. Deodorize the car. Don’t leave food and drinks in the car. Take out the garbage. Clean up food spills immediately. Run the blower and the air-conditioning periodically. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Cobweb-Spider | How to Identify a Cobweb Spider | To identify a cobweb spider, look for a long, thin pair of legs in the front. Next, check for a rounded abdomen. Then, see if the spider is brown or gray in color. Cobweb spiders may also have red dots, white stripes, yellow dots, or orange stripes, but not always! Finally, look for eight eyes that form two rows across the spider's head. Cobweb spiders are usually small or medium in size, so if your spider is longer than an inch, it's probably a different kind. | Look for long legs. The legs of cobweb spiders are long and thin, with the first set of legs being the longest. The third set of legs is the shortest. The fourth set of legs have combs or tiny hairs. The legs don't have distinct divisions or spines on them. They look smooth instead of segmented. Check for rounded abdomens. Cobweb spiders have round middle sections. They don't have elongated or oval abdomens. They are often described as globular shaped. Look for a spider small to medium in size. There are thousands of species of cobweb spiders, and over 200 in the US. They will vary in size from small to medium. Many species are around ⅛ to ⅜ inches (3 to 10 mm) long. Check for a dull color. There are a lot of different species of cobweb spiders with different markings. However, almost all cobweb spiders are brown or gray in color. Some markings may be red dots, white stripes, yellow dots, or orange stripes. Notice two rows of eyes. One of the most distinguishing features on a cobweb spider is their eyes. The eight eyes form two rows across their head, each with four eyes each. Check for an irregular web. Cobweb spiders are sometimes called cobweb weavers because of the webs they create. These spiders make messy, irregular webs that have no distinct shape or form. These webs will not be circular or have a neat pattern like many spider webs. Instead, it may have an uneven, non-circular shape, have large open spaces with clumps in other parts, or look like it's been disturbed. Look for an upside down spider. Cobweb spiders like to build their webs and then spend their time hanging upside down in the middle of the web. If you get close enough, check to see if the head of the spider is hanging down right in the center. Expect cobweb spiders in dark corners. Cobweb spiders place their webs in dry, dark areas. They can be found in garages, eaves, attics, porches, sheds, and basements. They are also found just about everywhere indoors and around windows. You may also find them under decks and houses, or in piles of outdoor debris or trash. | Look for long legs. Check for rounded abdomens. Look for a spider small to medium in size. Check for a dull color. Notice two rows of eyes. Check for an irregular web. Look for an upside down spider. Expect cobweb spiders in dark corners. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Head-Congestion | How to Relieve Head Congestion | To relieve head congestion, take an over-the-counter decongestant medicine for quick relief in conjunction with over-the-counter saline nasal drops to keep your sinuses moist. Using a humidifier or taking a hot, steamy shower can also help loosen up head congestion and provide some relief. Be sure to drink plenty of water, juice, or clear broth to stay hydrated, which loosens congestion and makes it easier to get rid of. If you're having trouble sleeping through the night, try adhesive nasal strips so you can breathe more easily. | Get a decongestant. A decongestant usually contains a cocktail of drugs to treat the multiple symptoms associated with congestion. In most cases, they are combined with an analgesic such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve headaches and sinus pain. These can be purchased over-the-counter at a drug store. Many decongestants such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine narrow the blood vessels to clear out nasal congestion. This also increases blood pressure. Therefore, proceed with caution if you already have high blood pressure. This product can be found in tablets, capsules, liquids, and syrups. Make sure to read the label carefully or talk to a doctor before taking a decongestant because serious side effects can occur in babies, pregnant women, and people with allergies. Take the correct dosage and do not abuse the medication. Try saline nasal drops. Saline nasal drops are effective, safe, and non-irritating. Saline (salt water) helps to liquefy mucous secretions that block the sinuses and reduce the chance that the mucus will crust along the sinus cavity. Nasal drops (or sprays) will moisten the mucous membranes of the nasal sinuses and can be purchased over-the-counter at a drug store. It is recommended to take saline drops after the use of a decongestant. Taking saline nasal drops will help you avoid the “rebound effect” often associated with obsessively taking a decongestant nasal spray. Suck on some zinc lozenges. Taken as a lozenge or syrup, zinc has shown to reduce the length of a cold by up to one full day if taken during the onset of symptoms. Zinc lozenges and syrups can be purchased over-the-counter at a drug store. Zinc prevents the rhinovirus from multiplying and prevents it from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. The rhinovirus is the source of most common colds. Despite these initial findings, there is still not enough evidence that zinc has the impact on reducing head congestion as previously advertised. Zinc will boost the immune system against the virus but will have little influence on congestion. Side effects usually include nausea, bad aftertaste, and the possibility of the loss of smell. Drink liquids. It is important to stay hydrated when you have a cold. Try to drink more liquids than you regularly drink during the day. You can be creative with your drinks to avoid dehydration and fight congestion. Drink water, juice, or a clear broth. You can add lemon or honey to help soothe your throat and loosen congestion. Sipping on warm liquids, such as chicken soup or warm apple juice, could increase mucus flow and relieve blockage. A saltwater gargle can help relieve a sore or scratchy throat associated with congestion. Add about a quarter to one-half teaspoon of salt into an eight-ounce glass. Make sure the salt is dissolved before gargling. Try some aromatic or herbal tea to relax your body, soothe your throat, and provide temporary relief to head congestion. Eat to fight congestion. Some foods have sinus-healing properties. These foods are more likely to help ease your suffering from head congestion than they are going to cure it, but relief from congestion in any form will enable you to function better throughout the day. Pineapples consist of bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that digest protein, which have been used for centuries in South America to reduce inflammation from sinus surgery. Garlic releases the enzyme allicin, which destroys bacteria and viruses, when you crush or chop it. Wait ten minutes after you crush or chop garlic before cooking it. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, eggs, and flaxseed have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate allergy-related conditions. Take vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that counteracts histamine. Histamine causes inflammation, runny noses, sneezing, and other symptoms related to head congestion. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. Eat lots of oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries to utilize the full effect of antioxidants. Vegetables such as tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, kale, spinach, broccoli, and brussels sprouts also have lots of vitamin C. Make sure to choose red and green vegetables. Get enough of your dietary polyphenols. Dietary polyphenols can effectively block the secretion of mucus while maintaining normal nasal ciliary motion. Polyphenols are the most abundant antioxidant in the human diet. Polyphenols are the main active ingredients in ginger (gingerol); red wine, tea, onions, dark leafy vegetables, and fruits (quercetin); green tea extract (EGCG); and curry extract (curcumin). Increase humidity. Moist air will loosen mucus and help you breathe better by easing the symptoms caused by congestion. Buy a good humidifier that will keep your house between thirty and fifty percent humid. Maintain your humidifier regularly or it could become a health hazard. Monitor and clean your humidifier so that it does not become a haven for mold and the humidity level does not go too high or low. In both cases, you will cause more problems than you solve. In addition, consider getting a hot bath, inhaling steam, or putting a hot cup of water under your nose to help loosen mucus. Stick a nasal adhesive strip to your nose. At night, place a nasal adhesive strip on your nose to help you breathe better. These little strips are specially engineered to help manage nighttime congestion for a better night's rest. A spring-like band that is flexible, nasal strips are made to fit right above the flare of your nostrils and stay there because of the adhesive. Nasal adhesive strips are designed to help open inflamed sinus passages. They are effective against colds, allergies, and congestion. Relax with acupressure. Acupressure is a type of self-massage that stimulates the muscles to relax. Done daily, acupressure can show improvement along with minimizing a recurrence of allergy and sinusitis symptoms. Specifically, apply deep firm pressure to self-massage the point between your thumb and index finger. This will relieve stress on your large intestine. For the gallbladder, massage the back of your head at the cross between where the ear bone and neck meet. These two points have been identified as places that can be stimulated to help open up your sinuses and reduce your symptoms. Manage your stress. Engaging in activities to reduce your stress will help with the management of your allergies and sinusitis, which cause congestion. Stress negatively impacts your immune system, compromising your ability to deal with conditions that cause congestion.. High levels of stress cause the quality and quantity of sleep to decrease resulting in dysregulation that intensifies the symptoms associated with allergies and sinusitis. Try socializing with family, friends, and colleagues, listening to peaceful music, or finding some alone or quiet time to rest your mind and body. | Get a decongestant. Try saline nasal drops. Suck on some zinc lozenges. Drink liquids. Eat to fight congestion. Take vitamin C. Get enough of your dietary polyphenols. Increase humidity. Stick a nasal adhesive strip to your nose. Relax with acupressure. Manage your stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Dishwasher-Drain | How to Clean a Dishwasher Drain | To clean a dishwasher drain, remove the bottom rack of your dishwasher, unscrew the filter, and rinse it thoroughly to get rid of debris and grease. If you're dealing with a clogged drain, remove the drain catch along with the filter and use a straightened wire hanger to remove the clog. Then, pour 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of vinegar down the drain and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. Finally, reconnect the dishwasher and run a normal cycle. | Use a damp cloth to clean around the filter and remove debris. Remove any food waste or debris that may be located at the bottom of your dishwasher. Use a damp cloth to wipe around the filter and catch basin. For example, you may find small particles, such as bones, noodles, seafood shells, or even glass shards. Unscrew the filter. You can consult your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding how to remove the filter on your dishwasher. Typically, four screws hold the filter in place. The bottom rack of the dishwasher needs to be removed in order to access the filter. Wash the filter. Rinse the filter with water in your sink and remove any grease or debris that is attached to the filter. If the filter is clogged your dishwasher will not be able to drain properly and your dishes will not get clean. Alternatively, you could use a wet vac to clean off any debris from the filter. Reconnect the filter. Once you have fully cleaned the filter you can reconnect it to the dishwasher, using a screwdriver. Put all of the screws in place before tightening them. This way if you drop a screw into the bottom of the dishwasher you won't have to unscrew all the screws to fish it out. Remove the bottom rack from the dishwasher. In order to unclog the drain from inside the dishwasher, you need to remove the bottom rack. This way you will be able to access the drain, catch basin, and filter. Always make sure the power is fully disconnected before you begin working on the dishwasher. Unscrew the drain catch and filters. Using a screwdriver, remove the drain catch and filter that is typically located in the center of the bottom of the dishwasher. You can consult your owner's manual in order to locate and remove the filter. Use a straightened wire hanger to remove the clog. Once the filter and drain catch have been removed, you should be able to see down the drain. Remove any clogs from the drain using a straightened wire hanger or auger. Pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain. In order to remove any additional debris, grease, or scum from the drain, you can use a baking soda and vinegar mixture to flush out the drain. Pour 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of vinegar down the drain. Alternatively, you could use a commercial drain cleaner, but these can contain harsh chemicals that may remain in your dishwasher for some time. Let the mixture sit in the dishwasher for 10-15 minutes. The baking soda and vinegar will help to break up any clogs that may remain in the drain. After 10-15 minutes, pour hot water down the drain to help remove the mixture along with any remaining debris. Reconnect and run the dishwasher on a normal cycle. Once you have unclogged the drain, reconnect the dishwasher and run it on a normal cycle. The dishwasher should now drain properly and water should no longer pool at the bottom of the machine. Shut off all power that leads to the dishwasher. Before you begin troubleshooting a clogged drain in your dishwasher, you should always disconnect the power to the machine. This can be done by removing the plug from the outlet. You could also remove the fuse from the fuse box or turn the appropriate breaker off to ensure that the power is completely disconnected. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions. Your dishwasher owner's manual will likely come with instructions that will tell you how to locate and disconnect the hose from the dishwasher. Disconnect the hose. Once you have located the hose, use pliers to pinch the wire clamp and slide it up the hose. You should also place a catch basin under the hose, to collect any spills that may come out of the hose. Use a wire hanger or auger to unclog the hose. Once the hose has been disconnected, try wiggling the hose to loosen any debris that may be trapped. Then, insert a straightened wire coat hanger or auger into the hose and remove any clogs that may exist. Alternatively, you can try running high-pressure water through the hose to remove any clogs. Use a garden hose to blast out debris that may be trapped. Reattach the hose and run the dishwasher. Once the clog has been removed from the hose, reattach the hose to the dishwasher. Plug in the dishwasher and run the machine on a normal cycle with no dishes. The dishwasher should now drain properly and water should no longer pool in the bottom of the machine. Run your garbage disposal before each use. You can also take precautionary steps to help ensure that your dishwasher drain does not become clogged. The dishwasher shares a drain with the kitchen sink. If your kitchen sink is clogged this can also backup your dishwasher. As a result, run your garbage disposal immediately before using your dishwasher. This will help to clear the drain and make your dishwasher more efficient. Scrape off food before loading the dishwasher. Often your dishwasher drain will get clogged by large food particles that get trapped in the filter or drain. You can prevent this by scraping off your dishes prior to loading them into the dishwasher. For example, remove any food scraps that may be stuck to your dishes. This can help keep your dishwasher clean and clog-free. Avoid over rinsing your dishes. Although it is a good idea to remove large food items from your dishes before loading the dishwasher, you should not soak or completely pre-wash your dishes. The dishwasher actually needs a bit of grease. Without any grease or grime the soap will foam during the washing cycle, and this can be harmful to the machine. Fill your dishwasher before each use. Dishwashers can also get clogged from overuse. You can save money and preserve the lifespan of your dishwasher by only running it when it is full. Avoid running the dishwasher for partial loads. | Use a damp cloth to clean around the filter and remove debris. Unscrew the filter. Wash the filter. Reconnect the filter. Remove the bottom rack from the dishwasher. Unscrew the drain catch and filters. Use a straightened wire hanger to remove the clog. Pour a baking soda and vinegar mixture down the drain. Let the mixture sit in the dishwasher for 10-15 minutes. Reconnect and run the dishwasher on a normal cycle. Shut off all power that leads to the dishwasher. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions. Disconnect the hose. Use a wire hanger or auger to unclog the hose. Reattach the hose and run the dishwasher. Run your garbage disposal before each use. Scrape off food before loading the dishwasher. Avoid over rinsing your dishes. Fill your dishwasher before each use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sassy-Water | How to Make Sassy Water | You can make refreshing sassy water at home by sprucing up some plain water with fresh fruit and herbs. Fill a large jug with about 2 liters of water. Then, mix in some mint leaves, sliced lemon and cucumber, and a little fresh, grated ginger. Alternatively, mix in sliced orange, pineapple sage leaves, lemon verbena leaves, and mint. Put the jug in the fridge to let it soak up the different flavors and drink it the next day. | Wash the citrus fruit before slicing. Pour the water into a pitcher or large jug. Add the plant ingredients. Cover the pitcher and place in the refrigerator. Leave overnight to infuse the flavors. Drink the water the next day. If you're drinking this as part of a diet, follow the diet instructions. Otherwise, just enjoy this refreshing drink throughout the day. Wash the citrus fruit before slicing. Pour the water into a pitcher or large jug. Add the plant ingredients. Tear the leaves just a little to help release their flavor. Cover the pitcher and place in the refrigerator. Leave overnight to infuse the flavors. Drink the next day as required. | Wash the citrus fruit before slicing. Pour the water into a pitcher or large jug. Add the plant ingredients. Drink the water the next day. Wash the citrus fruit before slicing. Pour the water into a pitcher or large jug. Add the plant ingredients. Drink the next day as required. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sue-a-Bank | How to Sue a Bank | If you have a dispute with a bank, you may be able to take legal measures to have your case heard, but you likely won't be able to sue. This is because there are laws that protect forced arbitration language in consumer contracts with banks. Due to this, you'll probably have to arbitrate rather than sue. Since this can be a tricky course of action, hire an attorney to give you guidance about your dispute and how to handle it before trying to take any legal action. If the dispute with the bank is a more minor issue, you may be able to settle it in small claims court. In these types of cases, you don't need to hire a lawyer, but you might want to talk to an adviser to make sure you're filing in the right court. Many small claims courts require you to try to resolve the issue before you file, like giving proof of a demand letter, which is a formal business letter that sets forth the facts of your dispute and what you want the bank to do to resolve it. If the bank doesn't respond, fill out the proper forms to have your case heard. Once you're done with the paperwork, return it to the clerk, who will let you know when your hearing will be. | Build a record of the dispute. If you've decided you want to pursue legal action, you typically want to hire an attorney. That attorney will need as much information as possible about your dispute so they can properly evaluate your case. Make copies of all documents you have related to your dispute. Keep the originals in a safe place (the attorney may need them later). If you have documents that aren't dated, try to figure out at least an approximate date for them. Put them in order to create a chronological record of your dispute. Search the directory of the National Association for Consumer Advocates (NACA). More than 1500 licensed attorneys are members of the NACA. These attorneys all specialize in consumer rights. They represent people who were treated unfairly by businesses, including banks and other financial institutions. From the NACA's website at http://www.consumeradvocates.org/for-consumers , click the link to access the directory. You can choose an area of practice and your state from drop-down menus to narrow your search results. Write down the names of a few attorneys from your results. Go to their websites to learn more about the work that they do. Schedule interviews with 2 or 3 attorneys. If you decide to hire an attorney, you want to make sure you've chosen the best one for your case. You also want to get several opinions on your chances of success at trial. Most consumer law attorneys provide free initial consultations, although some will charge a small fee. When you schedule your initial consultation, find out if there's a form you need to fill out beforehand, or if you need to submit any of your documents for the attorney to review ahead of time. Discuss your dispute in detail. Present to each attorney an organized, chronological account of the events leading up to the dispute, as well as everything that's happened since. Stick to the facts, and avoid talking about how something made you feel unless the attorney specifically asks you. The attorney may ask questions to which you don't know the answer. Write them down so that you can find the answer later, and tell the attorney you'll get back to them with the answer. If the attorney asks you for documents that you don't have available, make a note so you can get them as soon as possible after your meeting. Evaluate your options. The attorneys you interview will give you their analysis of your case and your chances of success in court. Typically they'll lay out several possible paths for you to choose between. If you decide to hire an attorney, get a written statement of the costs and fees you will pay, and when they'll be due. In some situations, such as if your dispute concerns a relatively small amount of money, an attorney may decline to take your case. If that happens, the attorney may tell you about other options available to you, such as filing a regulatory complaint or suing the bank in small claims court. Read any contracts or letters from the bank carefully. If you have an account with the bank, you'll have a contract that you received when you opened the account. This contract will tell you the procedures you must follow when you have a dispute with the bank. Even if you don't have an account with the bank, all banks have a statement of terms and conditions that cover any application or transaction made at that bank. You can usually get a copy of this document from the bank's website, or by asking for one at a branch. Most of these contracts have mandatory arbitration clauses. This means that in most instances, you won't be able to sue the bank. If you file a lawsuit, the judge will merely dismiss your lawsuit and tell you that you have to submit your dispute to arbitration. There are some situations, however, where you still may be able to file a lawsuit, such as if you believe the bank discriminated against you. File your arbitration claim. Your contract specifies which arbitration authority is responsible for conducting the arbitration, and typically has an address or other contact information for the arbitrators. Each arbitrator has their own procedures, but usually you must first file a claim to submit your dispute to arbitration. Your claim will be forwarded to the bank, which will have a limited period of time to respond in writing. The bank's response will be filed with the arbitrators, and a copy will be sent to you. Attend pre-hearing conferences. Once the bank has filed a response, you may have a number of conferences to select an arbitration panel and resolve issues related to scheduling, evidence, and other technicalities. If you've decided to hire a lawyer, they will attend these pre-hearing conferences. You won't be expected to attend many of them as long as your lawyer is present, particularly if they deal with procedural matters. Exchange documents through discovery. Arbitration has a discovery process similar to a regular court, although the rules are typically less formal. Depending on the complexity of your claim, discovery may be a rather lengthy process. In addition to exchanging documents, you may also have formal interviews with bank employees or others involved in your dispute. The bank's lawyers may also want to interview you. Attend your hearing. Once discovery is complete, you and the bank's representatives will appear before the panel of arbitrators to present your arguments and evidence. An arbitration hearing is relatively formal, but the rules are typically a little more relaxed than court rules. Since you filed the initial claim, you (or your attorney) typically will present your arguments and evidence first. You may call witnesses or introduce documents that support your claim. After you conclude, the bank's lawyers will present their arguments and evidence as to why you shouldn't succeed in your claim. You may be called on to testify. The arbitrators will make a decision based on their understanding of the dispute, the evidence and arguments presented, and any laws or regulations that apply. The arbitration decision is typically final, meaning if they don't decide in your favor you cannot appeal. Consult an attorney or small claims adviser. You don't need an attorney to file a case in small claims court. However, you may want to talk to an attorney or adviser before you file your lawsuit to make sure you're filing in the right court. Some courts, such as those in California, have self-help centers or small claims advisers who will help you free of charge. Contact the court in your area to find out what resources are available. If you previously interviewed attorneys for help with your case, they may be willing to give you advice or assistance on suing in small claims court. Send a demand letter to the bank. Many small claims courts require you to make an effort to resolve your dispute before you file a lawsuit in court. A demand letter is a formal business letter that sets forth the facts of your dispute and what you want the bank to do to resolve the situation. Make a copy of your signed letter before you send it. Then mail your letter using certified mail with return receipt requested. You can use the receipt as proof that the bank received your letter. The court may not hear your claim unless you provide proof that you attempted to resolve the dispute on your own and were unsuccessful. A copy of your written demand letter along with your postal receipt meets that requirement. Check your state's statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a deadline for filing a lawsuit. If your dispute is too old, you won't be able to sue the bank. Since most bank disputes involve written contracts, look for the statute of limitations for written contracts. It's typically 4 or 5 years. You may be suing the bank for some reason unrelated to your account. For example, you may want to sue the bank because you slipped and fell in the lobby. In that case, you would be looking for the personal injury statute of limitations, which is usually much shorter than the statute of limitations for written contracts (sometimes a year or less). Get claim forms from the court you want to use. The small claims court has forms you must fill out to have your case heard in court. Look over the forms before you start filling them out so you know what information you'll need. Then you can gather any necessary documents. You can get the forms you need from the clerk's office in the court house. Many courts also have the forms available for download on their website. The court also typically has an instruction guide that tells you how to complete and file your forms. Pick one up and read it carefully. Complete your claim forms. Provide information about yourself, the bank, and the nature of your dispute. You may attach documents to your claim form as evidence of the dispute and your claim against the bank. The court may require you to attach certain documents, such as a copy of your demand letter. Any required documents will be listed on the claim form. File your claim forms with the clerk of court. Once you've completed your claim forms, make 2 copies of them and take your originals and copies to the clerk's office. The clerk will file-stamp your forms and set a date for the court hearing. You'll have to pay filing fees when you file your claim. The amount varies widely among courts, but is typically less than $100. If you can't afford to pay the fee, ask the clerk if it's possible to get a waiver. The clerk may allow you to choose a hearing date. If you choose your own hearing date, allow enough time to get a copy of the claim forms to the bank before the hearing. Have the bank served. Service of process is required by court rules to notify the bank of your lawsuit. If you don't follow these rules, your claim may be dismissed. Typically, you'll hire a sheriff's deputy to deliver the claim forms to the bank. When the claim forms are delivered, you must complete a proof of service form. Some courts require you to file this form with the clerk in advance. In other courts, you simply bring it with you to your hearing. If you use a sheriff's deputy or a private process serving company to deliver your forms, you'll have to pay a small fee (typically less than $20). Go to court on the date of your hearing. Arrive at the courthouse at least a half hour before the time of your hearing. You need time to go through security and find the right courtroom. Take a seat in the gallery and wait for your case to be called. While you don't necessarily need to wear a business suit, you should wear conservative clothing that is clean and neat. If possible, leave all electronic devices at home. If you have to bring something with you, such as your mobile phone, silence the ringer before you enter the courtroom. Participate in your hearing. When the court officer calls your case, move to the front of the courtroom. Since you filed the claim, you will be the first to speak to the judge. Stick to the facts, and tell the judge your story. It can help to take notes or create a script to read, so your presentation will be logical and focused. Speak in a loud, clear voice so you can be heard and understood throughout the courtroom. The judge may ask you questions. If the judge interrupts you, stop speaking and answer the judge's question before you proceed. Always treat the judge with courtesy and respect, addressing them as "your honor." Using "sir" or "ma'am" is also appropriate. Gather documentation of the dispute. When you file a complaint with any government agency, you must provide information about yourself and the bank, as well as documents related to the dispute. Make copies of all documents rather than sending originals. You will need to provide the full name and location of the bank, as well as the names of anyone at the bank you spoke to regarding the dispute. It may be helpful to create a timeline of the dispute, from the events that led to the problem through all efforts you made to resolve the problem with the bank. Identify the appropriate federal regulatory agency. The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) has a Consumer Help Center you can use to find out which federal regulatory agency can best help you. To access the Consumer Help Center, visit https://www.ffiec.gov/consumercenter/default.aspx and enter the name of the bank. You can find the name of the bank on your account statement. File a complaint with the Federal Reserve if you can't find the appropriate regulator. The Federal Reserve regulates all banks in the US. The Federal Reserve will investigate any complaint you file and send you a letter detailing the findings of the investigation, typically within 30 to 60 days. You can access the Federal Reserve's online complaint form at https://forms.federalreserveconsumerhelp.gov/secure/complaint/formComplaint. You can also download a PDF version of the form to fill out and fax or mail to the appropriate Reserve Bank. The Federal Reserve doesn't have the authority to address all issues. If another regulatory agency would be more appropriate to handle your complaint, the Federal Reserve will forward your complaint and let you know. Submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB resolves issues consumers have with financial institutions, including banks and credit card companies. Once you submit your complaint, the bank will respond, typically within a couple of weeks. To get started, go to https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/ and click the "Start a new complaint" button. Follow the instructions to continue. You must provide a valid email address to receive notifications when the company has responded to your complaint. Get state officials and regulators involved. Your State Attorney General's office typically has a consumer protection department that takes complaints from consumers about businesses, including financial institutions. States also have regulatory agencies that regulate banks operating in that state. Search online for "bank regulator" with the name of your state to get links to the web pages of state agencies that may be able to take your complaint. You may also want to file additional complaints with nonprofit agencies, such as the Better Business Bureau. Posting details about your dispute on review websites and on social media may also help you get results from the bank. | Build a record of the dispute. Search the directory of the National Association for Consumer Advocates (NACA). Schedule interviews with 2 or 3 attorneys. Discuss your dispute in detail. Evaluate your options. Read any contracts or letters from the bank carefully. File your arbitration claim. Attend pre-hearing conferences. Exchange documents through discovery. Attend your hearing. Consult an attorney or small claims adviser. Send a demand letter to the bank. Check your state's statute of limitations. Get claim forms from the court you want to use. Complete your claim forms. File your claim forms with the clerk of court. Have the bank served. Go to court on the date of your hearing. Participate in your hearing. Gather documentation of the dispute. Identify the appropriate federal regulatory agency. File a complaint with the Federal Reserve if you can't find the appropriate regulator. Submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Get state officials and regulators involved. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Presentation-Poster | How to Make a Presentation Poster | To make a presentation poster in Powerpoint, start by changing your page setup to widescreen in the "Design" tab. Then, write a clear title that tells readers what your poster is about across the top of the page. After your title, write an introduction to your topic, including any research methods you used on the left side. Use the middle column to detail your main points. Then, on the right side, add your conclusion and any references you cited. If you want your poster to catch your readers' eye, place a few images and graphs that illustrate your main points throughout the poster. | Place an interesting title at the top of your poster. Aim for the title to span the entire width of your poster, as this makes it easy to read. Create a title that will draw people toward your poster to find out more about your topic. Consider defining the scope of the research, asking a rhetorical question, or hinting at a surprising or interesting finding. For example, “New Poetry Discovered in the Journals of WW2 Soldiers” would be an interesting title for a poetry poster. Start with an introduction in the top left corner of the poster. Underneath the title, state what your poster is about and the impact your findings could have in the real world. Include your reasons for researching the topic and mention any related model studies. If you're making a scientific poster, include your hypothesis in the introduction. This section is generally only 1 paragraph long. Detail your research methods next. Use steps or a flowchart to describe how, when, and where your research was conducted. This gives your research validity. Place this section next to the introduction, such as in the top right corner. For example, if you collected water samples for a geography project, explain where you got the water from, when you collected it, and the method that you used to take the sample. If your poster is summarising the work of artists or researchers, such as in poetry, geography, or history, explain why you chose the publications that you used and detail the modes of research you utilised. If you are making a scientific poster, include all the materials that you used, your method of statistics, and why you chose the method that you used. Use sub-headings, such as “Materials” or “Steps” to break up the section. Use the centre of the poster to display your results or main points. This information should make up the bulk of your poster. Place this section in the middle of your poster to help it stand out. When you write your main points, consider who your audience is and think about what information they would be interested in. For example, if you are making a poster for a children's poetry fair, lots of funny poems and poetry facts would likely draw the children to your poster. If you are making a scientific poster, use annotated graphs and tables to visually display the data that you have collected. If you're making a history or geography poster, consider placing an essay, timeline, or map in this space. Write a short conclusion to summarise your findings. Summarise your results in bullet points or a few sentences to outline the key findings. Consider bolding your key conclusions to make them stand out. Place this information at the bottom of your poster. Contemplate ending with a memorable quote. For example, if you are making a history poster, you could find a profound Nelson Mandela quote to finish with. If you are making a scientific poster, compare your results to the hypothesis and comment on whether your predictions were correct. Include references and acknowledgments in the bottom right corner. If you used any references in your poster, include the full citations in this section. Finish the section by acknowledging anyone that helped you with the project, such as mentor, sponsors, or tutors. This section can have a smaller font than the rest of the poster if you have limited space. Add visuals to make your poster stand out. Visuals help to break up large sections of text in your poster and make it easier and more interesting to read. Where relevant, include photos, graphs, and charts. Place images next to or below the text that it relates to. Use high-resolution photos to ensure that the images don't look fuzzy when they are printed. Avoid using Clip Art, as this tends to look unprofessional. Use at least 16 pt font in your poster to make it easy to read. If the font on your presentation poster is too small, it will discourage prospective viewers from reading it. Highlight all of your body text and select the 16 pt font option. If you have enough room, increase the font size to 20 pt or 24 pt. The larger the text is – the easier it will be to read. Make headings big so that they can be easily viewed from 10 ft (3 m) away. The title and headings are generally what draws people to your poster and will prompt them to read further. In order for the key text to be seen from a distance, write titles in at least 72 pt font and headings in 48 pt font. Stand 10 ft (3 m) away from your poster and check that the key titles can be read. If you have trouble reading them, increase the size of the text. Use easily legible fonts. Avoid cursive or handwritten fonts, such as Brush Script and French Script, as these can be difficult to read. Opt for traditional academic fonts that are easy to read and widely used. Times New Roman, Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, and Garamond are good font options. Choose 1 font for all of the body text in your poster. This makes the poster easier to read and helps it to look cohesive. Highlight all of the different sections of body font and change them to the same font. Bold any important words or phrases to help them stand out. Space out visuals and text to create a balanced poster. If there are no gaps between the sections or paragraphs, the text will be difficult to read and the page will look cluttered. To define the different sections of the poster and make it appealing to the eye, leave at least 1 centimetre (0.39 in) of space above, below, and either side of each section and image. Use paragraphs to break up large sections of text. Gaps between sections are often referred to as white space. Follow the traditional reading layout of left to right and top to bottom. Readers will instinctually start looking for information at the top left corner, therefore, place the information that should be read first in this spot. Continue to add sections to the right of the first text. Once you reach the end of the top line, start the next section at the right side of the page. Once you have created a first draft of the poster, ask a friend if they can easily understand the flow of the poster. If they can't, rearrange the components until they fit in a natural, logical way. Use the Page Setup toolbar to set the size of your poster. It is important to format the correct sized slide before you start designing your poster; otherwise, the poster may not print to the correct proportions or dimensions. To change the size of the slide; click on the Design tab, tap on the Page Set up option, click on the Slides Sized For option, and then enter your desired page dimensions. If you haven't been given a specified poster dimension, make the poster 48 inches (120 cm) wide and 36 inches (91 cm) tall. Select the correct page orientation in the Design toolbar. Most presentation posters use landscape orientation. This tends to be the default setting on most PowerPoint presentations; however, if you need to change the orientation, it is a quick and easy process. Click on the Design tab, press Customise, select Slide Size, click Custom Size, and then select portrait or landscape. If the slide is already in the correct orientation, skip this step. Utilize the poster templates in the PowerPoint templates toolbar. These templates are a useful starting point to help you format your poster. To access the templates, click File, select New, click From Template, and then chose the template that best suits your project. These templates can be edited in the same way as a regular PowerPoint presentation. Click on the textbox icon in the main menu to add text to the poster. Click on the text box icon in the main toolbar ribbon. Once you have clicked on the icon, simply click where you want the text to be and start typing. The text box icon is a small square box with an “a” and horizontal lines inside it. Use the Insert menu to add visuals to the poster. Click on the Insert menu, select Picture, and then tap Picture From File. This will bring up your photo gallery. Scroll through your photos to find the picture that you want to use and then press Insert. Opt for high-resolution photos to ensure that the photos look sharp and clear when you print the poster. You can also use graphs, charts, and other visuals in addition to photographs. Use the arrow keys to move text and images around your poster. Click on the image or text box that you want to move and then use the arrow keys on the bottom right of your keyboard to rearrange the content. Alternatively, hold down the right mouse button and drag the content to your desired position. If you want to adjust the positioning of an object very slightly, hold down the Control (Ctrl) key as you use the arrows. This reduces the size of the movements. | Place an interesting title at the top of your poster. Start with an introduction in the top left corner of the poster. Detail your research methods next. Use the centre of the poster to display your results or main points. Write a short conclusion to summarise your findings. Include references and acknowledgments in the bottom right corner. Add visuals to make your poster stand out. Use at least 16 pt font in your poster to make it easy to read. Make headings big so that they can be easily viewed from 10 ft (3 m) away. Use easily legible fonts. Choose 1 font for all of the body text in your poster. Space out visuals and text to create a balanced poster. Follow the traditional reading layout of left to right and top to bottom. Use the Page Setup toolbar to set the size of your poster. Select the correct page orientation in the Design toolbar. Utilize the poster templates in the PowerPoint templates toolbar. Click on the textbox icon in the main menu to add text to the poster. Use the Insert menu to add visuals to the poster. Use the arrow keys to move text and images around your poster. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Tae-Kwon-Do-Belt | How to Tie a Tae Kwon Do Belt | To tie a Tae Kwon Do belt, folding the belt in half and place the center on your belly button. Then, wrap the ends around your back so they criss-cross, and bring them around to the front of your body. Cross the ride side over the left, tuck it under both layers of the belt, and pull. To finish, tie the left side over the right to form a small loop, and reach through to pull the left side through to tighten your knot. | Fold the belt exactly in half to find the center. Place the center of the belt at the front just your navel. The two sides should be equal. Wrap the two ends around your waist, and back to the front. Make sure that the left side (new right) is crossed over the right in the back. You will need to switch hands behind your back. Hold both sides of the belt in front of you and make sure that they are the same length. Cross the right over the left. Tuck the right side under both layers of belt and pull. Make sure this tie is snug, but you are still able to breathe comfortably. Cross the left over the right. Reach through and pull the left through. Pull both sides to secure the knot. Hold the belt across the back of your body just under where your navel would be. The right side visible from your back (ignoring the portion behind your back) should be 2/3rds of the total length and the left side should be the remaining 1/3rd. Cross the right side over the left. Wrap the right end (top side) of the belt once around your body. The belt should be sitting at your waist, right above the hip bones. Be sure to continue holding the shorter left end in place just below the navel. Adjust the belt so that the sides are equal length at a 45 degree angle. If the belt has moved to your belly button or above, adjust the placement of the belt below your navel again and tighten the belt so that it comfortably fits. Cross the current right side of the belt over the left at the center of your belly. The left side should now be under both the first loop and this current cross over. Tuck the right side of the belt underneath both the left belt and the existing loop. Draw the right side out and pull both ends to tighten the belt. Make sure that you are tightening it enough so that it stays on, but not so that you can't breathe comfortably. This is similar to the first tie before tying a bow in your shoe. Check that the lengths of both sides are still even. Adjust if it is not. Cross the left over the rightif (WH.video)WH.video.add(document.getElementById('mvid-5efe52681c'));
Pull the left side through to secure the knot. | Fold the belt exactly in half to find the center. Place the center of the belt at the front just your navel. Wrap the two ends around your waist, and back to the front. Hold both sides of the belt in front of you and make sure that they are the same length. Cross the right over the left. Tuck the right side under both layers of belt and pull. Cross the left over the right. Reach through and pull the left through. Hold the belt across the back of your body just under where your navel would be. Cross the right side over the left. Wrap the right end (top side) of the belt once around your body. Adjust the belt so that the sides are equal length at a 45 degree angle. Cross the current right side of the belt over the left at the center of your belly. Tuck the right side of the belt underneath both the left belt and the existing loop. Check that the lengths of both sides are still even. Cross the left over the rightif (WH.video)WH.video.add(document.getElementById('mvid-5efe52681c'));
Pull the left side through to secure the knot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Realistic-Female-Eye | How to Draw a Realistic Female Eye | If you want to draw a realistic female eye, start by lightly sketching an oval-shaped outline that's as large as you want the eye to be. Next, lightly sketch in a circle that takes up about half of the eyeball to create the iris. Make sure the circle is slightly hidden by the eyelid, which will give the eye a sense of depth. Then, draw a much smaller circle near the center of the iris to make the pupil. Once you've sketched in the basic elements, create eyelashes along the top and bottom eyelids using flicking motions with your wrist. Finally, draw a curved upper eyelid close to the lash line to give the eye depth. | Sketch the outline of the eye using a pencil. Take your sharp pencil and draw an oval or seed shape that's as large as you want the eye to be. You'll need to draw a small half-circle that extends near the inner eye. This will be the tear duct. If you can, try to draw from real life or have a reference photo handy to look at. Draw the outline of the iris and pupil. Lightly draw a circle that takes up about 1/2 of the eyeball to create the iris. The circle should be slightly hidden by the eyelid, which will give the eye a sense of depth. Then, draw a much smaller circle near the center of the eye to make the pupil. If you have a hard time drawing circles, you can use a compass or trace something round to make the circle. The size of the pupil will depend on the lighting, so if you're drawing someone who's outside where there's lots of light, the pupil will be small. If you're drawing a woman's eye in low lighting, make the pupil larger. Press lightly so you can easily erase the pencil if you need to make corrections. Use curved lines to create long eyelashes above and below the eye. Make a flicking motion with your wrist as you quickly make lots of small strokes along the upper eyelid. If the woman is wearing mascara, you can make the eyelashes thicker or darker. Leave a small gap below the bottom eyelid and the eyelashes. Lower eyelashes usually aren't as full or as long as the upper eyelashes. Draw a curved upper eyelid to give the eye depth. You can make the curved lid as close or as far from the eyelash line as you like. Keep in mind that some women don't have noticeable curves along the upper eyelid, so you may want to position it close to the eyelash line. There's no need to shade or fill in the upper eyelid at this point. Sketch a faint outline of the eyebrow. Lightly outline the general shape of the woman's eyebrow so it's along the brow bone. It may be thick or narrow, arched, wispy, or defined, for instance. You can fill it in once you've finished drawing the rest of the eye. The brow bone is directly above the eye socket. The hairs at the fullest part of the eyebrow should be pointing up while the hairs at the middle of the brow should be drawn horizontally. Then, draw the hairs near the outer edge pointing down. Outline areas you'd like to leave light. If the woman's eye is reflecting light from a window or lamp, lightly outline the shape that's reflected. For example, you might draw a small square near one side of the iris if light is being reflected from a window. You can also make the highlighted shape a circle or oval. Sketch around the middle ring of the iris. The eye will probably have an iris that is darker around the pupil and the outer edge. Take your pencil and lightly sketch around the middle of the iris's ring so you can leave this lighter than the edges. Don't sketch over the reflection you blocked off earlier. Fill in the pupil and darken the outline of the iris. Completely darken the pupil so it's black. Then, press firmly as you draw along the outline and around the reflection you blocked off. You may want to use a darker pencil or go over the outline several times to make it appear dark. Remember not to draw or fill in the area of the iris that you're going to highlight. Sketch spokes that radiate from the pupil across the highlighted part of the iris. Now you can fill in the lighter portion of the iris that you blocked off. Use your pencil to draw lines coming from the pupil out towards the edge of the iris. Try to use shorter, darker strokes right next to the pupil to make the iris look realistic. Leave a few bold strokes to make the iris appear defined. It shouldn't be a uniform smooth texture. Use an eraser or blending stump to lighten the iris. If you find that you made the iris too dark, use the eraser on your pencil or a paper blending stump and lightly smudge the excess graphite off of the paper. Keep erasing or blending until you've lightened the iris as much as you like. If you're drawing a very dark iris, you may not need to go back and lighten any part of it. Darken the upper eyelash line. Create even more depth by drawing over the eyelash line where it meets the hairs. This is especially important if you want the eye to have eyeliner or heavy mascara. If you want the eye to have eyeliner on the lower eyelash line, darken that line as well. Go back and fill in the eyebrow with lots of short hairs. Instead of drawing rows of hairs that start in neat lines, make hairs that overlap each other. To make the eyebrow look natural, sketch the hairs closest to the inner eye so they're pointing straight up. As you fill in the middle of the eyebrow, draw the hairs so they're curving from right to left or left to right, depending on which eye you're drawing. When you reach the narrow end of the eyebrow, make the small hairs point down. Keep adding hairs until you've filled in the brow and overlap them so they look natural. Add light shading around the white of the eye. At this point, the white of the eye probably stands out. To make it look more realistic, use a blending stump that has a little graphite on it or take a pencil and lightly shade around the corners of the eye. You'll also need to blend a little where the white meets the iris. You can also go back and shade or darken the tear duct near the inner corner of the eye. Shade the skin around the eye. Use a pencil or blending stump that has graphite to add depth to the skin under the eye. You'll also want to darken and blend the skin near the upper eyelid's crease. If you want to highlight the browbone, erase lightly or smudge it with a clean blending stump. Example female eye. | Sketch the outline of the eye using a pencil. Draw the outline of the iris and pupil. Use curved lines to create long eyelashes above and below the eye. Draw a curved upper eyelid to give the eye depth. Sketch a faint outline of the eyebrow. Outline areas you'd like to leave light. Sketch around the middle ring of the iris. Fill in the pupil and darken the outline of the iris. Sketch spokes that radiate from the pupil across the highlighted part of the iris. Use an eraser or blending stump to lighten the iris. Darken the upper eyelash line. Go back and fill in the eyebrow with lots of short hairs. Add light shading around the white of the eye. Shade the skin around the eye. Example female eye. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-a-Tree | How to Plant a Tree | To plant a tree the right way, you'll want to dig a big enough hole to plant it in. Measure the length of the roots and make the hole at least that deep. Make the hole 2-3 times as wide as the roots on the tree. Put the tree in the hole and use a level to make sure it's straight. Then, fill in the hole with compost and soil. | Consider your goal. Before you begin the process of planting a tree or trees, first consider your ultimate goal. Do you want to add a couple of trees to your property to give it greater curb appeal and increase the value of your home? Or maybe you just want the pure enjoyment of seeing the tree grow and invite wildlife such as birds to sit on its branches. Knowing what you want in planting a tree will help you make the best decisions about everything from what kind of tree best suits your needs to where to plant it. Think about your local climate. You'll need to think about the weather in your local area before planting a tree to make sure that you get a species that will survive and thrive in your garden or yard. Using the Plant Hardiness Zone scale can help not only identify your local climate, but also the best types of trees to plant. The Arbor Day Foundation offers a system of identifying climate for plants called the Plant Hardiness Zones. It divides the United States and Canada into 11 different zones that are based on a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperature. The United States, for examples, is located within Zones 2 through 10. You can access the Plant Hardiness Zones at http://shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=zone-lookup and then lookup the zone in which you fall. Knowing your zone will help you identify the types of trees and other plants that you can plant and expect to grow in the zone's temperature extremes. Know that the Plant Hardiness Zones don't account for local differences including moisture, soil, winds, and other conditions that could affect the survivability of individual plants. Consider your land. You'll also want to consider the terrain on your property before you plant a tree. Factors such as slope, neighbors, drainage and erosion can have an impact on what trees will thrive on your land. For example, if you live on particularly hilly or steep land, it may not be a good idea to plant trees because their roots may not be able to take proper hold. If you're planting a tree or trees to combat erosion, you'll want to plant trees that already have a strong root ball so they don't get swept away at the next rainfall or windstorm. Think about what kinds of other trees and plants are there so that the tree you plant not only fits in with the overall aesthetic scheme, but also that the tree has room to grow and won't kill other plants and trees around it. Check local laws for digging holes and planting trees. Most communities will have zoning laws about trees and digging holes on properties within its borders. It's important to check these laws to make sure that you are able to dig and plant trees. If not, the community may not only prevent you from planting the tree, but also force you to pay fines.. Zoning laws related to planting are often related to digging holes near telephone and electric poles and other cables. You'll need to make sure that you know where these cables and systems before you dig. You may also want to check with local utility companies about digging around their poles and cables so that you don't disturb them or harm anyone when you plant or as the tree grows. In the United States, you can call 811 before you dig. This will get your underground utility lines marked for free, which will help to prevent damage, injury, and fines. Talk to a professional. If you have any questions or are unsure about something related to planting a tree, talk to a professional arborist in your area. Consulting with someone who understands your wishes and local conditions can help you find the best trees to plant. You can either go to a local nursery to find a professional arborist or use the Arbor Day Foundation's search tool to help you find a professional arborist in your area. The search tool is located at http://www.arborday.org/trees/health/arborist.cfm. Buy your tree. After you've done the background work on your climate, land, and zoning laws, you're ready to buy a tree to plant. Purchase a suitable tree for the region, climate, and your yard. Trees native to your area tend to do well, and you won't be introducing a potential invasive plant species. It will be easier to care for a tree that is already native to the area. You can find the best species of tree for your area. For example, if you live in northern Canada, planting a palm tree probably isn't feasible. The Arbor Day Foundation can help you find the best tree for your area simply by putting in your zip code or Plant Hardiness zone into the search engine at http://shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=tree-nursery. As a rule of thumb, plants with bare roots—those that are in burlap and not in a container—thrive much better than trees that are in containers. Select the right time of year for planting the tree. You want to give your plant the best chance at growing and surviving. Planting at the right time of year is a key factor in this. Planting times will vary depending on the plant and where you live. You will usually want to plant your tree when it is dormant, or not flowering, during cooler or colder times of year. Again, this will vary depending on where you live. If you are not sure of the best time of year to plant your tree, consult your local University Extension Service or similar service. Each county in the United States has a University Extension Service and many countries, including India and Kenya, have them as well. If you are in the United States, you can locate your local University Extension Service using the National Institute for Food and Agriculture's interactive online map at http://nifa.usda.gov/partners-and-extension-map. Prepare the tree for planting. Once you've purchased your tree, you need to prepare it for planting. This will help ensure that you're planting the tree properly and that it will survive. The process is slightly different for a small tree and a large tree. If the tree is a sapling, turn it upside down gently to get it out of the container. If it is in burlap, wait to cut it off until you've planted the tree in the ground. If the tree is beyond the sapling stage, cut through its packaging. If it is in burlap, wait to cut it off until you've planted the tree in the ground. If there is a wire basket or wiring on your tree's roots, remove it with wire cutters so that it doesn't grow into the roots and kill the tree. Keep as much dirt around the roots as possible and don't move it more than necessary to keep the roots from drying out. Don't leave a tree's roots out of its container or burlap for too long because this could damage or dry them out. If you've decided to plant a seed instead of an already growing tree, follow this step. Growing a tree from a seed means germinating the seed, planting it at the appropriate time and taking close care of it. This method will take than transplanting a tree from a container. To get a seed to germinate, you may have to use scarification. This means that you break the seed coat and allow moisture to penetrate so that the plant embryo can begin germinating. Once the seeds have germinated, plant them in an individual container or a seed tray. Move the trays or contains to a brighter location that is well ventilated. Each type of tree has different seeds with different needs, so make sure to follow the instructions accordingly for the type of tree you are planting. Know that if you are planting a tree from the seed of a fruit that you will not get the same kind of tree. For example, if you are planting a seed from a Golden Delicious apple, you won't necessarily get a Golden Delicious apple tree. You'll only be able to tell once the tree fruits. If you want to grow a tree that yields a certain type of fruit, it's best to buy one from a nursery to help ensure that it has good rootstock and that you get exactly the fruit you want. Decide where you want to plant it and mark it. Once you've had a chance to look at your land and think about what your goal is, you can decide on a spot to plant your tree. Mark this spot with a bright and wide circle. Make sure to take things like power lines, the location of your house and driveway, as well as other trees into consideration so that the roots don't damage your property as they grow. Use a special marking paint to mark your spot. These containers have a special nozzle so that you can spray them upside down. Measure the root ball. Before you start digging the hole to plant your tree, measure the plant's root ball. This will tell you how deep you need to dig the hole. At this point you can remove the burlap that is around the root flare, or where the roots connect to the trunk. Using a cultivator or garden trowel, remove the top layer of soil from the root ball. Remove only enough soil to expose the root flare. Measure the height and width of the root ball, from the ground to the top of the exposed root flare, and from one side to the other. Prepare the hole for the tree. Using a shovel, dig the hole in which you'll plant your tree. You want to make sure that it is large enough to accommodate the tree's size and give it plenty of room to grow and take root. Dig a hole that is 2-3 wider and about as deep than the root ball. This will give the tree enough room to fit and allow fresh roots to grow without stress. Try to dig the hole with a small "pedestal" of dirt in the center of the hole where the tree will rest. The hole should be a little deeper around the edges but there should be a pedestal of dirt in the center where the root ball sits. This pedestal prevents the root ball from sitting continuously in water. Any excess water will naturally flow to the deeper areas of the hole around the edges where the roots can drink from if needed. Measure the hole to see if it is wide and deep enough. If necessary, dig out more soil to reach the desired depth and width. Put a light coating of superphosphate in the hole to promote a healthy root system. Place the tree into the hole gently. The time has finally come to plant your tree. After you've carefully prepared the hole, place the tree gently into its new home. If it doesn't fit, remove it and adjust the size of the hole. Be sure the hole isn't too deep or too shallow. The ground level of the plant should match up with the ground level after you backfill the hole. Do not bury over where the stem changes to root, also called the crown, or leave any roots exposed. You can place the handle of your shovel flat across the hole from one side to the other to measure whether the crown is level with the surrounding soil before filling in the hole. Position the tree. When the tree is in the hole, identify its best face and turn it in the direction you want. Taking this step will make sure that you can enjoy how the tree looks and also make sure your tree has its best face forward. Remove any burlap from the tree's roots at this stage. Make sure you position the tree as upright as possible. How you position the tree will affect how it grows in later years for years. Consider using a level to measure if you've positioned the tree upright. You can also ask a friend or family member to see if the tree is positioned perfectly upright. Use stakes to help the tree grow upright if necessary. Backfill the hole. Using a mixture of compost and the soil you dug out while you prepared the hole, backfill (or refill) the hole. Make sure you have enough soil to support the roots while giving them room to grow. Backfill three quarters of the hole with existing dirt, one quarter with compost or composted manure as needed. It's important to make sure that there are no air pockets around the roots as you backfill the hole. In order to get rid of any air pockets that might be present, backfill only part of the hole and then lightly tamp it down with your hands or the shovel. Do this for subsequent layers. When tamping down backfill, make sure to proceed gently and also not use your feet because you could trample the roots. Use some compost or composted manure, if needed. If the soil that you currently have is not rich, has clay-like qualities or has the consistency of dust or sand, the addition of manure or compost will give the tree a great start in life. If the compost or manure smells, it hasn't been properly composted and shouldn't be used because it can “burn” your tree. Resist the temptation to use a commercial fertilizer. It can over-boost the tree and make it "burn out” or not thrive. Give fruit and nut trees extra attention. Adding manure or compost is essential if you are planting a fruit or nut tree. Stake the tree if necessary. If your tree is still a sapling, use a stake to help it grow for about the first year of its life This will keep the tree from blowing over in the wind and allow the roots to become established. Make sure the stakes you are tied loosely to the trunk. Do not dig into the bark or tighten around the trunk. Remove the stakes once the roots have a chance to become established, after about a year. Larger trees may need two or three stakes. Water the newly planted tree. Once the tree is planted, water it and keep up a regular schedule of watering. This will help the roots become established in the surrounding soil. Water the tree every day for several weeks to let the roots get established. After this, you can reduce the frequency of watering. Water as necessary for the conditions in your area. Take into consideration humidity, rainfall, and sunshine to help you decide when to water your tree. If you are planting fruit or nut trees for a small home orchard, continue to water weekly for the life of the tree, as your crop depends on consistent irrigation. You'll also want to fertilize fruit and nut trees monthly, or according to package directions. Use mulch. Considering adding a layer of mulch around your tree to help keep moisture in and weeds out. Cover the planting hole with 1-3 inches (2.5 cm - 7.6 cm) of shredded hardwood or leaf mulch. Keep the mulch at least 12 inches away from the trunk or it may cause the trunk to rot. Mulching around the tree will protect the tree from trampling and lawnmowers, which are two activities that commonly kill young trees. Prune the tree if necessary. If there are any broken, dead, or diseased limbs on your tree, remove them gently with a knife or gardening shears. If there is nothing wrong with the tree, there is no need to prune it until after the first growing season. Enjoy the tree as it grows over the years. Appreciate its shade and beauty and thank yourself for adding another tree to the world. You won't regret it and as long as you properly care for it, the tree can grow a long time! You'll need to make sure that you water your plant to keep it thriving. You want to achieve a balance of giving it enough water to penetrate the roots while not drowning it. Watering your tree with a steady stream from a garden hose for about 30 seconds should be sufficient. The soil should feel moist at all times and mulch will help retain the moisture. Check soil moisture by digging about 2” below the surface and then use your finger to test if soil is moist. If it is, you don't need to water. | Consider your goal. Think about your local climate. Consider your land. Check local laws for digging holes and planting trees. Talk to a professional. Buy your tree. Select the right time of year for planting the tree. You will usually want to plant your tree when it is dormant, or not flowering, during cooler or colder times of year. Prepare the tree for planting. Know that if you are planting a tree from the seed of a fruit that you will not get the same kind of tree. Decide where you want to plant it and mark it. Measure the root ball. Prepare the hole for the tree. Place the tree into the hole gently. Position the tree. Backfill the hole. Stake the tree if necessary. Water the newly planted tree. Use mulch. Prune the tree if necessary. Enjoy the tree as it grows over the years. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Evict-a-Roommate | How to Evict a Roommate | Evicting a roommate can be stressful, but if you follow your lease and are honest with your roommate, you can make the process smoother. Before you ask your roommate to leave, you'll need to have a good reason for it. For example, if your roommate is no longer paying rent, or if they're doing illegal things in your home, you have the right to evict them. Additionally, make sure to read your lease thoroughly so you know what terms of eviction you'll need to follow. Then, sit down with your roommate and explain your feelings to them. You might say something like, “What you're doing has put me in an uncomfortable position, and I'm unhappy. I think it'd be best if you found somewhere else to stay. “ Once you've told them, call your landlord so they can formally initiate an eviction. | Check your lease and determine your rights and responsibilities. Before you do anything, you need to take a really good look at your lease. Study it carefully and determine what your rights are. Terms for eviction will always be laid out in the lease. Depending on your position as a tenant or as landlord, you will have different resources and options. Consider: If you're the landlord and your roommate is a tenant, you are in a much better situation than if you were not the landlord. If you're both co-tenants, your roommates' violations of the lease might also put you in jeopardy of being evicted. If your roommate is not on the lease and you allowed them to move in without permission form the landlord, your situation is a bit more precarious. If you're not on the lease and your roommate is, you probably have little recourse to have someone evicted. Determine cause for evicting your roommate. Often times, you can't just evict a roommate because you don't like the person anymore. You have to actually have a legal cause that is covered in the lease agreement that the person signed. If there was no lease agreement, then you need to have sufficient legal cause to evict the person. Causes might include: Your roommate is no longer paying rent under the terms of the lease. Your roommate has been engaging in illegal activities at your home. This could include drugs or violence. Your roommate has caused damage to your home and has not taken action to fix it. Your roommate has broken other terms spelled out in the lease agreement and has taken no action to fix the problem. Talk to your roommate. After you've taken a good look at your lease and know you're position, you should talk to your roommate about him or her leaving. Most rational people will respond to this approach and leave, if they can. If you initiate eviction without talking to your roommate first, you'll likely upset them and they might dig in just to spite you. Ask your roommate to talk. At an opportune and calm moment tell them you have "something serious to talk about." Instead of telling them you'd like them to get leave, explain to them your feelings and your position. Tell them that whatever they've done or is doing has put you in an "uncomfortable position" and that you are unhappy. Avoid accusations and talk in terms of your feelings. Never make unsubstantiated charges. Be polite and do not insult them. Tell them you'd really appreciate it if they would respect your position and help you remedy the situation. And explain to them that them vacating would be better for both of you. Talk in terms of a "mutual benefit." Communicate with the landlord, if you have no ownership interest in the property. If you don't own the property, you need to initiate communication with the landlord as soon as you decide to take action against your roommate. As the other important legal entity on the lease, your landlord has the right to initiate eviction if your roommate has violated the terms of the lease contract. Check local and state tenant laws. Before you take any action to actually physically remove your roommate from the property, you need to consult your local and state laws regarding tenant rights. Many localities have laws that give substantial rights to tenants and to people residing in properties they do not own. If you violate these laws, you may give your roommate more leverage against you in your effort to evict them. Tenant laws vary with each state. Your local courts will have information on the specific steps that must be taken to evict your roommate. Some cities and states are much more sympathetic to tenants than others. If you're in one of these jurisdictions, you'll have a much harder time evicting your roommate. Contact an attorney if you have any questions about local and state laws protecting tenants. Gather evidence about your roommate’s activities. In order to aid your eviction effort, you should gather any information or evidence you can about what your roommate has done to warrant his or her eviction. If your roommate is doing something illegal or dangerous in the home, document it. If your roommate has failed to pay rent or contribute to utilities, make sure to save receipts and record any amounts that they have not paid. Don't violate your roommate's personal space while gathering evidence. Don't spy on your roommate or violate their personal privacy. Avoid any activities that might induce your roommate to exhibit violent behavior. Hire a lawyer. Hiring a lawyer might be your best recourse if you've talked to your roommate about leaving and he or she still refuses to leave. A lawyer will take the stress off of you and make sure that your effort to free yourself of an unwanted roommate is legal and goes as smoothly as possible. You can choose to pursue legal routes to eviction on your own, but it might be time consuming. The cost of hiring a lawyer might be prohibitive, so shop around. If you choose not to hire a lawyer to take over the eviction process, you might want to do a 1-time consultation with a lawyer so they can educate you about what you need to do to. Draft an eviction letter, if you’ve chosen to go through with the eviction on your own. Put together an eviction letter to formally give notice to your roommate to vacate the property. This letter will serve as a legal and official representation of your intent. There are several things your eviction notice must say: It should include the grounds for eviction and specific lease violations. It should outline the amount of time your roommate has to leave. This is typically 30 days depending on the laws of your city or state. The eviction notice must include your name and the roommate's name. The eviction notice must include the address of the home and a room description he or she used (i.e. "2nd bedroom on right, 2nd floor"). It should include the date the notice was given and the date the roommate is to be out of the house. Serve your roommate with the eviction notice. As landlord, you'll now have to serve your roommate with the eviction notice. This means you'll present the eviction notice to them. Depending on the local laws, you can do this in several ways. They might include: Hand the notice to your roommate. Post the notice on your front door or on your roommate's door. Send your roommate the notice via certified mail. Some states may require hand delivery of the eviction notice and that you get a written acknowledgment that the roommate has received it. Check your local jurisdictions before serving the notice. Depending on your state or local laws, even people who are not landlords have the right to serve an eviction notice. Go before a judge, if your roommate refuses to vacate. After you've served your roommate with an eviction notice and they have not chosen to leave, you'll wind up in front of a judge. Here the judge will review your lease, hear your complaint, and listen to your roommate's side of the story. The judge will then make a decision and rule in favor of you or your roommate. In court, you might have the opportunity to present the evidence you gathered about your roommate's lease violation. Very often judges decide in favor of the landlord or owner, if they have cause. Following the law, documenting your case, and doing everything properly will greatly increase your chance of a happy outcome in court. Judges will often provide a certain amount of “reasonable” time for a tenant to vacate after being evicted. Call the police to enforce the eviction. After you've served your roommate with an eviction notice and a judge has ordered your roommate to leave and they've still refused, you'll have to call the police to enforce the eviction. Do not try to physically remove your roommate on your own. Oftentimes, people usually have 72 hours after a court ruling to vacate the premises. It might be best to avoid your roommate or at the very least avoid prolonged conversations after a judgement is given by the court. Monitor your roommate as they’re leaving. Although you might think you've won this whole process, it's not over until your roommate is gone and you've changed the locks. Horrible things can happen in the 72 hour period between a court ordered eviction and the time the person is compelled to leave by law enforcement (unless they leave on their own accord). Your roommate could: Damage your home. Take your personal property. Try to slander you to your neighbors. Allow them the allotted time to move out. After you've done everything you can to get your roommate evicted legally, you need to also give them the allotted time to vacate the premises. In most situations, someone who is evicted has a certain amount of time to gather their belongings and leave the property on their own accord. Consider: In many places, people have 72 hours after eviction to leave the property. If you compel the person to move without allowing them their allotted time, you may open yourself up to a lawsuit. The time a person has to leave after formally being evicted will be outlined by local or state laws or the presiding judge in the case. Do not overstep your authority as a roommate or landlord. All tenants of a residence, whether they are on the lease or are not, are afforded some rights. Most jurisdictions protect people from being thrown out of their residence or being denied use of their residence without proper review by the judicial system. In many cases there are a number of things you should not do: Don't change the locks. While it might seem like a good idea to simply change the locks, there is a good chance that this will be interpreted by the law as an illegal activity. Don't mess with their stuff. You might be tempted to just throw all of your roommate's stuff into the street. Don't do this. It's illegal in many jurisdictions. Don't turn off the utilities. You may want to try to force them out by turning the power and water off. In many jurisdictions this is illegal. If you are in doubt about what you should not do, consult local laws and regulations and/or call an attorney. | Check your lease and determine your rights and responsibilities. Determine cause for evicting your roommate. Talk to your roommate. Communicate with the landlord, if you have no ownership interest in the property. Check local and state tenant laws. Gather evidence about your roommate’s activities. Hire a lawyer. Draft an eviction letter, if you’ve chosen to go through with the eviction on your own. Serve your roommate with the eviction notice. Go before a judge, if your roommate refuses to vacate. Call the police to enforce the eviction. Monitor your roommate as they’re leaving. Allow them the allotted time to move out. Do not overstep your authority as a roommate or landlord. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drape-a-Throw-over-a-Sofa | How to Drape a Throw over a Sofa | To make your sofa warm and inviting, choose a throw blanket that matches the style of the room. There are many different ways to fold a throw blanket depending on the style you want to go for. For a rumpled, carefree look, fold a cable-knit blanket in half and drape it over the sofa back or arms. However, for a cozy look, simply drape a thick wool blanket over the seat of the sofa. You can also change the style of the sofa by adjusting the position of the throw. For a modern style, cascade the throw down the side of the sofa. For a more homely look, tuck the throw into a corner and position it over one arm of the sofa. | Fold the throw into thirds if you value structure. A blanket folded into thirds can remain styled in-place regardless of how many people sit on the sofa. Hold the throw out in front of you lengthwise and fold both ends of the blanket into the middle. You can then drape the throw blanket as-is or fold it in half to avoid one end dragging on the ground. Depending on your decoration style, you can drape the blanket on the cushions, arms, or back. Fold the throw in half for a rumpled look. Some throws (especially cable-knit blankets) look better with a little "organized dishevelment." Fold your blanket in half and drape it directly onto the sofa arms, back, or cushions. You can even toss it onto the sofa for a graceful-yet-natural look. Quarter your throw for casual styling. Fold your throw in half length and then half once more. From there, you can drape it directly onto the arm of your sofa. Or, drape it over one corner of the sofa and position a throw pillow over the part that is on the front of the sofa. Position an unfolded blanket on the sofa to make it look comfy. Not all throws need to be folded. Lightweight blankets look great folded, but thick ones (like sheepskin or wool) naturally look snug when tossed onto the sofa. Your sofa will seem pleasant and inviting enough to nestle in. Cascade your blanket down the side for a modern look. Choosing a singular side to place your blanket is an easy, understated way to make a sofa stylish. You can either throw the blanket over the side without folding it or choose one of the three folding options. Folding the blanket lengthwise looks best with this option. Place your blanket in the corner to keep things cozy. Fold your blanket in quarters and tuck it into a corner for a soft look. This will make the blanket easy-access for anyone who wants to use it. Throw blankets in the couch corner are best for warm instead of formal decorating styles. You can then place throw pillows on top of the blanket to keep it in place. Fold your throw over the arm for a tailored look. Placing the blanket on your sofa's arm for a cross between comfort and sophistication. After you've folded your blanket, twist it at the end draped over the arm as a personal touch. Drape your throw blanket horizontally if you use it often. You might use your sofa as a makeshift bed for roommates or guests. In this case, your throw blanket should be easily movable without interfering greatly with other decorations. Fold the blanket into thirds and place it over the back of your sofa. Fold the blanket in half and drape it over an ottoman for easy access. If you have a sectional, you can put the blanket over a footrest. Fold the blanket in half, short side to short side, to make a long rectangle. Then, lay it over the chaise or ottoman to add texture. This is a trendy, popular option. Choose a colorful throw to add vibrancy. If you have furniture of several different colors, neutral throws work best. But if you have a singular color scheme, bright throw blankets can bring a bold touch to your living room. You might swap out throw blankets depending on the season, with cool colors in fall/winter months and warm colors in spring/summer months. Light colors (like yellow and orange) can brighten rooms with dark lighting. Add a textured throw pillow. A couple of throw pillows can help your throw blanket look elegant and give you something comfortable to lie down on. Instead of bringing in many multicolored pillows, opt for pillows the same color as your blanket. Vary with texture instead, like sheepskin or velvet. The number of pillows you add depends on how many people your sofa can hold. Stick to 1 or 2 pillows for smaller sofas, but feel free to add more for large sofas and sectionals. Pick a multipurpose, functional throw blanket. Throw blanket can do so much more than look classy and keep people warm. You might find a blanket made of durable material you can take outside on picnics. Or you could find a satin blanket that can double as a table runner. Use the throw blanket to add contrast. Too much pattern can become overstimulating, but excessive simplicity can make a room stagnant or boring. For patterned sofas, choose a single colored blanket. Solid colored sofas look good with wild-printed throws draped across them, like plaid or paisley. | Fold the throw into thirds if you value structure. Fold the throw in half for a rumpled look. Quarter your throw for casual styling. Position an unfolded blanket on the sofa to make it look comfy. Cascade your blanket down the side for a modern look. Place your blanket in the corner to keep things cozy. Fold your throw over the arm for a tailored look. Drape your throw blanket horizontally if you use it often. Fold the blanket in half and drape it over an ottoman for easy access. Choose a colorful throw to add vibrancy. Add a textured throw pillow. Pick a multipurpose, functional throw blanket. Use the throw blanket to add contrast. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-Up | How to Open Up | Opening up about your feelings can be tough, but it's an important part of forming meaningful relationships. You don't need to open up to everyone you meet, but try sharing things with friends and family that you trust and who you don't think will judge you. Start by sharing smaller personal things so you can test the waters with the person's reaction. For example, if they ask how you've been, you can say something like, “Not so good. I've had a bit of a depressing week to be honest.” If they seem empathetic, you can share more intimate things with them as you get more comfortable. You can also try writing in a journal before you share something with another person, which can help you make sense of your feelings and practice expressing yourself. | Be aware of different levels of comfort. While it's great to communicate authentically and share yourself with others, you must also consider where and with whom you are sharing. For instance, while it's totally appropriate and healthy to open up to your best friend about your painful divorce, it's not so appropriate to share this with the person sitting next to you on the bus. Think about how well you know the person you are thinking about opening up to and if he is trustworthy. When sharing with others, consider how well you know the person and your comfort level with each other. Try starting small — share only minor things with strangers or acquaintances. And if opening up is new for you, you might start out by sharing minor things with close friends, too, eventually building up to that discussion about your divorce. Keep in mind that sharing personal details strengthens relationships, but it does not establish them. This means that you cannot force a close connection with someone you barely know by sharing something intimate — in fact, this will likely backfire, as sharing too much too soon can be uncomfortable for the other person. Wait until you have established some trust with the other person before you begin to open up. Evaluate your relationships. In an ideal world, a person would feel safe opening up to his family and friends, and would receive comfort and validation from them. Unfortunately, families and even friends are not always healthy. While you may wish to open up to your mother or your sibling or your oldest friend, consider whether or not this person has demonstrated that she or he can listen without judgement. Is this person patient or dismissive? When you or others come to him with a problem, does he listen with understanding, or does he say something like, "That's not a big deal. I don't know why you're worried about that. Suck it up and deal with it!" Does the person often interrupt others or does he allow them to express themselves? Does he make eye contact, nod, and ask questions? Or does he look at his phone, pick at his nails, and then start talking about himself? If this person is not demonstrating that he is an empathetic, considerate listener, start thinking about the other people in your life you might talk to. If you really wanted to open up to your father but he blows off your feelings, then maybe it's better to open up to a close friend instead. Try to talk to friends and family more often. One way to open up is to force yourself to schedule at least one long conversation per week where you talk to a trusted friend or family member. You can start out by just sharing a factual list of what is going on in your life. For instance, if you state, "I went into the bank yesterday and found out my ex-wife withdrew all the money in the account," your friend or family member might say something like, "Oh, that's terrible! You must have been very angry." You can agree or disagree with their assessment. "Nah, I owed her money anyway. It's okay." or "Yeah, I was pretty upset, but there's nothing I can do about it now." In this way, it could make it easier to share things that are going on as well as your feelings. If you are having trouble finding the motivation to do this, try keeping in mind that having social support can reduce stress and can just be overall healthy for you. If you are struggling to open up to close friends and family, try talking in front of the mirror first for practice. If you are having negative thoughts about yourself such as "No one wants to hear what I have to say" try re-framing this to remove the negative aspects by saying to yourself in the mirror, "Others may want to hear what I have to say, I can't find out unless I try." If you are having trouble opening up to whomever you are talking with, ask this person to share first to get the ball rolling. You may find it easier to open up after someone else has first. Embrace vulnerability. Opening up to people, whether they're strangers or people you've known for a long time, can be intimidating. Perhaps you're worried that people will judge you for your thoughts or feelings. Perhaps you are afraid to show who you truly are for fear that others will reject you. This is a very common experience. However, if you can embrace the vulnerability of being open to others, regardless of how it turns out, you will feel more secure and satisfied in life. One way to become more comfortable with vulnerability is to separate your action from the outcome. You can control what you say and whom you open up to, but you can't control their reaction or what they do. Once you realize that you aren't responsible for how others behave or react, you may feel more free to open up. Try journaling. If you are struggling to share yourself with others, it may be helpful for you to express yourself in a journal first. Allowing yourself the freedom to write your thoughts and feelings as the come to you, with no filter, can be very freeing and help you see the benefits of expression. No one has to see what you write, so you can be free to say whatever comes into your mind. Practicing opening up on the page may help you feel more comfortable opening up to others and it may also help you figure out what, exactly, you wish to express to others. Try setting aside five to 10 minutes every day to journal. Don't worry about making sense or your handwriting or if what you're writing seems silly or petty or stupid. Just make the commitment to express yourself every day. Speak to a professional if you can't open up. If you find you simply can't bring yourself to open up to someone under any circumstances, you should seek help from a therapist or counselor. If you are worried you won't open up to your therapist, either, you might try cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in which the therapist is more active in asking you questions and guiding the discussion. Let your therapist know that you are seeing her to try and learn to open up and you can work together to strategize and collaborate on an effective solution. Initiate conversations. To open up requires that you talk to people in the first place. One way to initiate conversations is to talk about things that are capturing both your and your to-be conversation partner's attention. For example, if you are waiting in line at a coffee shop and you are both looking at the menu, you might start with "How is anyone supposed to make a decision between all these great sounding options" or whatever else rings true to you in that moment. Remember to listen carefully to what the person says to you, as this will give you clues about how to follow-up the conversation. For example, if she says "I'm going for the Americano" you might mention another coffee shop that you know that makes a great Americano and ask her if she's ever been. Adopt open body language. Like it or not, your body language says a lot about you. To appear more open, keep your arms and legs uncrossed while looking directly at whoever you're talking to. By adopting an open posture you will come across as more positive and open and will not seem closed off or arrogant, which can help when looking for people to interact with. Open, expansive posture can also make you feel more confident and powerful and may help you act in more open ways. Part of open body language is smiling. Smiling is a very social emotion and you will seem more approachable with a grin on your face. Ask open-ended questions. To begin practicing opening up, you need to engage in honest, open conversation. Try asking someone a question such as, “How are things going at work?” instead of “How's it going?” to get an open answer. Then, in turn answer open-ended questions honestly, instead of with trite statements like “Fine” or “Ok.” Or, you might ask, "What's something wonderful that's happened to you lately?" or, "What activities would you recommend in town?" Asking people personal questions is not always appropriate; however, in most cases people will be flattered that you are showing interest and listening to them. Look for mutual interests. Try connecting with someone over hobbies, interests, family life, vacations or books by asking about them. Once someone mentions something you can relate to, say, “Oh, I love that too.” Then, ask follow up questions that excite you and will spark open honest conversation. If you are unable to find mutual interests with this conversation technique, you could try talking about things this person might be interested in in the future. This open-ended question approach might lead the conversation down many interesting paths. Foster a welcoming attitude. A judgmental attitude can show through in someone even if they don't say a word, this is called showing contempt and it is an emotion expression many people recognize. You will be more likely to open up and have others be receptive to you if you stay open-minded when your conversation partner is sharing her opinions; you may find yourself able to speak more easily to the person. Try to keep in mind that you should give people the kind of acceptance that you would want when you're opening up and feeling vulnerable. Try emulating someone who is very open. Observe her in a social situation and take note of how she behaves. You could even pull out your smartphone and take notes without anyone knowing exactly what you were doing. Once you have some notes about the kinds of behaviors she engages in to be open, practice these behaviors at your next social event. Don't copy the person right away in the same social situation or this could back-fire; you could make her uncomfortable, for example, if she thinks you are mimicking her or possibly mocking her. Try saying “Yes” as a rule. Although the ability to say “No” is essential for anything threatening your safety, erring on the side of saying "yes" may be an excellent way to become more open to new experiences. Try saying yes to all the invitations you receive this week and all the projects you are offered. That said, do this within reason or else it may backfire and you may become closed off again. Keep in mind that you don't want to take on so many new things that you feel overwhelmed. You may want to ramp things up by initially saying "yes" to a few things you would normally say no to and then saying "yes" to even more than that as you get used to being busier. Try avoid saying "I don't know" in response to questions because it may appear that you are uninterested in the conversation and don't want to get it any thought. Instead, if someone asks you a question and you don't have an immediate response, you might say "Hmm, that's interesting and I'm going to have to think for a second about my answer but I will definitely get back to you." Make a “bucket list. ” Instead of choosing the things that you want to do before you die though, choose 10 things that you have wanted to do for a while but have not because of your being closed off. Typically, bucket list items are experiences that you will never forget; things that will make you happier. Write your list down and mark your plans on a calendar so you do not forget. Give yourself three months to complete your list. If you can't think of anything you want to do, you might try finding a list of 10 great places to eat or visit in your area. Complete these things and see how you feel after! Another way to explore what you might like to do in the future is to think back on things you used to enjoy doing. Or, you might try looking up attractions in your city and seeing if anything sounds exciting to you. Pretend you’re a tourist in your hometown. See all there is to see that you think might excite you. Sign up for tours, bus rides or attend events. Few people have opened up to all the possibilities in their region. Also look around to neighboring cities or states and plan mini adventures. Many places have guide books you can find online or in stores; these can be good resources for you to help plan your adventure of openness. Sign up for a class. Learning will open new creative pathways and help you see new possibilities in your life. Try looking for a professional or personal class at the Lifelong Learning Center or library in your town. Also keep in mind that you should be open to other people when you take a class, as this can be a great way to meet new friends or romantic partners. Go on vacation. If it's been a while since you took some time away, you may have forgotten how exhilarating new experiences can be. Take at least five days off to explore a new area. Go out into nature and experience a sense of awe and wonder at the grandness of it all. Feeling awe can lessen your thoughts on your self, which may help you be less self-conscious and more open. Change your schedule. Get out of your same old habits and routines and add some new spark to your life. You can do this in minor ways such as by changing the time of day you exercise, or not going to the same coffee shop that you always do, or by getting up earlier or commuting a different way. Find a friend that also wants to engage in new experiences. Have the friend pick some new classes or experiences to try to you do the same. Or, tell your romantic partner that you want to become more open to new experiences and ask her to help you do this. Create a financial plan together and save some money to go on an adventure. This can make your life and your relationship more exciting while making you more open, not to mention that a vacation can help reduce stress. | Be aware of different levels of comfort. Evaluate your relationships. Try to talk to friends and family more often. Embrace vulnerability. Try journaling. Speak to a professional if you can't open up. Initiate conversations. Adopt open body language. Ask open-ended questions. Look for mutual interests. Foster a welcoming attitude. Try emulating someone who is very open. Try saying “Yes” as a rule. Make a “bucket list. Pretend you’re a tourist in your hometown. Sign up for a class. Go on vacation. Change your schedule. Find a friend that also wants to engage in new experiences. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Acclimate-Salt-Water-Fish | How to Acclimate Salt Water Fish | To acclimate your saltwater fish to a new aquarium, first float its temporary bag in the aquarium for 15 minutes to gradually equalize the temperature in the bag and the temperature in the aquarium, which will prevent your fish from going into shock. After the temperatures have equalized, carefully pour half of the bag water down the drain. Then, replace the bag in the aquarium. After this, begin gradually adding a little of the aquarium water to the bag every few minutes until it's full, which will slowly and safely acclimate your fish to the new water. Once the bag is full, use a net to scoop your fish out of the bag and into its new home! | Measure the specific gravity of your tank. The specific gravity of a body of water is its relative salinity in relation to pure water. A higher specific gravity means that there is a higher percentage of salt dissolved in that water. You can measure the specific gravity using a refractometer. These devices can be purchased through an online retailer or from some pet stores. Place one or two drops of salt water into the refractometer. Hold the device towards a light source and look through the lens. Record the specific gravity reading in the lens. The ideal specific gravity of a reef aquarium is between 1.023 and 1.025. The ideal specific gravity of a fish only with live rock (FOWLR) aquarium is 1.020 to 1.025. Adjust the tank's salinity if needed. If your tank has a higher or lower specific gravity than your fish's transportation bag, you'll need to adjust your tank's salinity accordingly. Note that it's easier for a fish to adjust to a lower salinity than a higher salinity. An increase in water salinity is more likely to shock a fish than a decrease. You can lower the salinity of your aquarium water by diluting it with clean, fresh water. You can raise your aquarium's salinity by adding more aquarium salt to your tank. Remember that making these changes to a tank that's already populated with fish could stress or kill those fish. For this reason, you'll want to use a quarantine tank to acclimate your new fish before adding it to your primary aquarium. Transfer your fish to the tank. Once you've adjusted your aquarium's specific gravity to meet your fish's transportation bag, your fish can be transferred into the aquarium. Make sure the tank's temperature and pH are acceptable for your fish, then use a fine mesh fish net to carefully transfer your fish into the tank. Try to avoid pouring any water from the transportation bag into the aquarium. Test the pH of your bag's water. Since your fish is acclimated to the pH of its transportation bag's water, you will need to adjust the aquarium's pH accordingly. You can purchase home aquarium pH testing kits from your local pet store or through an online retailer. Adjust your tank's pH to match the bag's pH. Once you have a reading of the bag's pH, you'll need to take a reading of your aquarium's pH and raise or lower it as needed. Remember to wear protective gloves and eyewear, as pH chemicals are typically able to burn or corrode any surfaces they come into contact with (including your body). Use sodium bisulfate to lower your aquarium water's pH. Some experts recommend adding 2.5 grams of sodium bisulfate per 10 gallons of water to reduce the alkalinity by 1.0 pH. You can adjust accordingly to correct your tank's pH. Dissolve the sodium bisulfate in a cup of fresh, clean water, then transfer it to the tank. Again, remember to use a quarantine tank if you're introducing a new fish to a tank that already contains fish. Adjusting the pH of a tank full of fish could shock them. Transfer your fish to the tank. Once the temperatures are equal, you can transfer your fish from the transportation bag to the aquarium. You should still be floating the transportation bag in the aquarium to adjust the water temperature inside the bag. Use a net to transfer your fish to the aquarium and discard the bag and its water. Over the next few days, bring the tank's pH back to normal by performing 10 to 15 percent water exchanges using fresh salt water every other day. Assess whether the drip method will work. The drip method works best if your fish has been in its bag for a maximum of four to five hours or less. If your fish has been in its bag for longer than four to five hours, you'll want to use the floating method. Turn off all aquarium lights. Remember that bright lights can affect the temperature of a fish tank. If your fish was transported in a dark environment, being in a bright tank could also cause severe stress or trauma. Dim the lights in the room. Though most fish won't need to be in a totally dimmed room, your fish may need a dim room if it's been in a dark environment for a prolonged period of time. This is particularly common when fish are shipped through the mail inside a box or package. Float the sealed bag in your tank. The easiest way to acclimate your fish to the tank's temperature is to let the transportation bag float in your aquarium. Do not open the bag yet; simply let the tank's temperature warm or cool your fish's transportation bag until they have equalized. 15 minutes is typically a sufficient span of time for your fish's bag water to adjust to the aquarium's temperature. Transfer the bag water and fish to a clean bucket. Open the bag and gently pour out the water and your fish into the bucket. There should not be any other water in the bucket at this time. If possible, try to use one designated bucket for nothing other than cleaning your tank and acclimating your fish. If the bag water does not sufficiently fill the bucket, you may have to tip the bucket at an angle to ensure that your fish remains completely submerged. Otherwise, your fish may be exposed to too much air, which could be fatal. You can keep the bucket tipped by putting a sturdy block of wood, brick, or old book under one side of the bucket. Just be sure that the bucket will remain upright and not tip over. Siphon water from your aquarium to the bucket. Use aquarium air line tubing to transfer water from your tank into the bucket. You'll need to regulate the flow of water to ensure that it doesn't siphon off too quickly. The ideal rate of flow of your aquarium's water into the bucket is three or four drops per second. You can control the flow of water by tying a loose knot into the tubing. If you have an air control valve, this can help you regulate the flow of water more accurately. If not, simply tighten or loosen your tube knot as needed. Allow your tube to drip for one hour. One hour of steady dripping should be a sufficient span of time for your fish to acclimate to the aquarium's water. If you're using a small bucket and it fills up before one hour, pour off and discard some of the water in the bucket and continue the dripping process until one hour has passed. Transfer your fish to the aquarium. After an hour of dripping has passed, your fish will be ready to enter its new home. Carefully scoop up your fish using a fine-mesh net, then transfer it to the aquarium. Pour the bucket water back into your aquarium until it reaches your desired fill line. Discard any unused water from the bucket. Establish a dim environment. Before using the floating method, you'll want to turn down the aquarium lights and possibly the lights in the room. Turning off the aquarium lights can help you fine tune the water temperature, while dimming the room's lights can help reduce the risk of shock if your fish was transported in a dark environment. Float the sealed bag in the tank for 15 minutes. Much like the drip method, the floating method requires that you let your fish's sealed transportation bag float on the surface of the aquarium for 15 minutes. This helps equalize the temperatures to reduce the risk of shock when you transfer your fish into the tank. Create an air pocket in the bag's lip. You'll want to keep the bag floating on the water's surface, but you need to be able to adjust how much water is in the bag. The easiest way to do this is by creating an air pocket in the lip of the bag as you open the top. Cut the bag open just below the clip or knot, keeping it sealed. Roll the top edge of the bag's opening down. You don't have to roll it down too far; about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) should suffice. Pour out half of the bag's water. Pour off half the bag's water directly down the drain, but be careful that you don't accidentally pour out your fish as well. Do not add any of the transportation bag's water to your aquarium, as it is likely filled with waste products like ammonia and nitrites. It's important that you immediately return the bag to the tank, allowing it to float on the surface of your aquarium's water. However, make sure no bag water escapes into the tank. Add aquarium water to the bag in increments. Now that you've reduced the quantity of water in the transportation bag, you can begin adding aquarium water to raise or lower the bag water's temperature as needed. This process will take a while, so be patient and don't rush it or your fish could get shocked by the sudden change in temperature. Start by adding a half cup of aquarium water to the bag your fish is in. Wait four minutes, then add another half cup. Repeat this process until the bag is filled with aquarium water. Transfer your fish to the aquarium. Once the bag has been filled with aquarium water, your fish will have finished adjusting to the temperature of its new environment. Use a net to scoop your fish out of the bag. Then immediately transfer it to the aquarium, since it should be acclimated to the water by this point. Discard the bag and its water when you're finished. Do not allow the transportation bag's water to mix with your aquarium water, as this may alter the pH and salinity of your water. | Measure the specific gravity of your tank. Adjust the tank's salinity if needed. Transfer your fish to the tank. Test the pH of your bag's water. Adjust your tank's pH to match the bag's pH. Transfer your fish to the tank. Assess whether the drip method will work. Turn off all aquarium lights. Dim the lights in the room. Float the sealed bag in your tank. Transfer the bag water and fish to a clean bucket. Siphon water from your aquarium to the bucket. Allow your tube to drip for one hour. Transfer your fish to the aquarium. Establish a dim environment. Float the sealed bag in the tank for 15 minutes. Create an air pocket in the bag's lip. Pour out half of the bag's water. Add aquarium water to the bag in increments. Transfer your fish to the aquarium. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smoke-a-Turkey | How to Smoke a Turkey | To smoke a turkey, you'll first need to remove the organs from inside, like the kidney and liver, and rinse the bird. Then, season your turkey with butter, salt, and pepper. If you're short of time, pre-cook your bird in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 °F. Next, oil the rack of your smoker, light it, and heat it to 230 °F. Add your chips to the smoker and place the turkey breast up on the rack. Let the turkey smoke for 40 minutes per pound of turkey, and keep the smoker hot enough by adding extra chips when needed. | Remove any organs that may be in the turkey's cavity. If you're buying a prepackaged turkey, there's a good chance that your turkey contains a few extra organs (or giblets), such as the kidney, liver, heart, and gizzard, in the cavity of the turkey. Remove these and set them aside. Sometimes, the giblet pouch is in the neck cavity instead of the main body cavity. You may also find the neck in 1 of these cavities. A good idea for the giblets is to incorporate them into your stuffing recipe. Sauté them in a bit of butter or oil and add them sparingly to most stuffing recipes for added flavor. Many people choose to make broth or stock from the innards of the turkey. Cut them up, along with a diced onion, a couple carrots, as well as a couple stalks of celery, and add them to a pot of boiling water. Add a bit of salt, peppercorns, and several bay leaves to the pot and boil for several hours, skimming the foam off the top every so often. Decide whether to brine the turkey (optional). A brine is a bath of flavored salt water that you soak your bird in for 24 hours before smoking it. Brining your turkey will add extra flavor and help it stay moist during the cooking process. Here is a basic brine recipe you can try for your turkey: Bring 2 gallons (7.6 L) of water to a boil in a large saucepan. To it, add 4 cups (1 kg) of salt, 4 cups (800 g) of sugar, 1 bulb of garlic (cut in half), 1 cup (192 g) of black peppercorns, and your choice of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, lavender, sage, and marjoram all work well). Turn off the heat and allow the salt and sugar to dissolve completely. Let the mixture steep for 5 minutes. Add the basic brine to a large cooler filled with 3 bags of ice and stir it. To the cooler, add 1 gallon (3.8 L) of apple cider, and 4 each of lemons and oranges, sliced in half. Submerge your turkey in the cooler, making sure it is entirely covered with liquid. Let your bird soak for at least 24 hours, turning the turkey every 6 to 12 hours. Try to keep the cooler in a cold place; if the temperature of the brine goes above 40 °F (4 °C), add extra ice to keep the solution cool and prevent the growth of bacteria. Be sure to rinse your turkey after brining it, otherwise the meat may be saltier than you would like. Thaw your turkey completely if it’s frozen. If you chose not to brine your turkey and you purchased a frozen one, you'll want to thaw it completely before smoking it. Thawing a turkey in the refrigerator takes longest but is the safest method for completing the task. Place the turkey in a large bowl or pan and let it sit in the refrigerator for 1 day for every 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of bird. You can also thaw a turkey by covering it in cool water. Submerge the wrapped turkey in a sink full of cold water. It will need to stay in its cold water bath for 30 minutes for every 1 pound (0.45 kg) of bird. Cover the thawed bird with a rub, a glaze, or basic seasoning. If you chose not to brine the turkey, you can add flavor by putting some seasoning on its skin. Rub a generous amount of oil or butter over the entire bird. Sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasoning. Get creative! A dry rub is a combination of dry spices that you rub into the skin of the turkey, coating it in flavor. For a basic but classic holiday rub, try a combination of kosher salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, and garlic powder. A glaze is a thick, usually syrupy mixture that is brushed onto meat and which reduces once cooked, concentrating its flavors. Consider going with this holiday-themed glaze consisting of cranberry juice, maple syrup, apple cider, and brown sugar. Who says smoking a turkey needs to be fancy? Give basic seasoning a try. Coat the turkey liberally with oil or softened butter and rub salt and pepper over its skin. You're ready to cook. Pre-cook your turkey (optional). Of course, if you have plenty of time on your hands and don't need to speed up the process, you won't need to pre-cook your bird. But if you happen to be in a hurry and want to expedite the cooking process, consider pre-cooking the turkey and blasting it with smoke afterwards. To pre-cook your bird, place it in an oven-safe pan and cover it with foil or a lid. Bake the turkey for 30 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C). Prepare the grill rack of the smoker. Oil the rungs of the rack or line it with foil to keep the bird from sticking. Light your smoker. Your optimum temperature for smoking a turkey is around 230 °F (110 °C), but anywhere between 220 and 240 °F (104 and 116 °C) is acceptable. It will take your smoker about 45 minutes to reach this temperature. Add your wood. Once the smoker is lit and pre-heated to be ready for cooking, add your pre-soaked wood chips to the smoker. If you want, you can get fancy with your soaking liquids. Say, for example, you're using hickory chips to smoke the turkey. Why not reach for bourbon as your soaking liquid? Or say you're smoking with applewood chips. Why not use apple cider? Complement the flavor of the chips with a tasty soaking liquid. Experiment with different wood chips to alter the flavor of the meat. Milder flavors of wood chips include alder, apple, cherry, grape, maple, mulberry, orange, and peach; stronger flavors include hickory, mesquite, oak, pecan, walnut, and whiskey barrel. Some people prefer not soaking their wood chips—or wood chunks—at all. They argue that wood needs to dry out before it produces smoke, prolonging the process. Experiment for yourself whether smoking with soaked or dry wood chips produces better flavor. Place the turkey on the smoker. Place the turkey on the cooking rack of the smoker with the breast up. The best part of the rack to place the turkey will depend on where the most direct heat is. You'll want to place the turkey on the side of the rack away from direct heat. Put the lid back on the smoker. Consider placing a drip pan underneath the turkey. If you want to save fluids and fat for some smoky gravy , place a drip pan underneath your rack to catch any fluids leaving your turkey. Maintain the heat of the smoker at around 230 °F (110 °C). Check the smoker every hour or so to maintain the heat and smoke. Add more charcoal, wood chips, or water as needed. If your smoker doesn't have a thermometer attached to it, consider placing a metal thermometer inside the cooking rack to gauge the temp when you open it. Time the cooking of your turkey by the weight of the bird. Your turkey will need 30 to 40 minutes per 1 pound (0.45 kg) to smoke. The time difference is determined by your smoker and the temperature outside. For example, at 220 °F (104 °C), a 15 lb (6.8 kg) turkey will take between 8 and 9 hours to smoke. If you decide to cook the turkey at a higher temperature, the cooking time will diminish significantly, but the turkey won't retain as much smoky flavor. At 325 °F (163 °C), a 15 lb (6.8 kg) turkey will take between 3 and 3.5 hours to smoke. Wait for the internal temperature of the turkey to reach 165 °F (74 °C) for doneness. Calculate the minimum time suggested that the turkey might take to smoke completely. When that amount of time has passed, open the lid and quickly get a reading with your meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh area of the bird. The turkey is done when the temperature is at 165 °F (74 °C). If the turkey is not done yet, put the lid back on the smoker and let the bird cook another 30-45 minutes. Then, check for the desired temperature again. Let it rest. After removing the bird from the smoker, let it rest for around 30 minutes before carving it. This will help the juices settle in the bird, making for a moister treat when you finally do cut into it. Enjoy your smoked turkey on its own, or with a magnificent Thanksgiving fare that includes candied yams , mashed potatoes , green beans , stuffing, and cranberry sauce. | Remove any organs that may be in the turkey's cavity. Decide whether to brine the turkey (optional). Thaw your turkey completely if it’s frozen. Cover the thawed bird with a rub, a glaze, or basic seasoning. Pre-cook your turkey (optional). Prepare the grill rack of the smoker. Light your smoker. Add your wood. Place the turkey on the smoker. Maintain the heat of the smoker at around 230 °F (110 °C). Time the cooking of your turkey by the weight of the bird. Wait for the internal temperature of the turkey to reach 165 °F (74 °C) for doneness. Let it rest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Popular-in-Middle-School-(for-Girls) | How to Be Popular in Middle School (for Girls) | Being a popular middle school girl is all about getting to know lots of different people and being yourself. Try to talk to as many new people as possible in class, during lunch break, and in clubs, so more people know who you are. When you have a good conversation with someone, get their phone number or add them on social media so you can get to know them better outside of school. Remember to be yourself and stand up for what you believe in so people can see your true personality. Get involved in sports, art, or music at school, which will help you show off your talents as well as meet new people. If you're unsure what to wear, choose clothes and accessories you feel confident in and show off your personality. For example, if you're sporty, wear leggings and a sports top, or if you're quirky, wear a vibrant dress. | Make friends with new people. Start by just saying “Hi!”or "Hello!" to the person who sits next to you in class. Talk or complain about your homework, like, “That worksheet took me forever!” As you get to know them, start asking what's new in their life. It's hard at first, but the more people you talk to, the more relaxed and confident you'll feel. Try sitting with somebody new at lunch. Say, “Wow, your sandwich looks good,” or, “Can you believe the cafeteria served pizza today?” Relax and act normally when you talk to new people--you don't want it to seem like you're trying too hard. Let your new friendships progress slowly and naturally, and don't force anyone to be your friend if they're not interested. Talk to your new friends outside of school. Exchange phone numbers and talk or text them a few times a week. It can be something as simple as, “I'm so bored. What's up with you?” Invite them to hang out by saying something like, “Do you want to go to the mall this weekend? My mom can drive!” Use a cell phone if you have one, but it's okay if you don't. Ask your parents if it's okay to talk to your friends on the landline. If they're worried about you spending too much time on the phone, say you'll limit it to just half an hour a day. Post on social media to boost your popularity. Follow your new friends and share funny videos, link to cool websites, and pictures of places you go. Use your pictures and posts to show who you really are and not the person you think people will like. Stay safe online. Don't chat with people you don't know and never be cruel to someone on social media. If your parents won't allow you to have a social media account, remember that they're only looking out for you. Ask them if you can have social media with some limitations, like not following anyone you don't know. If they say you're not old enough, ask what age is okay. Maybe it's only a year or two! In the meantime, focus on making friends in school and in “real life.” Stay loyal to your “old” friends. Invite your old group when you make plans with your new friends, or hang out with your old friends separately if they don't want to mix. Whatever you do, don't choose popularity over true friendship and loyalty. These are the friends who've been there for you from the start, so make sure to show them how important they are to you. You know what they say; Find the gold but keep the bronze. If the popular kids won't accept you still being friends with your old group, really think about if popularity is worth losing a lifelong friendship over. If your old friends are upset that you're trying to be popular or feel left behind, be honest with them about it. Say, “I'm trying to make new friends and meet new people, but you know that no one could ever replace you.” Show you mean it by making plans with them or eating lunch with them at least a few times a week. Avoid changing yourself drastically to become popular. What makes you different and unique is what people will attract people to you, so embrace who you are! Loving yourself shows that you're not ashamed of who you are, and that kind of confidence will make everyone want to be your friend. Listen to the music you love even if it's not the top 10 hits. Wear clothes that make you feel great even if they're not from a designer label. Maybe you love to knit or can spend hours reading--embrace those quirky habits! If your new friends pressure you to change your values or who you really are, they're probably not people you want to be friends with. Run for student government. Ask your classmates what they want to see improved about the school. Pick the top three things that you can do and make that your campaign platform. You'll become popular not just because people will know who you are, but because they'll also respect you for your ideas and bravery. Think of realistic ideas, like making school dances more fun or organizing cool assemblies and performances. If the idea of joining student government is too scary, or just not your thing, get involved in other ways! Join a club or sports team to meet new people. Show off your talents. It's time to show your classmates what you're great at! Even if you think your talent is uncool or weird, embracing it will show that you're confident in who you are. And you'll be surprised by how many other people might love your hobby, too! Here are some ideas to get you started: If you love to sing, dance, or act, act in school plays or enter a school talent show. If you love playing sports, join a team. Go for a sport you already love or try a new one to meet a whole new group of people. If you love writing or photography, work for the school newspaper or yearbook, if you have one. If you're passionate about a particular subject, start a club for it or volunteer to tutor other kids who need help. Get excited about school events. You'll get to know your new friends in a more relaxed way by hanging out with them outside of regular school hours. Have fun with it and take advantage of all the cool activities your school puts on. Show your spirit by dressing up for school spirit days, cheering on your classmates at sports games, and supporting your friends at talent shows and music performances. Set up new clubs, activities, and events. Sometimes it feels like nothing ever happens at your school, but you have the power to change that! Ask your teacher or principal how you can pitch your ideas for a new club or school activity, like a field trip or a cool assembly. Here are a few other ideas to get you brainstorming: Start a recycling program. If your school already has one, revamp it! Set up a competition between grades or homerooms to see who can recycle the most in a month. Offer a fun prize, like a pizza party, for the winner. Hold a career day. Invite parents, community leaders, or even older brothers and sisters to talk about their jobs as a fun break from class for your classmates. If you get enough speakers, make it a career week! Highlight a different job every day. Keep your grades up. Your classmates will admire your hard work and good grades! They might even ask you for help with their own homework. Although blowing off homework or failing tests might not seem like a big deal--it might even seem cool!--your friends and classmates will eventually stop respecting you if you act like you don't care about school. Dress stylishly, but keep it appropriate. Wear clothes that make you look and, more importantly, feel great, while staying within your school's dress code. Instead of wearing revealing tops or super-short shorts or skirts any tops, look for long, flowy skirts and comfy sweaters. Experiment with jewelry and shoes, too. You can still rock your personal style if your school has uniforms. Accessorize with funky jewelry, shoes, or tights. Wear a bold headband or shiny clips to catch people's eyes. Be true to your own style. If you feel best in sporty, casual clothes, you don't need to jump right into wearing dresses every day. Start off by pairing a nice pair of jeans with a cool T-shirt. Mix in a skirt every once in awhile if you want, or just try tops that are a little fancier. Stay true to what you know is right. Don't be afraid to say what you feel, even if it doesn't seem like the popular thing to do at the time. Stand up for your values so that others respect you, and so you can respect yourself. For example, if it seems like all the popular kids are slacking off with their work but you know you need to get good grades, keep at it. If all the other girls start wearing a style of clothes you don't feel comfortable in, don't feel like you need to change. Stand up to bullies. Grab one of your friends to help you feel more confident. Make eye contact and say, “That's really not okay. I think you should stop.” Stay calm and cool and don't let them rile you up. If you feel like the situation might get dangerous, get a teacher's help. Standing up to bullies shows that you're brave, confident, and care about your classmates. Standing up to bullies can get you new friends and the teachers and classmates might notice what you have done and will pay attention to you. They might even notice you as a hero! Stay away from drugs. You've probably heard it your whole life, but this rule is still pretty important. Alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes won't make you more popular--they'll just give you a bad reputation. Drugs will make you feel bad mentally and physically, and might even ruin your appearance. To politely say no to someone offering you drugs, say something like, “No thanks. It's not really my thing.” You can also make up an excuse or even a light joke, by saying, “If my parents found out I was drinking, they'd never let me hang out with you again! And they find out everything I do, so it's just not worth the risk.” | Make friends with new people. Talk to your new friends outside of school. Post on social media to boost your popularity. Stay loyal to your “old” friends. Avoid changing yourself drastically to become popular. Run for student government. Show off your talents. Get excited about school events. Set up new clubs, activities, and events. Keep your grades up. Dress stylishly, but keep it appropriate. Stay true to what you know is right. Stand up to bullies. Stay away from drugs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Donation-Letter | How to Write a Donation Letter | To write a donation letter, start by personalizing your introduction by explaining the connection between what you need and why you are writing to this person specifically. Next, include a brief story or question that relates directly to your cause to highlight its importance and grab the reader's attention. Once your introduction is complete, clearly explain how your project will improve the situation of others and how you think that the person you're writing to can help. As you conclude the letter, thank the donor for considering your request. | Consider carefully the recipients of your letter. Write only to those whom you think are really in a position to help you and who will understand the purpose of what you're doing. If someone is really in no position to help your cause, then writing to them is a waste of your time and theirs. Personalize your introduction. If at all possible, figure out a specific person you can target with your donation letter. While "To Whom it May Concern" is a fine greeting, it doesn't force your reader into a personal connection with you and your cause. That being said, address your letter in an official manner, using "Mr." or "Ms." before your recipient's last name. In addition to addressing your email to a specific person, acknowledge that you know what their job is in your introduction. The most effective way of doing this is to explain the connection between what you need and why you are writing to them specifically. Grab the attention of your reader. Start your letter by including an anecdote or a question that relates directly to your cause. Try to highlight the importance of your cause right from the beginning of the letter, so that your reader gets invested in it as quickly as possible and wants to continue reading. Explain the project you are trying to complete. Make it clear how this project will improve a situation or the lives of others. This project needs to be one that seems feasible. While ending world hunger, for instance, is a noble goal, it is not necessarily a feasible goal for your individual project. Ending hunger in your neighborhood would be a more realistic goal that your reader could imagine being an important part of. Be very specific about how you think that the people or organization to whom you're writing can help you. Tell the prospective donor exactly what their money or donation will go towards and the impact it will make on your project overall. There are different opinions on whether you should specify actual dollar amounts they should give. Some experts say not to specify actual dollar amounts unless you have a specific item or services in mind that you're certain will cost that amount. Others say to give the options of several dollar amounts, knowing that the lowest amount will usually be given. This makes it easy on the donor, as they do not need to do any thinking or debating about how much to give. Tell the recipient what will happen if they don't contribute. This is where you may need to use a bit of guilt to make your reader donate. There will be real consequences if they don't donate, tell them what they are. However, be sure to reassure the reader that with a simple donation, these negative outcomes will be easily avoided. Thank the donor in advance. Here you need to walk the delicate line between not being to presumptuous but also assuming that your cause is so important that the recipient will obviously want to give. If you project to your reader that is goes without saying that they will give to your important cause, they may be more likely to automatically contribute. If you want to use a bit of a lighter touch, thank your reader for their time in considering your cause. This shows them that you understand their time is valuable and that you are considerate. Reiterate why their donation is so important. You are taking the time and energy to work toward your cause, so be sure to reinforce why you think it is worth your time as well as the time and money of the person you are writing to. This is where you can really drive home why you feel personally it's important that your prospective donor give to your cause. Conclude with an appropriate salutation. End your donation letter with a business-like salutation and your name. It is also a good idea to include a title below your name that describes your position in the charity or organization you are representing, so your reader knows that you have the authority to ask for donations. If sending your letter by mail, be sure to type out your name but also sign it by hand. This shows your reader that the letter is a personal request, not just an automated form letter. | Consider carefully the recipients of your letter. Personalize your introduction. Grab the attention of your reader. Explain the project you are trying to complete. Be very specific about how you think that the people or organization to whom you're writing can help you. Tell the recipient what will happen if they don't contribute. Thank the donor in advance. Reiterate why their donation is so important. Conclude with an appropriate salutation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Skin-a-Rabbit | How to Skin a Rabbit | To skin a rabbit, cut a ring around each of the rabbit's legs above the leg joint just deep enough to get through the hide. On each leg, slice from the ring you just cut to the rabbit's backside and pull away the hide down to the rabbit's genitals. With the skin partly removed, cut through the tailbone without going too far or you might puncture the bladder. Once the tail is gone, grab the hide with both hands and pull it from the body, working your fingers into the sleeve of the hide around the arms. Keep working the hide down until you get to the base of the skull, then sever the head from the spine. After removing the head, break the bones at the arm and leg joints, then sever the skin above the joints. | Cut the a ring around each leg of the rabbit, just above the leg joint. Only cut enough to get past the hide. Do not cut deeply into the skin of the rabbit; it is unnecessary and inefficient. On each leg, make a single slice going up from the ring cut to the backside of the animal. This will make the skinning easier in the end. Start pulling away some of the hide, working from the ring cut at the foot joint down to the backside or genitalia of the rabbit. The hide should come off relatively easily. Cut your way through the bone of the tail, making sure not to sever or puncture the bladder. The tailbone juts out and is relatively easy to locate. With both hands, start pulling the hide from the body. The hide will slip off very easily at this point. It should be like peeling a banana. Work your fingers into the sleeve of the hide where the arms are, removing the arms from the hide. This may be a little tricky at first, so don't be disappointed if it takes a little extra elbow grease. Work the hide down from the upper torso to the head. Pull the hide down until it rests at the base of the skull. Sever the head from the spine. With it, the skin should entirely detach from the remaining meat. With your hands, break the bones at the arm and leg joints. Then, at the joints, sever the skin from the bone using your knife. Dress and clean the animal, saving the hide as needed. Make sure the animal is clean before you eat it. If possible, check its liver to gauge the safety of the meat. Save the hide for tanning or other uses. At the rabbit's knee, push the joint out until the hide separates from the meat. This takes a little bit of practice. Basically, what you're doing is pushing the knee joint in one direction and pulling the skin in the other. This will eventually separate the two cleanly. Work your fingers around the leg, until the hide is separated around the entire knee joint and surrounding meat. Pull the knee joint up while pulling the skin down, removing most skin from one leg. This process is kind of like pulling your pants off, except your "pants" is the hide of the rabbit. Repeat this same process with the other leg. Beneath the genitals, work your hand under the skin and across the belly. Loosen the skin from the underside entirely by pulling it off. On the rabbit's backside, right above the tail, work your hand under the skin and across the back. Take the skin and pull it off the backside until it removes entirely from the tail. Pull the skin down with both hands until it reaches the arms of the rabbit. Break through the thin skin that sits between the front arms and the head. Do this with your fingers. Although it's hide, it shouldn't take you an overwhelming amount of effort to do this. Once you've done this, pull the sleeves up and away from the meat of the arms. Crack the spine where it meets the head. When you clean and dress the rabbit carcass, you can cut off the remaining head and hide with a swift stroke of a knife. Dress and clean the animal, saving the hide as needed. Make sure the animal is clean before you eat it. If possible, check its liver to gauge the safety of the meat. Save the hide for tanning or other uses. | Cut the a ring around each leg of the rabbit, just above the leg joint. On each leg, make a single slice going up from the ring cut to the backside of the animal. Start pulling away some of the hide, working from the ring cut at the foot joint down to the backside or genitalia of the rabbit. Cut your way through the bone of the tail, making sure not to sever or puncture the bladder. With both hands, start pulling the hide from the body. Work your fingers into the sleeve of the hide where the arms are, removing the arms from the hide. Work the hide down from the upper torso to the head. Sever the head from the spine. With your hands, break the bones at the arm and leg joints. Dress and clean the animal, saving the hide as needed. At the rabbit's knee, push the joint out until the hide separates from the meat. Work your fingers around the leg, until the hide is separated around the entire knee joint and surrounding meat. Pull the knee joint up while pulling the skin down, removing most skin from one leg. Repeat this same process with the other leg. Beneath the genitals, work your hand under the skin and across the belly. On the rabbit's backside, right above the tail, work your hand under the skin and across the back. Pull the skin down with both hands until it reaches the arms of the rabbit. Break through the thin skin that sits between the front arms and the head. Crack the spine where it meets the head. Dress and clean the animal, saving the hide as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Teenage-Girls-as-a-Teen-Boy | How to Attract Teenage Girls as a Teen Boy | Attracting a girl as a teenage boy is about being confident and standing out from the crowd. Confidence is super attractive to girls, and you can make yourself seem more confident by standing up straight, smiling, and speaking clearly instead of mumbling. In your free time, do some interesting hobbies, like playing a musical instrument or playing a sport. This will help build your confidence, make you more interesting, and give you a unique edge. You should also make friends with lots of different girls, which will help you get more comfortable talking to them. | Focus on your talents. Pay attention to your natural abilities. Think about areas where you excel. Commit yourself to discovering and cultivating your unique talents. For example, you may be good at a certain sport, school subject, art or instrument. Talent and success are both attractive qualities. Getting more involved with something you're good at can help you get noticed and acknowledged by others. Practice good hygiene. Shower every day. Choose a mild soap and make sure to wash all areas of your body, including under your fingernails. Keep your nails well-trimmed. Use deodorant or antiperspirant. Avoid bad breath by practicing good oral health. Make sure to wear clean clothing, including socks. Opt for cotton clothing if you have a tendency to sweat a lot. You may want to wash your face up to twice per day. Shave as needed. If you show up to classes well-groomed, you'll probably feel better about yourself and attract more girls. Dress confidently. Aim to dress maturely instead of boyishly. Wear classic pieces instead of splurging on what's trendy. Dress appropriately for your climate. Wear what makes you feel good about yourself. For example, don't buy oversized jeans just because they may be currently in fashion. You'll feel more confident in well-fitted pants than if you're constantly having to pull up your sagging jeans. Consider wearing a polo shirt instead of a t-shirt. Choose clothing that reflects the colors and necessary warmth of the season. Speak confidently. Don't mumble. Talk loudly enough to be heard. Don't be afraid to give your opinion, but think about the impact of what you're going to say first. For example, don't compare a girl to someone you were in a previous relationship with. Talking just for the sake of talking shows nervousness. Try asking yourself before you speak, “Is this the truth? Is it nice to say? Is it important to say?” Use confident body language. Smile, which shows that you're positive and approachable! Keep your posture straight. Avoid fidgeting, which can make you appear nervous. Positive body language helps others relate to you and respect you. If you're having trouble with slouching, practice keeping your back straight against a wall or a chair. Be a good listener. Nod, make eye contact, and stay focused on what a girl is talking to you about. Try to understand her emotions and point of view. Imagine how she feels as she speaks, and react accordingly. Teen boys who empathize with their female peers are more likely to have girlfriends. For example, if she's upset, hear her out. Then try saying, “I'm sorry that happened to you.” Make friends with girls. Think of ways you can connect with each other. Make conversation about school or hobbies. Try asking her questions about herself, which will show you're interested in what she thinks. Teen relationships often start with friendship. If you've spoken to her before, try asking if you can add her as a friend on a social networking site. If you've never spoken to her before, try asking her about a class, mutual friend, or after-school activity. Try asking, “What type of music do you like?” Give girls compliments. Notice something about a girl that you can give her a positive comment on. Don't make something up; put thought into noticing something she's put effort into. Then offer a sincere, heartfelt compliment. Try saying, “Your hair looks great today.” If you've witnessed her playing a sport or creating art in a class, you can compliment her on that. Practice good manners. Make kind gestures whenever possible. Open doors for people. Offer your help when it may be appreciated, whether it's with carrying something or studying. For example, offer to help a girl with putting her coat on. If you see a girl carrying something bulky, try saying, “I can carry that for you.” If you see a girl struggling with a school subject you understand, help explain it to them or offer to study together. | Focus on your talents. Practice good hygiene. Dress confidently. Speak confidently. Use confident body language. Be a good listener. Make friends with girls. Give girls compliments. Practice good manners. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Beat-a-%22Tough%22-Person-in-a-Fight | How to Beat a "Tough" Person in a Fight | To beat a “tough” person in a fight, keep at least an arm's length away so they can't reach you with a deadly punch. Whenever you're within their striking range, keep moving to make yourself a harder target. You should also protect your face and neck with your forearms, since these are your most sensitive areas. When you strike, aim for your opponent's eyes, nose, chin, or throat to do the most damage. Since a bigger, stronger opponent will already have a significant advangtage over you, use any weapon you can get your hands on, such as pepper spray, a stick, a rock, or your car keys, to even the odds and defend yourself. | Make the first move. Don't ever wait for someone to attack first. If you sense an impending attack, hit first and hit hard. This will surprise your attacker and help to level the playing field. Consider the legal consequences of your actions. You must be absolutely sure you are in danger and there is no way of escaping before you strike a would-be attacker. Otherwise, you cannot justify your actions as self-defense, and the other person may win a civil suit against you. Go for the eyes. Try to jab at your attacker's eyes with your fingers. Not only is this painful, but the reflex to cover the eyes is often incredibly strong. This may give you an opening to land a serious blow or possibly cause your attacker to drop a weapon. The best technique is to grab your opponent by his or her ear and press your thumb across the entire nearby eye. Push down forcefully. This move is much more painful than a simple poke to the eye and may buy you enough time to get away. Lash out at the nose or shins when attacked from behind. Attackers often jump their victims from behind to surprise them. Turn this disadvantage around and use it to forcefully attack your opponent's weakest areas. These techniques are especially helpful for getting out of an attacker's grip: Throw your head back to bash the nose with a head butt. Your skull is a lot denser than the cartilage of your attacker's nose and can do a surprising amount of damage. Aim for the bridge, as a blow to it will be the most painful. Rake your foot forcefully along your attacker's shin bone. This is an especially good option if you are wearing high heels. Alternatively, you can simply try to kick backwards against his or her shins. While less painful than a hit to the nose, a shin kick is much easier to land. Focus your blows on other pressure points. Strike out at the especially vulnerable parts of your opponent, which include the eyes, ears, temple, nose, chin, throat, neck, and groin. If you can land a solid hit, there are a few ways of incapacitating an opponent: An uppercut to the jaw under the chin will twist the head quickly, potentially causing a loss of consciousness. A jab to the temple is the most surefire way to knock someone out. This spot is very vulnerable and can easily cause internal bleeding. Keep in mind that this type of blow can seriously injure or even kill the other person. Protect your own vulnerable areas. Remember that your opponent can also target your own pressure points. Pay close attention and don't let your attacker's hands get anywhere near your face and neck. Keep moving. Above all, you shouldn't let your attacker touch you. Don't stand still. Move from side to side as erratically as possible to confuse your opponent. Avoiding the attacker's blows should take priority over getting in your own. Every time your attacker missteps or fails to land a punch is a potential opportunity for you to run. Use any available object as a weapon. If you carry pepper spray, a knife, or a palm stick, strike with those. If you don't, do your best to improvise. Anything hard and/or sharp can work, from a car key to a nearby rock. High heels are an especially good choice for an improvised weapon. If you can, pull them off your feet to give yourself more maneuverability. If the fight is taking place on sand, soil, or gravel, grab a handful and throw it at your attacker's face. If you manage to get grit in your attacker's eye, it will temporarily blind him or her. You will have time to get away while your attacker attempts to clear his or her vision. A sturdy flashlight makes for a great improvised weapon at night. Shine it directly into your opponent's eyes to blind and distract, giving you an edge. If that isn't enough to get away, turn the flashlight around and hit with it. Pull on long hair. If your attacker has long hair, try to yank it as hard as you can. This can cause pain by itself, but it also allows you to move your attacker into a better position to land a knockout blow. If your attacker wears his or her hair in a ponytail or large braid, it will be easier to grab and hold on to. Get away when you get the opportunity. No matter what, you should always leave the area as soon as the fight is over. If your attacker flees, he or she may come back with a deadly weapon or a few friends in tow. You also need to keep in mind that self-defense is only legally justified when using reasonable force in the face of inescapable immediate danger. If your opponent is on the ground, you are no longer in danger and should have the opportunity to run. If you strike an incapacitated foe, you open yourself up to a civil suit even if that person attacked you. Prioritize evasion. Under most circumstances, avoiding strikes is a fundamental aspect of fighting. Evasion becomes even more important when facing a bigger or stronger opponent in a clean fight. A tough fighter will have the advantage of power and may hit you hard enough to end the fight quickly. Make sure to be quick on your feet and move away from incoming blows. Use tai sabaki. Tai sabaki are a set of movements found in Japanese martial arts. Fighters use tai sabaki to avoid incoming strikes while putting themselves in the best position to launch a counterattack. When fighting a bigger opponent, counters are your best option to gain the upper hand. Two basic tai sabaki movements are: Nagashi – This simple move is best used to counter an unexpected frontal attack. From a forward-facing stance, use your left leg as a pivot and slide your left behind you in an arc. Your body should swing like an opening door. As you put your foot into position, raise your arm to strike. Hiraki – This step is best for an unexpected attack from a short distance. From a forward-facing stance, slide your foot furthest from your opponent towards the same direction. Slide your other foot closer to the first, then turn your second foot towards your opponent. As you move your feet, turn your hips towards your opponent and raise your arms to strike. Lean back when kicked. If you're fighting with a style involving kicks, such as muay thai, the most effective technique you can use against a taller fighter is to lean back to evade their higher kicks. When your opponent's kick flies over your head, you will be in a good position to strike back as he or she is momentarily thrown off balance. Neutralize your opponent's reach advantage. Another advantage a taller fighter has is a longer reach. There will be a zone between the two of you where your opponent will be able to land hits while you can't. It's important to stay out of this area. Spend as much time as possible either far enough away that your opponent can't hit or close enough that you can, too. When moving between these two zones, be sure to keep your defenses up. Establish a clear set of rules before you begin. If your opponent uses dirty tricks, there's no reason why you should hold back. When in a planned fight, you and your opponent should come to a mutual agreement of what is and isn't allowed in the fight. You can also get an impartial third party to help lay down the rules and act as a kind of referee for the fight. Make a fist correctly. Before you even think about throwing your first punch, you need to have a perfect fist. Curl your fingers inward onto your palm and make sure your thumb is on the outside, folded across the bottom knuckles of your first few fingers. If your thumb is on the inside of your fist, you are likely to break it. Prevent your opponent from landing hits. Unlike a street fight, letting your foe make the first move is a reasonable strategy. Make sure to avoid every strike you can and spring back with a counterattack. It's important that you keep your body in motion, making punches difficult to land. A proper fighting stance will also make you harder to hit by creating a smaller target. Instead of facing your opponent head-on with your shoulders in parallel, stand to the side with your dominant half forward. Minimize the damage of blows you can't avoid. You won't be able to dodge every punch. For the hits you have to take, absorb the shock as best as you can to make them less effective. When taking a body blow, brace for impact by tightening your abdominal muscles. Shift your torso so that your opponent's fist lands at your abdominal muscles to the side rather than at the center near internal organs. For blows to the head, flex your neck and jaw muscles and lean into the punch. Make sure the hit lands on your forehead, which is incredibly tough. Above all, never let a strike land at your temple, jaw, or nose. Avoid dirty tricks and potentially lethal techniques. Although it's not generally acknowledged, there is an unspoken rule between men that strikes to the groin aren't acceptable in fair fights. It's considered to be a dirty trick along with other actions like eye gouging and hair pulling. If you come out on top with these methods, your friends are unlikely to consider it a legitimate win. Weapons should also be off-limits unless they are agreed upon beforehand. While blows to the face, head, and neck are legitimate in fair fights, it's best to avoid using them outside of officially-sanctioned matches. An uppercut to the jaw or a jab to the temple can win you a fight quickly, but these strikes can also cause permanent brain damage. Without medical personnel ready to assist a downed fighter, you should reconsider using such techniques. | Make the first move. Go for the eyes. Lash out at the nose or shins when attacked from behind. Focus your blows on other pressure points. Protect your own vulnerable areas. Keep moving. Use any available object as a weapon. Pull on long hair. Get away when you get the opportunity. Prioritize evasion. Use tai sabaki. Lean back when kicked. Neutralize your opponent's reach advantage. Establish a clear set of rules before you begin. Make a fist correctly. Prevent your opponent from landing hits. Minimize the damage of blows you can't avoid. Avoid dirty tricks and potentially lethal techniques. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Master-Gardener | How to Become a Master Gardener | If you want to become a master gardener, you don't need prior knowledge or experience, just a passion to learn about gardening and to teach others to garden. To get started, research certified Extension Master Gardener programs, which can educate and train future master gardeners about their region's climate and vegetation. Once in the program, complete the core training, which may include curriculum on lawn care, plant nutrition, or soil management. After finishing your core requirements and volunteer hours, you'll earn your certification. | Find a certified Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program near you. Almost every state within the continental U.S. has an Extension Master Gardener program. Each program is tailored to educate and train future master gardeners about their region's climate and vegetation. You can find a complete list of programs here. Every EMG program is operated by a state land-grant university or that university's Cooperative Extension Program. Most counties have their own extension as well, so they can help introduce you to the EMG program. If you can not find an EMG near you, there are several other master gardener programs throughout Canada and the United States that are not officially affiliated the the EMG program. Request additional information about the program. Every EMG program has slightly different costs, curriculums, procedures, and requirements. As a result, once you have selected a program, it is always a good idea to contact the program's representative. Ask the representative to provide you with more specific information about the program. Each program's website should list a contact person and their email address, a phone number for the program's office, and or a building address. Use this information to contact the EMG program that interests you. You can also find contact information for several of the programs' representatives here. Apply to the program. The EMG program does not have a universal application or deadline for applications. Most applications may be downloaded or printed from an EMG program's website. If you do not have access to the internet, visit your program's county office and request an application. The application deadline will either be posted online, listed on the application itself, or at the EMG program's office. If you'd like to see an example application, you can find one here On the application, you will have to provide general information about yourself. You may be required to provide one or more references. You may also have to answer a series of open-ended questions. These may include: “Why are you interested in becoming a Master Gardener?”; “Do you have prior volunteer experience?”; or “How much prior gardening experience do you have?” Acceptance into EMG programs are not based on prior gardening knowledge or experience. The only requirements are a sincere interest in learning about horticulture and a passion for teaching others about gardening. Use the short answer portion of the application to showcase your great interest in expanding your knowledge and sharing this information with others. Proofread your application before you submit it. Receive acceptance into the program. If you are accepted into the program, the staff at your local EMG program will contact you. Your acceptance packet will likely include additional instructions and information about the program. You may also be required to fill out additional paperwork and or pay the enrollment fee. Class sizes vary greatly. Programs that meet in university cities and urban centers have the ability and resources to accept larger classes. Satellite programs that meet in rural counties or small towns must accept smaller class sizes. For example, while the program out of Texas' Dallas County boasts an average class size of 54 students each year, the EMG program operating out of the state's Grayson County must have at least 10 students per class to even run. Contact your local extension office for additional information on class size and retention rates. Once you are accepted into the program, inquire about need-based scholarships. Contact your program's representative with any questions or concerns. In order to reserve your spot, fill out the paperwork and pay the enrollment fee as soon as possible. Complete and pass a background check. As a Master Gardener, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of people. In order to ensure the safety of these individuals, many EMG programs require all of their accepted participants to complete a background check. Upon passing the background check, you will be officially admitted into the program. Keep your absences to a minimum. The first part of EMG programs consist of an intensive core course, which equip Master Gardener candidates with the knowledge and skills they need to volunteer in the field. While you are allowed a small number of absences, your presences at each core course is preferred. Excessive absences may result in dismissal from the program. Complete the core training. EMG programs across the nation share a core training curriculum. Each program tailors the content so that it is relevant and applicable to its state's climate and terrain. Master Gardener candidates may be expected to complete anywhere from 20 to 66 hours of core training. The subjects covered in these courses may include: Lawn Care Plant Nutrition Pest Identification and Pesticides Growing Vegetables and Fruits Soil Management Volunteer in your local community. Master Gardeners provide members of their local communities with gardening advice, assistance, and information. To prepare Master Gardener candidates for their future role within the community, there is a substantial volunteer component to all EMG programs. You may be required to record anywhere from 30 to 66 volunteer hours. If you don't want to do volunteer work, some states will allow you to fulfill the requirement by taking a Pro-hort trainee course for a fee. Volunteer opportunities may include: Leading a child or adult educational program Manning an information booth at a fair or farmers market Answering gardening questions via hotline or email Organizing and running educational conferences Working at a community garden Become an official Volunteer Master Gardener. After fulfilling all of the EMG program requirements, you will receive a certificate of completion—this certificate states that you are a certified Volunteer Master Gardener. Your certification is good for one year and must be renewed annually. Attend continuing educational classes and trainings. In order to remain certified, Volunteer Master Gardeners must commit to continuing their horticultural education. The required number of classroom hours varies from program to program. You must document and submit all of your training and classroom hours to your local extension office by the end of the calendar year. If you are renewing your certificate for the first time, you may be required to complete additional educational hours. As your years of service increase, the amount of educational hours you are required to fulfill may decrease. Continue to volunteer in your community. To renew the certification, Volunteer Master Gardeners must continue to fulfill their primary role: community liaison. The required number of volunteer hours varies from program to program. Document and submit your volunteer hours to your local extension office by December 31 each year. Attend EMG conferences and meetings. Every year, there are numerous gardening conferences and Extension Master Gardener meetings. These events provide excellent educational and networking opportunities for new and veteran Volunteer Master Gardeners. While Volunteer Master Gardeners are not required to attend garden conferences and meetings, they are strongly encouraged to participate. | Find a certified Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program near you. Request additional information about the program. Apply to the program. Receive acceptance into the program. Complete and pass a background check. Keep your absences to a minimum. Complete the core training. Volunteer in your local community. Become an official Volunteer Master Gardener. Attend continuing educational classes and trainings. Continue to volunteer in your community. Attend EMG conferences and meetings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Brussels-Sprouts | How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts | To prepare Brussels sprouts on the stovetop, start by cutting off the stems and cutting the Brussels sprouts into slices. Then, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet, and add the Brussels sprouts to it. Next, cook them for around 5 minutes, stirring them constantly. Finally, once the Brussels sprouts are bright green, transfer them to a plate and enjoy. | Boiling is out. Slice the stem end from a dozen or so sprouts and discard the stems. (Also gently remove any outer leaves that are yellowed, and discard.) Cut them in half lengthwise, and place them in a baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking oil. You can also leave them whole. Spray the sprouts with cooking spray as well, then sprinkle sea salt and a smidgen of garlic powder. Place in a 450 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. (You can stir halfway through, but it's not necessary.) Cut off the stem end of each sprout and discard. Slice the sprouts across the grain, starting at the stem end and slicing 1/8-1/4 inch as you go. This will effectively "shred" the sprouts. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 clove garlic (minced, crushed or "pressed") in a large non-stick skillet. Add shredded Brussels Sprouts and "fold" them constantly to disperse the heat and cook them very lightly, about 5 minutes. Sprout shreds should be hot, but bright green--looking nothing like Brussels Sprout. Transfer to a serving dish and use a large spoon or grill tongs to serve. | Boiling is out. Cut them in half lengthwise, and place them in a baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking oil. Spray the sprouts with cooking spray as well, then sprinkle sea salt and a smidgen of garlic powder. Place in a 450 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Cut off the stem end of each sprout and discard. Slice the sprouts across the grain, starting at the stem end and slicing 1/8-1/4 inch as you go. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 clove garlic (minced, crushed or "pressed") in a large non-stick skillet. Add shredded Brussels Sprouts and "fold" them constantly to disperse the heat and cook them very lightly, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and use a large spoon or grill tongs to serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Purebred-Puppy | How to Buy a Purebred Puppy | To buy a purebred puppy, consider adopting one from a rescue group first, since there are many purebreds in shelters waiting for a good home. If you can't find a a puppy you like, or if you prefer to buy one directly, look for a breeder with a good reputation and who is genuinely interested in the welfare of their dogs. For example, when you visit the breeder facility, look for signs of cleanliness, good care, and openness. Don't buy from a breeder who is rude or doesn't ask questions about your fitness as a dog owner. You should also ask for the puppy's medical record so you can ensure its good health. | Find a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle. Consider why you want a purebred dog: are you looking for a show dog? A protection animal? A family pet? Keep in mind how much room your dog will have, how much exercise you plan on providing daily, and basic grooming needs. Think about how much a particular breed might drool or shed, and how these might factor into your decision. If you're not into drool, avoid breeds like Bulldogs or St. Bernards. If shedding is a factor, avoid double-coated dogs like Siberian Huskies or Malamutes. Learn how a typical dog of your chosen breed behaves and whether that is a fit for your lifestyle and family. For instance, if you have kids, make sure your prospective breed is good with children, like Labrador Retrievers or Boxers. If you want a lapdog, think about breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, or King Charles Spaniels. Look at a breed guidebook. Check out a bookstore for guidebooks that list breed characteristics and temperaments. For detailed information about American Kennel Club (AKC) registered breeds, search their website: https://www.akc.org. AKC breeds are types of dogs recognized in the United States. You can also search other kennel clubs, such as Westminster: http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/ Get information from your prospective breed’s club. If you're interested in a particular breed, join its breed club. Look on the AKC website to find a local breed club, or search online to find the parent club. Ask friends if they know of anyone with a dog of the breed you're interested in, and make arrangements to visit them, particularly if you have never seen that breed in person. Consider fostering to see if a breed or size of dog suits you. Before settling on a particular breed, try fostering. You don't need to foster purebred dogs to get an idea for the kind of dog best suits your lifestyle. Fostering can give you a more concrete idea of the size and temperament that you and your family can handle. If you unsure about which kind of dog you'd like, varying the dogs you foster can help you narrow your selection. Get in touch with a local animal shelter and ask them about available programs and more information about how you can started. Consider adopting a dog from a breed rescue group. Rather than buying a dog from a breeder, think about contacting a nearby breed rescue group about adoption. Consider breed rescue groups especially if that particular breed suffers from pet overpopulation. Browse local animal shelters as well. A quarter of dogs in shelters are purebred, and you might luck out and find a puppy or juvenile dog that you're interested in adopting. Look for a humane, responsible breeder. If you're set on purchasing a puppy of a specific breed, be sure that you've done your homework. Make sure you find a responsible breeder who avoids inbreeding, maintains good kennel conditions, and fulfills and exceeds all applicable legal standards. Avoid buying a puppy at your local pet store as they are often bred by puppy mills for quick profit. Make sure your breeder is genuinely interested in the welfare of their dogs. They will ask you plenty of questions about a puppy's potential home and make recognizable efforts to make sure you're a good fit. Don't do business with a breeder who is willing to simply take money without asking you about your fitness as a dog owner. Visit the breeding facility. Pay a personal visit to the breeding facility in order to inspect facilities for cleanliness and quality of life. Don't trust a breeder if they aren't open and welcoming, or if they don't allow you to see the entire facility. Avoid breeders that insist on meeting you at a location other than their facility. This indicates that they are hiding something or don't want you to see unsatisfactory conditions. If you have a specific puppy in mind, meet the stud dog and the brood bitch if possible. If you find the parents' temperaments bothersome, then consider finding a different breeder. Ask the breeder for the puppy's health record. The breeder should volunteer their veterinarian's contact information, and should offer proof that the puppy has received a full vet exam. If they vaccinated the puppy themselves, ask for a record that shows the date of vaccination, its expiration date, manufacturer, and lot number. Breeders who can offer vaccination papers from a licensed vet are generally more reliable than breeders who offer treatments themselves. Ask to see records showing that the puppy's parents were screened for genetic disorders, parasites, and other health concerns. Wait for a litter if you found a great breeder. If you have located a great breeder but there are no puppies currently available, give them your contact information and wait for the next litter. Consider making a non-binding sales agreement, but don't obligate yourself to purchasing a puppy before you have seen, at the very least, its photograph. Ask for a rough timeline from the breeder, and keep in touch to stay informed about new litters. Puppy-proof your home. Before bringing your new puppy home, make sure you put away all hazardous items, such as small objects, breakables, and potential poisons. Look for any objects that might harm your puppy or that your puppy might damage. Tuck away electrical cords and keep an eye on your new puppy around outlets and other electrical hazards. Be sure to purchase a bed, toys, leash, food, and other necessities. Ask the breeder for any specific items that might be useful for that breed of dog. Consult your breeder about whether you will feed your puppy dry or canned pet food. Pick up your puppy when they’re around eight to nine weeks old. A good breeder will keep the puppy with its litter for the first couple months. This provides the puppy with much-needed early socialization, as it will be used to being around its littermates. A puppy picked up too early can be fearful of other dogs and people. The puppy also benefits from not being weaned off its mother's milk too early. Get a veterinary exam within 24 hours of picking up your puppy. Get a complete vet exam and start heartworm and tick prevention right away. Make sure you have documentation of all required vaccinations. Keep in mind a reputable breeder will also provide a guarantee that you can return the puppy if your veterinarian discovers a serious health condition within the first few days of ownership. Begin training your puppy. Get your puppy on a feeding, sleeping, and bathroom schedule as soon as possible. Begin training with command words, like sit, stay, and come. Make training fun and low-stress, especially when you first welcome your new pet into your home. Consider taking it to puppy obedience classes. Ask your vet or breeder to suggest a facility. Establish the same expectations for your puppy as you will have from an adult dog, and be consistent about your house rules from the start. For example, if you don't want your dog to beg for food, don't give it table scraps when it's a puppy. Make sure to take it outside to use the bathroom every two to three hours. Puppies haven't yet developed control over their bathroom functions, so don't get upset with it if it has an accident. | Find a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle. Look at a breed guidebook. Get information from your prospective breed’s club. Consider fostering to see if a breed or size of dog suits you. Consider adopting a dog from a breed rescue group. Look for a humane, responsible breeder. Visit the breeding facility. Ask the breeder for the puppy's health record. Wait for a litter if you found a great breeder. Puppy-proof your home. Pick up your puppy when they’re around eight to nine weeks old. Get a veterinary exam within 24 hours of picking up your puppy. Begin training your puppy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Sand-Dollars | How to Paint Sand Dollars | Before you paint sand dollars, make sure to clean and harden them. To do this, soak the sand dollars in water for 1-3 hours, changing the water when it turns brown. Then, briefly submerge them in a bleach and water solution and rinse them off. Once they have been rinsed, let them dry for 1-2 hours and then use a paint brush to cover them with a light layer of PVA glue. After the glue has dried, add acrylic paint for precise designs or watercolors for more abstract or muted designs. | Submerge the sand dollars in fresh water to clean them. Place the sand dollars in a container filled with fresh water. As the sand dollar sits, the water should start to get brown. When the water gets to be a murky brown, replace it with fresh water and submerge the sand dollars again. Keep swapping out the water and submerging the dollars in fresh water until it stops turning brown. Fully cleaning the sand dollars could take anywhere from 1-3 hours. Sand dollars can be found in shallow water, in the sand on a beach, or under seaweed. Soak the sand dollars in a bleach and water solution for 5-10 minutes. Pour 1 part bleach and 3 parts cold water into a bucket or container to create your solution. This process will whiten off-white or brownish sand dollars. Wear a pair of rubber gloves and carefully place the sand dollars into the solution to bleach them. Do not soak the sand dollars in the bleach solution for too long or they can crumble. Rinse off the sand dollars and let them dry. Run the sand dollars under cold water from your faucet to remove the bleach and water solution. Leave the sand dollars in a sunny place for 1-2 hours to dry them. Let the sand dollars completely dry before moving onto the next step. Create a 1:1 mixture of water and PVA glue. Pour the PVA, or white glue, into a container and add an equal amount of water. Mix the solution together with a wooden stick or a brush until the glue and water are mixed thoroughly. Applying this solution will harden the sand dollar and make it easier to paint on. Elmer's Glue-All is a popular type of PVA glue. Coat the sand dollars with the glue and water solution. Dip a paintbrush into the glue and water solution. Apply the solution liberally over the top surface and underside of the sand dollars with large, broad strokes. Lay the sand dollars on 2 chopsticks and let them dry. Lay 2 chopsticks or toothpicks on a table so that they are parallel to each other. Then, lay the sand dollar over the sticks so that the chopsticks or toothpicks prop the sand dollar off the surface of the table. This will serve as a makeshift stand and will prevent the solution from coming off the bottom of the sand dollar. Decide whether to use watercolor or acrylic paint. Watercolors will give your design a muted, cloudy image, while acrylic paint will produce richer, more vibrant colors. If you want a more precise design that's easier to control, use acrylic paint. If you like more abstract and blended designs, use watercolors. The way that these paints act on canvas or paper is similar to how they will react on your sand dollar. If you've painted with these mediums before, use your past experience to determine what kind of paint to use. Fill a cup up with water and sit it next to your workstation. You need water to clean off your brush when switching colors. You'll also need to use water to mix and apply watercolor paint. When the water starts to get a murky brown or gray, empty the cup in your sink and refill it with fresh water. Squeeze the paint onto a palette if you’re using tubed paint. If you're using paint from a tube, you'll need a wooden, paper, or plastic palette to mix your paints. Unscrew the cap from the paint and slowly squeeze the bottom of the tube over your palette. Squeeze 1-2 drops of paint for every color that you want to use. You only need 1-2 drops of paint when starting off. Create a design on the sand dollar with a pencil. Softly drawing an outline will help give you an idea of what kind of design you want before you start painting. After you're done creating the outline, you can fill in your drawing with different colors. Dip your brush in water. Make sure that the end of your brush is fully saturated. You'll need a decent amount of water to activate watercolor paint and keep acrylic paint from drying out. Dip your brush into the paint. Take the brush and swirl it around in the paint to transfer it onto your brush. Once your brush is loaded with paint, you can start applying it to the sand dollar. Apply paint to the sand dollar with small strokes. Use small strokes at first to see how the paint reacts to the sand dollar. Follow along with the outline that you drew or follow the natural contours of the sand dollar. If you're using watercolor, you'll have less control over how the paint will react once it makes contact with the sand dollar. Clean your brush in the cup of water before you switch colors or it could make your design look murky and brown. If you want to paint the top and bottom surface of the sand dollar, make sure you let it dry before flipping it over. If you're using acrylic paint, let the paint dry before applying a second coat so that the colors don't blend together. Let the sand dollar dry. Sit the sand dollar out for 3-4 hours and let it fully dry. Touch the surface of the sand dollar to make sure that the paint has dried before handling it or you may smudge the paint. Blend colors together when using watercolors. Watercolors are meant to blend together for an abstract look. Play around with how the colors blend together and bleed into the sand dollar to create a design. Take notice of the natural contours of the sand dollar and make strokes along natural lines and creases. Apply a second coat of paint for bold colors. Use your brush and go over sections of the sand dollar with the same color that you put down for your first coat. This will deepen colors and make them pop. You can do this with both watercolor and acrylic paint. Decorate the painted sand dollar with a marker. Use a fine point felt-tip marker to create additional designs on the surface of the sand dollar once it has dried. You can write your name, a quote, or embellish your current design. Use glitter acrylic paint to make your sand dollar pop. Glitter acrylic paint can make your sand dollars sparkle. If you want to add a glitter effect to your sand dollars, purchase this special paint online or at an arts & crafts store, then use it as you would regular acrylic paint. Coat the sealer in a polymer acrylic varnish to make it shiny. Adding an acrylic varnish on top of the dried paint will seal in the colors and will give the sand dollar a shiny finish. Purchase a polymer varnish online or at an arts and crafts store and read the directions before using it. Then, apply a coat over the top surface and underside of the sand dollar. Let it dry overnight before handling it. Some polymer varnishes need to be mixed with water before they are used. Polymer varnishes can either be sprayed onto the sand dollar or applied with a paint brush. | Submerge the sand dollars in fresh water to clean them. Soak the sand dollars in a bleach and water solution for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off the sand dollars and let them dry. Create a 1:1 mixture of water and PVA glue. Coat the sand dollars with the glue and water solution. Lay the sand dollars on 2 chopsticks and let them dry. Decide whether to use watercolor or acrylic paint. Fill a cup up with water and sit it next to your workstation. Squeeze the paint onto a palette if you’re using tubed paint. Create a design on the sand dollar with a pencil. Dip your brush in water. Dip your brush into the paint. Apply paint to the sand dollar with small strokes. Let the sand dollar dry. Blend colors together when using watercolors. Apply a second coat of paint for bold colors. Decorate the painted sand dollar with a marker. Use glitter acrylic paint to make your sand dollar pop. Coat the sealer in a polymer acrylic varnish to make it shiny. |
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