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https://www.wikihow.pet/Tell-if-a-Cat-Is-in-Labor

How to Tell if a Cat Is in Labor

To tell if a cat is in labor, keep an eye out for physical and behavioral changes. The cat may seem restless and start pacing around the room. You might also notice it eating less and less. Cats often eat little to nothing in the few days leading up to labor. As well as behavioral changes, you may also notice that a cat's body starts to change. For example, its nipples and mammary glands should become enlarged as it's preparing to give birth. If you notice your cat licking its genitals and nipples, it's getting ready to go into labor. The cat's temperature will also drop a degree or 2 just before it gives birth. However, if your cat's temperature rises, it starts to bleed excessively, or you notice a foul smelling discharge, call your vet as soon as possible, since these could be signs of labor complications.

Observe the cat looking for a nest. In the days leading up to queening, a pregnant cat will start looking for a nest, or suitable place to give birth to and care for her kittens. Many cats that are about to give birth will seek privacy, like a closet or other hiding spot. If you notice yours investigating areas like this, you can lay a blanket or towels down to make it more comfortable. You can also offer your cat a nest, such as a cardboard box. Be aware that many cats will want to choose their own nest, and may even change locations. Look for changes in behavior. As her due date approaches, your cat may begin to appear restless, and pace around frequently. You may also notice her changing habits. For instance, if you have a cat that is normally aloof, she may become more affectionate near her due date, or vice versa. Notice if your cat skips a meal. Pregnant cats will typically eat more than usual. Once queening nears, however, they may have a reduced appetite or even stop eating all together. Watch for your cat to wash her genital area. The onset of queening entails physiological changes, which your cat will start to sense. In particular, you may see her washing or licking her genital area. This may or may not be accompanied by a mucous discharge, which signals that labor is very near. Take the cat’s temperature. Checking a cat's temperature beginning around the 60th day after breeding can give a relatively reliable indication that queening is near. Even if you aren't sure of the breeding date, regularly checking your cat's temperature once it is quite pregnant can be a useful indicator. Rectal temperature of a pregnant cat varies between 100.5 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit Within two hours before labor, rectal temperature should drop, as much as 2 degrees. Observe your cat’s physical condition. When a pregnant cat's queening date approaches, its nipples and mammary glands will enlarge. Your cat may also begin to lick its nipples. Other physical signs include a descended (dropped) abdomen, and an enlarged and softened vulva. All of these signs should be fairly obvious upon visual inspection. Pay attention to your cat’s breathing patterns. If you suspect that queening is imminent, and your cat allows you to get near it, listen closely to its breathing. Its breathing rate may become more rapid, and it may even begin to start panting. Your cat may also purr rhythmically and continuously. Feel for straining and tension in the abdomen. When birthing is very close, your cat will begin to have contractions. You can tell if these are happening by gently feeling its abdomen. Tension and straining in the abdominal area likely signify that contractions are taking place. You may also be able to see your cat's abdomen contracting and releasing. Your cat may lay on its side during this time, making an inspection easier. Call a vet if labor is prolonged. Most cats are able to queen all by themselves. Keep a close eye on yours if it looks like labor is about to begin, however. If signs (such as contractions) indicate that you cat is in forceful labor, but nothing happens after an hour of effort, contact a vet immediately. He or she can determine how to help your cat. Observe your cat closely if its temperature increases. Checking your cat's temperature will not only indicate when queening is near, but also if there are potential problems. Normally, a cat's temperature will drop near queening time. If your cat's temperature rises, watch it closely and check it again as soon as possible. If the temperature is still higher than normal, contact a vet. Look for suspicious discharges. Some bleeding may accompany the queening process. Pregnant cats will also have discharges of mucous and amniotic fluid when birthing is near. However, if you notice excessive bleeding or a foul smelling discharge, contact a vet, as these signs may indicate a problem. Pay attention if your cat seems in pain. Queening will entail some discomfort and behavioral changes, so it may be difficult to tell if your cat is all right. Most cats will queen just fine all by themselves. However, if your cat bites its genital area or cries and licks at it, consider calling a vet to rule out any potential problems. Watch out for warning behaviors. Approaching labor will cause your cat to behave unusually. Lethargy and depression, however, are not commonly associated with labor and may indicate an issue. Contact a vet to describe the behavior and get recommendations about what to do.

Observe the cat looking for a nest. Look for changes in behavior. Notice if your cat skips a meal. Watch for your cat to wash her genital area. Take the cat’s temperature. Observe your cat’s physical condition. Pay attention to your cat’s breathing patterns. Feel for straining and tension in the abdomen. Call a vet if labor is prolonged. Observe your cat closely if its temperature increases. Look for suspicious discharges. Pay attention if your cat seems in pain. Watch out for warning behaviors.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Roses-Last-Longer

How to Make Roses Last Longer

To make roses last longer in a vase, start by filling a clean vase with distilled or purified water. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water for plant food, and trim 1 inch from the stems before placing them in the water. Be sure to keep the vase away from direct heat and sunlight, and place the flowers away from fruits and vegetables, which release a gas that encourages quick blooming. Remember to change the water every 1-3 days, and trim 1 inch from the stems each time you refill the water!

Start with a clean vase. Before putting your roses on display, run your vase through the dishwasher or wash it thoroughly by hand with warm water and antibacterial soap. Using a clean container is important, as dirty vases often harbor germs and mineral and chemical deposits from tap water. If you use the same vase regularly, get in the habit of scrubbing it out between uses. Make sure the inside of the container is spotless. The residue left behind from previous flowers can also speed up the deterioration of your new roses. Fill your vase with distilled or purified water. Use bottled water to keep your cut roses moist, or invest in a water purification system to filter the water that comes out of your faucet. Roses do best in water with as close to a neutral pH as possible, which won't cause them to shrivel and discolor the way water that's too hard or soft will. If you're using tap water in your vase, allow it to sit in the refrigerator overnight to give the chlorine time to dissipate before adding the roses. Water purification tablets can also help bring questionable water to a more amenable pH in a pinch. Drop in the specific number of tablets recommended in the product instructions for the amount of water you're using and wait at least 30 minutes before adding your roses. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water in your vase. Ordinary granulated sugar is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep cut flowers nourished. A good rule of thumb is to use roughly 2 tablespoons per quart of water. The roses will absorb the sugary solution through their stems and convert it to beneficial glucose, which will keep their cells and tissues lush and full. Avoid using sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, saccharin, or stevia. Since these substances don't break down the same way chemically, they won't have the same effective on your roses. It's important to remember that flowers are living things that need to eat, too, even if they've already been cut, stuck in a vase, and used to decorate your home. Keep your roses away from direct sunlight and heat. Similar to produce, keeping cut flowers cool helps preserve them after they've been picked. Generally speaking, the cooler the environment, the better your cut roses will fare. Resist the temptation to situate them on a windowsill or in a picturesque sunbeam for long periods of time. Intense heat will quickly cause them to wither. Consider refrigerating your roses overnight, or anytime you don't have them sitting out. Just make sure you keep them away from refrigerated produce, as the gases released by stored fruits and veggies can be bad for their longevity. If you're displaying your roses in a room that tends to be hot and stuffy, position them where they can receive some airflow, such as next to a main entrance, open window, or air conditioning vent. Display your flowers away from fruits and vegetables. As produce ages, it gives off ethylene, a gaseous compound that causes it to ripen. If your roses are too close, it's possible for the ethylene in the surrounding air to have the same effect on them. For this reason, it's best to choose either a fruit bowl or vase of fresh-cut roses for your centerpiece, not both. Whenever possible, store produce and other fresh food items in the refrigerator. On the flipside, keeping your roses near your fruits and veggies will encourage them to bloom faster if they were cut while slightly immature. Cut your roses early in the day. The countdown on the lifespan of your roses begins when you remove them from the growing plant. So as not to waste a minute, gather your display flowers in the morning while they're still fully hydrated. The warmer it gets outside, the more valuable moisture they'll lose. If you absolutely insist on cutting your roses in the afternoon or evening, do it immediately after watering to give them the best chance of survival. Pass over any roses at the florist or supermarket that appear limp or droopy. There's a good chance these flowers weren't well-hydrated at the time they were cut. Opt for locally-grown blooms if you're buying your roses. They'll last longer since they'll have been picked more recently. Change the water in your vase every 1-3 days. A good rule of thumb is to replace the water as soon as it starts to look cloudy, regardless of how long its been. Refilling your display container regularly prevents bacteria from building up and ensures that your roses have a ready supply of fresh water to draw from. It also keeps the entire arrangement smelling pleasant. Don't forget to add a little sugar to the new water. If necessary, top off the water level between replacements so that it reaches at least halfway up the stems. Trim 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the stems every time you refill your vase. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or blade to cut the stems diagonally. An angled cut increases the amount of surface area in contact with the water. As a result, your thirsty roses will be better able to drink their fill. It's important that each cut you make be clean and precise. Handling your roses with a dull blade can mash the stems, making it harder for moisture to pass through the damaged cells. Frequent trimmings alone can often help cut roses hold on for an extra week or more. Plant your roses in a patch of well-drained soil. Loose, crumbly soils do a better job of allowing water to pass through, which means your roses won't be in danger of rotting or becoming oversaturated. This is essential for helping your roses thrive, as they require much more moisture than other types of flowers. After watering your roses, you should notice the soil beginning to dry out in a matter of hours. Most varieties of roses prefer a soil with a pH between 5.5-7. You can test the pH of your soil using a home soil testing kit, which are typically available at gardening centers, greenhouses, and plant nurseries. If you live somewhere with wet, soggy conditions year-round, consider mixing one-third sand or gravel into your growing soil to improve drainage. Enhance your growing soil with organic amendments. Spread 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of a natural material like garden compost, cow or mushroom manure, or peat moss over your soil during the spring and summer when the most growth occurs. These additives are full of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that roses need to grow healthy and vibrant. Following the first growing season, continue feeding your roses regularly every 1-2 months. Consult with a horticultural specialist at your local gardening center or greenhouse to find out what amendments will be most beneficial for the species of roses you're cultivating. Mulch around your roses to help them retain moisture. Apply a layer of mulch 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) thick over the entire bed, leaving 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) around the base of the plants exposed for ventilation. Any type of packaged commercial mulch will do just fine, or you can spend some time shopping around for mixtures that have been formulated specifically for use on roses. For a thriftier approach, try recycling garden waste like leaves, wood chips, grass clippings, or even small stones into useful mulch. Be prepared to lay down new mulch once a year in the spring, or whenever the original layer becomes thinner than about 2 inches (5.1 cm). Water your roses 1-2 times a day. The exact amount of water they'll need depends largely on their species and size (as well as unique soil conditions). Your best bet is to wet the soil thoroughly without oversaturating it, then perform a touch test between waterings. When it feels dry, it's time to give them another drink. Keep in mind that roses in containers will dry out more rapidly than those in the ground, which means they'll need to be watered more frequently. Roses are thirsty plants, but care should be taken not to overwater them. Excessive moisture could lead to complications like wilting, blights, or root rot that can easily kill off an otherwise healthy plant. Deadhead spent blooms to stimulate new growth. When you notice an older flower that's begun to droop or lose petals, use a pair of shears to snip the stem back to the first cluster of 5 leaves. Removing dead and dying flowers as soon as you come across them is one of the best ways to keep your roses alive and alluring. Before you do any serious pruning, pull on a pair of elbow-length gloves to protect your hands and arms from wayward thorns. Don't hesitate to also trim any leaves, stems, or offshoots that appear unhealthy while you're at it. It's good practice to inspect your rose plants about twice a week during the flowering season to check for failing blooms. Treat your roses at the first sign of disease. When roses get sick, they invest their energy into fighting off the cause of the disease rather than growing and reproducing. Monitor your roses to look for warning signs like dropped petals, wilting, and discoloration. After cutting back any diseased or decaying foliage, spray the plants with an appropriate chemical or herbal fungicide to prevent any further damage. Lingering moisture is an invitation to harmful bacteria and fungi. You can do your part to prevent disease by planting your roses where they can receive plenty of direct sunlight and allowing them to dry out completely between waterings. Common diseases that affect roses include blight, rust, and black spot. These ailments are often accompanied by visible symptoms such as pustules or dark spots or growths on the underside of the leaves. Prune your roses during their dormant period. The best time to spruce your roses is in later winter or early spring, just before they begin to explode with new blooms. Trim dead wood and older canes down to the greenish-white pith underneath, and don't hesitate to remove more growth than you might think necessary. It's typically safe to cut roses back by a third or even half of their original size. Like deadheading, pruning serves to remove failing sections of the plant so that new growth can flourish. Strategic manicuring also gives you the opportunity to fine-tune the shape and appearance of your rose bushes.

Start with a clean vase. Fill your vase with distilled or purified water. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the water in your vase. Keep your roses away from direct sunlight and heat. Display your flowers away from fruits and vegetables. Cut your roses early in the day. Change the water in your vase every 1-3 days. Trim 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the stems every time you refill your vase. Plant your roses in a patch of well-drained soil. Enhance your growing soil with organic amendments. Mulch around your roses to help them retain moisture. Water your roses 1-2 times a day. Deadhead spent blooms to stimulate new growth. Treat your roses at the first sign of disease. Prune your roses during their dormant period.

https://www.wikihow.com/Attain-Moksha

How to Attain Moksha

Achieving Moksha is all about gaining freedom from the cycle of life, death, and rebirth and the suffering that comes with it. While achieving Moksha is a life-long process, you can start by taking small steps to let go of your desires and your ego. Try to do small acts each day that help other people rather than yourself, like cooking family dinners or giving to charity. You should also work on overcoming your ignorance so you can achieve Moksha. Spend some time meditating on Hindu gods or practicing yoga. The last tenet of achieving Moksha is practicing self-control. Pay attention to the way you react to others, and do your best not to lash out, even when someone makes you angry.

Attain kama by enjoying life's pleasures. Moksha is just one of the 4 major goals that most practicing Hindus hope to attain during their lifetime. Before you can reach moksha , you'll need to first work on mastering the other 3. The first, kama , translates roughly as “desire.” In order to achieve kama , make a mindful effort to enjoy the various pleasures that life has to offer. These pleasures can include enjoying good food, appreciating music or art, or having a fulfilling sex life. You must enjoy these pleasures virtuously—your pleasure should not come at someone else's expense, and it's just as important to give kama as it is to receive it. For example, you can give kama by performing music, creating art, or cooking delicious food for someone else. Work on reaching artha as you get older by building your wealth. Artha can be translated as “success” or “abundance,” which is usually defined in terms of achieving material wealth. As you move into adulthood and the prime of your life, you can achieve artha by building a fulfilling career and establishing a stable and successful household and family. Like kama , artha should not be self-serving. The goal is to grow the wealth and influence of your family, and to share the wealth you obtain with others. It's also important to achieve your success and wealth through honest, ethical means. Focus on behaving virtuously throughout your life to achieve dharma. Dharma is difficult to translate into English, but it is related to the concepts of correctness, order, and balance. To achieve dharma essentially means to live your life ethically and according to your specific purpose, which varies depending on factors like your age, social status, and individual personality. The path to achieving dharma is varied and complex, but some ways that you can do it include: Practicing humble devotion to God ( yagna ) Being charitable towards others ( daan ) Maintaining physical, mental, and verbal discipline ( tapas ) Meditating on what is right and wrong Setting a good example for your family through regular spiritual practice at home Prepare to work towards moksha after attaining the other purusharthas. It can take a lifetime to achieve the other 3 purusharthas , so don't try to rush into attaining moksha. For many people, working towards moksha means renouncing your place in society after living a full life enriched by simple enjoyment, familial and material success, and spiritual devotion. In many Hindu traditions, people seek moksha by cutting ties with society and their personal life after their first grandchild is born. Some people choose to bypass the other parts of the process by becoming a sannyasin (or someone who “puts away everything”) at a young age and living an ascetic lifestyle, detached from society and material things. Let go of your desires and your ego. One of the most important components of achieving moksha is letting go of the things that tie you to your life in the physical world. This is part of the reason that most people renounce society and live a simple, ascetic lifestyle once they are ready to achieve moksha. Practice selfless acts of service, such as helping the sick or needy, to help you let go of your desires and attachments. Doing any kind of task, from cooking a meal to meditating, can be considered an act of service as long as you do it with the intention of helping others without expecting any reward in return. Of course, wishing to achieve moksha is a desire in itself, but many Hindus consider the desire for moksha to be necessary for letting go of all other desires. Work on overcoming ignorance through study and meditation. Ignorance is an obstacle to achieving moksha. In order to overcome it, spend time meditating on ignorance and enlightenment. Some people do this by meditating on a specific god (such as Krishna) or on a general divine or creative force. Another way to overcome ignorance is to practice jnana yoga , a type of yoga that focuses on the study, contemplation, and experience of spiritual knowledge. Focus on achieving self-control. Physical, mental, and emotional self-control are also key elements of achieving moksha. There are a variety of ways to learn self-control, including meditation and yogic practices. Work towards being able to: Remain calm and peaceful even when circumstances around you are chaotic and stressful. Control your speech—i.e., always speak the truth and use your words to help others rather than harm them. Refrain from any sort of violence. Try working with a guru if you need guidance. In many Hindu traditions, working with a guru, or spiritual teacher, is considered a vital part of achieving moksha. Look for a guru who can guide you in your spiritual practice and help you let go of your ego, desires, and attachments. Finding a guru can be difficult. Many practitioners of Hinduism believe that you will not find a guru by actively seeking one. Instead, you have to be patient and have faith that a guru will come to you when you are ready. Until you find a guru, learn what you can from your experiences, your own study, and the people around you. Choose a yoga path that fits your personality. Practicing yoga is a popular path toward attaining moksha. Traditional yoga not only focuses on physical exercise, but also on meditation, spiritual study, and acts of service to others. To achieve moksha through yoga, consider taking up one of the following yoga practices: Bhakti yoga : this form of yoga focuses on prayer, ritual worship, and the glorification of God. Jnana yoga focuses on study, meditation, and spiritual enlightenment. Raja yoga is a classical form of yoga that focuses on physical control, concentration, meditation, and the study of morals and ethics. Karma yoga is centered around acts of selflessness and service to others. Practice tapas if you prefer to work towards moksha alone. Tapas is the practice of self-discipline, and it is regarded in some traditions as the key to attaining moksha. In order to practice tapas , you must spend time alone, living a simple life and focusing on staying calm and detached from the world around you. Doing tapas can involve meditating, studying and reciting spiritual texts, or self-disciplinary practices such as fasting, remaining isolated for a certain period of time, or taking a vow of silence.

Attain kama by enjoying life's pleasures. Work on reaching artha as you get older by building your wealth. Focus on behaving virtuously throughout your life to achieve dharma. Prepare to work towards moksha after attaining the other purusharthas. Let go of your desires and your ego. Work on overcoming ignorance through study and meditation. Focus on achieving self-control. Try working with a guru if you need guidance. Choose a yoga path that fits your personality. Practice tapas if you prefer to work towards moksha alone.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Drama

How to Deal With Drama

If you're dealing with drama, try your best to stay positive and calm, so you can more easily diffuse the situation. Although other people may encourage you to feed the drama, don't give them the reaction they want and keep your emotions in check. When confronted head-on with drama, begin by acknowledging and apologizing for any role you played in it, then see what you can do to resolve the issue. Since drama often starts from a misunderstanding, try to look for common ground with the other party to see if there's a solution that could make both of you happy.

Acknowledge your part in the drama. Humility is one of the best ways to defuse drama, as it takes the energy out of someone's drama. By explaining where the mishap or misunderstanding occurred on your end you can start to defuse the drama. If you did something intentionally, such as “forgetting” to mail an invitation, or refusing to send a thank you note to your mother-in-law, you need to own up to that and explain why you acted the way you did. You'll also need to offer to make amends, if possible. If you made a mistake that led to the drama, you might say, “I misheard you the other day when you said we were meeting at seven. I thought you said eight, and so it's my fault that I was late to the meeting.” If you did something hurtful or unkind that led to the drama, you might say, “I felt that I was being silenced when you said you'd invite whomever you wanted—that's why I 'forgot' to send the invitation to your best friend. It made me feel like my opinion didn't matter. I can call them to extend the invitation now. It's not too late.” Apologize. An apology can go a long way in defusing drama. This goes beyond acknowledging your role, and includes sincere remorse, and often an attempt to ameliorate the situation or offer amends. You should apologize in person, if possible. Subtle cues that let the other person know you are sincere are oftentimes lost in texts or emails. You might say, “I'm sorry I said that I thought you weren't contributing enough. I felt that I was doing a lot and I couldn't see the behind-the-scenes work you were doing.” If you are having trouble with feeling like you ought to apologize, try to conceptualize the other person's feelings and why they might feel that way. You might also want to reflect on why you're having trouble. Is it truly because you believe you did nothing to cause the drama or is it because of pride or fear? Don’t feed the drama. This is where you give the other party the reaction they're looking for. Often, people want, whether they realize it or not, to escalate the drama. They want to feel vindicated for whatever wrong they feel has occurred, even if it is only minor. If, for example, you are late to dinner, and they get angry, don't say, “Well, I would have been on time if it hadn't been for having to pick up your dry-cleaning.” However true that might be, it will only feed the drama. Instead, you might say, “I see why you might be angry. I know you're hungry because you had to skip lunch at work, and they were refusing to take your order until your entire party was here. Can I pick up your tab to make up for it?” Find common ground. Oftentimes, people who create drama feel misunderstood or like people aren't interested in taking the time to get to know them. If you can find common ground, you may be able to defuse the drama. This means taking the time to reflect on their experience and your experience of the situation and figuring out how you both can reach your goals. For instance, if you are making plans with a friend and they say, “You always pick the restaurant. I don't understand why I can't choose for once. You always want sushi, and I'm tired of it.” Whether or not this is true isn't the point. You might respond, “How about we go to the food court at the mall, so we can both get what we want?” By offering something that the other party might find amenable, you can help defuse their anger. Don’t immediately label something as “drama. ” Sometimes you might be tempted to label something as drama when you don't really want to deal with it. It can create drama to call something “drama” that isn't. For instance, if your friend is upset because they were harassed by someone on the street, and you say (having witnessed it), “I think you're just taking it too seriously. Stop making everything so dramatic.” This is dismissive and will likely cause the drama you want to avoid. You should avoid labeling the following as drama: When someone discloses a traumatic experience. When you are called out for racism, sexism, homophobia, or any type of bigotry. When you passionately disagree with a friend about something important to you both. Recognize the difference between bullying and drama. Drama is typically an overreaction by a friend or acquaintance, whereas bullying is any behavior that is aggressive, unwanted, repetitive, and used to assert power. If you feel you are being bullied, go to a teacher, supervisor, human resource representative, or counselor. Drama can turn into bullying, but not all drama is bullying. Breathe. To deal with drama effectively, you're going to have to remember to breathe—and deeply. When you breathe deeply, your body works to calm you down physiologically. Take several deep breaths before continuing the confrontation, and keep reminding your self to breathe slowly in the midst of the confrontation. This will help you keep a cool head as you attempt to defuse the drama. Use “I” statements rather than “you” statements. When you're in the midst of drama, you might be tempted to use a plethora of “you” statements. Avoid saying something like, “You did this! What were you thinking? You were the one who made this mess. You're making me very angry.” Instead say, “I feel like you contributed to this situation. I feel angry that you weren't there when I needed you.” Be mindful of your own emotions. This means not acting impulsively on every emotion you feel in the moment. Instead, name the emotions to your self and ask yourself, “Are these feelings representative of reality?” If they aren't, then let them go. If they are, ask yourself what they best way to convey them is, and what you hope to gain by conveying them. This way, you understand what role your emotions are playing in the drama, and whether they are likely to escalate or defuse the drama. Don’t yell or raise your voice. The tone you use can defuse drama. By keeping your volume at a normal level, you are showing that you are calm even as they try to stoke the flames of the drama. Yelling is a sign that our bodies are physiologically aroused. It can also be damaging to others' health and wellbeing. So, not only will yelling increase the drama, it hurts people and relationships. Keep an open and assertive but not aggressive posture. Keep your posture open. This means uncrossing your arms and relaxing the shoulders. This will help to defuse the drama as it sends subtle cues to the other person that you are calm, but assertive. It can unnerve some people who are loud and aggressive on the outside but insecure and fearful on the inside. To avoid being aggressive in your posture, don't invade other people's space. You'll also want to refrain from being rigid in your stance. Assess the situation. Before walking away from drama, you'll want to understand what's going on and if the conflict can be resolved. You'll want to weigh the various factors, the people involved, the cost of walking away (Will you lose your job? Will you end a friendship?). Assessing the situation should help you gain perspective of what you should do. Determine whether you’ve given a sincere attempt to defuse it. Sometimes it's tempting to give up without even trying. Unless there's a pattern of drama that never seems to get defused (with a co-worker, for instance), you might want to at least give defusing the situation a fair shot. Walk away from the situation. Sometimes, you may just need to walk away from the situation for a small time. You might both be too emotional to solve the conflict in that moment, or the drama may have distorted the situation. In any case, sometimes everyone needs a breather, especially when the drama is from someone we love. Assess the type of relationship you have and what you want with the other person. Are they your spouse, a co-worker, a friend or a casual acquaintance. Do you want to work through the drama? You'll have to discuss this with them, and tell them your feelings. This might create more drama for a period, but that might help you make a decision about whether you want such a toxic person in your life. If you can work through it, then your friendship will be the stronger for it. Walk away from the relationship, if possible. Sometimes this might mean formally ending a relationship (quitting a job or firing an employee) or simply creating distance between you and a dramatic friend. This is a hard choice, but if someone is constantly being toxic, and causing you emotional distress over small things, you need to evaluate the relationship. If someone wants to be friends again and you don't, it's perfectly okay to tell them that. You get to choose your friends, and if you don't want to be friends with someone, no one can force you to do so. You might say, "I'm sorry that I can't be friends with you right now. I've been really hurt by your drama in the past, and I'm not over it. Maybe someday we can be friends again, but not right now."

Acknowledge your part in the drama. Apologize. Don’t feed the drama. Find common ground. Don’t immediately label something as “drama. Recognize the difference between bullying and drama. Breathe. Use “I” statements rather than “you” statements. Be mindful of your own emotions. Don’t yell or raise your voice. Keep an open and assertive but not aggressive posture. Assess the situation. Determine whether you’ve given a sincere attempt to defuse it. Walk away from the situation. Assess the type of relationship you have and what you want with the other person. Walk away from the relationship, if possible.

https://www.wikihow.com/Smile

How to Smile

If you want a bright, cheerful smile, practice smiling in front of a mirror. Pay attention to how your face feels when you're smiling in a way that looks attractive, so you can recreate it later when you're around other people. When you're smiling, your lips, cheeks, and eyes should be engaged. Throughout your day, try to find excuses to smile at people, from strangers walking down the street to your coworker who looks like they're having a bad day. Over time, you'll notice yourself smiling without having to think about it!

Practice smiling regularly. If you practice smiling in front of a mirror, it will become easier, and you'll look less strained when you do it. Practice what you feel to be your most attractive smile, and it will eventually look and feel more natural. Look at photos of yourself smiling in different ways. Decide what type of smile you like best and replicate it in front of the mirror. Once you're comfortable with the smile, practice without a mirror. Practice smiling at random strangers. Simply make brief eye contact with a person and smile. As you do so, think happy thoughts. Not everyone will smile back, but note how you feel when they do. Smile with your eyes. A genuine smile will naturally include your eyes. It is called a Duchenne smile, and it's not something that is easily faked. When you practice smiling, work to include your eyes in the expression so you wind up with a warm, genuine smile. To get a feel for how to make your eyes smile, stand in front of a mirror and practice smiling, but concentrate only on your eyes. You may find it helpful to cover the lower part of your face with a piece of paper. When your eyes do smile, remember how it feels, including which muscles are working and how. With practice, you may be able to smile with your eyes at will by relying on your feelings and muscle memory. Maintain good oral hygiene. You may be reluctant to smile if you are self-conscious about your teeth or breath. Eliminate these worries by taking active steps to ensure that your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible. Brush your teeth and tongue regularly, carry floss wherever you go so that you can clean up after eating, and have breath freshener on you at all times. See your dentist regularly for teeth check-ups and cleaning, as well as discussing options for teeth straightening or other treatments if this is a concern for you. If your teeth are stained, consider any lifestyle habits that contribute to the discoloration, such as smoking and drinking too much red wine, coffee, or soft drinks, and try to cut down them. Look into whitening treatments if that will help boost your confidence. Deal with bad breath. Regular cleaning and breath fresheners should be adequate for basic bad breath. However, if these don't work, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem, so see your doctor for advice. Make your smile genuine. While it is possible to crack a smile when you're in a bad mood, smiling under these circumstances can sometimes make people wary of you because they can tell the smile isn't authentic. Offer a genuine smile to others whenever possible. To ensure that your smile is genuine, don't smile when you just aren't feeling it. If you do, it will give others the impression that you can't be trusted. Remember how it feels when you do crack a genuine smile. Try to regain that feeling each time you smile. Even if you aren't in the best mood, think of something that truly makes you happy before you smile. That can often lead to a genuine smile. Smile when you feel good. A genuine smile comes from being happy and positive. Be happy that things are going well for the person you're talking to, that someone's joke is funny, or that you're about to eat your favorite food. Even when you aren't feeling cheerful, you can still find reasons to smile. Focus on the positive things that are going on in your life and it will be easier to smile. When you're dealing with a person or situation that makes you feel ambivalent and you're not sure whether a smile or not, err on the side of smiling – find one thing that is positive about the person or situation and use that to create your smile. Smile out of love. Think about someone you care about, such as the person in front of you, or something that you genuinely love to do. It's much easier to produce a natural, easy-going smile when you focus on the people or things that you love. If you find yourself in a situation where it's important to smile and you aren't necessarily feeling it at the moment, it helps to have a mental list of people and things that you love to run through in your head to make it easier to smile. Smile when you're feeling playful. When you're having fun or enjoying yourself, it's always easier to smile. See life as an adventure and allow your inner to the child to play by engaging in games, sports, and other leisure activities. When you're playing a game or participating in an activity with friends and family, avoid getting overly competitive. Remember that you are supposed to be having fun, so you'll have an easier time smiling. Smile when you normally wouldn't. Make an effort to smile at times when you usually don't. For example, smile at the bus driver on your morning commute to school or work even if you're tired. Smiles attract attention, but it's the right kind of attention and can help make the world a more positive place. Smiling at work or during other professional occasions is not going to make you seem unprofessional. It can actually humanize you and make you appear more approachable so you can communicate with co-workers more effectively. A smile makes you seem "real." It may make you feel more vulnerable, but that means you're opening yourself up to others, which provides the opportunity for more meaningful connections. Expect smiling to be difficult in some situations. Whether it's for a photo or to keep your mother happy when relatives you can't stand visit, smiling on demand can be difficult. That's usually because you lack a genuine reason for smiling. In these situations, try to remember past reasons for smiling and focus on the techniques that you've practiced. For a photo, smile a little harder than you think you should. That will ensure that your smile is as photogenic as possible. If you prefer to smile with your mouth closed, try placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth. That helps tighten the muscles in your face and neck for a more natural smile. Enjoy the many benefits of a smile. To encourage yourself to smile, it helps to understand the benefits that a smile can bring to your day. You'll smile more often if you know how it affects the way you feel and interact with others. Smiling improves your appearance. A person who is smiling is usually thought of as more attractive than someone who is frowning, pouting, or sporting a blank expression. A smile can often say more than words can. If you've hurt someone, made a mistake, or are just in a bad mood, a smile can help others know that you're apologetic and want to make amends. Smiling creates trust and rapport. It is a simple way to make other people feel more comfortable around you so it's easier to form a bond and communicate. A smile can make you feel good. Even if you're feeling down, focus on happy thoughts and allow yourself to smile. It can release endorphins that help improve your mood. Smiling can make other people feel good too. An open-mouthed smile is visible from fairly far away, so it can help put almost anyone whose path you cross at ease.

Practice smiling regularly. Smile with your eyes. Maintain good oral hygiene. Make your smile genuine. Smile when you feel good. Smile out of love. Smile when you're feeling playful. Smile when you normally wouldn't. Expect smiling to be difficult in some situations. Enjoy the many benefits of a smile.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Paint-Colour

How to Choose a Paint Colour

To choose a paint color for an interior room, go with a cool color, like blue, purple, or pale green, if you want to create a calm atmosphere. Or, if you want to make a room cozier and more intimate, go with a warm color, like red, orange, or yellow. When you're choosing a color, take into consideration the undertones of any appliances, brickwork, carpeting, or hardwood floors in the room, and try to choose a color that will go well with them.

Stick to colors that appeal to you. Choose your initial batch of potential colors by selecting the ones that make you happy. While there are always recommendations for certain colors and shades by room and home type, it's best to apply these later in the process. Not sure what you like? Print out all of the designs that appeal to you the most and place them side by side. Now, find the color (or colors) that are common among them all. Select designs from calendar pages, magazines, catalogs, panoramic photos, postcards, and fabric swatches. Take note of the rooms that your favorite colors are most common in. Listen to your instincts and choose a color that appeals to you! Don't worry about the current trends. Choose cool colors to make larger rooms feel cozier. Lighter, calmer feelings are usually created by cool colors, which can make empty rooms feel fresh. They work best for a formal or calming atmosphere Cool colors remind us of water and grass and include purple, green, and blue. Choose cooler colors for private rooms that require concentration, rest, and calmness, such as rooms, such as an office, nursery, or bedroom. Formal atmospheres work best by keeping the colors dim with low contrast, such as blue-greens and neutrals. Select cool colors like cerulean blue, aqua, or pale green for a child's room to create a calming atmosphere. Keep in mind that the less saturated a color is, the more calming the effect will be. For example, a muted sea blue will have a more calming effect than a cobalt blue. Opt for warm colors to make spacious rooms feel cozier. Warm colors generally make the room heavier and more dramatic and intimate. They are most often used to create an outgoing atmosphere, which is best achieved by making your warm colors contrasting and bright. Warm colors remind us of warmth and include red, yellow, and orange. Select warm colors for social rooms, such as the dining room, living room, and kitchen. Consider a kitchen that you want to feel open and airy—you can choose a light shade of a bright color, such as soft yellow, to contrast a strong hue of red on your cupboards. Take everything in the room into account when selecting colors. It's easy to focus on walls and ceilings, but don't forget flooring, cabinets, fireplaces, appliances, and other surfaces that still contribute patches of color to the room. Always bear these colors in mind when choosing colors and try to select colors with undertones that align with the room's wood finishes (most often orange, red, golden, and gray). Try to use paint colors that compliment your brickwork colors, enhance steel appliances, and match the veining in your marble. If your living room has a fireplace, considering choosing a tan color, which is slightly warm but fairly neutral. Don't forget your trim! White is a common trim color that is very flexible, but you can also other colors to make a statement. For example, if you're selecting intense warm colors for your living room or dining room, select a warm, creamy tone for your trim to create a nice contrast. If you have lots of colorful furniture, art, and other items in a room, then you may want to opt for a neutral color. On the other hand, if you have mostly muted color furniture and other items, then a bright or bold color might be a better option. Select colors that complement adjacent rooms and spaces" would work better. Try to select a color that flows between rooms. If you're painting a dining room and an adjacent hallway is dark blue, consider a lighter shade of blue. Try varying the placement, intensity, and role (dominant or supporting) of the colors. In the same example, a bedroom adjacent to the hallway can take the same color—dark blue—and make it a supporting color on the ceiling (different location and role) with less brightness (or intensity). In the previous example, you can paint your living room a light blue to contrast with your adjacent hallway. Now, repeat the darker blue for the living room's chairs for a nice contrast that still blends in with the design as a whole. Select colors based on their location on the color wheel. Taking a look at a color wheel is a great way to help you mix colors and create palettes with different contrasts. Learn all of the different rules of the color wheel and use them to select the best color combinations. Choose several shades (more black) and tints (more white) of the same color for a monochromatic scheme, which only utilizes one color. Select colors side-by-side on the color wheel when for minimal contrast that's still relaxing. If you like a more vivid contrast while maintaining colorful balance, choose colors that are found beside each other on the wheel. For example, red-violet, yellow-orange, and blue-green. For a dynamic yet simple complementary scheme, choose 2 hues that are opposite to each other on the color wheel, such as orange and blue. This is a surefire way to inject some energy into your room. You may also incorporate white and black as a way to create contrast for hanging pictures and artwork. Use color selection tools if you're stumped or need some ideas. Many paint manufacturers offer color selection tools on their websites. These programs let you upload photos of your room (or just use a standard image they supply) and "paint" onto it to see how your color ideas look. Try as many combinations as you can to see what works and what doesn't. Here's an example of a color selection tool: https://www.visualizecolor.com/voc#/. You can also get help from the sales associates at a local paint store if you cannot decide what color to choose. Select different finishes to differentiate colors. If you choose the same color for walls and trim, choosing different finishes can make them seem different. For example, select an eggshell finish on walls and satin on trim, or vice versa. Use low-luster or satin finishes on areas you want to have a bit of a shine. These types of paints are easier to clean and are better in high-traffic areas like hallways, kids' rooms, and kitchens. Stick with high-gloss paints for shelves, banisters, or anything you'd like to accent. But be aware that higher glosses tend to bring out imperfections. Choose color palettes that mesh with the style and age of your home. Different color palettes work best with certain home types. For example, a rust-red and terracotta palette will look strange on an American Craftsman home. However, it can do wonders for an adobe-style home, which is defined by rounded edges and stucco walls. If you're unsure of your home's style, find some similar styles in local areas to get a feel for the best palette. Start with colors common with your home style's and then start tweaking them to suit your home's architecture and your taste. Try not to clash your home's color palette with your neighbors. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to choose what you like best. For example, modern colors would work well in a mid-century home, but if you don't like these colors, then go with another option that you do like! Choose 2 neutral colors for every 1 strong hue for trim-rich homes. If your home has lots of trims, such as siding materials, window shutters, and exterior corbels, you have lots of choice for introducing colors. To avoid making your home look chaotic, balance your strong hues with neutral colors or colors that act neutral, such as navy blue. If your door is painted a strong hue of orange, a yellow-orange is another example of a color that can act neutral the place of common neutral colors. Common neutral paint colors are black, gray, beige, ivory, taupe, and white. Distribute neutral colors over the trim and main body of your home. Save bold colors for the singular features such as the front door or shutters. Select colors that mesh with the hue and tone of the finish you don't plan to paint. When it comes to siding materials, such as stone, shingles, steel, and roofing, you probably won't paint them all. Note the ones you don't plan to paint and take them into account when choosing colors. Consider a home where you plan to paint the siding on the second level but not on the main level. If the main level is covered in ivory and gray stone, make sure the paint colors on the second level mesh well with them. Contrast colors with the natural light in your area. The topography, climate, and latitude of your environment can affect colors. For example, areas in the Pacific Northwest that are more overcast can give a muted appearance to strong colors like evergreen, while the unfiltered light experienced in the Southwest can give a lively look to the duller, earthy tones. In general, you should tone down your colors in areas that have high natural light exposure and increase their strength in areas of low natural light exposure. Try noting the light exposure in your area over the course of a week to gauge the average. Don't forget to take different seasons into account—if it's overcast during the summer, you can bet that light exposure will be even less during the winter. Always account for these variations when choosing colors! You can opt for a darker paint color in a room that gets a lot of natural light, however, painting a room that gets little natural light a dark color will make it seem even darker. Highlight the surrounding landscaping. When choosing exterior colors , consider all of the characteristics of the surrounding landscape. It's up to you whether you want to contrast, match, or compliment your yard. For example, a wheat-colored home looks great against ornamental foliage and grasses and creates a matching look. Conversely, a deep charcoal home contrasts the same greens. To compliment your yard, start by choosing an exterior paint that matches the colors of your landscape. Now, increase the intensity of the color or select another hue (bold is best) to highlight the surroundings. If you want to compliment your home's landscape, consider hiring a color consultant—this is the most difficult effect to achieve. Attach test swatches of the top 3 colors to your walls. Apply 2 coats each of your top 3 paint samples to letter-size white foam board (for walls that will be primed) or clear laminate sheets (for an unprimed wall). Afterward, attach the swatches to your walls with painter's tape. Let each board dry completely before painting the second coat. Take 2 photos each of the swatches every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day. To get a feel for how the paint looks throughout the day in different lighting, take photos of the swatches. For indoor paint, be sure to turn lights on and off before each photo during both the day and at night. Be sure to turn the flash off when taking your photos. Decide on the color that looks best on average. Compare all of the photos from your top 3 paint choices and decide on the one that looks best. For indoor paints, consider the ones that look best during the times that you're going to be home more often. Conversely, don't put as much emphasis on paints that look great during times of day you won't be around. If you don't like how any of them look or want some more, try some more swatches. Adjust any new swatches based on your findings. For example, paints that look took dark most of the time can be lightened and vice versa.

Stick to colors that appeal to you. Choose cool colors to make larger rooms feel cozier. Opt for warm colors to make spacious rooms feel cozier. Take everything in the room into account when selecting colors. Select colors that complement adjacent rooms and spaces" would work better. Select colors based on their location on the color wheel. Use color selection tools if you're stumped or need some ideas. Select different finishes to differentiate colors. Choose color palettes that mesh with the style and age of your home. Choose 2 neutral colors for every 1 strong hue for trim-rich homes. Select colors that mesh with the hue and tone of the finish you don't plan to paint. Contrast colors with the natural light in your area. Highlight the surrounding landscaping. Attach test swatches of the top 3 colors to your walls. Take 2 photos each of the swatches every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day. Decide on the color that looks best on average.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Bohemian

How to Be Bohemian

To be bohemian, dedicate yourself to the creation of art and express yourself artistically however you see fit. Reject material possessions and focus on collecting experiences, cultivating relationships, and living in the moment. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of organic fabrics and rock a pair of gladiator sandals to look the part!

Have a couple go-to maxi skirts. You can make a lot of different bohemian outfits with a simple, solid-colored long skirt. Make sure to get maxi skirts that are made of a flowy, stretchy material that isn't too thick or heavy. Try pairing your skirt with a graphic t-shirt and some gladiator sandals. Put on a flowy printed dress. Bohemian clothes are often characterized by bright colors and fun patterns. Find a dress that's made of a loose, light material that moves gracefully in the wind that also has a cool print. Floral and aztec patterns are best. Pair your printed dress with a denim vest and some booties. Wear neutral-colored suede booties. Throw on a pair of slouchy, distressed ankle boots to add a little bohemian flair to your outfit. Booties are versatile and can be an attractive addition to many different outfits. Try pairing your ankle boots with a vibrant high-low dress or tucking your jeans into them. Have a variety of bold headbands and headwraps. Head pieces make the perfect bohemian accessories. Get a few thin and thick ones with varying colors and patterns so that you have a fun bohemian headband or headwrap for every outfit. Trade the headband for a flower crown if you're feeling bold. Get a few pairs of gladiator sandals. This type of sandal is both comfortable and fashionable, and definitely gives off a bohemian vibe. Make sure to go with a sandal that's easy to slip on and off to ensure comfort and versatility. Change it up with a pair of knee-high or high heel gladiator sandals. Wear round sunglasses. Head to the store and pick out a pair of sunglasses that have perfectly circular lenses. These give off an old school hippie vibe that's perfect for achieving a bohemian look. Take it up a notch with some shiny, bright-colored yellow or blue lenses. Show your midriff. Letting a little skin show is the bohemian way. Put on a pair of distressed denim high-waisted shorts with a crocheted bralette or crop top. Create art. Bohemians hold the creation of art above all other pursuits. Many bohemians would quit their day job and move into a tiny studio apartment filled with paints if that's what it took to stay true to their artistic selves. Express yourself in whatever artistic form speaks to you, whether that's drawing, dancing, songwriting, sewing, or something else creative. Reject materialism. To truly be bohemian, try not to focus so much on the “things” in your life, such as your car or your laptop. Historically, bohemians hardly owned anything privately or permanently at all, even homes. Prioritize your experiences, art, and relationships above your physical possessions. Question the rules and popular opinions of society. Bohemians typically don't see the need to have or follow strict rules, and they don't believe in something just because others do. Ask yourself why you believe what you believe. Educate yourself on different political stances and religions in order to keep your mind open. Stay true to yourself. Bohemians often refuse to conform to others' likes and expectations. Instead of spending your time doing what other people do out of habit or ease, really try to discover the things you love and invest in those things. Listen to the music, read the books, and wear the clothes that you like and enjoy. Live for the moment. Bohemians don't get caught up in the future or the past. Do your best to be present in each moment, live without regrets, and make the most of each day. If something goes wrong or you find yourself worried, don't stress or panic. Try to gain some perspective and calmly try to solve the problem. Take time for yourself. Pick flowers, keep a journal, go for walks, or garden. Decorate your home with multicultural items. Embellish your communal areas with exotic poufs, lanterns, rugs, and pillows. This will bring a worldly, bohemian feel to your home. Prioritize comfort. Historically, bohemians were seen as carefree, relaxed, and even somewhat idle. Embrace the lounging mentality by getting furniture that's comfy. Consider purchasing a Moroccan-style day bed where you can lounge all day. Incorporate a lot of textiles into your decor. Since you're going for a bohemian feel, there's really not a limit to how many colors and patterns you can incorporate into your home decor. Try to mix some ikat or kuba cloth into your decor. Keep plants in your home. Try to keep plant life in every room of your home. This will give your guests a natural, earthy vibe that's consistent with the bohemian spirit. If you don't want to bother with taking care of plants, consider getting pillows, throw blankets, drapes, and other decorative items that have botanical prints.

Have a couple go-to maxi skirts. Put on a flowy printed dress. Wear neutral-colored suede booties. Have a variety of bold headbands and headwraps. Get a few pairs of gladiator sandals. Wear round sunglasses. Show your midriff. Create art. Reject materialism. Question the rules and popular opinions of society. Stay true to yourself. Live for the moment. Decorate your home with multicultural items. Prioritize comfort. Incorporate a lot of textiles into your decor. Keep plants in your home.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Percentage-Increase

How to Calculate Percentage Increase

To calculate percentage increase, start by writing down the starting value and the current value. Then, subtract the starting value from the current value. Next, divide that number by the starting value. Finally, multiply the number you got by 100 to find out the percentage increase.

Write down the starting value and end value. For example, let's say your auto insurance premium just went up. Write down these values: Your car insurance premium was $400 before the increase. This is the starting value. After the increase, it costs $450. This is the end value. Find the size of the increase. Subtract the starting value from the end value to find the out how much it increased. We're still working with ordinary numbers at this point, not percentages. In our example, $450 - $400 = a $50 increase. Divide the answer by the starting value. A percentage is just a special kind of fraction. For example, "5% of doctors" is quick way to write "5 out of 100 doctors." By dividing the answer by the starting value, we turn it into a fraction that compares the two values. In our example, / $400 = 0.125. Multiply the result by 100. This converts your last result into a percentage. The final answer to our example is 0.125 x 100 = 12.5% increase in auto insurance premiums. Write down the start value and end value. Let's start with a new example. The world population went from 5,300,000,00 people in 1990 to 7,400,000,000 in 2015. There's a trick to these problems with many zeroes. Instead of counting the zeroes each step of the way, we can rewrite these as 5.3 billion and 7.4 billion. Divide the end value by the starting value. This will tell us how much bigger the end result is than the original. 7.4 billion ÷ 5.3 billion = about 1.4. We've rounded to two significant digits because that's how many there were in the original problem. Multiply by 100. This will tell you the percentage comparison between the two values. If the value increased (instead of decreasing), your answer should always be larger than 100. 1.4 x 100 = 140%. This means the world population in 2015 is 140% the size of the population in 1990. Subtract 100. In this kind of problem, "100%" is the size of the starting value. By subtracting this from our answer, we're left with just the percentage size of the increase. 140% - 100% = a 40% increase in population. This works because starting value + increase = end value. Rearrange the equation and we get increase = end value - starting value.

Write down the starting value and end value. Find the size of the increase. Divide the answer by the starting value. Multiply the result by 100. Write down the start value and end value. Divide the end value by the starting value. Multiply by 100. Subtract 100.

https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Wall-Tiles

How to Remove Wall Tiles

To remove wall tiles, start by heating up the grout between the tiles with a blow dryer so it's easier to remove. Then, use a utility knife or rotary grinder to scrape away the grout until the spacer lugs between the tiles are visible. Next, use a chisel and hammer to pry the tiles off of the wall. If you're not planning on reusing the tiles, you can just break them apart with the chisel and hammer instead of pulling them off intact.

Protect yourself and your surroundings. Wear wrap-around safety goggles, a long sleeved shirt, pants, and work gloves to protect yourself from sharp tile fragments, even if you plan to avoid breaking them. Clear the surrounding area and lay down cloth or tarp to protect fragile surfaces and make cleanup easier. Protect ceramic shower pans and bathtubs from falling tiles by covering them with cardboard. Cover any drains as well, such as by putting tape over them. Decide where to remove the grout. The rest of this section is dedicated to removing grout, which somewhat reduces the chance of breaking the tiles, and makes them much easier to remove. While removing more grout will always help, most people save time and only remove it in the most important areas: When removing a single tile, remove the grout on all sides of it to avoid damaging the others around it. If you are removing an entire wall of tiles, just make sure to remove grout next to the ceiling and floor. Heat the grout (optional). Wall grout is typically easy to remove, but a heat gun or blow dryer can soften hard grout if necessary. If you're only managing to scrape away tiny amounts a time, spend thirty seconds warming up the grout line and try again. Scrape the grout away with a utility knife. This method takes a while, but comes with a low risk of damaging the surrounding tiles. Fit your utility knife in a sturdy holder if you have one, and run it carefully and repeatedly around the tile or tiles you plan to remove. An ordinary grout saw typically does not work for wall tiles, because of lug spacers that connect adjacent tiles underneath the grout. Try a rotary grinder instead. A dremel or other small rotary grinder can remove grout faster than a knife, but can break tiles much more easily if your hand slips. Set the tool to the lowest setting and move it slowly along the grout line. If you have firm control over the tool and the tiles don't crack when you nick them, you can consider increasing the speed of the rotor. You may need to purchase an extra-small head attachment in order to fit between the tiles. Remove grout until the spacer lugs are visible. You don't need to remove every speck of grout, but get rid of most of it to make tile removal feasible. At minimum, scrape away grout until the metal spacer lugs are visible. Try to locate a loose tile. If you plan to remove a whole wall of tiles, try tapping the edge of each one with a chisel for signs of looseness. The first tile is much harder to remove than the rest, so it's worth taking some extra time to see if you can get lucky. If you locate one, use either of the methods below to remove it. Your best bet is in areas where you've removed the grout, and areas with signs of water damage. Chisel tiles away from the wall. This approach should let you save more of your tiles for reuse, unless the tiles are unusually well-adhered or a relatively recent installation. Give it a try by inserting a chisel, putty knife, or other flat tool in between the tile and the wall, almost parallel to the wall. Tap the handle of the tool with a hammer until the tile comes away from the wall. You may need to pry it off in two or three places if firmly attached. If the tiles break instead of coming away, try an air chisel instead. Have an assistant wearing leather gloves catch the tiles as they come away, before they fall. The first tile is generally much harder than the rest. Take your time to tap out the first one, then attack the exposed edge of the next tile. Make sure to be very careful near the edges because the tile will chip easily. If you're only trying to replace 1-2 tiles because they're cracked, use masking tape or duct tape to tape off the tiles you want to remove. Then, tap the tiles with a chisel, starting in the middle and working your way out. Once you get some of the tile pulled away, use your chisel to get behind the tile and tap it sideways to remove the rest. Break the tile if necessary. If your tiles are set directly into the mortar, you'll probably need to give up on saving it and crack it into pieces. Start by using a hammer and chisel to make a hole in the center of the tile, then chisel the cracked tile pieces away, being careful not to damage the surrounding tiles. Eye protection is especially important for this method. Porcelain tiles will break into extremely sharp, glass-like shards. If this happens, consider breaking them from the side with a hammer and chisel instead, to reduce the number of fragments. Clear the area of any remaining setting material. Use a cold chisel to chip away the setting material until the exposed wall surface is fairly even. You may not be able to remove all of the adhesive and grout, but you want to ensure that a new wall tile will sit flush with the surrounding wall tiles once it is installed. Get rid of spacer lugs before attempting to install a replacement tile. These are metal objects that may be left behind during removal. You can remove spacer lugs by snipping them off with utility clippers, breaking them off with pliers, cutting them with a utility knife or sanding them down with sandpaper.

Protect yourself and your surroundings. Decide where to remove the grout. Heat the grout (optional). Scrape the grout away with a utility knife. Try a rotary grinder instead. Remove grout until the spacer lugs are visible. Try to locate a loose tile. Chisel tiles away from the wall. Break the tile if necessary. Clear the area of any remaining setting material. Get rid of spacer lugs before attempting to install a replacement tile.

https://www.wikihow.com/Freeze-Bell-Peppers

How to Freeze Bell Peppers

To freeze bell peppers, start by rinsing them under cold water and cutting them into strips or cubes. Then, cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper so the vegetables don't stick, and spread out your chopped peppers on the paper. Next, place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour. When the peppers are frozen, transfer them into freezer bags, squeeze all of the air out, and seal the bags. Finally, label the bags with the date and store them in your freezer for up to 8 months.

Choose bell peppers that are ripe and crisp. Use overripe peppers immediately in your cooking. Rinse the surface of the bell peppers in cool running water. Cut them in half with a sharp knife. Remove the seeds and the membrane inside the pepper. Cut them in vertical strips or dice them, depending upon how you like to use bell peppers in recipes. You can also do a portion of each and freeze them separately. Find a cookie sheet that will fit in your freezer. Rearrange the contents of your freezer to ensure the cookie sheet has a flat space on which to rest for an hour. Cover the cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the tray. Spread out your strips or your diced bell peppers. Ensure that they aren't in clumps. Each piece of pepper will need air to circulate around the entire piece. Flash freeze the peppers by placing them inside the freezer. Your freezer should be 0 degrees or below. Leave them in the freezer for 30 minutes to one hour. Check that they are individually frozen when you remove them. Lift the bell peppers from the parchment paper with a spoon or flat spatula. Pour the peppers into small freezer bags, approximately one-half to one cup (90 to 175 g) at a time. Squeeze all the air out of the freezer bag. Seal it tightly. If you have a vacuum-sealing machine, it will keep your bell peppers even fresher. Label the bag with the contents and date. Store the vegetables in your freezer for up to eight months. While freezing the peppers may cause a slight loss in texture, you can usually cook bell peppers after freezing them without issue.

Choose bell peppers that are ripe and crisp. Rinse the surface of the bell peppers in cool running water. Cut them in half with a sharp knife. Cut them in vertical strips or dice them, depending upon how you like to use bell peppers in recipes. Find a cookie sheet that will fit in your freezer. Cover the cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the tray. Spread out your strips or your diced bell peppers. Flash freeze the peppers by placing them inside the freezer. Leave them in the freezer for 30 minutes to one hour. Lift the bell peppers from the parchment paper with a spoon or flat spatula. Pour the peppers into small freezer bags, approximately one-half to one cup (90 to 175 g) at a time. Squeeze all the air out of the freezer bag. Label the bag with the contents and date. Store the vegetables in your freezer for up to eight months.

https://www.wikihow.life/Stop-Dry-Heaving

How to Stop Dry Heaving

To stop dry heaving, try eating a small amount of something cold, like ice cubes or a Popsicle. Make sure to keep your mouth closed while you chew so that air doesn't enter your digestive system and make you feel more nauseous. If you feel better with something in your stomach, try eating some bland food like crackers or toast and drink a glass of cold water. You can also try taking an antihistamine, which can help if you are having an allergic reaction. However, if your dry heaving isn't going away, seek medical attention.

Drink plenty of fluids. One of the main causes of dry heaving is that there are not enough fluids circulating in your body, causing fluid imbalance. Your best course of action, then, is to drink plenty of fluids. Remember the rule: drink at least 8-12 glasses of water every day. Sports drinks with electrolytes are also good for correcting this imbalance. If you cannot tolerate liquids due to the bad taste in your mouth, then rehydrate gradually. Start by taking small sips of water, apple juice or mint tea. Dehydration due to dry heaving causes a lot of problems. With the loss of mucus, your body signals your heart to work harder and your kidneys to work double time. When vital organs are stressed, it can lead to total shutdown, which, in worst case scenarios, can lead to death. Chew small pieces of ginger or cardamom to relieve nausea. Aromatic herbs like ginger and cardamom can reduce nausea and help get your dry heaves under control. Chew on a tiny bit of fresh or dried ginger or a cardamom seed and see if your symptoms subside. Eat something sweet to get your blood sugar up. Low blood sugar (or hypoglycemia) is a signal that your body is missing some nutrients that you need to fully function. This can cause dry heaving and also serve as a warning. Luckily, it can be quickly remedied by eating a popsicle or some candy. Maintaining your sugar levels not only prevents hypoglycemia and dry heaving, but also helps in keeping you focused. Eating something sweet will bring glucose to your brain and help transport oxygen to your blood so that it can properly circulate to the different parts of your body. Eat bland food, like toast or soda crackers. These dry, light or somewhat tasteless foods decrease palate sensitivity in the tongue. This reduces dry heaving, gets rid of that bad taste in your mouth, and may even prevent the urge from getting worse. These foods should be soft, not spicy, and low in fiber. A few good bland foods are: Soup, broth, bouillon Rice water Cereals (oatmeal, cream of wheat, corn flakes) Pudding and custard Eggs Tofu Toast Soda crackers Keep your mouth closed while eating. When you chew with your mouth open, you let air into your upper GI tract. This can increase your risk of dry heaves. Chew with your mouth closed to keep air intake to a minimum. You can also reduce your air intake while drinking by drinking from a cup instead of using a straw or drinking directly out of a bottle or can. Avoid foods and drinks with high air content. Eating food with a lot of air in it can aggravate dry heaves. Steer clear of carbonated beverages and beer, as well as foods like ice cream, whipped cream, and omelets. Eat small meals often. Eating a large amount at one time may bring about dry heaves or full-on vomiting. Instead of eating 3 full meals a day, split each meal into 2 and make a 6 meal plan—you're eating the same amount, just spaced out throughout the day. Do not allow your stomach to be empty. This is correlated to maintaining your blood sugar level, in addition to taking pressure off your gastric sphincter. While an empty stomach is a trigger for dry heaving to occur, hypoglycemia should also be taken seriously as it can cause myriad other problems like lightheadedness and nausea. Quit consuming caffeine. Caffeine is a powerful and addictive stimulant that our bodies easily react to. Since it is such a powerful chemical, it can cause the gastrointestinal tract to become hyperactive, leading to dry heaves and vomiting when too much is consumed. To avoid this, limit your caffeine intake to 250 milligrams per day. Coffee, tea and chocolates are not the only goods with caffeine content. See the label for the amount of caffeine on each product you consume. Have something cold. Cold foods and drinks decrease the stimulation of the gastrointestinal system. If you choose something with sugar, that's 2 benefits in 1. However, be sure to only consume what you can tolerate. Start out with a small amount and increase it if you can. Good examples are: Cold, decaffeinated soda Ice chips (put in your mouth and let it melt) Popsicles Sherbet A frozen yogurt bar Take antihistamines (Benadryl). These medications are taken to manage allergic symptoms caused by triggers that can also cause vomiting. Taking antihistamines will help in managing the pain that histamines bring about in case you are dehydrated due to dry heaving. 1 or 2 tablets of an antihistamine like Benadryl should help stop the urge to vomit. Histamine is actually an essential chemical messenger in the brain. Also, it manages water intake as well as drought management in the body. It's when these chemicals flare up in allergic reaction that an anti-histamine comes in handy. Consider taking anti-vomiting/nausea drugs. Medications like Bonine and phenothiazines can be taken to settle gastric contents in your stomach and help stop vomiting. These should be taken once daily or as needed whenever symptoms arise. Talk to your doctor about what's appropriate for you—the dosage will depend upon the severity of your condition. Phenothiazines (Compazine and Phenergan) block dopamine receptors that trigger neurotransmitters for involuntary vomiting. Once these neurotransmitters are blocked, retching will likely cease. Talk to your doctor about anti-anxiety medications. Quite clearly, anxiety causes stress. When you are stressed, a horde of symptoms manifests which can lead to dry heaving. Taking Ativan or Xanax as needed or when anxiety attacks manifest may greatly help if you suspect stress may be the cause of your dry heaving. Alprazolam (Xanax) is usually prescribed in a dosage of 0.25 mg thrice a day for short anxiety attacks. However, correct dosing of anti-anxiety medications should be at your psychiatrist's discretion. These are “downers” and need to be taken carefully as they slow and decrease everything from heart rate to organ functioning. Consider alternative measures like acupuncture. Sometimes alternative measures such as acupuncture and acupressure are also considered to be effective against dry heaving, especially for pregnant women. The principle involved here is that when energy is unbalanced, illness will develop. In order to restore balance, certain points need to be stimulated in order to reduce episodes of dry heaving as well as relax the gastrointestinal tract. This is where acupuncture comes in. If you're not fond of needles, consider acupressure or a deep tissue massage. Mention to your masseuse that you're interested in relieving pressure points for the sake of your health. Hydrate before consuming alcohol. Before a night of drinking, try to drink at least 750 mL (3 cups) of water, or however much you can tolerate. Drinking a lot of water before drinking alcohol prevents you from becoming severely dehydrated. With enough water in your system, alcohol gets diluted and its absorption is slowed, therefore delaying the negative effects of overconsumption, like vomiting and dry heaving. After consuming too much alcohol, alcohol replaces the water in your body, making you dehydrated. You end up vomiting until there's nothing left. That's when dry heaving starts. With more water in your system, dry heaves can be avoided. Eat food high in healthy fats. Fats reduce alcohol absorption in your body. This works the same way as taking in more water. It slows the absorption of alcohol to the body, thereby delaying its effects. However, there is a difference between healthy fat and unhealthy fat. Here are some sources of fat that will keep you feeling energized and healthy: Fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel, and herring Walnuts, almonds, and other nuts Olive, grapeseed, and flaxseed oils Avocados . Relax Anxiety and stress are things we all experience. People who have difficulty coping with stress experience signs and symptoms in the body. This is called “conversion,” a type of defense mechanism against stress and anxiety. Nausea, vomiting and retching (dry heaving) appear with no clear physical cause. In order to avoid this, stay relaxed! Apart from taking anti-anxiety medications, introduce yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your routine. If those aren't up your alley, take a vacation or try a relaxing hobby. Even if it's half an hour of "me-time," it'll help. Avoid triggers like bad smells. An awful and stomach-turning smell can give you the urge to dry heave. Common nauseating odors include smoke, perfume and certain food smells. Try to avoid these if you're feeling especially sensitive to odors, light, and sound. If you cannot avoid it, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth or simply use a handkerchief. Odors trigger dry heaves by sending too many chemical stimuli to the brain. Your olfactory system is highly connected to your digestive system, so a bad smell can produce the urge to vomit. Minimize exposure to motion sickness. Plenty of people feel the urge to vomit when they're suffering from motion sickness. This happens when what we see and what our body thinks is our position aren't in conjunction. Simply driving down a windy road can cause it, as can being on a boat, roller coaster, or any other up-and-down, left-and-right, jostling experience. Try not to listen to people talking about motion sickness. For some unknown reason, a person who listens to people who say that they have motion sickness may get it too. It's like yawning—sometimes it's contagious. To combat motion sickness, look at a fixed object (example: the horizon) while travelling in any vehicle. Fixed views do not stimulate the brain, reducing the urge to heave.

Drink plenty of fluids. Chew small pieces of ginger or cardamom to relieve nausea. Eat something sweet to get your blood sugar up. Eat bland food, like toast or soda crackers. Keep your mouth closed while eating. Avoid foods and drinks with high air content. Eat small meals often. Quit consuming caffeine. Have something cold. Take antihistamines (Benadryl). Consider taking anti-vomiting/nausea drugs. Talk to your doctor about anti-anxiety medications. Consider alternative measures like acupuncture. Hydrate before consuming alcohol. Eat food high in healthy fats. . Avoid triggers like bad smells. Minimize exposure to motion sickness.

https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Attrition-Rate

How to Calculate Attrition Rate

Attrition rate is the rate at which employees voluntarily leave a company. To calculate attrition rate, choose a span of time that you want to examine, like a month, quarter, or year. Next, add the total number of employees on day 1 of the time frame to the number of new employees added during that time frame. Divide your answer by 2 to figure out the average number of employees. Then, determine the number of employees, or the number of attritions, who left during that time. Divide the number of attritions by the average number of employees, then multiply the answer by 100 to convert it to a percentage! For example, say there are 150 employees on April 1. 20 employees left and 25 new employees were hired in April, so there are 155 employees on April 30. Add 150 and 155, then divide the answer by 2 to get 152.5. Finally, divide 20 by 152.5 and multiply the answer by 100 to get the monthly attrition rate, which is 13.11 percent.

Calculate the monthly attrition rate. To calculate the attrition rate for any given month, you need to know the total number of employees at the beginning of the month. Then, you need to know the number of new employees added that month. Finally, determine the number of employees who left. The number of employees who left is the number of attritions. Plug the numbers into the following formula: Attrition Rate = Number of Attritions/Average Number of Employees *100. For example, suppose a telecommunications company had 150 employees as of April 1, 2015. During that month, 20 employees voluntarily left the company. Also, the company hired 25 new employees. First, calculate the average number of employees. The beginning number was 150. If 20 people left and 25 people were hired, then the ending number was 155. The average number of employees for that month can be calculated with the equation ( 150 + 155 ) / 2 = 152.5 {\displaystyle (150+155)/2=152.5}. Next calculate the monthly attrition rate. In this month, 20 people left, and the average number of employees was 152.5. The monthly attrition rate can be calculated with the equation ( 20 / 152.5 ) ∗ 100 =.1311 ∗ 100 = 13.11 {\displaystyle (20/152.5)*100=.1311*100=13.11} The attrition rate for April, 2015 was 13.11 percent. Calculate the quarterly attrition rate. Use the same formula. However, instead of one month of data, you will look at the data for one quarter, which is three months. Suppose the telecommunications company in the above example wants to calculate its attrition rate for the second quarter of the 2015. This would be April, May and June 2015. The beginning number of employees on April 1, 2015 was 150. Over the course of the quarter, 30 people left and 40 new employees were hired. Therefore, the ending number of employees on June 30, 2015 was 150 − 30 + 40 = 160. {\displaystyle 150-30+40=160.} The average number of employees for the quarter was ( 150 + 160 ) / 2 = 155 {\displaystyle (150+160)/2=155}. The attrition for the second quarter of 2015 was ( 30 / 155 ) ∗ 100 = 19.35 {\displaystyle (30/155)*100=19.35} , or 19.35 percent. Calculate the annual attrition rate. For this calculation, you need to know the total number of attritions for the year. Then, you need to calculate the weighted average of employees. Using the weighted average is more mathematically accurate since it smooths the effect of seasonal changes in the number of employees a company has throughout the year. Suppose the telecommunications company in the above example had a total of 62 attrition for the year. They typically hire 20 percent more employees for the last quarter of the year for their busy season. So, they have an average of 155 employees for the first three quarters, and an average of 186 employees for the last quarter. Knowing that there are four quarters in a year, you could calculate the weighted average with the formula ( ( 155 ∗.75 ) + ( 186 ∗.25 ) ) = ( 116.25 + 46.5 ) = 162.75 {\displaystyle ((155*.75)+(186*.25))=(116.25+46.5)=162.75}. You could also use the number of weeks worked. There are 52 weeks in a year. In the first three quarters, there are 39 weeks, and in the last quarter there are 13 weeks. Use the formula ( ( 155 ∗ 39 ) / 52 ) ) + ( ( 186 ∗ 13 ) / 52 ) ) = 116.25 + 46.5 = 162.75 {\displaystyle ((155*39)/52))+((186*13)/52))=116.25+46.5=162.75}. Finally, you could use the number of hours worked. In a year, there are 2080 work hours. In the first three quarters, there are 1,560 hours, and in the last quarter there are 520 hours. Use the formula ( ( 155 ∗ 1 , 560 ) / 2080 ) ) + ( ( 186 ∗ 520 ) / 2080 ) ) = 116.25 + 46.5 = 162.75 {\displaystyle ((155*1,560)/2080))+((186*520)/2080))=116.25+46.5=162.75} The weighted average of employees for this company is 162.75. Calculate the annual attrition rate with the formula ( 62 / 162.75 ) ∗ 100 = 38.09 {\displaystyle (62/162.75)*100=38.09} , or 38.09 percent. Understand the value of projecting the attrition rate. While it's valuable to look at the historical attrition rate, businesses need to be able to project the attrition rate to gauge the company's future performance. The projected attrition rate can be compared to attrition rates in other businesses in the same industry or sector. If an unfavorable attrition rate is projected, businesses can implement strategies now to reduce employee turnover. Learn the formula for annualizing data. If you know the number of attritions for a few months, you can extrapolate this information for the rest of the year. Remember that this number is a projection. It may not take into account seasonal changes that may impact the true attrition rate. Use the formula R a = 1 + R c 12 / N − 1 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle R_{a}=1+R_{c}^{12/N}-1*100}. R a {\displaystyle R_{a}} = annualized attrition rate R c {\displaystyle R_{c}} = cumulative attrition rate N {\displaystyle N} = the number of time periods observed. Annualize the attrition rate from monthly data. Suppose a company wants to use data from January to May to annualize its attrition rate. On January 1st, the company had 2,050 employees. The number of attrition was 125, and the number of new hires was 122. Therefore, the ending number of employees was 2,047. Calculate the cumulative attrition rate to date. The average number of employees was 2,048.5 ( ( 2 , 050 + 2 , 047 ) / 2 = 2 , 048.5 {\displaystyle (2,050+2,047)/2=2,048.5} ). The cumulative attrition rate was 6.1 percent ( ( 125 / 2 , 047 ) ∗ 100 = 6.10 {\displaystyle (125/2,047)*100=6.10} ). Annualize the attrition rate. The cumulative attrition rate is 6.1 percent and the number of time periods observed is 5 (January through May is five months). R a = 1 +.061 12 / 5 − 1 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle R_{a}=1+.061^{12/5}-1*100} R a = 1.061 2.4 − 1 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle R_{a}=1.061^{2.4}-1*100} R a = 1.153 − 1 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle R_{a}=1.153-1*100} R a =.153 ∗ 100 = 15.3 {\displaystyle R_{a}=.153*100=15.3} The annualized rate of return is 15.3 percent. Project the quarterly attrition rate. Use the same formula, only instead of 12 months, use 3 months. For example, suppose the same company in the example above wanted to use its April and May data to project attrition for the entire second quarter. On April 1st, the company had 2,049 employees. The number of attritions in April and May was 37, and the number of new hires was 35. Therefore, the ending number of employees as of May 31st was 2,047. Calculate the cumulative attrition rate for the quarter. The average number of employees was 2,048 ( ( 2 , 049 + 2 , 047 ) / 2 = 2 , 048 {\displaystyle (2,049+2,047)/2=2,048} ). The cumulative attrition rate for those two months was 1.81 percent ( ( 37 / 2 , 048 ) ∗ 100 = 1.807 {\displaystyle (37/2,048)*100=1.807} ) Extrapolate the attrition rate for the rest of the quarter. The cumulative attrition rate is 1.81 percent and the number of time periods observed is 2 (April and May). R a = 1 +.0181 3 / 2 − 1 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle R_{a}=1+.0181^{3/2}-1*100} R a = 1.0181 1.5 − 1 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle R_{a}=1.0181^{1}.5-1*100} R a = 1.02727 − 1 ∗ 100 {\displaystyle R_{a}=1.02727-1*100} R a =.02727 ∗ 100 = 2.727 {\displaystyle R_{a}=.02727*100=2.727} The projected attrition rate for the second quarter is 2.73 percent. High attrition rates can damage a company’s brand. Customers rate their satisfaction with a company largely on their relationship with its employees. Customers may think they are purchasing inferior products or receiving diminished services because of the change in personnel. They may attribute this to lower staffing levels or lack of morale and motivation on the part of the remaining employees. Attrition rates impact the bottom line. If businesses lose customers due to high attrition rates, this naturally impacts the bottom line. One study concluded that high attrition rates impacted one company's profitability by as much as 400 percent. They looked at different branches of a temporary help services firm. The branches with the highest attrition rates tended to be about four times less profitable than those with the lowest attrition rates. Improving employee retention rates can save businesses money. When an employee leaves, a company may spend as much as one-fifth of that employee's salary to replace that employee. If a business experiences a high rate of attrition, this can represent a significant cost. Productivity losses when someone leaves, the cost of hiring and training a new employee and slower productivity until the new worker learns the job contribute to these costs. Companies can avoid these expenses by implementing policies that improve employee retention. Workplace flexibility, accrued sick time and paid family leave may help reduce loss of employees.

Calculate the monthly attrition rate. Calculate the quarterly attrition rate. Calculate the annual attrition rate. Understand the value of projecting the attrition rate. Learn the formula for annualizing data. Annualize the attrition rate from monthly data. Project the quarterly attrition rate. High attrition rates can damage a company’s brand. Attrition rates impact the bottom line. Improving employee retention rates can save businesses money.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hike

How to Hike

Before you hike, break in a pair of hiking boots or trail shoes, and pack a backpack with essentials, like food and water, extra layers of clothes, and a first aid kit. Then, invite some friends or family to go with you since there's safety in numbers, and start at a trailhead, where you'll find a sign with the hike's name, length, and special features. Once you head out, look for trail markers, and make sure to follow only the ones for your trail. Additionally, make your way at a comfortable speed, taking plenty of breaks to rest and rehydrate.

Buy a local guidebook. Hiking guidebooks are essential when it comes to finding the right hike for you. Local guidebooks will also tell you all about the natural landscape around you--from wildflowers you will see while hiking during different seasons, to the types of birds you will see flying overhead. You should be able to purchase a local hiking guide at your local bookstore, outdoor adventure store, or at your regional park's visitors center. You can also purchase them online. You can also search online for hikes in your area. Chances are, you will find a bunch of websites detailing some great hikes right near your house--even if you live in the heart of a city like San Francisco. (If you actually do live in SF, go check out the Marin Headlands!) Start small. If this is your first time hiking, you should choose a relatively easy hike. Look for short day hikes that are a manageable distance for your abilities. If you rarely ever go out into nature, you might want to stick with a flat one or two mile track. For others who exercise regularly, an easy five mile round trip hike may be more your style--it's really up to you. Just don't push yourself too hard your first time out. Bring lots of water. One of the most important things to know when learning how to hike safely is that you need to bring the right amount of water. Staying hydrated is really important, so drink a good amount of water before you head out on your hike. Bring more water than you think you will need--it's better to carry extra water than not bring enough and become dehydrated. A good rule of thumb is to bring at least one liter of water per person for every two hours of hiking. Bring even more if the hike is particularly hot or strenuous. Pack your backpack. Depending on the length of your hike, you may consider bringing different things. In general, however, you should always bring some sort of energy-boosting snack (you can never go wrong with trail mix ), a knife of some kind (Swiss Army knives are great), a compass and map, a flashlight, matches or a lighter, and an extra layer of clothing (in case the weather changes suddenly) and snacks You could also consider bringing a first aid kit, binoculars, etc. Just remember that you don't want to weigh yourself down with unnecessary items. Always bring plenty of water, though. If you are going for a hike during the coronavirus pandemic, make sure to bring a face mask and wear it whenever you are near other people on the trail. Protect yourself from the sun. Along with the other items you have packed in your backpack, you will also need to bring supplies to protect you from the sun. This includes sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Getting sun poisoning or skin cancer is no laughing matter, so do anything you can to protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays. Wear the right shoes. It's important to wear shoes that will make your trailblazing easier. Skip the flip-flops and go for lace-up shoes that give you good arch support. If you can, wear hiking boots or trail shoes--these will be the best for maneuvering in rough terrain. Combat boots are also great--these can be worn for a long time on rough terrain and still be comfortable. If it's tick season, tuck your pant legs into your socks--you don't want to get bitten and infection from ticks spread to you. If you have new shoes that you've never worn before, break them in before you set out on your hike. If you don't, you could end up with some nasty blisters on your feet. Ask some friends or family to go with you. Beginning hikers should stick together or go with more experienced hikers before they head out on the trail by themselves. This is because it is much more difficult to get help if you are hiking solo and something happens to you. Plan a hike and ask your friends to come along for the fun of it, but also as a safety precaution. If you do decide to hike solo, let someone else know where you are going and when you plan to be back. Tell them you will contact them after you are done with your hike. Do not forget to actually contact them or they may call emergency services. Know what to do in case of an emergency. While it is more than likely that your hike will go perfectly smoothly, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Carry a first aid kit with you, and bring your cellphone. Be prepared, however, that you may not have reception out in the woods. For an extensive guide on how to survive in the wild, click here. Begin at the trailhead. Each trail begins with a trailhead--a sign that generally states the name of the trail and the distance to the end (or how long the loop is.) Other trailhead, like those in national parks, will have a map of all of the other trails your trail connects to, as well as different things to look out for while hiking. If you cannot find a trailhead, you may not be at the right location. Ask someone for directions. Other trails might not have a trailhead--this fact will be specified in your trail guide. Look for trail markers. When you are out hiking, you will inevitably come across a fork in the road. Follow the trail markers that say your trail's name. If there are no markers available (which is relatively rare) consult your map and look for cairns. Cairns are stacks of rocks that rangers make to show hikers the correct path to take. You may see small trails branching off from your trail. Do not follow these--often they are simply deer and other forest creature paths that will lead you into uncharted territory. Park rangers and trail maintenance people generally block off these sort of faux-trails by dragging fallen tree branches across the path. Obey all signs. If you see a sign that says “Stay on the trail” you should--you guessed it--stay on the trail. It is more than likely that that sign is there because there is revegetation happening in the area. When too many people walk in areas other than the path, they can do serious damage to the vegetation. You will also most likely see a sign that says do not feed wild animals. This is really good advice, as feeding wild animals can hurt both you and the animals. Do not feed wild animals--no matter how cute they look. Take breaks and rehydrate. Hiking is not a race, but rather an activity that you can do at your own speed. Don't be afraid to slow down if you are feeling tired. Drink water throughout your hike and sit down for a rest whenever you feel the need to do so. Look out for critters that might be underfoot. Be aware that when you are hiking, you are passing through the home of many different creatures--from the smallest bugs, to the biggest bears. Do not ever try to approach or interact with wild animals because they are just that--wild. In particular, look out for snakes. Be careful when walking in rocky areas where snakes are known to reside--stepping on a snake is never a good thing. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. This is a saying we are taught when we are young but it remains true. The wilderness is a place of beauty that must be respected. Do not throw your trash on the ground, disturb the peace by blasting music or talking at the top of your lungs. Do not take rocks, plants or animals with you when you leave the trail--if you do, you are disrupting the beautiful ecosystems around you. To be a true hiker, you must respect nature.

Buy a local guidebook. Bring lots of water. Pack your backpack. Protect yourself from the sun. Wear the right shoes. Ask some friends or family to go with you. Know what to do in case of an emergency. Begin at the trailhead. Look for trail markers. Obey all signs. Take breaks and rehydrate. Look out for critters that might be underfoot. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.

https://www.wikihow.life/Lose-Weight-and-Gain-Muscle

How to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle

To lose weight and gain muscle, replace unhealthy process foods, like packaged chips and frozen dinners, with foods that are high in protein, like lean beef, chicken, and eggs. You should also try to do cardio exercises, like running and biking, 4 days a week for 30 minutes at a time, which will help you burn calories. To build muscle, do strength training exercises, like squats and dumbbell presses, 3 days a week with a day off in between.

Calculate your ideal daily caloric intake. In order to lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. That means you need to burn more calories than you consume. You can use an online calculator to figure out how many calories you need per day. Everyone's needs are different, so use a calculator rather than just looking at general guidelines. Once you have your estimated calorie guideline, subtract 300 calories from that number. For example, if the calculator suggests that you need 1800 calories per day, you'll want to consume 1500 to lose weight. Remember that you need plenty of energy in order to work out, so don't plan to drastically cut calories. Talk to your doctor about your nutritional needs. Choose whole foods to get the most nutrients. Pick foods that will provide you with energy and give your body what it needs. Whole foods (foods that are unprocessed or barely processed) are the best fuel for your body. They can also help you lose weight, as they typically have less fat and sugar than processed foods. Examples of whole foods include: Fruits Vegetables Legumes Tubers Whole grains Increase your protein intake to build muscle and feel full. When you reduce your caloric intake, you may need to increase your protein intake to help build muscle. Aim to eat about 0.36 grams (0.013 oz) of protein per pound of body weight (0.9 grams per kilogram of body weight). You can eat a variety of healthy proteins such as: Chicken Turkey Salmon Tuna Eggs Dairy Aim to lose 1-2 lbs per week. Slow and steady is the key to healthy weight loss. Plus, if you lose weight too quickly, you will also lose muscle. Your goal should be sustained weight loss of 1-2 lbs per week. Strength train for 45 minutes 3 times a week to build muscle. The best way to build muscle is to start a weight lifting routine. You can use either free weights or machines, or a mixture of both. Schedule 3 workouts per week, and plan to train for about 45 minutes. Alternate days, rather than doing 3 sessions in a row. Consider joining a gym. You will have access to all of the equipment that you need, plus a staff that can guide you. Include leg exercises in each routine. Your legs are a major muscle group, so you want to work them each time you train. If you're working out at a gym, ask a staff member to show you how to work the weight machines. Make sure to exercise your hamstrings, quadriceps, and inner and outer thighs. If you're using free weights, you should choose to do some of the following exercises each session: Squats Lunges Deadlifts Perform both push and pull exercises to get a complete workout. To get the most from your workout, you want to push weights and pull them, so that you hit your muscles from all angles. Effective push exercises include bench presses and overhead presses, as well as tricep dips. Pull exercises include rows and pull ups. The amount of weight you use depends on your fitness level. You might start with a 5 lb weight, and gradually add more. The same is true with the number of sets and reps you should complete. Generally, you'll probably start with 10-12 reps and 2-3 sets. Complete core exercises to build abdominal muscles. In order to get rock hard abs, you need to work your core. Doing this will also help increase overall strength and stabilization. Add planks to your routine. Start with holding a plank for 30 seconds a session. Gradually increase your time to 2 minutes. You can also add in 1 armed side planks to work your obliques. Do hanging knee raises. Hang onto a stable bar at the gym. Lift your knees towards your chest and lower them back down for 1 rep. You might only be able to do a couple at a time at first, but you can work your way up to doing 10-12 in a set. Keep a training journal to track your progress. Each time you workout, write down how many reps you do of each exercise, and how heavy the weights were. You'll have a record of where you started and note the areas where you have improved. You can use a standard notebook or use an app to keep your notes. Consider meeting with a trainer if you’re new to weight training. It's really important to have good form when you work with weights. If you're new to this type of workout, it might be a good idea to consult a trainer. If you work out at a gym, ask about setting up a session with a trainer. Many gyms will offer a complimentary introductory session. A regular trainer might be beyond your budget, and that's okay. You could also watch videos from reputable sources online to get an idea of what great form looks like. Good sources include ACE training videos, videos made by physical therapists and kinesiologists, and videos from certified personal trainers. Incorporate stretching to help prevent injury. Make a point to stretch after each workout. Aim for 5-10 minutes each session. You don't have to stretch every muscle in your body, but make sure to release the tension from the areas that you worked that day. Do simple toe touches to stretch out your legs. Stretch your arms straight at shoulder level so that look like a T. Face your palms up toward the ceiling. Slowly rotate your palms down toward the floor, keeping your arms in the T position. Hold the stretch for a moment, then rotate your palms back toward the ceiling. Repeat this stretch 4-5 times in each direction. Swap lengthy cardio sessions for HIIT. HIIT sessions are a great way to get your heart rate up and get you quickly into the fat burning zone. These are a great choice, because while lengthy cardio sessions can burn a lot of calories, they can also break down muscle as well as fat. When you're looking to build muscle and lose weight at the same time, HIIT workouts are your best bet. Warm up for 3-5 minutes. Let your body ease into the workout by slowly getting started. Choose any simple exercise as a warm up, and do it for a few minutes before starting your intervals. You might: Move through a cat/cow flow Do arm circles and swings Swing your legs forward and back Slowly jump rope Work at your hardest point for 60 seconds. It doesn't matter what you do for 60 seconds. It just matters that you are pushing yourself to the absolute limit for 60 seconds. Obviously, you should be able to breathe, but talking in complete sentences should be very difficult. Set a timer on your phone or watch so that you know when time is up. Great exercises to incorporate include: Lateral lunges Jumping jacks Sprints Slow down and recover for 2-4 minutes. Now you want to bring your heart rate back down for a short time. You'll keep working, just not at the same pace. During these recovery periods, you could do sit-ups or push-ups, walk on a treadmill, or ride at a gentle speed on a stationary bike. You want to keep burning calories, but get your breath and strength back. Complete 1-3 HIIT workouts per week for the best results. Ideally, you should aim for 2-3 20-30 minute sessions per week. Alternate days, so that you do strength training 1 day and HIIT the next. You can download HIIT apps on your phone to guide you through workouts. Many gyms offer HIIT classes, if group exercise is your thing. Super high-intensity workouts can strain your heart. If you get up past 80% of your maximum heart rate during your HIIT workouts, limit them to once per week to give your heart time to recover and build strength.

Calculate your ideal daily caloric intake. Choose whole foods to get the most nutrients. Increase your protein intake to build muscle and feel full. Aim to lose 1-2 lbs per week. Strength train for 45 minutes 3 times a week to build muscle. Include leg exercises in each routine. Perform both push and pull exercises to get a complete workout. Complete core exercises to build abdominal muscles. Keep a training journal to track your progress. Consider meeting with a trainer if you’re new to weight training. Incorporate stretching to help prevent injury. Swap lengthy cardio sessions for HIIT. Warm up for 3-5 minutes. Work at your hardest point for 60 seconds. Slow down and recover for 2-4 minutes. Complete 1-3 HIIT workouts per week for the best results.

https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Male-Model-Portfolio-Pictures

How to Take Male Model Portfolio Pictures

To take high-quality male model portraits outdoors, shoot at the beginning or end of the day when the sunlight offers a soft, natural lighting. Avoid taking pictures in the daytime when the light can be too bright. As you set up the shot, make sure to choose a background that contrasts with the model's clothing or skin color. Don't hesitate to provide instructions or professional opinions, but make sure to make the model feel relaxed and comfortable.

Shoot outdoors unless you have a near-professionally lit indoor space. You will save yourself 100's of headaches if you just shoot outside, aiming for the 1.5 hours after sunrise or before sunset. This is known as the "golden hour," when sunlight naturally diffuses through the atmosphere for soft, appealing shadows and well-rounded lighting. Overcast days are great shooting days, as they provide naturally soft lighting as well. You should still avoid shooting from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM, when the sun is directly overhead, however. If you do have to shoot inside, turn on every light and open every window. The more light, the better. Choose a bland, basic background. A great scene or setting in the back simply distracts from your model. A modeling agency doesn't care about the setting of the photo, they care who is in it. A plainly colored wall that the subjects "pops" from is your only concern. Don't match the model with the background. A black man shouldn't be on a dark brown background, and a woman in a bright dress shouldn't be flush against a yellow wall. You want contrast. When taking photos, leave the background out of focus, making the model pop out even more. Ensure your model is evenly lit, without any dramatic shadows. While a hard shadow looks great in a regular photo, the fact is modeling agencies need to see as much of the model's body as possible.While you want some shadows for definition, you need to aim for clarity above all. Pay careful attention to the face, particularly the eye sockets, for dark or distracting shadows. A reflective bounce or weak light on the face can usually eliminate any issues. Do your best to make the model comfortable, happy, and willing to play. Taking modeling photos is a creative endeavor, and it should be a lot of fun. This isn't just to have a good time -- a happy model is a relaxed one, and relaxed models always look better on camera. The best way to do this is talk -- find out what kind of shots they want, their general personality, and the type of modeling they're interested in. Don't feel bad about "taking control." People, especially on camera, want to be told what looks good. So move the model around, make them smile, and give direction. Make sure you cover the three "essential" photos before you start getting creative. The following are your can't-miss shots: the three images you must have good copies of in order to get the bare minimum. Luckily, they are simple, easy shots to set up, and you've seen countless examples of them in ads and magazines. Full Body: Simple and easy, you capture the model from head to toe. Good posture, is key, as is shooting slightly from below the subject -- it makes them seem bigger and more manly. Half-length: From the mid-thigh up. Hands can be up, in pockets, or out. Again, shoot from below for the best results. Waist Up: Particularly necessary for shirtless models, this cuts right at the hip. If shirtless, make sure that no fabric is showing. Again, a lower angle makes everyone look hotter. Always retouch photos before sending them back to the model. Even if you're not particularly practiced as a photo editor, you should still take a little time to work on the photos before sending them. It doesn't matter what program you're using, you should, at least, take a look at: Crop: Crop the image so that model takes up most of the frame, and isn't cut off in any way. You want the shot to be pretty tight like it was a full-page magazine ad Brightness & Contrast: Make sure the darkest parts of the picture (there shouldn't be many) are a nice deep black, and there are no nasty, bright white glares. Hue Saturation: This changes some basic color settings. It can be useful for balancing images. For example, if there is a distracting red glow coming off a red dress, you can lower the saturation of the "red" slider to faintly tone the reds in the image down. You can also boost overall saturation to add some more color "pop" into the picture. Clarity: Usually offered on only higher-end programs, this catch-all setting for sharpness and image quality is useful when bumped up 8-12. Don't go above 20. Send the model the retouched shots for approval. To go the extra mile, send them copies of each shot in black and white as well (which may require a retouch of Brightness & Contrast), so that they have the option to use either. Ask them if there were any other shots they liked, or if they have any comments on these. From here, you can always re-shoot, re-edit, or send off the shots to an agency. Most agencies want prints, usually 8.5 x 11". More and more agencies, however, are converting to all digital submission processes. Know the three elements you want to highlight for successful pictures. Modeling agencies are interested in three things -- face, body, and confidence. If you can cover these in your pictures, you'll give them the full impression of you as a model. Your face structure and shape. Your physique (muscles etc.) and how your body is built. If you got "it". You have to be self-confident and able to show it. Have no fear of showing your body and have the right look in your eyes. Pick out 3-4 varied, well-fitting outfits for the type of modeling you want to accomplish. If you don't want to model swimwear, then don't wear a swimsuit! If your best feature is your body, don't wear clothes that cover everything up! There are tons of types of modeling out there, so think about what you want to do and are best suited for, then dress accordingly. Have multiple outfits so that you can capture many looks when shooting easily. The fit of your clothing is the most important thing. If a shirt is really cool, but a size too big, don't wear it -- you'll lose too much body definition. When in doubt, going one size smaller than normal is usually your best bet, as it stays trim and form-fitting. Communicate with your photographer ahead of time if they want any particular looks, outfits, or ideas. Focus on loose, confident posture, no matter what pose you're in. A model must exude sexuality and confidence, no matter what their position. While the rules of good posture still apply to models -- back straight, chin up, shoulders back, hips over ankles -- they may not always apply based on the pose you have to hold. Take a deep breath and relax your muscles. Don't forget to focus on the muscles around your eyes, mouth, and jaw, which make you look tense when clenched. Keep your shoulders back. This naturally expands your chest, making you look bigger and more manly. Avoid looking straight at the camera, which often makes your jawline disappear. Take different photos to show both the serious and playful sides of yourself. A model lives in front of the camera, so now is not the time to be shy. Remember to capture a range of emotions while shooting, even if you don't plan on using them all. A modeling portfolio needs to capture a range of "characters" that could be fit into any type of ad, so don't pick one look and stick with it exclusively. Have some fun and start making faces. Some to consider include: A close-mouthed, serious look Open and close-mouthed smiles Laughter Anger, intensity, or fierceness Thoughtful or pensive Romantic or sensual. Stay "in character" the whole time. Once you're on camera, act like the thing is shooting pictures every single second. Photographers often take 3-4 shots a second, and if you are always cracking a sheepish smile, looking away, or changing poses, you'll make it impossible to get a good shot. Make your shots slow and deliberate, and try not to "break" because you feel self-conscience or embarrassed. Remember -- the point isn't to get 100 good pictures, it is to get 10-12 really great ones. So be patient and take your time with each pose, face, or shot. Work constructively with your photographer. If you have an idea for a pose or a shot, let the photographer know. But you should also trust them and let them guide you -- they are the ones with the lens, after all. Let them, for lack of better word, "model" you. When reviewing photos, always temper any criticism with positivity or helpful suggestions. Remember that most models are their own worst critic, and complaining that you "look terrible" or "ugly" in all of the shots is a subtle insult to your photographer, as well. It makes it much less likely they'll really sacrifice a lot more energy to help get better photos. If you review the photos after the shoot and don't like any, say something! You've got to work together to find a few you like. Limit your portfolio to your very best 12-16 pictures. You can even have a few less if it means cutting a few of questionable quality. You do not need to send a ton of pictures to impressive someone at an agency, especially if you're just getting started and haven't gotten any work yet. Instead, you need to focus on quality -- even two incredible shots (one of your head, one of your body) are really all you need to convince someone. If a shot is on the fence, don't include it. Only submit the very best you have if you want the best jobs.

Shoot outdoors unless you have a near-professionally lit indoor space. Choose a bland, basic background. Ensure your model is evenly lit, without any dramatic shadows. Do your best to make the model comfortable, happy, and willing to play. Make sure you cover the three "essential" photos before you start getting creative. Always retouch photos before sending them back to the model. Send the model the retouched shots for approval. Know the three elements you want to highlight for successful pictures. Pick out 3-4 varied, well-fitting outfits for the type of modeling you want to accomplish. Focus on loose, confident posture, no matter what pose you're in. Take different photos to show both the serious and playful sides of yourself. Stay "in character" the whole time. Work constructively with your photographer. Limit your portfolio to your very best 12-16 pictures.

https://www.wikihow.com/Show-a-Girl-You-Like-Her

How to Show a Girl You Like Her

To show a girl you like her, smile and make eye contact when you see her. You can also compliment her on her skills, accomplishments, and fashion choice to show you pay attention to her. For example, if she wears her hair differently, say something like, "I love your hair. It really suits you." Once you're on good speaking terms, try touching her lightly on the arm or shoulder when you laugh at her jokes, which is a subtle way to show that you're into her. If you think she might like you too, ask her on a date or to hang out, which will make it obvious you're interested in her if she doesn't know already.

Be friends first. Try to control the libido and see the girl as a person, not another conquest. Your first goal is to get to know about her, not just her look, as cool as that may be. Partner up with her on a science or history project. Be easy to work with, put in a lot of effort, and listen to what she says. A friendship may blossom. Pick her when you choose teams for sports. Give her reassurance after the game that she did really well, and that it was fun playing with her. Make a strategic friendship with one of her other friends. It doesn't matter who the friend is, as long as you don't openly flirt with her. The friend should give you an opportunity to get an introduction. Say hello to her when you see her around, but don't overdo this or she'll be creeped out. Make eye contact and smile. Eye contact is a perfect way to let a girl know you like her without saying so. Look her in the eyes, don't shy away and don't check her out below the neck at this particular time. If she meets your eyes, smiles back or blushes, then you may have a chance. If she frowns or gives you that "what the heck?" look, back off for a while. Remember though, she may get a lot of attention from other people, so that look may be automatic if you are a stranger or near stranger. Don't give up hope over one little frown, maybe she has something in her shoe? Wait a while and try again later. Go ahead and introduce yourself. Don't rush right up, take your time, remember, you are building a friendship. Being overly aggressive is likely to scare her or creep her out. A really simple, basic introduction works fine. You can say: "Hi, my name is [Name]. It's nice to meet you." You don't always need a fancy pick-up line to impress her. If you're a little shy or bashful, you can go up to her and say something like: "I'm sorry this is so awkward, but I get really nervous around pretty girls. My name is [Name]." She just might melt if you pull this off casually. If you're a little more confident and want to add a little pizazz to your introduction, try something like: "I hope you know how hard it is to summon up the courage to talk to the prettiest girl in school. I'm [Name]. How are you?" . Start a conversation Chat about something safe, like school, or the weather , and then ask her something about herself. Critically, listen to her answer! Don't talk about yourself too much. Keep the focus on her. Avoid conversations about religion, politics, or other "hot-button" topics. Religion and politics are best not talked about because they make us feel very strongly and they divide us by party or affiliation. What that means is that if you're religious and she's not, or she's one party and you're not, she's likely to not give you a chance, without looking at your other qualities. Save religion and politics for later. Choose something you think she's really interested in. People like talking about themselves, and by definition, she'll like talking about one or her hobbies or interests. If you get her going on one of these, you won't have to do much talking and the conversation will feel natural. Pay attention to what she says. Remember what she says. Show interest in her as a human being. If you really think about what she says, and remember it, you can use it to your advantage: it could help you think of the perfect gift or be the start of an inside joke. Compliment her on something she is good at or interested in, rather than how she looks. She was born with her appearance, but she earned her accomplishments. Look for some kind of skill like drawing , singing or a sport. Be genuine with your compliments. That said, many women put a great deal of effort into looking good, so if she has a new haircut, or a new bag, it's OK to notice that too, especially if she has good taste. The mere fact that you notice something new or different about her will show her that you pay attention, and that you like her. Reinforce the way she wants to be seen. Does she think of herself as an athlete, a thinker, or a social worker? Then give her compliments that make her feel incredibly coordinated, or incredibly smart, or incredibly compassionate. Find out the way she wants to be viewed and then compliment her on that. Keep showing her attention. If this is a fleeting encounter and will be your only chance to show her your feelings, flirt a little more than you would normally. If you're with your friends, ask her if she wants to hang out with your friends. If she's busy, ask her if she wants to hang out later. This would be a perfect time to get her number. Break the touch barrier. While you're talking with her, touch her gently on the hand, the arm, or the shoulder. These are all safe places to touch a girl, provided she knows you. If you do it right and she likes you, it'll send a shiver down her spine. Be a little playful with her. If you're friends, tease her gently (making sure she knows you're joking!) or offer to give her a piggy-back ride. Don't be needy, but don't be scared either! Be patient. These things take time. But by giving her your undivided attention, she will eventually get the hint that you like her. In the meantime, take any opportunity you can get to ask her to a dance, go swimming or hiking with her, invite her to a party, or just be with her and her friends. Be sure to have a good relationship with her friends. Look for indications of reciprocal interest. Try to read her body language. Is she leaning into you? Did she just touch you lightly on the arm? Does she hold your gaze? Does she play with her hair, smile, or giggle? If so, then the odds are she likes you too. You've made quite the impression on her! Choose your next course of action. Once you have figured all the previous steps out, what you do next is up to you. You could ask her on a formal date if you like your chances. You can really wow her on a nice date. You could swoop in for a gentle first kiss , or even the daring French kiss. Be warned, however, because this could ruin the first date and is best saved for later on in the relationship. Maybe what you really want is to know how to flirt before you make your move. Look no further. You'll be flirting in no time!

Be friends first. Say hello to her when you see her around, but don't overdo this or she'll be creeped out. Make eye contact and smile. Go ahead and introduce yourself. . Compliment her on something she is good at or interested in, rather than how she looks. Keep showing her attention. Be patient. Look for indications of reciprocal interest. Choose your next course of action.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Patent-Leather

How to Clean Patent Leather

To clean patent leather, start by running a soft-bristled brush over the leather in a circular motion to loosen any dirt and debris. Buff out any scuffs with a pencil eraser, brushing away any eraser shavings as you go. You can remove tough stains by adding a little rubbing alcohol or vaseline to a cotton swab, then gently rubbing the stain for 15-20 seconds before wiping the spot dry with a clean cloth. Add a small drop of non-detergent soap to a damp cloth, then wipe down the leather using a circular motion, then use a clean cloth to wipe the leather dry.

Use a soft bristle brush to remove loose dirt and debris. Swipe the brush over the material gently in small, circular motions. A soft toothbrush can be used to get into harder to reach areas. Buff out marks with an eraser. For scuff marks , an eraser can help to rub away the transferred color on the shiny leather. Gently rub the eraser against the scuff, clearing away any eraser shavings by using the bristle brush as you work. Remove tough stains using rubbing alcohol or vaseline. Apply a small amount of the rubbing alcohol or vaseline to a q-tip or paper towel. Rub the mark using a little bit of force, being careful not to push too hard. After 15-20 seconds, wipe the area dry with a cloth. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you might have to repeat this process a few times. Wipe the outside of the shoe using a damp cloth and mild soap. Make sure the cloth is only damp by ringing it out. You should use 1 small drop of non-detergent liquid soap on the damp cloth. Wipe in small circular motions on all surfaces of the shoe that are patent leather. While patent leather shoes are coated with a clear gloss, they aren't actually waterproof. It's best to use as little water as possible to clean and never wear them for long periods of time in wet conditions. Buff the shoes with a soft polishing cloth. Again, wipe in small circular motions to remove any excess water. To make sure that the shoes dry thoroughly after cleaning, set them out for at least 24 hours at room temperature. Apply olive/mineral oil or vaseline if your shoes are sticky. Add a small amount of the oil or vaseline to a cloth and wipe onto the leather in small, circular motions. Let it sit on the shoes for 20-40 minutes and then wipe clean with a dry cloth. If the shoes are still sticky, allow them to sit overnight to see if the stickiness dries. If not, it may be the case that the glue on your shoes has degraded due to humidity and ruined the leather. Store patent leather items in a safe and dry location. After cleaning, make sure you're keeping your shoes in a location that is safe for long-term storage. A good storage space is dry, room-temperature, and clean. It's a good idea to keep them stored with their shoe trees so that they retain their form. Vacuum the entire surface area of the furniture piece. Dirt and dust can collect in the nooks and crannies of sofas and their cushions. Use the brush extension of the vacuum to lift dirt and reach difficult areas. Add a few drops of non-detergent liquid soap to distilled water. This will make a cleaning solution that won't damage the coated leather. It's important to use a non-detergent soap so the coating on the furniture is not dulled by harmful chemicals. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution. Dip one small part of the cloth into the solution at first. Make sure the cloth is just damp, not saturated. You might need to ring it out a little bit before using it. Wipe an inconspicuous spot on the furniture with the solution. Make sure it's not an area that you can see normally on the piece of furniture. This will be your test spot to ensure that there's no marking or staining from your cleaning solution. Wait for it to dry or gently wipe it dry after a few moments. Wipe the couch from top to bottom using your cleaning solution. If there's no discoloration on the test patch, continue wiping the couch. Work from top to bottom, using large circular motions and re-moistening the cloth as needed. Wipe the couch with just distilled water. After applying the cleaning solution, go back over the couch with a cloth dipped in only water. Work from top to bottom again, using large circular motions. This will help remove any residue from the soap. Dry your patent leather furniture piece. Use a soft, microfiber towel to dry the furniture. Your couch should never be soaking wet, as saturation will cause irreversible damage to the material. Never use a hair dryer or fan to dry the leather. Although they might be quicker, they can cause dehydration of the leather. Condition the leather to ensure it retains its softness. To replace natural oils that leather loses when it is cleaned, apply a leather cream using a clean cloth. Let the cream dry completely and buff to shine if needed. Avoid using DIY cleaning or conditioning solutions that include vinegar, as it can strip the glossy coating from the patent leather. Use a small amount of vaseline or rubbing alcohol for tough stains. Apply the vaseline or rubbing alcohol to a q-tip or paper towel and gently it rub into the stained area. Wipe the area dry after 15-20 seconds, and reapply if necessary until the stain disappears. After the stain is gone, wipe down the area with a damp cloth and dry it completely. Buff out large scuff marks with an eraser. For large marks, an eraser can provide friction to remove the transferred color from the leather. Gently rub the eraser against the scuff, clearing any eraser shavings as you work. Spray glass cleaner on a paper towel and wipe the bag thoroughly. Wipe the paper towel in circular motions to pick up dust and polish the surface of the bag. This should remove most dust and dirt. Apply vaseline or rubbing alcohol to tough scuffs. Using a paper towel or a q-tip, apply a small amount of vaseline or rubbing alcohol to the mark. Try the vaseline first, as rubbing alcohol is a paint stripper and should be used sparingly. Wipe the area off with a dry cloth after a few moments. If the mark is particularly stubborn, you can apply a bit of pressure as you rub the q-tip or paper towel into the mark. Wipe the bag using a mixture of mild soap and distilled water. Dampen a soft cloth and add 1 small drop of non-detergent cleaner to the surface of the cloth. Apply the gentle cleaning solution all over the bag in circular motions. Use a dry cloth to wipe the bag dry. Make sure the entire bag is dry, including any spots that have handles, rivets, or crevices. You might want to allow it to dry overnight before placing it in a dust cover for storage. Store your bag in a safe and dry location. After cleaning, make sure you place the bag, in its dust cover, in a location that is safe for long-term storage. If you don't have a dust cover, you can order one online base on the size of your bag. Your storage space for your bag should be room-temperature and low-humidity.

Use a soft bristle brush to remove loose dirt and debris. Buff out marks with an eraser. Remove tough stains using rubbing alcohol or vaseline. Wipe the outside of the shoe using a damp cloth and mild soap. Buff the shoes with a soft polishing cloth. Apply olive/mineral oil or vaseline if your shoes are sticky. Store patent leather items in a safe and dry location. Vacuum the entire surface area of the furniture piece. Add a few drops of non-detergent liquid soap to distilled water. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution. Wipe an inconspicuous spot on the furniture with the solution. Wipe the couch from top to bottom using your cleaning solution. Wipe the couch with just distilled water. Dry your patent leather furniture piece. Condition the leather to ensure it retains its softness. Use a small amount of vaseline or rubbing alcohol for tough stains. Buff out large scuff marks with an eraser. Spray glass cleaner on a paper towel and wipe the bag thoroughly. Apply vaseline or rubbing alcohol to tough scuffs. Wipe the bag using a mixture of mild soap and distilled water. Use a dry cloth to wipe the bag dry. Store your bag in a safe and dry location.

https://www.wikihow.com/Snell-a-Hook

How to Snell a Hook

To snell a hook with a traditional knot, feed the line through the hook's eye and along the shank. Next, create a small loop, run the leading end under the shank, and wrap the leading end around the shank 5-7 times. Feed the remainder of the leading end back through your loop and pull on the leading end while lightly pinching the coils. Then, pull the leading and standing ends of the line to tighten the knot. Finally, clip the excess leading end to finish the knot.

Thread the line through the hook’s eye and toward the shank. Pinch the line near the leading end and feed it through the eye opening. Pull the line through until it's a few inches longer the length of the shaft, or at least 6–8 in (15–20 cm). Some anglers contend that you should always thread the line through “front to back”—that is, insert the line on the side of the eye that is on the same side as the hook's barbed tip. This may keep the hook in better alignment with the line when it's in the water. Form a single, large loop. Bring the leading end around so that it's on the same side of the eye as where you first inserted the line. You're basically creating a letter “O” with the line. Thread the leading end through the eye again. Feed it through in the same direction as before. Thread about 2 in (5.1 cm) of line through the eye this time. If you went “front to back” the first time through the eye, do so again this time. Pinch the hook eye and line with your thumb and forefinger. Pinch right over the hook eye. With this pinch, hold on to both the part of the line that runs through the hook eye and the part that extends away from the hook (the standing end). Below your pinched fingers, around 2 in (5.1 cm) of the leading end of the line should be running alongside the hook shank (the straight portion of the hook). The loop you created should also be below your pinched fingers. Twist the loop to wrap it around the hook shank and leading end. With your free hand, grasp the loop and twist it clockwise. This will wrap the base of the loop (nearest to your fingers over the hook eye) around both the hook shank and the leading end that extends alongside the shank. Try to make a fairly tight coil around the hook shank and leading end. This will make it easier to tighten the entire knot at the end. Once you finish the coil, slide your pinching fingers down a bit to hold it in place as well. The loop will shrink in circumference as you wrap it around the hook shank and leading end. Wrap the loop around 6-7 more times. Create 7-8 total coils around both the hook shank and leading end. Keep sliding your pinching fingers down to cover over each coil you make. You're essentially making a noose, with the hook shank being wrapped by the noose coils. When you're done wrapping, the goal is to have the remaining loop be roughly the size of the hook eye. There also needs to be a roughly 0.5 in (1.3 cm) stub of the leading end extending below the coils. With practice, you'll be able to create loops that are just the right size to wrap around the shank 7-8 times. If you can only manage 5-6 coils, your knot will probably hold. If you need to create more coils to use up the loop, that's fine as well—but it won't make the knot any stronger. Pull the standing end away from the hook to shrink the loop. Maintain a light but secure pinch grip over the 7-8 coils, but release pressure over the hook eye. Pull slowly on the standing end of the line with your free hand, and any slack remaining at the end of the loop will disappear. Maintain your grip on the standing end of the line for the next move. Pull both the standing and leading ends to secure the knot. Keep holding the standing end with one hand, and slide your pinching fingers down to grip only the stub of the leading end that's below the coils. Tug on each end simultaneously to draw the coils tight and secure the knot. You may want to lubricate the line by dipping it in water or spitting on it before doing this. Lubricating the line will make tightening it easier by reducing friction along the coils. Trim the tag end, if necessary. If there's more than about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) of the leading end sticking out below the coils, go ahead and trim it off with small scissors or fingernail clippers. Otherwise, just leave the stub alone. Feed the line through the hook’s eye and along the shank. Pass about 6 in (15 cm) of the leading end of the line through the eye, or a length that's twice that of the hook—whichever is longer. It's up to you which side of the eye to feed the line into, although some people say using the same side as the tip of the hook provides better fishing results. The “eye” is the closed loop at one end of the hook, and the “shank” is the straight portion of the hook (below the eye and above the curved section). Be careful not to hook yourself while tying any type of snell knot! Create a small loop and run the leading end under the shank. Keep the line alongside the hook shank about to the point where the curve of the hook starts. At that point, create a loop that is directed away from the curve of the hook. Feed the end of the line (also the end of the loop) underneath both the shank and the line itself, again at the point where the curve of the hook begins. Run about 4 in (10 cm) of excess line under the shank. Wrap the 4 in (10 cm) leading end around the shank 5-7 times. Make fairly tight coils that don't overlap, and go around both the shank and the section of line that runs alongside it. Fewer than 5 wraps won't make a tight enough knot, while more than 7 starts to become overkill (that is, the line will break before the knot will give regardless). Consider 7 wraps to be the “magic number.” Feed the remainder of the leading end back through your loop. After creating 5-7 fairly tight coils, you should have enough free line left to thread through the loop you created earlier. If not, undo 1-2 coils (at the risk of weakening the knot) or, better yet, undo the entire knot and start over. You only need about 0.5–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) of the leading end to pass through the loop this time; it's OK if you have more. Pull on the leading end while lightly pinching the coils. Use the thumb and forefinger of one hand to keep the coils from unraveling, but don't pinch them too tightly. With the other hand, pinch the leading end that has passed through the loop and give it a steady tug. Pulling the leading end will tighten the coils against the shank. However, if you don't pinch the coils, they'll unravel, and if you pinch them too tight, you won't be able to pull the leading end. Light pinching pressure is all that's needed. Pull the leading and standing ends of the line to tighten the knot. Slide your pinching fingers from the coils up to the standing end of the line, just beyond where it enters the hook's eye. Maintain your grip on the leading end with your other hand. Pull firmly on both ends of the line at the same time. This will bring the coils in as tight as possible. As you tighten them, make sure the coils remain side-by-side and don't overlap. If they do, loosen the coils a bit, reposition them as needed, and re-tighten them. The coils may tighten more easily if you moisten them a little, either by dipping them in water or spitting on them. Clip the excess leading end to finish the knot. Use small scissors or fingernail clippers to snip off the section of line sticking out below the coils. This isn't necessary if there's less than about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) of excess line, however. Thread the line through the hook eye and down the hook shank. Run the line through to at least the length of the entire hook, if not 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) longer. You may end up with better line-hook alignment in the water if you feed the line into the front side of the eye—that is, the same side as the sharp tip of the hook. Bend the leading end around to form a loop. Create the loop on the opposite side of the shank from the curve of the hook. While keeping the loop on this side, extend about 2 in (5.1 cm) of the leading end of the line over the top and to the other side of the hook's shank. Keep the part of the standing end of the line that you fed through the eye next to the hook shank. Pass the leading end over top of this along with the shank. Just a reminder—the “leading end” is the end of the line that you create the loops and coils with, while the “standing end” is the opposite end of the line. The leading end is sometimes also called the “tag end.” Thread the leading end around the shank 4 to 6 times. Each time, feed the leading end into the loop and back out, thereby wrapping it over both the hook shank and the section of line that's alongside the shank. Be sure the coils you create are fairly snug against each other as you do this. You need at least 4 coils to make an adequately-strong knot, while making more than 6 won't provide much added benefit. After making the coils, feed the excess line on the leading end (at least 1 in (2.5 cm) in length) through the loop once more. Slide the coils toward the eye while lightly pulling on the line. Grip the standing end with one hand, and use your other hand's thumb and middle finger to grab the leading end that has passed through the loop. As you lightly pull on each end of the line, use your free index finger to nudge the coils against the base of the hook's eye. Don't let the coils bunch up, however; keep them side-by-side instead of overlapping. Pull the knot tight and trim any excess line. Once the coils are in place just below the eye, pull forcefully on the leading and standing ends at the same time. This will secure the knot. If there is more than about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) of the leading end sticking out, trim it with small scissors or fingernail clippers. Try dipping the coils in water or wetting them with saliva to make pulling them tight easier.

Thread the line through the hook’s eye and toward the shank. Form a single, large loop. Thread the leading end through the eye again. Pinch the hook eye and line with your thumb and forefinger. Twist the loop to wrap it around the hook shank and leading end. Wrap the loop around 6-7 more times. Pull the standing end away from the hook to shrink the loop. Pull both the standing and leading ends to secure the knot. Trim the tag end, if necessary. Feed the line through the hook’s eye and along the shank. Create a small loop and run the leading end under the shank. Wrap the 4 in (10 cm) leading end around the shank 5-7 times. Feed the remainder of the leading end back through your loop. Pull on the leading end while lightly pinching the coils. Pull the leading and standing ends of the line to tighten the knot. Clip the excess leading end to finish the knot. Thread the line through the hook eye and down the hook shank. Bend the leading end around to form a loop. Thread the leading end around the shank 4 to 6 times. Slide the coils toward the eye while lightly pulling on the line. Pull the knot tight and trim any excess line.

https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Plywood-in-a-Garage

How to Store Plywood in a Garage

The best way to store plywood in your garage is to lay it down horizontally. Create a raised platform by laying pieces of lumber about 2 feet apart, then stack the plywood on top of the platform. If you don't have the floor space to store your plywood laying flat, purchase or build a hanging rack large enough to hold several sheets of plywood.

Section off a 4 by 8 ft (1.2 by 2.4 m) section of your garage floor. To protect your plywood sheets from warping, the best way to store them is by laying them flat. Use lumber to create a base that will keep the plywood off the ground. Moisture can seep up through the earth, causing your plywood to rot. You can use any size lumber you have, as long as it creates a frame that is big enough to contain the plywood. Space your lumber about 2 feet (0.61 m) apart to ensure it's supported enough that it doesn't sag. Store your plywood overhead if you don’t have the floor space. If you want to keep your plywood laying flat but you don't have enough room on the floor, you can install a rack on the ceiling of your garage. This will keep the plywood out of your way while still protecting it from warping. You can purchase a hanging storage storage rack from a hardware store for around $100 USD, or you can design and build a custom rack if you prefer. Most ceiling beams can safely support about 160 pounds (73 kg). This means you can safely store 3 sheets of ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) thick plywood, or 2 sheets if they are ⁄ 8 in (1.6 cm) thick. Lean the plywood against an interior wall if you can. The easiest way to store plywood is just to lean it against a wall. However, this can lead to the plywood bending or warping, so it's not recommended for long-term storage. If you store your plywood against an outside wall, moisture may seep through the wall and cause the wood to warp more quickly. Secure multiple sheets of plywood with bungee cords or ratchet straps. If you have several sheets of plywood that you're storing vertically, you can help prevent warping by securing the sheets together across the top, middle, and bottom with canvas ratchet straps or elastic bungee cords. Build a vertical plywood storage rack. You can build a basic storage rack by creating a 4 by 8 ft (1.2 by 2.4 m) frame out of lumber. Place a support beam at each end of the rack and one in the middle to hold the plywood in place. Attach a piece of scrap plywood to the bottom of the rack to protect the plywood from moisture seeping in through the floor. If you build your own storage rack, the possibilities for customizing it are endless. You can choose whether to store the plywood on its end or rest it on its side. You can also choose whether to mount the rack to the wall or attach casters to the bottom so you can easily move it. You can also purchase a plywood storage rack from a hardware or home supply store if you don't want to build one yourself.

Section off a 4 by 8 ft (1.2 by 2.4 m) section of your garage floor. Use lumber to create a base that will keep the plywood off the ground. Store your plywood overhead if you don’t have the floor space. Lean the plywood against an interior wall if you can. Secure multiple sheets of plywood with bungee cords or ratchet straps. Build a vertical plywood storage rack.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Training-Objectives

How to Write Training Objectives

To write training objectives, start by identifying the purpose of your training, such as teaching a bookkeeper how to record transactions for a new type of credit account. Then, set standards as to how the objective is successfully met, such as doing a task accurately within a certain amount of time. Additionally, determine a specific target number or figure that measures the level of performance. For example, you could measure performance by setting a target that the bookkeeper must learn how to record new entries with 100 percent accuracy.

Identify the overall purpose of the training. Before doing anything else, you must identify the purpose, or the desired outcome, of the training. Usually, training is designed to close a performance or knowledge gap possessed by employees or students. This gap is the difference between the current skills or knowledge of student and the skills or knowledge required of them. Identify what you want out of your training and then go from there to fill out the rest of your training objective list. For example, imagine that your business must train a bookkeeper to record a new type of credit account being offered to customers. The purpose of the training is to train the bookkeeper such that they are capable of efficiently and accurately recording the new entries. The performance gap here would be that the bookkeeper already has knowledge of all of the business's other bookkeeping entries, but lacks the knowledge and skill to make the new type of entry. Describe the expected performance. The task that will be taught during the training must be clearly defined. A written objective must contain an action verb that can be seen and measured. Use words that tell the student exactly what he or she must do, and avoid any language that might be ambiguous or subjective. For the previous example, the task would be to record the new accounting entries. Explain the conditions under which the task will be performed. An objective must include a description of circumstances. Provide details that describe under what conditions the task or tasks will take place. In other words, what must happen before the task needs to be completed? Include what tools and support might be used, including textbooks, forms, tutorials, and other conditions. If the task is outdoors, environmental conditions will need to be addressed. For the previous example, the conditions might be when a customer with the new account type makes a purchase. In addition, another condition might be that the bookkeeper must know how to record the entry in the business's accounting software. Set standards. Describe what the student will be expected to achieve in order to have met the training objective. The minimal acceptable standards must be communicated in the written training objectives. Define how the standards will be measured and evaluated. Standards will be performance goals, like doing a task in a set amount of time, getting a certain percentage of tasks right, or completing a certain number of tasks in a given time or at a certain magnitude. Training standards usually do not require a mastery or perfection of the task. For the previous example, this would be not just the employee must record the entries, but must do so in an accurate and expedient manner. Use clear, direct language. Write objectives such that there is a clear and measurable goal identifiable in the wording of the objective. That is, don't use indirect or passive word like "understand" or "some." Instead, use direct wording that conveys specific figures or actions that needs to be learned. Doing so will make sure that the rest of your training, including materials, methods, and content, is cohesive. In addition, this type of wording adds to your ability to eventually measure your training successes. Clear objectives gives the student the ability to follow their own progress and to know what to expect from the training and its outcome. For the bookkeeper example mentioned in the other parts, this would be something like, "The bookkeeper will be able to successfully record credit account entries." Link objectives to real-world events. Objectives are best understood in the context of real-world events. Always include what would occur first to make the employee or student perform the task in question. Then, link the task itself to the desired, real-world result of that task. This helps the student keep what they are learning in perspective. For the previous example, this might be that the entry of the new type of credit account will be made to account for a new service offered to customers, designed to increase sales with repeat customers. The proper entry of the data must be stated as essential to the financial health of the business. Be specific about what constitutes the standard level of performance. The standard of performance should be a set number or figure. It could be a percentage of correct actions, a speed of task performance, or another, measurable metric of performance. In any case, this number should be clearly identified in the objective. For the previous example, this could be that the bookkeeper must learn to make the entries with 100 percent accuracy. For other tasks, the percentage may be lower, but accounting tasks should be as close to perfect as possible. Make your objectives as concise as possible. Keep your objective to one sentence. This keeps your objectives concise and easily understandable. Any longer or more complicated tasks can be broken into multiple, smaller tasks. Any long, complicated tasks will be more difficult to teach and quantify. For the previous example, stick to the basics. Writing that the bookkeeper must record the credit account entries with 100 percent accuracy, given the business's existing accounting software, is enough. Use the SMART acronym to make sure the training objective can be evaluated. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. This system has been used by business and government leaders and training managers to institute and teach effective training programs. Specific: State exactly what the learner should know how to do with specific objectives. All objectives should be clearly defined and not subject to debate or interpretation. Measurable: Observe and quantify the behavior with measurable objectives. The objectives should be consistent for each learner, and subject to standard evaluation. Attainable: Make sure the task or action is something that can actually be achieved with attainable objectives. Setting learners up for failure will result in unmet objectives and demoralized students. Relevant: Determine that this task is important and necessary with relevant objectives. There should be nothing arbitrary or optional about the tasks written in the objectives. Time-bound: Set achievable deadlines and management schedules with time-bound objectives. There can be no open-ended tasks in effective objectives. Set and enforce deadlines. Using the bookkeeper example from other parts, the SMART acronym would be applied in the following way: Specific: The bookkeeper should be able to record the credit account transactions. Measurable: The bookkeeper will record transactions correctly 100 percent of the time. Attainable: The bookkeeper's task is not so different from current entries. Relevant: The bookkeeper's task is essential to the business's accounting procedures. Time-bound: The bookkeeper must learn to make the new entries by the 1st of March. Avoid using objectives that cannot be measured. Try not to have objectives that you cannot measured objectively, such as making a student "appreciate" or "be aware" of something. While these are no doubt important, you have no real way of measuring the success of teaching a student these things. For the previous example, don't write an objective like, "the bookkeeper must be aware of how the new entries are made." Make the objective more direct with "they must be able to record the new entries." Include an objective for evaluation. Evaluate the students, and give them an opportunity to evaluate the training. Some part of the training should be a test of the knowledge gained during the training. After all, knowledge is useless without experience and practice. Remember that this may require multiple repetitions before the performance standard can be reached. For the previous example, this might be that the bookkeeper will be given several hypothetical examples of this type of transaction and will be asked to record them correctly. Finalize your training objective. Using all of the aforementioned criteria, refine your training objective until it is exactly the way you want it. Again, make sure all aspects of the objective are clear and measurable. For the previous example, an example would be, "The bookkeeper, given the business's existing accounting software, must be able to record the new credit account entries with 100 percent accuracy by the 1st of March."

Identify the overall purpose of the training. Describe the expected performance. Explain the conditions under which the task will be performed. Set standards. Use clear, direct language. Link objectives to real-world events. Be specific about what constitutes the standard level of performance. Make your objectives as concise as possible. Use the SMART acronym to make sure the training objective can be evaluated. Avoid using objectives that cannot be measured. Include an objective for evaluation. Finalize your training objective.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Back-Your-Love

How to Get Back Your Love

To get your love back after a break-up, start by taking some time to work on yourself and restore your inner confidence. Take concrete steps to feel healthier and more self-assured, like going to the gym regularly or getting more focused at work. This will show your partner that you are capable of growing, which will make them more likely to want to be with you again. When you feel you've improved, reach out to your partner and briefly ask if they'd like to talk. When you see them, apologize for anything you may have done to hurt them, and explain how you've taken action to change. Then, give them the space to respond fully, taking care to listen closely to what they have to say.

Give it some time. You need time to reflect, improve your self-esteem and confidence, and give yourself greater insight into why you want your ex back. You don't want to jump back into a relationship too soon, or you will most likely repeat the same mistakes. How long do you need? It likely depends on how long you relationship was in the first place, and what caused the break-up. If you just had a big argument, give it at least 48 hours and as much as a couple weeks before you get in touch. Try to cool down so you can have a calm and rational conversation. Try your best to avoid Facebook and other social media in the meantime. There's nothing you'll gain from constantly stalking your ex to find out what they're doing, or writing depressing updates. You only stand to make yourself look worse and feel worse. Just stay off for a while. Do some self-reflection. The better you understand why you broke up with your partner in the first place, the easier it will be for you to get back together. What did you do wrong in your relationship? What was your role in the break-up? Did your partner give reasons, or did you just get dumped out of nowhere? Try to understand what went wrong. If you got dumped, Try to thinking about what your partner found upsetting. What did your partner complain about? What drove your partner crazy? Try to remember. If you were the one who did the breaking up, Try to focus on how you can change to accept the things about your partner that drove you to end the relationship in the first place. Will it be possible to move past these things? Identify what you feel were the major problems in the relationship. Once you've given some thought to your role in the break-up, try to think about what problems the relationship might have that aren't in your control. Sometimes, you can love someone, but circumstances will make it challenging for a relationship to work. It's important to reflect on these types of problems as well, if they're a problem for your relationship: Work problems Location or distance problems Emotional or physical problems Financial problems Sexual problems Work on yourself in the meantime. Do what you need to do to find some inner confidence. If you appear confident, you will give your ex the impression that you are certain that you know what you want out of your relationships and your life. Your confidence will express that you are sure in your ability to change and be a better partner. You don't want to get back in touch if you're feeling and looking pitiful and run-down by your breakup. You shouldn't try to convince someone to get back with you because you're depressed, you should want to convince them to get back with you because you're a desirable partner. Make some concrete changes now. Why should your partner want to get back together with you, if you had problems the first time around? If you can make little changes in your life to show that you're actively making yourself a different person, it will be much more likely that your partner will be interested in getting back together with you. If you've identified things that you know you can change about yourself to be a better partner, do them now. If you wanted to work on getting healthy, or partying less, toss out your pack of cigarettes and get a gym membership. When you see your partner next, you should have already done these things, not promised to do them "sometime." Reach out when you feel like you've changed. If, after reflecting on your problems and your own role in your old relationship, you feel that you'll both benefit from getting back together, then it's time to reach out and get in touch with your partner to Try to talk it out. Call or text and make arrangements to meet in person, if possible. If you're not sure if a call will be accepted, send a short letter, e-mail, or note saying, "I've been thinking about you. Would really like to talk. Would it be ok if I called?" If you feel like you're the same person who got dumped, your relationship might need to end. Don't attempt to get back into a relationship with somebody just because you're sad that it ended. If it doesn't stand a chance of getting better, let it end with some dignity. If your partner doesn't want to talk, your relationship is over. That's it. You might consider waiting a couple of months and reaching back out, but it's very unlikely that this will get you anywhere. Take the hint and move on. Find a neutral public place to talk. Meet for your talk in a public park, or at an outdoor mall, somewhere you won't have to feel trapped or uncomfortable, but someplace you can also have your privacy and talk without being embarrassed. Don't go on anything resembling a date. Don't meet for dinner or coffee, or try to have the talk in your old bedroom if you used to live together. It'll rekindle too many old feelings, both good and bad, and won't let you have an effective conversation about your relationship together. Look your best. Try to improve your appearance a little before you get back in touch. You want to look like someone your ex will want to be with. Wear clothes that suit you, get a good hair cut, and groom yourself into your best version of yourself. This will have the added benefit of boosting your confidence and your mood when you do get back in touch. Since you have improved the way you look, more people of the opposite sex will start noticing you. Likewise, your ex will be surprised to see the change in you and will get curious on what brought on the change. Apologize only if you're actually sorry. If you screwed up your relationship by cheating or otherwise doing something that got you dumped, the first and last words out of your mouth should probably be "I'm sorry." Apologize to your love for the role you played in the relationship ending. Your love will be more willing to make things work with you if you are the first to apologize for the failure of your relationship. Admit to yourself the faults that you have and the role you had to play in your breakup. Focus in on the problems that caused the deterioration of your relationship, and talk about how you've decided to change and have changed since you were together. Even if you think the problems were more the fault of your partner, it's important to lead with lots of "I" statements if you're really committed to getting your relationship back on track. Keep things focused on yourself at first. Listen. After you've apologized, then sit back and shut up. It's important to get your point of view on the record, and then it's equally important for you to sit back and listen to what your partner has to say. Really listen and try to understand how they're feeling, not as your partner or as your "ex," but as another person who you may or may not be in a relationship with. Even if you think you know what they're going to say, or if you think that they're going to be negative, really Try to listen to what they're saying. Try to understand. Maybe you need to hear it. Try to be objective. Does this person need something you can't give them? Will they be able to be happy with you? If the answer is no, then don't get back together. Come up with concrete plans together. If your relationship faces some serious problems, you need to come up with some compromises or commitments to rectify them, and you need to do it together. Once you've both voiced your specific problems and your feelings about your relationship, talk about what you might do to move forward. Be honest and be as open as possible. If you want something to change in your relationship, now is the time to voice it. What are your requirements for a new relationship? Think of it like a contract signing. If something can't be changed, then be honest about it. If you have no intention of spending more quality time with your partner, then don't say you will. Know when to walk away. A relationship is not worth the time and energy to Try to get someone back if they don't want to come. You can open the door, but if they don't want to walk through, you can't and shouldn't make them. A simple "You know, I miss you and want you back. If you want to try again you know where to reach me." Then leave your ex alone. Don't get in touch, don't text, don't message on Facebook. Just walk away. If the relationship ends, move on and look elsewhere. There is nothing as unattractive as someone who does nothing put pine for someone who has left them, it's almost as bad as those that pine for a relationship they don't have. Communicate with your partner more effectively. Communication problems are some of the most common problems affecting couples at every stage of a relationship. Couples who've been married for 30 years often have communication problems. Couples who've been together two weeks definitely have them. If something bothers you, bring it up right then. Don't wait to talk until you've simmered and gotten more angry. Address is right then and there. Have regular "state of the relationship" talks. It doesn't have to be a bummer to talk about your relationship if it's a regular thing that you do, not something that you only do when one of you is super pissed. Look to the future, don't dwell on the past. All relationships have road-bumps. If you are willing to try to make the relationship work again, it's important to go back into it without resentment or anger. An important step in doing this is to stop bringing up things from the past in an attempt to "score points" in an argument, or to make your partner feel bad. If you decided to get back together, start looking forward and digging up old dirt. Make plans to do things together regularly. Making a commitment to your relationship requires that you have specific plans and stick to them. Schedule a regular date night, and set more substantial goals for your partnership as well. Stop doing things conditionally. You shouldn't do something for your partner just because you think they'll get off your back if you do it, or because you want to avoid a fight. Learn to do things because it will make your partner happy, which will make you happy. The more you can act from a place of genuine kindness and compassion, the stronger your relationship will be. Be good, giving, and game. Relationship and sex therapist Dan Savage coined the phrase "GGG," as a common advice suggested to people struggling in relationships. It means that you should be "good, giving, and game" in all things when it comes to your partner. Being good means you have your partner's best interest at heart. You want to do right by your love. Being giving means that you are willing to sacrifice for your partner's happiness, provided they're willing to sacrifice for your's. Being game means being up for things with your partner, within reason. Even if you're not necessarily a big fan of monster movie marathons, if it's your partner's favorite, give it a shot every now and then as part of your pact together. Devote more to your relationship than you did before. Relationships are not a 50/50 deal. They never are. Each person needs to contribute 100% to the relationship. Each should be giving 100% to the relationship. Try to focus more on what you're giving to and putting into the relationship, not on what you're getting out of it. The relationship is a partnership that you must nurture, not something that happens easily while other people put the effort in.

Give it some time. Do some self-reflection. Identify what you feel were the major problems in the relationship. Work on yourself in the meantime. Make some concrete changes now. Reach out when you feel like you've changed. Find a neutral public place to talk. Look your best. Apologize only if you're actually sorry. Listen. Come up with concrete plans together. Know when to walk away. Communicate with your partner more effectively. Look to the future, don't dwell on the past. Stop doing things conditionally. Be good, giving, and game. Devote more to your relationship than you did before.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Acne-With-Home-Remedies

How to Get Rid of Acne With Home Remedies

To get rid of acne with home remedies, mix baking soda and water and apply the paste to your pimples for 20 minutes before rinsing it off, which will help dry out your acne. You can also try dabbing a little bit of white toothpaste on your acne, letting it sit for 15 minutes, and then washing it off. If you have lemon juice, apply it to your pimples using a cotton ball and let it sit for 30 minutes to kill acne-causing bacteria. Then, rinse the lemon juice off with cold water.

Select a gentle cleanser. Washing your face each day is an important part of keeping your skin healthy and acne-free. You'll want a gentle face wash that is non-abrasive. Make sure that any product you use is free of alcohol to prevent further skin irritation. If you're unsure of what the best cleanser for you would be, ask your dermatologist for a recommendation. Avoid facial scrubs or cleansers labeled “astringent,” since these can be harsh and drying on your skin. Dermatologists recommend gentle, foaming face washes, such as Cetaphil DermaControl Foam Wash, especially if you're also treating your acne with drying topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide. Look for face washes that are non-soap based. True soaps can raise the pH of your skin, leading to dryness and creating a better environment for bacteria and other microbes. Wet your face with lukewarm water. Run some clean water from your tap and splash it onto your face. Keep your water lukewarm, since hot water can dry out your skin and make it more irritated. While it might seem like drying out your skin is a good idea if it's oily and acne prone, you'll ultimately end up making the problem worse! Your skin will try to heal itself by producing even more oil. Apply the cleanser to your face with your fingertips. Squeeze a small amount of the cleanser onto your fingertips and gently rub it onto your face using circular motions. Use a light touch so that you don't irritate or pull on your skin. Don't scrub your skin while washing your face, no matter how tempting it may be. This will irritate your skin and could make your acne worse. Avoid using washcloths, sponges, or brushes to wash the skin on your face, since these can cause irritation. Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water. Splash lukewarm water on your face to rinse away the cleanser thoroughly. Use your hands to help gently wash away any residue. You may have heard that rinsing your face with cold water after washing it will help close up the pores. In reality, cold temperatures will temporarily tighten your pores and reduce the production of oil from your skin, but will not actually cause your pores to close. It's okay to use cool or warm water to rinse your skin, but don't use hot water, since this will cause drying and irritation. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Just like scrubbing your face with a washcloth, rubbing with a towel can irritate your skin. Instead, use a clean, dry towel to gently pat the water away when you're done washing up. Damp towels can make a happy home for all sorts of gross things, like viruses, bacteria, and mold—which can then get into your skin and cause irritation or infections! Switch to a fresh towel at least once a week, and spread your towel out on a bar so it can dry fully between each use. Apply a moisturizer to avoid dryness and irritation. If you have acne-prone skin, you may be tempted to skip the moisturizer. However, drying out your skin can actually make the problem worse. Keep your skin from getting thirsty and irritated by putting on a light moisturizer formulated for acne-prone skin. Look for a moisturizer that's free of dyes and perfumes, since these can irritate your skin. Since sun exposure can make acne worse for some people, look for a moisturizer that's also a sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend sun protection moisturizers that are also designed for acne-prone skin, such as Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30. Moisturizers containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as zinc or aloe vera, may be especially helpful. Limit washing to twice a day, or after sweating. While it may seem like more washing would be better for your acne, this isn't true. Washing too much will strip your skin of its natural oils, which will dry it out and irritate it, leading to even more breakouts. Wash your face only twice a day, morning and night. You should also wash your skin after sweating, since this can lead to breakouts. If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it before you go to bed. Sleeping in your makeup can clog up your pores. Wipe it away with a gentle makeup-removing wipe that's labeled “non-comedogenic” (won't clog your pores). Use gentle cosmetics. Having acne doesn't necessarily mean that you have to give up wearing makeup. However, some kinds of makeup can cause breakouts or make your acne worse. Choose products with labels like “oil-free,” “non-comedogenic,” or “won't clog pores.” If a product causes a breakout, stop using it and try something else. Always wash off your makeup before you go to bed, including any eye makeup. When you're applying makeup, use a gentle brush to avoid irritating your skin. Treat your skin with tea tree oil once a day to fight bacteria. Studies show that tea tree oil can help treat several skin conditions, including acne. Dilute 2-3 drops of the oil in 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of a gentle carrier oil, such as jojoba or olive oil, or your favorite moisturizer. Use your fingertips or a cotton swab to spread it gently over any pimples or inflamed areas. Tea tree oil can calm inflammation and fight the bacteria that cause acne, and it has fewer side effects than many over-the-counter or prescription acne medications. Some people may be allergic to tea tree oil. Before using it on your face, test a drop of tea tree oil elsewhere, like your arm or leg. Wait several hours. If a rash develops, you may be allergic or sensitive to the oil, and should avoid putting it on your face. Tea tree oil is toxic when consumed. Never eat or drink tea tree oil! Try a raw honey and cinnamon mask twice a week to calm inflammation and kill bacteria. Honey and cinnamon extract can work together to fight the bacteria that cause acne. Additionally, cinnamon has inflammation-fighting properties that can help soothe your skin and reduce redness. This is a great alternative to tea tree oil if you're allergic to it or don't like the scent. Make a face mask with honey and cinnamon or ask your dermatologist to recommend a product with these ingredients. Alternatively, you could mix 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil with 5 teaspoons (25 mL) of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or olive oil, and mix that with the honey to create the mask. Before applying the honey and cinnamon mixture to your acne, dab a small amount around your jawline. Wait about 30 minutes to see if you have an adverse reaction. If so, do not apply this mixture to your acne. Apply green tea lotion twice a day to reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts. Green tea contains natural chemicals called polyphenols that can help calm inflammation, kill bacteria, and even reduce the amount of oil that your skin produces! Apply a lotion containing 2% green tea extract twice a day to help calm your skin and prevent future breakouts. Green tea lotions can cause mild irritation in some people, such as temporary stinging or itching. However, these symptoms usually get better as your skin gets used to the lotion. If your symptoms don't go away within 2-3 days after starting your treatment routine, stop using the lotion and talk to your doctor. Minimize scarring by putting on an onion extract gel once daily. Acne scars can be as distressing and embarrassing as the acne itself, but fortunately, there are natural remedies that can help! Apply a gel or cream containing onion extract to acne scars once a day to soften the scars and reduce their appearance. Follow the directions on the package carefully to determine how much you should use. Onion gel can cause irritation in some people, so test a small amount of it on another part of your body (such as your arm or a spot behind your ear) before applying it to your face. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water is one of your skin's essential needs. If you don't drink enough water, your skin can get dried out, even if it's usually oily. In turn, having dry skin can lead to irritation and breakouts. Aim to drink an 8  fl oz (240 mL) glass of water at least 8 times a day, and drink whenever you feel thirsty. A good rule of thumb to use is looking at the color of your urine. If it's mostly clear, you've had enough water; if it's yellowish, aim to drink more water throughout the day. Incorporate healthy fats into your meals. While fatty foods are often considered bad for acne, there are good fats that help fight acne. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts. Good sources of healthy fats include fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna), nuts and seeds, and plant-based oils (such as olive or flax-seed oil). Include lean proteins in your diet. Researchers have found that people who eat diets rich in lean proteins are less likely to suffer from acne. Look for healthy sources of protein, such as poultry breast, fish, egg whites, and peas and beans. While milk and other dairy products contain plenty of protein, they may cause breakouts in some people. Try cutting back on milk for a few weeks and see if your acne improves. Have plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is great for your overall health, and may also help minimize acne breakouts. Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables each day to get a variety of skin-boosting vitamins and minerals. Low levels of vitamins A and E, as well as zinc, can cause acne breakouts. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in these nutrients, such as dark leafy greens, carrots, squash, berries, mangos, avocados, mushrooms, and garlic. Cut greasy and sugary junk food out of your diet. Sugar, refined carbohydrates, and greasy foods can all make acne worse. Stick to eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of lean protein, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Stay away from junk foods, such as: Sugary baked goods Candy Sweet sodas and sugary coffee drinks Greasy fast food and fried foods Fatty, salty snacks, such as potato chips Do stress-reducing activities to prevent acne flareups. It's not clear whether stress can cause acne, but it can make your acne worse if you already have it! If you're stressing out, do activities that help you relax and unwind. This may help calm your skin and make your breakouts less severe. Try activities such as: Yoga Meditation Going for walks outside Listening to peaceful music Working on hobbies or creative projects Spending time with family, friends, or pets Try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Although the connection between sleep and acne is not entirely clear, most doctors agree that lack of sleep can stress you out and make it harder for your body to fight infections. This will make your acne worse and is bad for your skin overall. Commit to getting about 8 hours of sleep a night to give your skin a healthy boost. If you're a teen, try to get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Commit to going to bed and waking up at the same time each night so that you get into a healthy sleep routine. If you have trouble sleeping, try establishing a relaxing bedtime ritual, like meditating, reading, or taking a warm shower before bed. Turn off any bright screens at least an hour before bedtime, since the light can make it harder for your brain to get into sleep mode. Wash up after exercising. Some people notice that they have more breakouts after working out. Don't let this stop you from getting the health benefits of exercise, though! Instead, protect yourself by showering and washing your face with a gentle cleanser after every workout. This will help prevent sweat, oils, and dirt from clogging your pores and irritating your skin. While you're exercising, gently pat away sweat with a clean, dry towel. Don't rub away sweat, since this could irritate your skin. Even if you can't shower right away, change into clean, dry workout clothes immediately after your workout. This will help prevent breakouts on your body. Put on clean clothes before your workout, too, since dirty clothes can trap bacteria and other skin irritants. If you're using a gym, wipe down any shared equipment before you use it with a disinfectant wipe. This will help get rid of oils and bacteria left behind by other people that could aggravate your skin and cause breakouts. Talk to your doctor if your acne doesn’t go away with home treatments. It's normal for it to take several weeks for your skin to clear. If you use home acne treatments consistently, you should see results. However, these treatments don't work for everyone because there are different causes of acne. If you're not getting the results you want, visit your doctor to learn about prescription treatments that may work for you. Although you may see some improvements after a few days to a week of treatment, severe acne may take 4-8 weeks to clear. Write down all of the treatments you try so that you can tell your doctor what hasn't worked for you. You might even bring in the bottles or packaging. Visit a dermatologist if your acne is widespread across your face. If you have a lot of acne, over-the-counter treatments may not work, but that's okay. Your dermatologist will help you choose better treatments to combat your acne. Prescription treatments are more effective and targeted to address what's causing your acne. Acne may be caused by hormones, inflammation, or bacteria that's deep under your skin. While home treatments can't address these causes, your dermatologist can prescribe a treatment that can. Ask your doctor if prescription acne treatments are right for you. If your acne goes away with home treatments, then you likely won't need prescription medication. However, you may decide to take medication if you have persistent or widespread acne. Your doctor may offer you 1 or more of the following treatments: Prescription topical creams. These typically contain a retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic, or possibly salicylic acid. Antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to kill bacteria that cause acne and to reduce inflammation. Hormonal birth control pills. If you're a female, your doctor may recommend birth control pills to help control outbreaks caused by hormones. Isotretinoin. This is an oral treatment you may be able to take if nothing else works and your acne is seriously interfering with your life. Treat your acne with a skin procedure if your doctor recommends it. In addition to medication, your dermatologist can offer in-office skin treatments to improve the look of your skin. You may experience some discomfort during skin treatments, but they shouldn't be painful. Talk to your dermatologist about the following options: Laser or light therapy targets the p. acnes bacteria, which might help clear your breakout. Chemical peels help remove the outer layers of your skin to reveal fresh, possibly clearer skin. Acne removal is a procedure where your doctor drains or injects medicine into a large acne cyst that doesn't respond to medicine. Get immediate care for signs of an allergic reaction to acne products. It's normal to experience minor redness and irritation after you use acne treatments. However, scary side effects may happen to some people. While you likely don't need to worry because reactions are rare, seek treatment immediately if you have the following symptoms: Difficulty breathing Swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or tongue Tightness in your throat Feeling faint

Select a gentle cleanser. Wet your face with lukewarm water. Apply the cleanser to your face with your fingertips. Rinse off the cleanser with lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Apply a moisturizer to avoid dryness and irritation. Limit washing to twice a day, or after sweating. Use gentle cosmetics. Treat your skin with tea tree oil once a day to fight bacteria. Try a raw honey and cinnamon mask twice a week to calm inflammation and kill bacteria. Apply green tea lotion twice a day to reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts. Minimize scarring by putting on an onion extract gel once daily. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Incorporate healthy fats into your meals. Include lean proteins in your diet. Have plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Cut greasy and sugary junk food out of your diet. Do stress-reducing activities to prevent acne flareups. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Wash up after exercising. Talk to your doctor if your acne doesn’t go away with home treatments. Visit a dermatologist if your acne is widespread across your face. Ask your doctor if prescription acne treatments are right for you. Treat your acne with a skin procedure if your doctor recommends it. Get immediate care for signs of an allergic reaction to acne products.

https://www.wikihow.com/Multiply-Square-Roots

How to Multiply Square Roots

To multiply square roots, first multiply the radicands, or the numbers underneath the radical sign. If there are any coefficients in front of the radical sign, multiply them together as well. Finally, if the new radicand can be divided out by a perfect square, factor out this perfect square and simplify it.

Multiply the radicands. A radicand is a number underneath the radical sign. To multiply radicands, multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers. Make sure to keep the product under one radical sign. For example, if you are calculating 15 × 5 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {15}}\times {\sqrt {5}}} , you would calculate 15 × 5 = 75 {\displaystyle 15\times 5=75}. So, 15 × 5 = 75 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {15}}\times {\sqrt {5}}={\sqrt {75}}}. Factor out any perfect squares in the radicand. To do this, see whether any perfect square is a factor of the radicand. If you cannot factor out a perfect square, your answer is already simplified and you need not do anything further. A perfect square is the result of multiplying an integer (a positive or negative whole number) by itself. For example, 25 is a perfect square, because 5 × 5 = 25 {\displaystyle 5\times 5=25}. For example, 75 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {75}}} can be factored to pull out the perfect square 25: 75 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {75}}} = 25 × 3 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {25\times 3}}} Place the square root of the perfect square in front of the radical sign. Keep the other factor under the radical sign. This will give you your simplified expression. For example, 75 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {75}}} can be factored as 25 × 3 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {25\times 3}}} , so you would pull out the square root of 25 (which is 5): 75 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {75}}} = 25 × 3 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {25\times 3}}} = 5 3 {\displaystyle 5{\sqrt {3}}} Square a square root. In some instances, you will need to multiply a square root by itself. Squaring a number and taking the square root of a number are opposite operations; thus, they undo each other. The result of squaring a square root, then, is simply the number under the radical sign. For example, 25 × 25 = 25 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {25}}\times {\sqrt {25}}=25}. You get that result because 25 × 25 = 5 × 5 = 25 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {25}}\times {\sqrt {25}}=5\times 5=25}. Multiply the coefficients. A coefficient is a number in front of the radical sign. To do this, just ignore the radical sign and radicand, and multiply the two whole numbers. Place their product in front of the first radical sign. Pay attention to positive and negative signs when multiplying coefficients. Don't forget that a negative times a positive is a negative, and a negative times a negative is a positive. For example, if you are calculating 3 2 × 2 6 {\displaystyle 3{\sqrt {2}}\times 2{\sqrt {6}}} , you would first calculate 3 × 2 = 6 {\displaystyle 3\times 2=6}. So now your problem is 6 2 × 6 {\displaystyle 6{\sqrt {2}}\times {\sqrt {6}}}. Multiply the radicands. To do this, multiply the numbers as if they were whole numbers. Make sure to keep the product under the radical sign. For example, if the problem is now 6 2 × 6 {\displaystyle 6{\sqrt {2}}\times {\sqrt {6}}} , to find the product of the radicands, you would calculate 2 × 6 = 12 {\displaystyle 2\times 6=12} , so 2 × 6 = 12 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {2}}\times {\sqrt {6}}={\sqrt {12}}}. The problem now becomes 6 12 {\displaystyle 6{\sqrt {12}}}. Factor out any perfect squares in the radicand, if possible. You need to do this to simplify your answer. If you cannot pull out a perfect square, your answer is already simplified and you can skip this step. A perfect square is the result of multiplying an integer (a positive or negative whole number) by itself. For example, 4 is a perfect square, because 2 × 2 = 4 {\displaystyle 2\times 2=4}. For example, 12 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {12}}} can be factored to pull out the perfect square 4: 12 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {12}}} = 4 × 3 {\displaystyle {\sqrt {4\times 3}}} Multiply the square root of the perfect square by the coefficient. Keep the other factor under the radicand. This will give you your simplified expression. For example, 6 12 {\displaystyle 6{\sqrt {12}}} can be factored as 6 4 × 3 {\displaystyle 6{\sqrt {4\times 3}}} , so you would pull out the square root of 4 (which is 2) and multiply it by 6: 6 12 {\displaystyle 6{\sqrt {12}}} = 6 4 × 3 {\displaystyle 6{\sqrt {4\times 3}}} = 6 × 2 3 {\displaystyle 6\times 2{\sqrt {3}}} = 12 3 {\displaystyle 12{\sqrt {3}}}

Multiply the radicands. Factor out any perfect squares in the radicand. Place the square root of the perfect square in front of the radical sign. Square a square root. Multiply the coefficients. Multiply the radicands. Factor out any perfect squares in the radicand, if possible. Multiply the square root of the perfect square by the coefficient.

https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-Christmas-Cookies

How to Decorate Christmas Cookies

To decorate Christmas cookies, consider making buttercream frosting with food coloring to make your cookies bright and colorful. Apply the frosting all over or in any pattern you like with a piping bag or the flat side of a knife. You can also add polka dots of frosting for things like Christmas tree ornaments or a snowman's buttons. Alternatively, you can decorate your frosting with sprinkles or chunks of your favorite candies. If frosting isn't your thing, consider dipping your cookies in melted chocolate for a richer taste. You can also press round chocolates, like Hershey's Kisses, into the center of your cookie to make thumbprint cookies.

Roll out sugar cookie dough to 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thickness. You can make classic sugar cookie dough by mixing together butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and baking powder. Chill it for about an hour, or until it's firm, and set it on a floured surface, like a clean counter. Use a rolling pin to roll it out. Roll out your dough into smaller chunks to keep it more manageable. Use cookie cutters to easily make Christmas shapes. You can find a variety of Christmas cookie cutters online and in home stores. Choose a pack with lots different shapes, like Christmas trees, stars, snowflakes, and ornaments. When you're ready to cut your cookie dough, lightly flour the sharpened side of the cutter and press it into the dough. Cut as many cookies from the rolled-out dough as you can, turning your cookie cutters at different angles to use as much of the surface as possible. This will help you conserve dough, giving you more cookies to decorate later! Make your own cookie cutters to create your own shapes. To save money or make your own designs, cut out strips of aluminum and fold them inwards a few times to create long, strong, flexible lengths. Bend them into the shape you want, going freehand or following a particular design. Make small adjustments with a knife. Cut off unwanted pieces of dough on the edges of your cookies, or personalize your shapes as much as you want. It'll be difficult to change the shape of your cookie once you've baked it, so make any last changes now! For example, you might want to cut a hole in a wreath-shaped cookie, or add a star to the top of a tree. Be careful of making any edges too thin or pointy. They have a better chance of falling off or getting burned in the oven. Bake your cookies using the recipe’s instructions. Use a spatula to place your cookies on a baking sheet, then bake them at the heat and time specified in the recipe. Once they're done baking and have cooled for a few minutes, you're free to decorate them more—or enjoy them just as they are! You can keep your cookies fresh for up to a week in a sealed, airtight container, or for a month if you freeze them. Make a simple buttercream frosting. You can make a sweet, creamy frosting by beating butter with a hand mixer until it's smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix it there are no lumps, then add cream, almond extract, and salt and mix until everything is blended. Separate the frosting into bowls and use food coloring to create colors. Use a spoon to divide the frosting into at least 4 different bowls. Keep one bowl of frosting white, then mix a few drops of food coloring into the other bowls to create festive colors. Follow the directions on the food coloring and remember that the more drops you add, the darker the color will be. You can create as many colors as you want, but consider including classic Christmas colors like red, green, and blue. You may also want yellow for accents or stars. Frost your cookies with a piping bag and tip for the most precise designs. Pour your frosting into separate piping bags, or into Ziploc bags with a small hole cut in one corner. Start frosting by tracing the outline of each cookie shape, then filling in the middle. Creating the outline first will keep the rest of your frosting neatly inside it. Hold the piping bag just slightly above the cookie so you don't smudge the frosting. You can keep your layers of frosting as thick or thin as you want. Just make sure it's thick enough that you can't see any of the cookie underneath. Use a knife to frost if you don’t have a piping bag. If you don't want to use a piping bag to frost your cookies, get out a few butter knives, one for each bowl of frosting. Use the knives to smooth the frosting onto each cookie. You won't get as smooth of a layer as with a piping bag, but the cookies will still look and taste just as good. Apply the frosting with the flat of your knife, creating as smooth and even a layer as you can. Add polka dots for a fun, popping design. Use a piping bag or the tip of your knife to scatter small dots of frosting across your cookie. Use a different color to make the design really pop. You could even match your polka dots to the shape of the cookie, creating ornaments on a Christmas tree or buttons on a snowman. Keep the polka dots small—they'll likely enlarge as the frosting dries. Create tiny hearts with polka dots and a toothpick. You can turn your frosting polka dots into tiny hearts by simply passing a toothpick straight through the middle of each dot. Doing this while the frosting is still wet will create the “tail” of the heart. Clean off the toothpick in between hearts so you don't collect too much frosting on it. For more whimsical look, pull the toothpick through the dots at a slight angle. This will make the hearts look tilted and playful. Adding hearts could be a great addition to cookies shaped like ornaments, trees, or hearts themselves! Mix and match different colors for more complicated designs. You don't have to use the same color of frosting for the whole cookie; in fact, using different shades on the same cookie can create a bright, colorful effect. Decide what sections you want to be different colors first, then go one color at a time. If you're short on time, you can frost the different colors back to back, but they might end up smearing. If you can, let them dry for at least 4 hours before adding the next color. This technique great for alternating patterns, like the stripes on a candy cane, or details like the white trim of a red Santa hat cookie. Let your frosting dry for at least 4 hours. You'll need to give your frosting time to dry before moving or stacking your cookies. Place the cookies on a flat surface, like a table, to dry. You can place down newspaper to protect from crumbs. Let them sit for 4 hours to get mostly dry before eating, or up to 8 if you're planning on packing them away. Mix and match sprinkles to add color in a simple, easy way. Adding sprinkles to your cookies is an easy way to make them really pop with color. Make sure to use colors that match, like white sprinkles on a red cookie, or green and red sprinkles for a white cookie. You can add more or less sprinkles depending on the look you're going for, as well. For example, instead of using green frosting to make your wreath or Christmas tree cookie, you could give it a fun texture by frosting it in white, then completely it in green sprinkles. Sprinkle on chunks of chocolate or candy for a particular look or taste. Store-bought sprinkles look great, but they don't add a lot to the taste of a cookie. If you're looking for an extra burst of sweetness, try adding pieces of candy or chocolate, like crushed up candy canes or chocolate chips, to make your cookies look and taste unique. You can try to match your candy decorations to the cookie itself. Add crushed candy canes to a candy cane-shaped cookie, or scatter M&Ms on Christmas tree cookies as ornaments. Press round chocolates into plain, round cookies to make thumbprint cookies. Bake a batch of round sugar cookies. When they're still hot from the oven, press a small, round piece of chocolate, like a Hershey's Kiss, into the center. You can use regular chocolates for a classic look and taste, or go with different colors like red, white, or striped patterns, for a festive take. Dip cookies in melted chocolate for a richer taste. If you're looking for a more chocolate-y taste to your cookies, skip the frosting and dip them in warm, melted chocolate instead. You can submerge the cookies all the way for the sweetest taste, or dip them in halfway at an angle for a pretty, modern look. Scatter sprinkles on the chocolate afterwards to keep the festive, Christmas cookie look. Use dark chocolate for the richest flavor. Indent cookies and fill them with jam or melted candy for a colorful, sweet addition. This colorful take on thumbprint cookies looks pretty and adds a tasty new flavor to your batch of cookies. To make simple jam cookies, create circular indents in round cookies, bake them, then spoon in the jam. To create “stained glass” cookies, hollow out the centers of your cookies and bake them for about 5 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven, sprinkle crushed Jolly Rancher candy into the center holes, then finish baking them. The candy will melt and create colorful, glassy centers. Use red jam or red and green candy to keep with your Christmas theme.

Roll out sugar cookie dough to 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to easily make Christmas shapes. Make your own cookie cutters to create your own shapes. Make small adjustments with a knife. Bake your cookies using the recipe’s instructions. Make a simple buttercream frosting. Separate the frosting into bowls and use food coloring to create colors. Frost your cookies with a piping bag and tip for the most precise designs. Use a knife to frost if you don’t have a piping bag. Add polka dots for a fun, popping design. Create tiny hearts with polka dots and a toothpick. Mix and match different colors for more complicated designs. Let your frosting dry for at least 4 hours. Mix and match sprinkles to add color in a simple, easy way. Sprinkle on chunks of chocolate or candy for a particular look or taste. Press round chocolates into plain, round cookies to make thumbprint cookies. Dip cookies in melted chocolate for a richer taste. Indent cookies and fill them with jam or melted candy for a colorful, sweet addition.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Hair-Dye-off-Your-Hands

How to Get Hair Dye off Your Hands

To get hair dye off your hands, try washing them with soapy water and some baking soda. The baking soda will exfoliate your hands and scrub the dye off. You can also try rubbing alcohol. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cotton pad, and dab the pad over the hair dye on your hands until it comes off. Another option you can try is non-gel toothpaste. Squirt some of the toothpaste into your hands and rub them together to get the dye off. Then, rinse off your hands. For really stubborn stains, try olive oil. Pour a little olive oil into your hands and rub them together until all of the oil has soaked in. Leave the olive oil on your hands for at least 1 hour, then rinse it off.

Act quickly after hair dye gets on your hands. The dye will take a few minutes to pigment your skin. Even if the dye has begun to set, the sooner you treat it, the easier it will be to remove. Your skin is made up up layers, and as the dye seeps into your skin, it will dye it layer by layer. If you allow the dye to sit on your hands, it will be able to dye more layers of your skin, and deeper layers of your skin. If the dye is allowed to stain the deep layers of your skin, it will likely take harsh measures to remove, which may damage your skin. Squeeze non-gel toothpaste into your hands and scrub. Toothpaste has abrasive agents that scrub your teeth, and these will exfoliate your skin. Removing the dead, dyed skin cells of your hands will reveal the new skin underneath, which may not be stained yet. Scrub your hands for about 30 seconds, then rinse with warm water. If your hands are still stained, try scrubbing again, only this time add a pinch of baking soda. Apply baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly and allow it to sit overnight. This is an especially helpful method if you have sensitive skin. The oils will slowly dissolve and break down the dye while simultaneously softening and conditioning your skin. Rub the oil over your hands using a cotton ball or a damp washcloth. The oil may ruin your sheets if you touch them while you sleep, so try wearing gloves or even clean socks on your hands while you sleep. Use a cotton ball to remove excess oil in the morning and scrub with warm water. Wash your hands with a combination of dish soap and baking soda. The dish soap will break up the dye and the baking soda will exfoliate your skin. Rinse with warm water to cause the baking soda to bubble, which may help lift the stain from your skin. Look for a dish soap that is gentle on your hands and won't dry them out. Rub makeup remover on your hands. Because it is formulated for use on your face, makeup remover will definitely be gentle on your skin. If the stain hasn't penetrated too deeply, it should be able to dissolve and lift the pigment. Pour the makeup remover onto a washcloth or cotton ball and rub the stain. Wait for at least five minutes before rinsing. Try makeup-removing wipes if you have any. The fibers of the wipe will exfoliate dead skin and the makeup remover will break down the pigment. Buy professional dye remover. If you want to skip the home remedies and do like the professionals, visit a beauty supply store and purchase a hair dye remover that is designed for use on your skin. You may find it in the form of a solution or as wipes. Spray hairspray on your hands. The hairspray may be able to break the bonds between the dye and your skin, allowing you to wash the color away. The alcohol in the hairspray may dry out your skin. Spraying the hairspray onto a cotton ball and then rubbing it on your hands may increase the effectiveness of this treatment. Rubbing the hairspray in may help it penetrate deeper and the fibers of the cotton ball may help loosen dead skin cells. Use warm water to rinse the hairspray off your hands. Mix laundry detergent and baking soda and rub it into the stain. Detergent may irritate your skin, but it works quickly and effectively to break down the dye. The baking soda adds an abrasive element, which exfoliates and removes dyed dead skin cells. Use the detergent and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio (so, 1 teaspoon detergent mixed with 1 teaspoon baking soda). Rub the mixture into your skin for 30-60 seconds. Rinse with warm water. Make a paste from cigarette ashes and warm water. As strange as it sounds, this is an old hold remedy that supposedly works wonders. Make sure the ashes are cool and be aware that this treatment is not great for your skin. Mix cold cigarette ashes and warm water in a small bowl, then use a cotton ball to dab it onto your stained skin. Wait for 15 minutes. The stain should begin to fade. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use nail polish remover if all else fails. The acetone solvent in nail polish remover can redissolve the dye and, once in its liquid state, the dye can be washed away. Nail polish remover is, however, very harsh on your skin and may cause dryness and other damage. It should never be used around your eyes. Dip a cotton ball in nail polish remover and rub it over the stained skin. Try not to rub too vigorously. If you experience a burning sensation, stop immediately and rinse your hands with warm water. Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover. Apply it to your nails immediately after you get the dye off the skin, before the dye has a chance to penetrate too deeply. Nail beds are mostly dead skin cells that absorb dye easily. Without actually removing the dead cells, it may be very difficult to lift the dye. Rub the cotton ball on your nails and you should see the dye start to come off on the cotton ball. Trim your cuticles if they are dyed. If you have dead skin or cuticles that changed colors because of the dye, use a cuticle clipper to carefully remove the skin. This will save you from using harsh nail polish remover on your skin. Use a nail brush or toothbrush to get under your nails. If you're having trouble cleaning the skin under your nails, use a clean toothbrush or a nail brush to scrub underneath. Try soaking the brush in soap and water to wash away any dye that is under your nails. Paint your nails if you just can't remove the dye. If you've tried everything and your nails are still discolored, your best bet is to cover them with a fun nail polish. Be fashionable and disguise the stain at the same time!

Act quickly after hair dye gets on your hands. Squeeze non-gel toothpaste into your hands and scrub. Apply baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly and allow it to sit overnight. Wash your hands with a combination of dish soap and baking soda. Rub makeup remover on your hands. Buy professional dye remover. Spray hairspray on your hands. Mix laundry detergent and baking soda and rub it into the stain. Make a paste from cigarette ashes and warm water. Use nail polish remover if all else fails. Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover. Trim your cuticles if they are dyed. Use a nail brush or toothbrush to get under your nails. Paint your nails if you just can't remove the dye.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sedate-a-Cat

How to Sedate a Cat

Before sedating your cat, make sure to see your vet in order to verify that your cat is healthy enough for sedation. Your vet will also give you a prescription or a recommendation for an over the counter sedative. When it's time to sedate your cat, wrap it in a towel so that only its head is sticking out. Next, place your thumb and forefinger on either side of its mouth and apply gentle pressure until its mouth opens. Then, pop the pill inside your cat's mouth, lift its head, and massage its throat to ensure that it swallows the medication.

Seek a veterinarian's advice. For most sedatives, you'll need a prescription from a veterinarian anyway. Even if you're buying an over-the-counter medication, run it by your vet to make sure he or she approves of it — a poor quality product could be dangerous to your pet's health. All animals that are going to be medically sedated should be examined by a vet before use to make sure they're healthy enough for sedation. Tell your veterinarian if you plan on flying with a sedated cat. The combination of air pressure, elevation, and excessive stress can cause adverse reactions that can prove potentially fatal. Discuss time frames with your vet. Different medications take different amounts of time to kick in, so you want to know how your particular medication works. Ask your veterinarian how far ahead of time you should administer the medication before the event that will stress out your cat. Some medications may kick in almost immediately, while others may take up to an hour to be effective. With medications that take time to kick in, the cat's anxiety may override the sedative if you don't allow it to go into effect in a relaxed environment. Familiarize yourself with the types of sedative medication. There are many different types of medications used for sedating cats. All of the medications discussed here require a vet exam and prescription. Discuss your options with your vet to figure out which one is best for your pet. The vet will use his education, training and experience to recommend the medication with the least side effects and risk for your pet. Benzodiazepines are a popular sedative that can reduce anxiety almost immediately. Side effects include disorientation, sleeplessness, and increased appetite. They should be used with extreme caution in cats with liver or kidney problems. SARIs also relieve anxiety rapidly, but can cause slight dizziness and disorientation. They should be used with caution in animals with heart conditions. Clonidine and gabapentin were developed to treat blood pressure and nerve pain in humans, but have sedative and anti-anxiety effects in animals. Chlorpheniramine is an allergy and cold medication, while phenobarbital is a narcotic and sedative used to treat epilepsy. Do not expect a quick fix. There are a wide variety of medications available to sedate a cat, most of which must be prescribed by a vet. However, just like with humans, individual cats can have different responses to different medications. What works well on one cat might not work well on another. Plan for medicated sedation as far ahead of time as possible so you can adjust the medication as necessary. Don't expect a "magic pill" that will work instantly. Perform a trial run. You should always do a trial run with the medication before you actually need to sedate your cat. This ensures that she responds well to it; otherwise, your pet may have a bad reaction in an already stressful situation. In general, you should give yourself at least a week of wiggle room, so you can revisit your vet and discuss other options if your first choice medication is ineffective. Wait for a time when both you and your cat are calm and relaxed. After giving her the medication, observe her for 12 hours to gauge her reaction to it. The cat should be relaxed and calm, but not woozy or unconscious. If she appears disoriented or panicked, do not use that medication again. Prepare your cat for sedation. Make sure you're within the time frame for sedation you discussed with your vet. Give the medication time to kick in before the stressful event. Both you and the cat should be as relaxed as possible. Wrap the cat in a small blanket, pillowcase, or towel with only her head exposed. Hold her on the floor straddled between your legs or on your lap, or have someone hold the cat for you. Give your cat her medication. Make sure to follow your vet's dosage instructions carefully. These powerful medications can prove harmful if used inaccurately. Put your thumb on one side of the cat's mouth, and your forefinger on the Apply gentle pressure until your cat opens her mouth. With your free hand, press gently down on the lower jaw to further open the mouth. Pop in the pill or squeeze liquid medication into the inside of the mouth on the side of 1 cheek. Make sure the cat swallows the medication. While keeping her body firmly secured, release her mouth from your hands. Lift her face so her nose points upward, and gently rub her throat to encourage her to swallow. You might also blow gently in her face, which make her gulp or swallow. Stay in this position for a few seconds before removing the coverings and releasing the cat. If you see the cat licking her nose, that's a sign she's probably swallowed the medicine. Give your cat a lot of praise for her good behavior, and comfort her if she's upset about what just happened. Use alternate delivery methods if needed. Taking oral medication doesn't feel natural to cats, and yours may fight back when you try to sedate her. It may help to wrap your cat snugly in a towel while administering the sedative. When she's swaddled like a baby, she won't be able to struggle as much and get away. You can buy "pill guns" that let you drop the pill toward the back of the cat's mouth, raising the odds of her swallowing it. Try wrapping the pill in a little bit of cheese or other treat your cat enjoys to sneak it to her. Ask the veterinarian for liquid medication if you have trouble administering pills. Ask the vet before trying to mix liquid sedative into the cat's wet food. You want to make sure it won't render the drug ineffective. Wait for the sedative to kick in. Different medications and dosages take different lengths of time to take effect. Your veterinarian will let you know how long your specific medication and dosage should take to kick in, and how long it should be effective. In general, though, you're looking for your cat to become groggy and tired, but not disoriented and confused. The cat should be restful, but not lose consciousness suddenly. Some cats fall asleep entirely, while others stay awake, but quiet and calm. Your cat may be back to normal after just a few hours, or she may seem drowsy for the next couple days. If, after a couple days, she's still not back to normal, contact your veterinarian. Use synthetic pheromones in your home. If your cat is anxious, overexcited, or displays unwanted behaviors like scent marking or scratching, synthetic pheromones are a good solution. These chemicals mimic the pheromones that cats naturally produce to communicate with other cats. A few companies have used essential oils or herbal blends to mimic pheromones. Regular use can make cats feel calmer and more secure at home. Synthetic pheromones can be used as collars, sprays, wipes, or plug-in diffusers. Popular brands include Feliway, Comfort Zone, and Sergeant's Pet Care, among others. You can use them all the time to keep your cat happy and calm. You may also introduce them a few weeks before a stressful event to prepare her for it. Consider using body wraps. Body wraps have proven to be helpful in relieving anxiety in cats. These products wrap around the cat's torso, applying gentle pressure on her pressure points. The effect is similar to that of swaddling an infant. Though these products are more well-known for use in dogs, they are just as effective in cats. Towel wrap her if you don’t have a body wrap. If you haven't invested in a body wrap and your cat is anxious or fearful, you can mimic the effect using a heavy towel. Wrap the cat in the towel so her entire body is covered, except for her face. Make sure the towel is wrapped snugly around her body. This method can be used if you need to give her medication, trim her nails, or do anything that might upset her for a short period of time. Always make sure to praise the cat after releasing her from the towel. Try using food supplements to combat anxiety. The ingredients in these supplements support the cat's natural chemical balance to improve relaxation. They may come in liquid, chew, or tablet forms. Two examples of supplements include Anxitane and Zylkene. Anxitane is a green tea amino acid which (according to the manufacturer) works on chemical receptors in the brain to reduce fear and anxiety in cats. Zylkene is a supplement derived from the milk protein that helps soothe newborns. You can buy these supplements online or at a vet's office.

Seek a veterinarian's advice. Discuss time frames with your vet. Familiarize yourself with the types of sedative medication. Do not expect a quick fix. Perform a trial run. Prepare your cat for sedation. Give your cat her medication. Make sure the cat swallows the medication. Use alternate delivery methods if needed. Wait for the sedative to kick in. Use synthetic pheromones in your home. Consider using body wraps. Towel wrap her if you don’t have a body wrap. Try using food supplements to combat anxiety.

https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Oil-to-Your-Car

How to Add Oil to Your Car

If you need to add oil to your car, pop the hood of your car and find the oil fill port, which is almost always labeled “Oil” with a small picture of an oil can on the top. Unscrew the cap, then check the dipstick to determine how much oil you need to add. Usually, the distance between the bottom of the stick and the top is equal to 1 quart of oil, so estimate based on that. Add the oil to the reservoir slowly, checking the dipstick periodically, then close the oil fill cap.

Check the oil after the car has rested for 5 minutes. If you check the oil right after turning the car off you will get an inaccurate reading, as some of the oil will still be at the top of the engine. Keep the car on a level, even surface as well to make sure you aren't checking the oil on a slant. Most auto manufacturers require you check the oil after the car has been warmed by starting it in place for 3-5 minutes. Check your owner's manual if there is any doubt. To be safe, you should check your oil every month, and more frequently if you have to drive long distances. Pop the hood of the car. Usually you need to pull a small lever or press a button near the driver's seat to unlock the hood. From there, run your hand between the hood and the body of the car until you find a small lever, usually in the middle of the hood, and press it inward to completely free the hood. Locate the car's dipstick. This small, usually yellow cap with a loop is often labeled "Engine Oil," but even if it is not it is not difficult to find. The dipstick is a long piece of metal that extends down a tube to the oil pan, telling you, based on how high the oil line is, how much oil is in the engine. It is nearly close to the front of the car, and has a brightly colored circular or hook-shaped handle that you can use to pull out the stick without touching any oil. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it down with a dry cloth. Oil from the engine will spurt up on the dipstick when the car is running, meaning you should clean it and reinsert it to get an accurate reading. Note the marks near the middle or bottom of the stick, often dots, lines, cross-hatched squares, or bends in the stick. The highest mark is the "Full Line," and your oil should be somewhere between the two lines. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out to check your oil. This time you should note where the oil is on the stick. It should be closer to the top mark than the bottom, usually as close as you can get it. However, unless the level is at or below the minimum mark you do not need to add more oil. If the line is close and you are unsure whether or not to add oil, drive the car and check the oil again after 2-3 weeks. Understand the appearance of the dipstick. Is the oil black, brown, or clear? Is the dipstick itself clean, or mottled and dark? Oil may start out light tan, but it will always darken with use as the engine runs, collecting impurities from the combustion cycle and from getting hot. Its color is also dependent on mileage. For example, if you are driving an older car 5000 miles a month, your car might burn a quart of oil a month. If the oil looks milky or white you could have a coolant leak and must get the car towed to a mechanic immediately. If the oil has metallic particles or bits in it, get it to a mechanic immediately. If the oil seems dirty or sludge-like, it's time to change your oil. You should not be filling up the oil every few weeks or month -- this could be the sign of a leak. Use the oil recommended in the owner's manual. There are not too many reasons to switch from the recommended oil in the owner's manual, but that oftentimes doesn't make buying oil any easier. Understanding the different numbers and ratings on motor oil packaging will make you a better consumer and can help keep your car running smoothly. Understand how to read oil viscosity. Viscosity represents a fluids thickness, or resistance to flowing. A high viscosity is less likely to flow smoothly because it is thicker (yogurt is more viscous than milk, for example). There are two numbers for viscosity of an oil, represented in combination, like 10W-30 or 20W-50. The first number, with the W, is for the winter temperature of the oil. This tells you how well it flows in cold weather when it the oil is thicker. The second number is how well the oil maintains its thickness in heat. The first number should be at least 5W or lower if you live in very cold areas (see your owner's manual), as oil can get too thick for the car to start if the winter viscosity is too high. Your owner's manual will have a recommended viscosity rating for your car. If there is only one number, as found in some older cars, your car uses a "single-weight" oil. Check your owner's manual for the necessary certifications your oil needs. This will help make sure your car stays healthy and under warranty. Each motor oil has several different certifications possible, from the starburst-shaped API to ILSAC recommended guidelines. Make sure whatever oil you use meets the standards put forth by your manufacturer. Some certifications change as the get more modern. The current API designation is SL, though it has been SJ and SI before. Again, refer to your manual for your car. Use synthetic oils for high-end cars or extreme conditions. Though more effective, synthetic oils are also more expensive than their natural counterparts. Blending oils, however, is perfectly acceptable, so you do not have to shell out for pure synthetic oil if it seems too expensive. Do not switch to a multi-weight oil on older cars. If your car has been running fine on a single weight oil (one viscosity rating), you don't want to switch now. This could cause sludge and grime that built up in the engine to dislodge and cause problems. Stick with what the car is used to and needs -- switching to a high-performance oil later will only cause more problems. Consider switching in a higher weight oil (40 for 30) for the summer months, when it gets hotter, instead of switching to a multi-weight oil like 20W-40W. Add oil to the car if the dipstick reading is near the minimum line. You should top up your car immediately if you are at or below the proper oil level to prevent damage to your car. Adding oil to your car, however, is not a substitute for replacing your oil on a regular basis. Always check your owner's manual to see how often you need to get your oil changed -- it may be as soon as 3,000 miles or as infrequently as every 20,000 miles. Most experts recommend changing oil every 5,000 miles. Purchase the right oil for your car. Check your owner's manual to see what oil is right for your car, or talk to your mechanic. Do not switch away from the recommended oil unless you have a very good reason -- it will not necessarily make your car perform better unless it is made for that oil. Pop the hood of the car. You need to pull a lever or press a button by the driver's seat to get the hood up. Return to the front of the car and run your hand between the hood and the body until you find a lever, usually in the middle of the hood. Press it inward to completely free the hood and expose the engine. Find the oil fill port. It is almost always labeled oil with a small picture of an oil can on the top. If you have trouble, check the owner's manual, though it is usually found near the front of the car near the engine and the dipstick. Unscrew the top and set it aside. Check the dipstick to determine how much oil you need to add. Usually, the difference between the bottom of the stick and the top is 1 quart, so you can use this to estimate how much oil you want to add. If it is halfway full, for example, you need to add half a quart of oil. That said, you should always add the oil in quarter quart increments to prevent overfilling, as this can cause serious engine issues. Add oil slowly to the reservoir, checking periodically. Add oil for 2-3 seconds, wait a minute, and then check the dipstick. Clean it off when done, add some more oil, and check again. You want the oil level to be close to the top mark on the dipstick, so get it as close as you can without overflowing. A funnel will make it easier to add oil without spilling it on the engine. Close up the oil fill cap. You should rarely need to add more than a quart of oil. If you do, there may be more serious issues at play in the engine, and you should check the oil again within a week to check if it's leaking. Otherwise, your engine should be good to run. Remember to get your oil changed when it is dirty or after 5,000 miles.

Check the oil after the car has rested for 5 minutes. Pop the hood of the car. Locate the car's dipstick. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it down with a dry cloth. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out to check your oil. Understand the appearance of the dipstick. Use the oil recommended in the owner's manual. Understand how to read oil viscosity. Check your owner's manual for the necessary certifications your oil needs. Use synthetic oils for high-end cars or extreme conditions. Do not switch to a multi-weight oil on older cars. Add oil to the car if the dipstick reading is near the minimum line. Purchase the right oil for your car. Pop the hood of the car. Find the oil fill port. Check the dipstick to determine how much oil you need to add. Add oil slowly to the reservoir, checking periodically. Close up the oil fill cap.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Focaccia

How to Make Focaccia

To make focaccia, start by mixing yeast, salt, flour, olive oil, and water to make the dough. Then, knead the dough before covering it and proofing it for 2 hours. Next, split the dough in half and flatten each half on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil. Next, top the focaccia with any herbs, seasonings, or cheese you'd like, and then let it rest for 1 hour. Finally, bake the focaccia for 20 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Put the flour, salt, and yeast into a bowl. Get out a large mixing bowl and put 4 cups (500 g) of bread (strong white) flour into it. Add 2 teaspoons (11 g) of salt to one side of the bowl and put 2 1/4-ounce (7 g) packages of instant (easy blend) yeast into the opposite side. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into a dough without the need to activate it first. Mix in the olive oil and the water. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil into the bowl along with 1 1/3 cups of the cold water. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to stir the liquids into the flour. Keep mixing and add the rest of the water to form a sticky dough. Knead the dough in the bowl for 5 minutes. Since the focaccia dough is so wet and sticky, you'll need to leave it in the mixing bowl in order to knead it easily. Use your hands to pull and fold the dough until it becomes smooth and stretchy. If your hands stick to the bread as you knead, rub a little olive oil on them. To make the dough using a machine, put the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the dough hook to beat the dough on medium speed for 5 minutes. Cover the dough and prove it for 1 to 2 hours. Lay a damp cloth or piece of plastic wrap over the bowl and leave the dough at room temperature. Let it prove until it's doubled in volume. The dough will be puffy, but still stretchy once it's finished proving. Drizzle 2 baking sheets with oil. Get out 2 half-sheet rimmed baking pans and drizzle a little olive oil across the bottom of each. This will give the focaccia a crispy bottom crust and make it easier to remove them from the sheets. Half-sheet pans are about 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) in size. Divide the dough into 2 portions and flatten each to fit the pans. Turn the dough onto your work surface and cut it into 2 equal-sized portions. Use a rolling pin or your hands to spread each portion into rectangle and place it into the prepared baking sheet. Use your fingers to push the dough into the corners of the pan. Top the focaccia with toppings if you like. Although classic focaccia is good with nothing else but a drizzle of olive oil on top, it's great when topped with with herbs or flavorful ingredients. If you want to top your focaccia, scatter thinly sliced or chopped toppings evenly over the dough. Cover the focaccia and let them rest for 1 hour. Lay a damp cloth or a piece of plastic wrap over each baking sheet. Leave the focaccia to prove in the sheets for 1 hour so they rise just a bit. If you added toppings, the dough should puff up a little around them. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and drizzle the focaccia with olive oil. Uncover the focaccia and press your fingertips into the dough as though you're massaging it a little. Then drizzle a little olive oil over the surface of the dough. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some fine or flaky sea salt over the dough after you've drizzled the oil. Bake the focaccia for 20 minutes. Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and cook the focaccia until the loaves are completely golden brown. Touch the surface of the dough to ensure that it's dry and not doughy. If the focaccia doesn't spring back when you touch it, return it to the oven and bake it for 3 more minutes. Then check it again. Slice and serve the focaccia. Turn off the oven and remove the baking sheets. Slide the focaccia loaves onto a large cutting board and use a chef's knife or pizza cutter to cut the bread. For an extra-rich flavor, drizzle a little more olive oil over the focaccia and serve it hot or warm. You can cut the focaccia into uniform squares or irregular triangles. Although the focaccia will have the best texture the day it's baked, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Put the flour, salt, and yeast into a bowl. Mix in the olive oil and the water. Knead the dough in the bowl for 5 minutes. Cover the dough and prove it for 1 to 2 hours. Drizzle 2 baking sheets with oil. Divide the dough into 2 portions and flatten each to fit the pans. Top the focaccia with toppings if you like. Cover the focaccia and let them rest for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and drizzle the focaccia with olive oil. Bake the focaccia for 20 minutes. Slice and serve the focaccia.

https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Paint-Can

How to Open a Paint Can

To open a paint can, slide the tip of a paint can opener beneath the lip of the can and press down on the handle. Move the opener to the side just a little and repeat the motion. Work your way around the lid until it lifts up enough for you to take off the lid with your hands. If you don't have a paint can opener, use a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife, but be careful not to put too much pressure on the lid or you could bend it.

Select a paint can opener for the easiest option. Paint can openers are small tools designed to effortlessly pry the lid off of your can. When you buy your paint from a home supply store, ask the associate for a paint can opener as well. Oftentimes they give these out for free along with the purchase of your paint. Paint can openers are also available for purchase at most home supply stores. Paint can openers have a small, curved tip that easily gets underneath the lip of the paint can so you can lift it up. Use a flathead screwdriver if you don’t have a paint can opener. While a paint can opener is the best way to open a paint can, you can also use a screwdriver. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the lid when using a screwdriver, or it can get deformed. For best results, use a screwdriver with a tip about ⁄ 4 – ⁄ 2 in (0.64–1.27 cm) big. If you use a smaller screwdriver, opening the can may put too much pressure on the rim of the can and it can get deformed. If your lid is deformed, it will be harder to close and take off next time. Try a stiff, 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) putty knife if you have one handy. In addition to paint can removers and screwdrivers, putty knives work well to open paint cans. If you choose a putty knife, use the side of the knife to maximize your surface area. These work well because you can easily pry the lid off with the thick, wide blade of the putty knife. Hold your tool under the lip of the lid to easily pry it off. Place the tip of your tool underneath the lip. If using a screwdriver or putty knife, it is helpful to use the side of the tool to gain more leverage. If the paint is new, you can use anything to open it from a quarter or your keys, to the back of a fork or knife. Press down on the handle of the tool to pry open the lid. After you position your tool under the lid, use moderate force on the handle. With a little bit of effort, the lid will separate from the paint can. If the lid does not come off the can in 1 motion, reposition your tool and try again. Open the paint can a little bit at a time to maintain the shape of the lid. Continue prying the lid off in a consecutive motion. To do this, scoot the tool across the lid and lift up every ⁄ 2 –1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) or so. Prying all of the lid off before opening the can prevents the lid from getting deformed and bent. Even if you're opening an old can of paint, you'll want to slowly and methodically work your way around the lid as you open it because there may be rust on the edges and you don't want to get that inside the paint. If the lid loses its flat shape, it will be hard to put the lid back on. If you take the lid off from 1 side, you will bend it. Take the lid off with your hands. Once you pry the lid off all the way around, place 1 hand on the lid, and gently lift up. Put the lid down on a flat surface with the paint side facing upwards. This way, you can easily pick up the lid when you are finished painting. If there is rust in your paint, you can strain it out with a standard paint strainer. Wipe the rim of the can with a paint brush to remove any excess paint. When you are finished painting, hold the tip of your brush up to the rim of your can, and move it around in a circle. Then, wipe the tip of your brush against the lid. This moves the paint on the rim back into the can. This way, your lid will not get sticky with paint. Alternatively, you can use a rag instead of a paintbrush. Place the lid on top on the rim when you are finished painting. After you wipe around the rim, lift up your lid and put it on top of the paint can with the paint side facing down. Tap the lid into place using a hammer or rubber mallet. Once the lid is in place, make small tapping motions on the lid. Continue tapping around the lid clockwise until the lid is securely in place. For best results, use a tool with a small head. You don't need to pound the lid into place, and you can more easily tap the lid closed using a small tool.

Select a paint can opener for the easiest option. Use a flathead screwdriver if you don’t have a paint can opener. Try a stiff, 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) putty knife if you have one handy. Hold your tool under the lip of the lid to easily pry it off. Press down on the handle of the tool to pry open the lid. Open the paint can a little bit at a time to maintain the shape of the lid. Take the lid off with your hands. Wipe the rim of the can with a paint brush to remove any excess paint. Place the lid on top on the rim when you are finished painting. Tap the lid into place using a hammer or rubber mallet.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Master-at-Hide-And-Seek

How to Be a Master at Hide And Seek

To be a master at hide and seek, work on creative hiding strategies that give you an advantage. For example, hover in a nearby corner as the seeker counts and hide in that very same room once the seeker leaves it. They probably won't come back to check that area for a while! It also helps to hide in multi-colored areas that offer a little camouflage, since you are more likely to stand out if everything around you is a single color. For example, you'll be easy to spot if you hide behind a bright red couch. Hiding in plain sight is another good trick. For instance, empty the dirty clothes from a laundry basket, get into the basket, and put the clothes on top of you to cover your body.

Search for items with long edges that you can hide behind. Look for large pieces of furniture or house fixtures that are wide and long, and are difficult to peer around. If the seeker doesn't feel like doing a thorough job in a certain room, you might be able to get away with an unexpectedly clever hiding spot. For example, if there's a room that's divided by a sudden closet or angular wall, try hiding against the side of this surface. If the seeker doesn't peer all the way around the corner, they might not notice you. Take advantage of long curtains when you’re playing inside. While thinner, more sheer curtains aren't the best hiding spot, thick, neutral-toned drapes can provide an excellent place for you to hide on short notice. Take advantage of the ruffles in the drapes as you position yourself behind them, and stand as still as possible! This works best with floor-length drapes, so your feet aren't noticeably sticking out on the bottom. Don't pick this type of hiding spot unless you're comfortable with standing for a long period of time. Tuck yourself into a clothes hamper to hide in plain sight. As the seeker is counting, find a laundry basket that you can squeeze or crouch into. Don't worry if there's clothing in the hamper; if anything, this makes your hiding spot more convincing! Take out the clothing and get into the bottom of the basket, then cover yourself with clothing! Make sure that you have enough room to breathe when you're doing this. Look for shrubbery or tall grass that you can blend in with. Search for spots in a yard or park that appear especially inconspicuous to the naked eye. Squat, kneel, or lay down beneath a bush or some tall grass so that you can blend in better. If you really want to pull off this hiding spot, try wearing darker clothes! Be sure to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or dusty. Search for unlikely spots to hide in a yard, like a ditch. Look along the edge of your game's boundaries, like the property line of a yard or the edge of a lawn. Even if it takes you a little bit longer, try to go to these outer areas and make yourself as flat and 2-dimensional as possible. While this might be a little risky, there's a chance that the seeker won't notice you if you're hiding in plain sight. To make the hiding spot more convincing, wear neutral-toned or darker clothes when you're playing the game. Determine how long the seeker is allowed to count for at the beginning of the round. Clarify how long the hiders will have to find a hiding spot before the seeker stops counting. Many games employ a rule of 50 seconds, while other people have opted for a shorter time span. Keep this amount of time in mind so you can plan for the perfect hiding spot. While it's fun to be ambitious, don't go for an impossible-to-reach hiding location. The longer it takes you to hide, the greater the chances are that the seeker will find you early on. Pick a hiding place after the seeker looks in a room. When the seeker starts counting, don't pick a hiding place right away. Instead, hover in a far away corner and wait for the seeker to check a certain room. Since there's a good chance that they won't check the room for awhile, hide in that spot after the seeker leaves. Check and make sure that you're allowed to do this before the game starts. Some groups might have stricter rules than others! Look for areas that provide a lot of camouflage. Try to avoid areas that are painted or filled with furniture that's a solid color. Unless you're playing in the dark, you won't be able to blend in very well to a couch or curtain that's bright red. Instead, look for multi-colored areas where you can try and blend into the background. Try and use decoys whenever possible. If there's a bedroom or couch in your hiding area, stuff a few pillows under a blanket and lay it on the surface. The seeker might get distracted and check under the blanket, which will buy you more time. Inhale in slow breaths so you’re not overheard. Don't give yourself away by breathing heavily. As tempting and clever as it might originally seem to hold your breath, you might find yourself in trouble once your lungs need more air. Instead, imitate military breathing exercises and take low, slow breaths. If you're quiet, the seeker won't be able to detect you by sound! Practice this type of breathing throughout the day, even when you're not playing the game. This will help you gain expertise for future rounds of hide and seek! Don’t hide in any dangerous areas during the game. Avoid the temptation to hide on an especially high ledge, or to sneak into a clothes dryer. As creative as these ideas are, there's a big risk for injury and worse if you try and fit yourself in an unstable area. Before the round starts, clarify with the other players if there are any spots that are off-limits. If you aren't sure if you're allowed to hide in a certain area, then don't hide there at all. You can't master the game if you end up breaking the rules! Keep track of the places you’ve already searched. Take a mental note of the rooms and areas that you've looked through. Once you've examined a room thoroughly and found no people hiding inside, mark that room off as searched. Depending on your play style, continue searching in a grid-style pattern or by randomly checking rooms to keep other players on their toes. Whatever you do, remember where you have and haven't been. Keep in mind that hiders might sneak into rooms that you've already searched. Hiders may tuck away into a bathroom or corner then hide in a room you've already searched. Once you've searched all main areas, double back to find any stragglers in the previously checked rooms. Check behind objects with wide angles to be thorough. Look for less obvious hiding spots or inanimate objects that are just wide enough for people to fit behind. Try putting yourself in the shoes of the people who are hiding, as this might help you gain some perspective and out-of-the-box ideas on where to search. Be on the lookout for walls that cut through the center of a room, in addition to certain items of furniture, like desks and long sofas. Think outside of the box whenever you play as the seeker. Use your knowledge of your friend's tendencies and preferences to try and find them earlier on in the game. Try and put yourself in your friend's position. If you were this person, where would you be most likely to hide? Take advantage of these theoretical questions as you search throughout the hiding area. Search lower areas to see if anyone is crouching to hide. Look under beds, tables, and any other surface that can fit a person beneath it. Although many people hide in perfectly normal and average spots, other people might hide by squatting in a closet, or by planking beneath a table. Keep this in mind, especially when you're playing with smaller/younger individuals. If you want to make the game harder for seekers, then make spaces like closets and pantries off-limits. Memorize your playing area for the round. Have a good sense of your bearings throughout the game. To save time while you're playing as seeker, take a moment to commit the basic floor plan of your playing area to memory. Whether you're playing outdoors or indoors, keep in mind the widest, most open spaces as well as the smaller, more compact places where players are most likely to hide. For instance, it's much less likely that players will hide in the large, open areas of your play area. Because of this, you might have more success searching in narrow corridors and other less obvious places.

Search for items with long edges that you can hide behind. Take advantage of long curtains when you’re playing inside. Tuck yourself into a clothes hamper to hide in plain sight. Look for shrubbery or tall grass that you can blend in with. Search for unlikely spots to hide in a yard, like a ditch. Determine how long the seeker is allowed to count for at the beginning of the round. Pick a hiding place after the seeker looks in a room. Look for areas that provide a lot of camouflage. Inhale in slow breaths so you’re not overheard. Don’t hide in any dangerous areas during the game. Keep track of the places you’ve already searched. Check behind objects with wide angles to be thorough. Think outside of the box whenever you play as the seeker. Search lower areas to see if anyone is crouching to hide. Memorize your playing area for the round.

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How to Reduce the Appearance of Scars from Your Face

If you have scars on your face, reduce their appearance at home with some simple remedies. For raised or sunken scars, apply a topical, self-drying silicone gel daily for at least 3 months to reduce the thickness, discoloration, and discomfort of your scar. Another option is to buy an at-home microdermabrasion kit. If your scars are more severe, see a dermatologist, who can treat raised or sunken scars with injections. For shallow, sunken scars from acne, try laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or a chemical peel to remove scar tissue and give new skin a chance to grow. Don't forget to wear sunscreen when you go outside since sun exposure can make scars more visible.

Use sunscreen. Protection from UV rays is essential for wound healing and scar care. No matter what approach you take, sunscreen should be part of your routine. Choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, and wear a hat on sunny days. Proper sun protection can also reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation of scars. Massage sunscreen around a closed wound or scar to prevent damage to the scar from sun exposure. Use silicone gel on your scars. Topical, self-drying silicone gel has been shown highly effective at treating both raised and sunken scars. Silicone gel is transparent and dries on its own, so once you apply it to your face you can go about your day. Silicone sheets or bandages can also reduce scar itching, thickness, and pain. You can buy silicone gel sheets over the counter at most pharmacies. Use the silicone gel sheeting for at least three months for optimal results. Silicone will not make your scar disappear, but it may reduce scar thickness, discoloration, and discomfort. Fully evaluate the silicon/silicone toxicity studies and associated problems before pursuing this avenue. You are likely to experience side effects from this treatment, some of which might reduce your quality of life. Try topical creams or treatments. Creams can help moisturize the scar to stop it from becoming dry and make it more supple. Sometimes Vitamin E creams are recommended for scars, but there is little evidence for their effectiveness. Do not massage or apply oil to an unhealed wound. Ask your dermatologist to recommend the right lotion or cream products for your skin. Especially avoid expensive skin treatments that boast of "miracle" ingredients like cocoa butter or vitamin E, as their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. Silicone sheets or gels can be used to aid in softening and flattening a scar. Using certain oils or oil based creams on your skin may promote acne. Speak to your dermatologist or doctor about the best skincare routine for your type of skin. Wear makeup to reduce the appearance of scars. Use fragrance-free water-based (noncomedogenic) products, as some oil-based products may cause acne and prevent your scars from |healing. To use, clean and moisturize your face, or apply a moisturizing sunscreen. Apply primer to your scars, or across your whole face. Apply concealer across your scars. Cover with light, even layers of foundation until satisfied with the result. If you are prone to acne, you may want to use a brush or sponge to apply your makeup. Clean your brushes and sponges at least twice a week. You can use primer with SPF for added protection from the sun. Match concealer to your skin tone. Concealer that is too light or dark will highlight your scars. Mix two shades of concealer if you cannot find one that matches your skin. If you are trying to hide hyperpigmentation, try applying a green concealer, or another color that contrasts with the discoloration. Cover well with foundation. Try at-home microdermabrasion. Buy a microdermabrasion kit, or skincare kit that includes microdermabrasion. These kits are less expensive and less intensive than being resurfaced by a dermatologist. If your scars are not severe, or if your skin is particularly sensitive, it may be a better choice for you than surgical dermabrasion. For best results, be sure to closely follow the instructions that come with the kit. Ask about injections. If you have raised or sunken scars, treating them with injections may smooth them. You dermatologist will administer them in his or her office. You may need to get a series of injections, and they may wear off over time. See how much the injections will cost so you can make sure you have the budget to pay for repeated treatments. You may experience side effects such as skin thinning, delayed wound healing or lightened patches of skin (hypopigmentation). Discontinue injection treatment if you have an allergic reaction. Ask about resurfacing. If you have shallow, sunken scars, especially acne scars, you may want to try laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or a chemical peel. These techniques remove scar tissue on your face, giving new skin the opportunity to grow. Resurfacing techniques are unlikely to work on raised or very deep scars. If you choose dermabrasion, your dermatologist will use an abrasive tool to rub your scar down. They may use sandpaper or a wire brush. Side effects of dermabrasion may include redness/swelling, acne, enlarged pores, changes in skin color, and rarely infection or scarring. If you choose laser resurfacing, your dermatologist will pass over your scars with a laser. This technique can take from just 15 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on the extent of the scarring. Side effects of laser resurfacing may include burns or injuries from the laser, scarring, changes in skin pigmentation, reactivating cold sores, or infection. If you choose to have a chemical peel, chemicals will be applied to your face. You may be given a "lunchtime," a medium, or a deep peel. Deep peels require general anesthesia and require you to stay out of the sun for up to 6 months. Side effects of a chemical peel may include redness, changes in skin color, infection, heart, liver or kidney damage or rarely scarring. Resurfacing techniques require skill. Choose a dermatologist who is experienced, trusted, and highly-rated. Ask about cryosurgery. Cryosurgery freezes scar tissue with liquid nitrogen, causing it to die. This treatment is sometimes recommended for severely raised scars. It is recommended more frequently for use on lighter skins, as it can cause spotty bleaching. After cryosurgery, you may be recovering from blistering, swelling, headache, hair loss and hypopigmentation Cryosurgery is also called cryoablation and cryotherapy.

Use sunscreen. Use silicone gel on your scars. Try topical creams or treatments. Wear makeup to reduce the appearance of scars. Try at-home microdermabrasion. Ask about injections. Ask about resurfacing. Ask about cryosurgery.

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How to Tell Crystal from Glass

To tell the difference between crystal and glass, examine their look and feel. Since crystal is sculpted over a longer period of time at lower temperatures than glass, it can be shaped into thinner, more intricate designs. If you can fill the object with liquid, the regular glass will look cloudier while the crystal one will be more clear. When you hold glass up to the light, you won't see a difference, but fine crystal will sparkle in the light. Another way to tell the difference between the two is to touch the objects. Often, crystal will feel heavier than glass due to the lead content. Crystal will also feel more smooth and rounded than glass, which will feel more brittle.

Look at the object’s thickness. Crystal is sculpted over a longer time period at lower temperature than glass. Because of this, the lead inside the crystal can be shaped into thinner, more intricate designs. Hold a glass object next to a crystal one and compare the thickness of the material. On a crystal wine glass, for instance, look for a thinner rim with less of a lip. Test the clarity of the object. Take a liquid and pour it into the object or hold the object up and look through it. Regular glass is cloudier than crystal. Crystal with a higher lead content provides a clearer view of anything inside or behind it. For example, a normal drinking glass will make a liquid inside it appear cloudy. Crystal glasses, on the other hand, provide a greater view of the liquid. Hold the object up to the light. When you hold glass up to the light, nothing happens. Fine crystal, which has a high lead count, will sparkle. Other crystal acts as a prism, causing you to see a rainbow when looking through it. Check the object’s weight. Because crystal is often made with lead, it feels heavier than glass. Pick up the object and you should notice it feels solid and with some heft. Pick up a glass object of a comparable size. Most likely, it will feel light. Lead-free crystal feels lighter and more durable but still shines when held up to the light. Feel the object for sharpness. Due to the sculpting process, crystal has a smooth, rounded feel. Touch any decorative facets you find. Also run your hand along the object's surface. Glass feels more brittle, even though crystal is more fragile. The cut on the glass may also feel sharper. Strike the object to test its sound. Flick the object with your finger or tap it against something solid. If it is crystal, it will ring. If it is glass, it will produce a thud. Wet your finger and rub it around the object's rim, if possible. Crystal will produce a musical tone, but glass won't.

Look at the object’s thickness. Test the clarity of the object. Hold the object up to the light. Check the object’s weight. Feel the object for sharpness. Strike the object to test its sound.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Uncertainty

How to Deal With Uncertainty

If you're struggling to deal with uncertainty, try to focus on the things you can control, like planning how you'll enjoy yourself in a new town instead of stressing about moving to a strange place. Alternatively, do something you enjoy, like spending time with a friend or volunteering, to distract you from your worries. You can also try yoga or meditate to calm yourself down and help you focus on positive things. If you're still feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, consider writing in a journal to give yourself an outlet and work through your thoughts.

Plan what you can plan. Part of what makes uncertainty so scary is that we feel that we don't have any control over the situation. This will depend on the specific uncertainty that is bothering you, but if you can find something small that you can predict or plan, then do so. For example, if it is uncertain whether or not you will be moving to a new country, or whether you will be accepting a new job in your current country, make plans for how you will enjoy either outcome. If you end up staying, you might join a new gym, or find a new flat. If you move to a new country, look into the opportunities that expatriates have in that country to get together. Decrease the number of choices you have. If your uncertainty is related to a decision you have to make, then try to find ways to reduce the number of choices you have. Use things such as your values, beliefs, and ultimate life goals to help you reduce the choices, if that is relevant for your decision. For example, if you are feeling uncertain about a few job offers you have received, think about how each job will help you accomplish your career goals, but also about how they will influence your quality of life. If you have a very involved family life, it may not be a good idea to choose a job that can call you away at any time of the day or night. This can help you eliminate one or two of your choices based on consideration of what is important to you. Set realistic goals. Setting goals can be a great way to help prevent uncertainties in our life, and when uncertainty does arise, have goals can keep us from getting distracted by this uncertainty. If you have something you want to achieve, then set a goal to do so. For example, if you have a dream of attending a good college and becoming a doctor, then make that your goal. Whatever your goal is, write it down. This helps make it more concrete. Some goals may be more difficult to achieve, and may require more commitment, but with enough time and discipline, you can achieve almost anything. On the other hand, make sure you are realistic about your goal. Setting a goal to run a marathon in one month even though you've never run in your life is not a realistic goal. Take things one step at a time. If you have a very large goal you want to achieve, it is best if you can break that big goal into smaller, more manageable “sub-goals”. For example, if your goal is to run a marathon, and you haven't ever run before, make a few smaller goals that you are certain you can achieve. Your first goal could be to run one mile without stopping, then you could move up to running a 5k race. Once you've accomplished that, shoot for a 10k, and so on. Allow for flexibility. No matter how much we might want to achieve a particular goal, there can be hindrances to achieving our goal. Therefore, it is important to remain flexible when it comes to achieving a goal. For example, if you want to get into the best university in the country, but realize that you won't be able to afford the costs of doing so, try looking into some other options. There are many, many good universities that are more affordable than some of the ivy leagues. On the other hand, if you simply must go to that expensive ivy league, consider attending part-time. This will give you enough time to also have a part-time job. Obviously this won't cover everything, but it will help put some money in your pocket, and has the added bonus that you will have a bit of experience to put on your resume. Have a back up plan. In some cases, no matter how committed we are to reaching a goal, life or circumstances will get in the way. Therefore, it is always good to have a back up plan. This will also help to prevent uncertainty when thinking about your goal because you know how you will deal with an outcome that is not the one you are aiming for. For example, if you have been training for your marathon, and you're at the starting line on race day, but feel worried and uncertain that you won't be able to finish, then let your backup plan be that when you get to the half marathon mark, you can stop if you feel that it is too much. Although this may be a slightly disappointing outcome, you can then take stock of your training, and have a better idea about what to expect next time. Then, you'll definitely be able to finish. Understand that uncertainty is a part of life. Fortunately or unfortunately, no matter what you do, there will always be uncertainties in life. The best thing you can do is remember that life would be really boring if we always knew what was going to happen. For example, if we knew when we were born who we would marry, how many kids we have, what kind of job we would do, we would lose our sense of adventure and curiosity. Allow yourself some time to fixate. When a level of uncertainty appears in your life, we tend to let it take over our thoughts. This includes questions about different outcomes, and finding information about different outcomes could be helpful in allowing you to deal with the uncertainty. Therefore, it is not a bad idea to give yourself some time to dive into whatever information you can get your hands on. For example, if you or someone you love, has found out they may be suffering from a serious disease, search the internet for all the information you can find. Talk to other people who have the disease. This may result in some scary truths, but it may also help calm your anxiety that is related to the uncertainty of the diagnosis. Accept that there are no “shoulds” in life. If you are convinced that things will always work out how you want them, or that things must be a certain way, then you are bound to be disappointed. Instead, remind yourself that no matter how things work out, you will learn how to be happy if you can be open to the possibilities that lie in front of you. For example, if you are worried because you feel uncertain about whether or not you will get to go on a date with the person you like, remember that there are many other people on the planet, and just because you like someone doesn't mean they should like you back. If it turns out they don't feel the same, you will eventually meet other people you find interesting, and they might feel the same. Reassure yourself that you are strong. Remind yourself that you can deal with whatever comes your way both mentally and emotionally. If you aren't feeling confident, remind yourself of a time when you overcame a really tough situation. You could also do something to reassure yourself of your emotional strength. You could, for example, do something that scares you, like going to a social gathering where you don't know anyone and making a new friend. Distract yourself. If nothing else works, try giving yourself to an engaging activity. If you have a job, put in a few extra hours, which will force you to focus on something else for awhile. Another good way to use your time is through volunteering. You could try volunteering at an animal shelter, which will give you a good way to focus on something else, and will help a homeless animal as well. You could also use a different activity to distract yourself for a few hours, adult coloring books have become very popular recently, and many claim that they are a good way to relax and get your mind off of the day's stress and worries. Reflect on past experiences. Think of a time where you previously experienced anxiety related to uncertainty. How did you cope with the issue then? Did it work out in your favor, or not? Reminding yourself that you've been here before, and made it through can be a comfort that uncertainty is not the worst thing in the world. If your past experience did not work out how you wanted, then it is more proof that no matter what happens, you will find a way through it. For example, maybe you had to make a tough decision about which university to attend. How did it work out for you? Were you sorry that you chose the university that you did? Most likely not! If you felt that you had chosen the wrong one, how did you deal with it? Do yoga or meditate. Stress related to uncertainty activates structures in the brain that can make it difficult to calm yourself. If you are having trouble getting your mind settled, try practicing yoga or try meditation. You could attend a yoga class, or simply find a relaxing yoga video on the internet. Meditating will not only help your brain focus on something different, it will also improve your ability to deal with stressful and uncertain events in the future. Seek professional help. If you find that you are experiencing anxiety regarding uncertainties in your life, it may be useful to seek help from a mental health professional. This will give you an outlet to an outside person who can help you manage your anxieties and fears objectively. If you have a trusted friend, you can also talk to them about your worries, but if your anxiety over uncertainty is affecting you so greatly that you have trouble getting through daily life, it is probably best to seek professional help. Work through the negative thoughts. If you are feeling anxious about some uncertainty about your life, then it is perhaps because one outcome is less desirable than another. If this is the case, try working through the worst case scenario. Plan how you will deal with the worst case scenario. For example, if you feel uncertain about your performance on a recent exam, try to work through the different scenarios. If you did very poorly on your exam, how will it affect your grade? Will you be able to make up for the poor grade through extra credit, or through the remaining assignments and tests you have left? Can you discuss the issue with your teach to see if there are other ways of improving? This will help your brain to think more pro-actively and positively. Write in a journal. When we are worried about an uncertainty, our mind tends to go in circles. If you aren't comfortable talking about what is going on in your head, then try writing it down, either in a journal or just in a document on your computer. This will help give your mind an outlet. You don't have to do anything with this writing when you are done with it, just simply give yourself a way to get everything you are thinking out of your brain. Pray. If you believe in a higher entity, pray to them for guidance and comfort. Remember that they will help guide you to the right path, and all you have to do is listen for this guidance. If you are religious, praying can give you some comfort as it allows a way for your brain to “talk through” the issue with an entity that you trust in. While it may not fix the problem entirely, it can provide you with some comfort, which may help you see other ways of dealing with your uncertainty.

Plan what you can plan. Decrease the number of choices you have. Set realistic goals. Take things one step at a time. Allow for flexibility. Have a back up plan. Understand that uncertainty is a part of life. Allow yourself some time to fixate. Accept that there are no “shoulds” in life. Reassure yourself that you are strong. Distract yourself. Reflect on past experiences. Do yoga or meditate. Seek professional help. Work through the negative thoughts. Write in a journal. Pray.

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How to Treat Urinary Incontinence in Cats

Before you treat your cat for urinary incontinence, make sure to visit your vet to get a diagnosis, since incontinence can be caused by many different things and requires different types of treatment. If your vet prescribes medication, such as antibiotics, try hiding the pill in a piece of cheese to encourage your cat to eat it. Alternatively, you may simply need to get your cat to drink more water to flush out bacteria from its bladder. While your cat is recovering, you can try fitting it with pet diapers to prevent it from having an accident on your furniture or carpet.

Allow your vet to do a physical exam and run tests. If your cat displays the symptoms of urinary incontinence, including an inability to urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, a loss of bladder control, or straining or crying out in pain when urinating, you should take them to the vet right away. Getting your vet to diagnose the issue will ensure your cat gets the right treatment. Your vet will do a physical exam of your cat, including looking at their abdominal area. They may also run several tests to determine the cause of your cat's bladder problems. Your vet may run a urinalysis, where they will test your cat's urine for bacteria as well as red or white blood cells. Your vet may also do an x-ray of your cat's abdominal area to check for bladder stones. They may inject your cat with a special dye so the bladder is easier to see in the x-rays. Discuss your cat’s diagnosis. There are several possible causes of urinary incontinence in cats and your vet will be able to tell you which one your cat is dealing with. You should discuss your cat's diagnosis with the vet so you understand why they are having issues with their bladder. The possible causes of urinary incontinence include: Feline diabetes: Your cat may have developed diabetes, which can cause them to drink large amounts of water. They may then try to use the litter box but fail to make it in time. A urinary tract infection (UTI): Your cat may have a UTI, which will cause them to try to urinate but to no avail. If you think your cat as a UTI, get them to your vet right away. Bladder stones: Some cats are prone to bladder stones, which can cause straining when they try to urinate, constant urination, blood in their urine, and a tender abdominal area. Old age: Older cats may become senile and forget to urinate in their litter boxes. Senior cats also have weakened muscles, making it more difficult from them to control their bladder. Obesity: Some cats who are overweight will have difficulty controlling their bladder. You may notice your cat appears overweight, especially if you cannot see their ribs. Find out your cat’s treatment options. Your vet will outline your cat's treatment options, based on their diagnosis. Your cat may require medication and diligent home care to ensure they recover. Your vet may also suggest surgical intervention if your cat's situation is dire. If your cat has diabetes, your vet will prescribe medication and dietary changes. If your cat has a UTI, your vet will prescribe antibiotics that your cat must take until the UTI goes away. If your cat has bladder stones, your vet may suggest surgery to remove the bladder stones. You may also need to adjust your cat's diet. Give your cat the necessary medication. You should make sure your cat gets the medication prescribed to them by the vet, such as antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. Follow your vet's instructions on dosage and make sure your cat consumes the medication. If your vet prescribes medication in pill or capsule form, place the medication in the center of a small ball of canned cat food or a piece of cheese. Try to get your cat to swallow the small ball with the medication whole, as they may not want to eat it if they bite into the medication and it leaves a bad taste in their mouth. You can also try to place the medication in your cat's mouth directly, though you should use caution as you do not want to get bit by your cat. To do this, hold your cat's head from the top with your non-dominant hand, placing your fingers around your cat's cheekbones. Then, tilt their head back so their jaw falls open. Use your dominant hand to put the medication far back on your cat's tongue. Then, shut their mouth and stroke their head or blow in their face to encourage them to swallow the medication. Adjust your cat’s diet. Your vet may recommend that you adjust your cat's diet if they are diagnosed with diabetes or obesity. You should follow your vet's recommendations and adjust your cat's diet so they are not at risk of other worsening health issues. A change in diet can also help your cat gain better control of their bladder. You should make sure you cat has access to fresh water on a regular basis, as this will allow your cat to drink the water and flush out their bladder. Keep your cat’s litter box clean. You should also keep your cat's litter box clean and dry to encourage them to go to bathroom. You may try to clean the litter box more than usual so your cat feels more comfortable urinating in their litter box. If your cat is old and senile, you may place several litter boxes around your home so your cat also more opportunities to go to the bathroom in the litter box. You may also lead your cat to their litter box if they appear to have forgotten where it is located. You may also keep your cat's litter box in a room that has hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors so that if they have an accident on the way to the litter box, it is easier to clean up. Put your cat in diapers. If your cat does not seem to be able to go to the bathroom in their litter box, your vet may recommend the use of diapers. You may need to put your cat in diapers temporarily until they recover. This will prevent accidents on your furniture or your carpet. Schedule a follow up appointment with your vet. You should schedule a follow up appointment with your vet so your cat can be examined again and tested for bladder issues. Your vet may do another urinalysis to determine if the treatment is working. If your cat appears unresponsive to treatment, your vet may run additional tests to try to identify other causes of the urinary incontinence. Have your cat get surgery to remove obstructions in their bladder. If your cat is diagnosed with obstructions in their bladder, such as bladder stones, your vet may recommend surgery to remove them. The surgery can be invasive and expensive, but it will effectively relieve your cat's pain and discomfort. The surgery to remove bladder stones is called a cystotomy. It is performed by making an incision through your cat's belly and removing the stones from your cat's bladder. Keep in mind cats who develop bladder stones have a high risk of getting them again. Your vet may recommend medication or changes to your cat's diet to prevent the bladder stones from coming back. Allow your doctor to repair your cat’s urinary tract. If your cat's urinary incontinence is due to damage to their urinary tract, your vet may suggest surgery to repair your cat's urinary tract. Though the surgery may be costly, it may be necessary if your cat's urinary tract is damaged. Help your cat recover after surgery. Your cat may need some tender loving care after their surgery to ensure they recover well. You should limit your cat's activity so they can heal. Keep your cat indoors, such as in a crate or a small room in your home. You may also avoid giving your cat a bath so the incision area does not get wet. Try to examine the incision area often to ensure it is healing properly. You may need to get a pet cone so your cat does not try to lick or pick at the incision area.

Allow your vet to do a physical exam and run tests. Discuss your cat’s diagnosis. Find out your cat’s treatment options. Give your cat the necessary medication. Adjust your cat’s diet. Keep your cat’s litter box clean. Put your cat in diapers. Schedule a follow up appointment with your vet. Have your cat get surgery to remove obstructions in their bladder. Allow your doctor to repair your cat’s urinary tract. Help your cat recover after surgery.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lift-Your-Butt

How to Lift Your Butt

To lift your butt, do exercises that target your glutes, like squats, lunges, bridges, and standing hip extensions. Perform these exercises every other day to see positive results. Once these exercises become easier, you can either add more reps or hold a light kettlebell or dumbbells while you do your squats and lunges to make the moves more challenging. You can also tone your butt by doing cardio exercises, like running, biking, and working out on an elliptical machine, which will help you burn fat overall as well as lift your butt muscles.

Do squats. Doing squats is a great exercise not only to tone and lift your buttocks, but also to help build overall lower body strength. To do squats: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Your feet should be facing forward, rather than turned out to the side. Tighten your stomach muscles for stability. Place your hands in a prayer position, with the palms touching. They should be parallel to your chest, but not touching. Bend your knees and squat down as if you were going to sit on a chair. Stop when your thighs are parallel to the ground. Be careful that you squat downward, rather than forward. Perform your first squats sideways in front of a mirror, so that you can check your knees and the curvature of your back. Pause at the bottom. Then, rise again squeezing your buttocks as you stand. You should feel your gluteal muscles and upper thighs working to lift you to a standing position. Repeat this exercise in reps of 10-20. Keep in mind that squats are a strength training and cardio exercise so they should be difficult. Reduce the repetitions to 10 if you cannot keep the proper form throughout the exercise. Increase the intensity of this butt-lifting exercise by adding hand weights. Use 2 to 5 lb hand weights and hold them down at your sides as you squat down. Try plie exercises. The plie is actually an exercise that got it's start in ballet studios. A common exercise for dancers, doing plies is another great exercise to lift your butt. Move your feet out so that they are slightly wider than hip width apart. Your toes should be turned outwards away from your body at about a 45 degree angle. Check whether you are in proper position by ensuring your knees line up with your second toes. If they do not, turn out your feet less. Your knees must track over the second toe to keep the pressure from falling into the knee joint. Raise your arms out to the sides so they are parallel to the floor, like a ballet dancer, as you squat down until your thighs are parallel with the floor. If you cannot plie to a parallel position, do a smaller move and work toward the full squat. Pause at the bottom. Then, slowly lift yourself back up to a straight position squeezing your glutes as you come back up to the starting position. Repeat the exercise 10 to 20 times. You can increase the intensity by holding a kettle bell with both hands. The process of turning out the legs will concentrate the effort in a different part of the glutes. Do lunges. A common exercise to strength and tone your lower body, the lunge is one of the best moves to tone your butt. Stand with feet at hip width again. Make sure you have plenty of space to the front and back of you for this particular exercise. Reach one leg back several feet. Bend the knee of your back leg until it almost touches the ground. Your front knee should be in a straight line with your front foot. Pause at the bottom of the lunge, and then return to the original position by pushing with your front leg back to a standing position. Repeat 10 times switching between each leg. You may want to consider holding light dumbbells in each hand to increase the intensity of this exercise. Add standing hip extensions. This is an easy move that you can do anywhere and requires no weights. It's great to help isolate your butt muscles. Stand with feet hip width apart holding gently onto the back of a chair. Lift your right leg straight back with your foot flexed. Lift until your leg is almost at hip height. Bend your left knee slightly so that it can stabilize you. Lower your right leg down until your toes almost touch the ground and then repeat the exercise. Repeat the exercise 10 to 20 times on your right leg. Then, switch to your left leg. Do clam digs. This is a unique exercise that isolates the outside muscles of your buttocks. Lay down on an exercise mat. Lay on your left side first, with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle and slightly in front of you. Rest your head on your left arm. Focus on flexing your stomach in and keeping your hips and back in the same position during this entire exercise. While keeping your feet together, lift your right knee up and back towards your hips as far as you can while keeping your hips stacked. You should feel this in the side of your butt. Pause at the top and slowly lower. The movement should look like the closing and opening of a clam shell. Repeat 10 to 20 times on each side. Incorporate the bridge pose. This particular exercise works not only your butt muscles, but also the back of your legs and lower back. To start, lay down on your back on an exercise mat. Bend your knees at a 90 degree angel in front of you with your feet flat on the ground. Lay your arms in a relaxed position by the side of your body. Tighten your core muscles throughout the exercise. Lift your butt up towards the ceiling, pressing through your pelvis. Lift until your body is in a straight line. Squeeze your buttocks as you pause for a second as you hold the bridge position, then lower back down to the floor. Do this exercise about 10-20 times. Go for a run. Studies have showed that some cardio exercises work your gluteal muscles more than others. The treadmill or jogging was ranked as number 1. Jogging is a great cardio exercise that not only lifts your butt muscles, but can help you burn fat to help you look more toned overall. When you're jogging, make sure you focus on running heel to toe. This is the appropriate form for running. To take jogging to the next level, increase the incline on the treadmill or find a hilly route to run. Bike. Another butt kicking and toning cardio activity is spinning or using a stationary bike. This high intensity exercise will be an excellent aerobic exercise but also helps tone your butt and legs. Use a stationary bike (not a recumbent) at your local gym. Take it slow if you're a beginner. To help really work your butt, push down forcefully on the pedals as you bike. It's actually a myth that spinning makes your legs bigger or thicker. Overall, it generally helps slim down your legs. Hop on the elliptical. Another cardio machine that was ranked as activating your butt muscles was the elliptical. Although not as good as jogging, the elliptical is a low-impact machine that can tone your butt. When you're using the elliptical, help isolate your butt muscles by sticking your butt out slightly and pushing down hard with the heels of your feet. You can increase the resistance of the elliptical to make it more difficult. Try yoga or pilates. Yoga and pilates are strengthening classes that use your own body weight to help you strengthen, tone and elongate your muscles. There are a variety of poses in both pilates and yoga that specifically target your buttocks and lower body. Classes range from 45-60 minutes in general. Take a beginners or introductory course if you haven't tried it before. Take a barre class. Barre classes are fairly new to the gym class scene. It is based on ballet dance moves and also incorporates some yoga, pilates and light hand weights. As with yoga and pilates, barre class will focus on a variety of exercises. Some focus exclusively on targeting the buttocks. For example, the plie exercise is done frequently at barre classes. Barre classes are a great class for both beginners and advanced fitness-goers as the poses are easily adaptable to any skill level. Take a kick boxing class. Many gyms and fitness centers also offer kickboxing classes. These are high intensity cardio classes whose moves are great for toning your thighs and butt. Kickboxing involves a variety of moves based on martial arts. Many of the kicks require strength from your glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings. In addition to toning your butt, kickboxing may burn up to 350 calories an hour.

Do squats. Try plie exercises. Do lunges. Add standing hip extensions. Do clam digs. Incorporate the bridge pose. Go for a run. Bike. Hop on the elliptical. Try yoga or pilates. Take a barre class. Take a kick boxing class.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Countertops

How to Clean Countertops

You can clean most countertops naturally with soap and water as long as you clear the counter of debris first. Simply add a little soap to a bucket of water, dip a soft rag or sponge in the water, and wipe off the counter. Then, squeeze out the rag and wipe the counter down again to make sure it shines. Use a toothbrush to clean any hard to reach areas. If you have a quartz countertop, you should occasionally use glass cleaner or ammonia to clean a really dirty counter or to restore its shine.

Make sure you can use soap and water. Most countertops can be cleaned with warm water and soap. Make sure your countertop is made of the right material, however. The following countertops can be cleaned with mild dish soap and water: Granite Laminate Corian Concrete Marble Opt for a gentle cleaning rag or sponge. After making sure dish soap and water are appropriate for your counter type, select your cleaning pad. To minimize damage such as scratches, opt for a gentle rag or sponge. Opt for a non-abrasive rag or sponge. Do not use things like scrub pads, as these can scratch a countertop. Remove dirt and debris. If there are crumbs scattered on your countertop, remove them with a paper towel before cleaning your countertop with soap and water. Wipe them off the counter and into your hand or a piece of paper towel. Discard the crumbs in the garbage. Wipe down your counter. Mix a small amount of liquid dish soap with warm water. Douse your sponge or rag in the soap. Wring it out slightly and gently wipe down the countertop to leave it looking clean and shiny. Use a toothbrush to get into hard to reach areas. If there are hard to reach areas, such as edges or areas between the sink and counter, target these with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Scrub the soap and water mixture in here to clean dirt, debris, and other buildup from cracks and crevices in your kitchen. Make sure the toothbrush is soft-bristled. This will prevent the counter from becoming scratched. Use glass cleaner or ammonia occasionally on quartz. Quartz is typically cleaned with slightly harsher cleaners. Glass cleaner or ammonia should be used periodically to restore shine or to clean a very dirty countertop. For daily cleaners, opt for dish soap and water applied with a microfiber cloth. Avoid using ammonia if you clean other parts of your kitchen with vinegar. This can cause an adverse chemical reaction. Opt for multi-purpose cleaner with tile. Tile should be cleaned with multi-purpose cleaners. These leave behind less residue, and residue found in the cracks of tiles can potentially cause harm. As tiles can stain easily, test your cleaner in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to your full counter to make sure there's no adverse reaction. After making sure the cleaner is safe for your tile, you can spritz it on and wipe down the counter with a paper towel or soft rag. Apply mineral oil to soapstone on occasion. Soapstone counters can benefit from an occasional cleaning with mineral oil. As soapstone starts to lose its shine, wipe it down with mineral oil. For regular cleaning, however, use dish soap and water. Wipe spills as soon as you notice them. In general, stain removers should not be used too often. Even mild stain removers can wear down a counter's surface. If you notice a spill, wipe it up with paper towel promptly. If there is any remaining mess, wipe the area down with water or a cleaner that works for your countertop. Avoid letting stains become set into the counter. Use baking soda or vinegar for limestone, slate, and soapstone. A mixture of water and white vinegar can be spritzed on stains for limestone, slate, and soapstone. This should remove set in stains. You can also add enough water to baking soda to form a paste. Rub the paste into the stain until it lifts and then rinse the paste off with water. Target tile stains with a toothbrush. Bleach diluted with water can be worked into stains on a tile counter top using a toothbrush. Make sure to dilute the bleach to safe levels. The instructions on a container of bleach should tell you the ratios to use to dilute your bleach. If there is mildew in the cracks of tiles, however, opt for a mildew cleaner. You can buy this at most grocery or department stores. Check manufacturer's recommendations for silestone. Silestone is particularly susceptible to damage. Store bought cleaners often wear down silestone, as will some cleaners made from household products. As specific types of silestone differ, check the manufacturer's label to see what is safe to use on your specific brand of silestone.

Make sure you can use soap and water. Opt for a gentle cleaning rag or sponge. Remove dirt and debris. Wipe down your counter. Use a toothbrush to get into hard to reach areas. Use glass cleaner or ammonia occasionally on quartz. Opt for multi-purpose cleaner with tile. Apply mineral oil to soapstone on occasion. Wipe spills as soon as you notice them. Use baking soda or vinegar for limestone, slate, and soapstone. Target tile stains with a toothbrush. Check manufacturer's recommendations for silestone.

https://www.wikihow.com/Live-With-a-Hyper-Jack-Russell-Terrier

How to Live With a Hyper Jack Russell Terrier

To live with a hyper Jack Russel terrier, start by taking your dog on longer, more frequent walks and playing physically demanding games, like fetch or hide and seek, to tire your dog out. Your Jack Russell may react to or reflect the energy that you put off, so do your best to stay calm and collected when you're around it. Also, try to avoid reacting to hyper behavior, like barking or jumping excessively, so that the behavior isn't reinforced. Since this breed is happiest when they have a job to do, try giving your dog special tasks to keep it busy, like digging or hunting.

Take your dog on longer, more frequent walks. Especially if your Jack Russell Terrier's main form of exercise is a daily walk, it needs to be long and challenging. Your Jack Russell needs at least 30-45 minutes of vigorous exercise each day, so make sure that you're walking your dog at least that much. If you're able, walking your dog twice a day or for an hour or longer is even better. If you are unable to walk your dog for very long, consider hiring a dog walker or taking your dog to a doggy day care. Play games with your dog. Physically demanding games will satisfy that pent up energy. You can play fetch with a ball or frisbee, or play hide and seek with treats. These games will require fun and stimulating exercise for your Jack Russell. Mentally demanding games, such as food puzzle toys, are also good at exhausting your Jack Russell's energy. If you choose to play outdoor games with your pup, make sure that your yard is enclosed or choose a safe site like a dog park. This way the dog is less likely to run off, get lost, or run into a street where cars are passing by. Take your dog to play dates. Jack Russells would rather be outside running in the grass than trapped inside all day. Even more than this, they like exercise that involves interacting with other dogs. Take your Jack Russell to a dog park or over to a friend's house who also has dogs and a fenced in yard. Doing this will give your dog the invigorating exercise and interaction that it needs. Dog parks are a great option for playmates, but be cautious when you are first introducing the dogs. Make sure that your dog gets along with the other dogs before you let them play together. You should keep the dogs on leashes before you're sure that they have friendly interactions. If your dog is having a play date with a friend's dog, choose a neutral location so that neither dog is territorial. Assert yourself as the pack leader to eradicate excessive jumping and barking. Your dog probably thinks it's the pack leader if it excitedly barks and jumps on you and guests when they walk into your home. By taking steps to become a calm and assertive pack leader, you can train your Jack Russell to not exert its energy in destructive ways. Some ways you can do this are: Don't give your dog affection right when you walk in the door. Correct the behavior by firmly and clearly moving the dog to the side. When guests arrive, get into the habit of commanding your dog to sit patiently as they enter. Use clicker training. Buy a clicker at a pet store for as little as $5 and use it to train your dog through positive reinforcement and association. If you make eye contact, click the clicker only when you want your Jack Russell to act calmly, and then reward this behavioral correction, your dog will quickly learn that calmness is rewarded. Ignore the behavior. Ignoring your Jack Russell when it's jumping and barking excessively will communicate that misbehavior won't get it anywhere. Your dog just wants attention, whether positive or negative. Ignoring your dog keeps it from seeking attention in this negative, hyperactive way. Introduce your dog to agility training and competitions. You can send your dog to agility training or use clicker training to teach it at home. Most dog obstacle courses include 12-18 obstacles, but you can adjust it to fit your yard. If your dog excels at agility exercises, you could try competitions. You could set up the following obstacles in your own backyard: Set up weave poles for your dog to run through. Create a raised dog-walk using a big piece of plywood and some cinder blocks, or use the board and blocks to create a platform for your dog to jump onto. Incorporate a tunnel made for use with dogs. Hang a tire from a tree so that your dog can jump through it. Make sure that the tire is low enough for the dog to reach. Give your dog a job. Jack Russells specifically are happiest and most fulfilled when they have a job that they're responsible for. Try to give your dog a job that fits the strengths of the breed. For instance, Jack Russells love to dig and hunt. If you give your dog the task of taking care of rodents in the yard and reward your dog when it does well with this job, then it probably won't have as much hyper energy to exert. If you don't have a yard for your Jack Russell to dig in, you can give it a cleaning job by commanding it to put away toys or give it a notification job by commanding it to bark when the mail truck or school bus drive by your home. Reward these actions with treats. Remain calm and collected. Your Jack Russell may react to or reflect the energy that you put off. Do your best to have a calm and assertive presence. If you're stressed about your job or frustrated about an argument you had, your dog will pick up on and be impacted by that nervous energy. Try aromatherapy. Dogs sense the world first and foremost with their noses, so aromatherapy might have a powerful influence over your Jack Russell. Just like it has a calming effect on humans, lavender can relax dogs as well. Ask your veterinarian about other scents that may be specifically effective for calming your Jack Russell as well as safe application and dispersal methods. Sometimes essential oils are safe to apply directly to your dog's skin, but you may want to consider purchasing a dog aromatherapy pre-mixed spray that's already properly diluted and safe to spray throughout your home.

Take your dog on longer, more frequent walks. Play games with your dog. Take your dog to play dates. Assert yourself as the pack leader to eradicate excessive jumping and barking. Use clicker training. Ignore the behavior. Introduce your dog to agility training and competitions. Give your dog a job. Remain calm and collected. Try aromatherapy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chicken-Karahi

How to Make Chicken Karahi

To make chicken karahi, start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil on medium-high heat in a high-sided pan and cooking the garlic and onion for about 20 seconds. Next, add the chicken and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until both sides are nicely browned. After lowering the heat to medium-low, add cumin, chili powder, salt, red pepper flakes, chilis, and turmeric and cook for 20 seconds. Then, add tomatoes, stir the mixture, and cover the pot for 15 minutes. Finally, remove the lid, cook for another 5 minutes, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Peel and finely mince the garlic and ginger. Start with 2 cloves of garlic and about an inch of fresh ginger, but know that you can adjust these amounts to suit your personal tastes as well. You can also use a mortar and pestle to make a garlic-ginger paste, grinding the two together until smooth. This is a slightly more traditional take on the dish. Rinse the chicken, pat it dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces. While this step is small, don't skip it. Meats can't brown until all the moisture is gone, so rinsing and patting dry will always lead to a tastier dish. Cut the breast into roughly 1-2" pieces and set aside. Try and keep them all the same general size. Cut and seed 2-4 green chilies, depending on your desired spiciness. The most common options for western cooks are Serranos and jalapenos. Slice them lengthwise, remove the seeds, and then chop into small pieces. The seeds are the spiciest part of the peppers -- adding them will give the dish a serious kick. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling green peppers, especially before touching your eyes. In a large, high-sided pan or wok, heat up the oil on medium-high heat. You want high sides to contain the liquids and ensure the chicken heats up evenly. If you have one, your best bet will be a "kadai," which is a Pakistani/Northern Indian wok perfect for chicken karahi. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 10-30 seconds, until fragrant. When the wonderful aroma of the two ingredients fills your kitchen you're ready to move on. Make sure your other ingredients, as listed above, are ready so you don't burn your garlic-ginger combination. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until brown. All you're doing right now is browning the outside of the chicken, bringing out the bird's richest flavor. Note that this all happens very quickly -- you need to keep moving to keep the garlic and ginger from burning. Lower the heat to medium-low and add all of the spices except fenugreek and garam masala. Many spices need a little heat to release their best flavor, which is called "toasting." This step is common in many Indian and Pakistani dishes, but be careful -- you only need 10-20 seconds before the spices start to burn. If you're nervous about burning the spices, simply add them with the tomatoes in the next step. Add the tomatoes, stir and cover the pot for 15-20 minutes. You want the chicken to be about halfway covered up with the liquid so that the simmering sauce cooks the chicken completely through. If you need a little more liquid in the sauce, add a pinch of water or cream. If using garam masala and fenugreek, add them now. A simmer means there are some bubbles lightly breaking the surface, but the whole pot isn't bubbling like it is boiling. Stir the pot 2-3 times as it cooks, but otherwise leave it covered to finish cooking and preserve moisture. Remove the lid and cook for another 5 minutes, until sauce reaches desired thickness. If you added extra cream or water this could take 10 minutes, but the total thickening time is up to you. If you like a thicker curry, leave it on for longer. If you want something a little more soup-like, take it off after 4-5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander or parsley and serve. The dish is frequently served with a grain of some sort, but it can be eaten straight as well. For the best dish, try your chicken Karahi with: Naan Roti Chappati Rice Add a diced onion before the garlic and ginger, cooking for 2-3 minutes, for a Northern Indian version. The onion brings a savory sweetness to the dish. Simply cook the onion in the hot oil until it is translucent. This means it is more or less see-through. Chop a green bell pepper into 1/2" cubes and add with the tomatoes. This is a continuation of the Northern Indian variation of the dish. Add the green pepper with the tomatoes so they cook in the liquid but still have some crunch. Puree the tomatoes in a blender if you don't want any chunks. This step isn't necessary, but some people prefer a completely smooth sauce for their chicken karahi. If so, get blending, but know that the step isn't entirely necessary. For a perfectly smooth sauce, which some restaurants insist on, you can remove the chicken right as the sauce finishes up. Put all of the liquid in a blender and blend until you have a perfectly smooth sauce, then add the chicken back in and serve. Add 1/2 cup cream or cashew milk for a richer, slightly less spicy sauce. This leads to a creamier, slightly less intense dish. Some recipes require a form of cream, but this is likely a later ingredient brought in by Indian and Western cooks, as it resembles tikka masala. Add the cream with the tomatoes, stirring the liquids together until smooth and blended, then cook like normal. For a slightly tangy taste, you could also use a 1/2 cup of plain yogurt. Substitute lamb or beef for chicken to get an entirely new dish without a new recipe. As long as you cut it into bite-sized, quick-cooking pieces you'll be perfect. Cook it just like you would normally cook the chicken. Finished.

Peel and finely mince the garlic and ginger. Rinse the chicken, pat it dry, and chop into bite-sized pieces. Cut and seed 2-4 green chilies, depending on your desired spiciness. In a large, high-sided pan or wok, heat up the oil on medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook for 10-30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until brown. Lower the heat to medium-low and add all of the spices except fenugreek and garam masala. Add the tomatoes, stir and cover the pot for 15-20 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for another 5 minutes, until sauce reaches desired thickness. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander or parsley and serve. Add a diced onion before the garlic and ginger, cooking for 2-3 minutes, for a Northern Indian version. Chop a green bell pepper into 1/2" cubes and add with the tomatoes. Puree the tomatoes in a blender if you don't want any chunks. Add 1/2 cup cream or cashew milk for a richer, slightly less spicy sauce. Substitute lamb or beef for chicken to get an entirely new dish without a new recipe. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Brown-Ground-Beef

How to Brown Ground Beef

To brown ground beef using the stove, start by spraying a frying pan with non-stick cooking spray and heating the pan over medium high heat. Next, place the beef in the pan, let it brown for 3 minutes, then flip it over with a spatula. Break the meat into smaller chunks using the spatula or a wooden spoon, and continue breaking up the pieces while stirring until all the meat has turned brown. Afterwards, pour the beef into a colander to drain the fat and juices.

Thaw the beef in the refrigerator for a day if it is frozen. Fresh ground beef doesn't need to be thawed, but frozen ground beef should be moved to the refrigerator before you need to cook it. Keep it wrapped in its original packaging. The cool temperature protects it from bacteria as it unfreezes, so you can keep the ground beef in there for up to 2 days after defrosting. If you need to thaw larger packages of beef, give them additional time in the refrigerator. For example, a 2 lb (0.91 kg) package of beef needs to be in the refrigerator for 2 days. If you are in a hurry, move the beef to the microwave. Use a defrost setting or set your microwave to 50% power. Gradually heat the meat until it is no longer icy but still cold. Another way to defrost is with cold water in your sink. Keep your beef in its plastic wrapping or move it to a watertight container. Submerge the beef, changing out the water every 30 minutes. Keep doing this until the beef is cool but not icy. Spray a frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. The spray prevents the ground beef from sticking to itself and the sides of the pan. It makes cooking a lot easier. If you have a nonstick pan, spraying the pan isn't necessary, but it can still be helpful. Make sure you fully coat a frying pan big enough to hold all of the meat you wish to cook. Your pan needs to provide plenty of space so you can move the beef around. If you are cooking more than 1 lb (0.45 kg) at a time, you may need to cook the beef in batches. Instead of cooking spray, you can add up to 2  tsp (9.9 mL) of a cooking oil to the pan. This is useful for lean beef or nonstick pans. Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Get your pan nice and hot before adding the beef! You can test this by adding a few drops of water to the pan. When the pan is hot enough, the water will evaporate immediately. That means your pan is ready for the beef. A cold pan won't cook the beef properly. The beef will begin losing juices without browning and turn gray. Remember that adding cold beef lowers the pan's temperature, so heat the pan well before cooking. Put the beef in the pan and let it brown for 3 minutes. Drop the beef into the pan without breaking it up. A good strategy to keep in mind is to move the beef as infrequently as possible. Let it cook for at least 2 or 3 minutes so it turns a nice, even brown on 1 side. When you notice the edges crisping, you know the beef is ready to be flipped. Infrequent stirring ensures that all sides of the beef get a chance to brown evenly. Ground beef cooks very quickly, so don't walk away from your stove. Avoid adding water to the pan unless you want gray, steamed beef. If you wish to use water, add ⁄ 4 c (59 mL) for every 1 lb (0.45 kg) of beef you cook. Flip the beef over and break it into small chunks with a spoon. The beef will break apart a little when you flip it, but continue to divide larger pieces by pressing the edge of your spoon or spatula down onto them. Make sure all of the beef is flipped over onto its pink side, then let it cook for another 2 or 3 minutes. Ground beef breaks apart easily, so stirring it in the pan isn't much of a challenge despite the short cooking time. Now is a good time to sprinkle the beef with a generous amount of salt to draw out additional flavor. Turn the meat often until all red and pink parts turn brown. Stir the beef in the pan using your wooden spoon or spatula, continuing to break up large pieces. Find any uncooked surfaces and keep them down against the pan. Cook the beef for a minute or 2 before stirring and checking again. Ensure the meat is fully cooked by checking the temperature with a thermometer. All pieces should be at least 160 °F (71 °C). Ground beef takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to cook all the way through, although this varies depending on your stove. Turning the beef often ensures that 1 section doesn't stay directly on the pan for too long and burn. Pour the beef into a colander to drain the fat and juices. Hold the colander over a trash bag, if possible, or set it on top of another pot. You can spoon the beef into the colander with a slotted spoon to avoid picking up most of the juice in the pan. Dump the fat into the trash once it cools. Another way to do this is to set out some paper towels on a plate. Lay the beef on the paper towels, then use another paper towel to dab the beef dry. Try not to pour grease down the sink, since it can lead to clogs. Defrost the beef for a day in the refrigerator if it is frozen. When using a microwave, you have to pack the beef into a microwaveable container. Frozen beef is too solid for you to do this effectively. Thaw the beef first by moving it to the refrigerator a day before you need to cook it. You can also use the defrost or 50% power on your setting to heat the beef until it is no longer icy. Defrosting in cold water also can work. Make sure your beef is in a watertight container. Submerge the container in the water, draining and replacing the water every 30 minutes until the beef is no longer frozen. Choose a microwave-safe container or plate. Cook ground beef only in a container or plate that can withstand the intense heat. Glass or ceramic, such as a casserole dish, usually work well. Get a shallow, circular container if you can, since the shape helps the beef cook more evenly. Choose a dish large enough to hold all of the beef or microwave it in separate batches if necessary. A metal steamer basket or colander can be effective for microwaving ground beef. You can also place the beef in a bowl set in the basket or colander to automatically drain fat. Some plastic containers release harmful chemicals when heated. Check plastic containers to see if they have the words “microwave-safe” printed on them. Avoid using a container if you aren't sure it is safe. Arrange the beef so it is as flat on your plate or container. Place your plate or container in the microwave. Take the beef out of its packaging, then spread it out across the plate. You shouldn't have any trouble pressing the beef down by hand or with a spoon. Break the beef into smaller chunks as needed to distribute it evenly across your container. If the beef is hard to break apart, defrost it in the microwave at a low temperature for about 2 minutes, then try again. You can add 1 cup (240 mL) of lukewarm water to the container to speed up the cooking time. This will cause your beef to turn more gray than brown since it will cook through steaming. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid. Make sure the lid is designed for heat exposure. Glass, ceramic, and safe plastic lids are all acceptable, especially if they match the container. Microwave-safe lids won't retain enough steam during the short cooking time, so you don't have to worry about your microwave turning into modern beef art. If you don't have a matching lid, cover the container with a tight layer of plastic wrap. Cut some vents into the wrap so steam escapes. Cook the beef on medium heat for 5 minutes. Choose a number 5 or 50% power setting on your microwave. Such a low heat setting cannot cook the beef all the way through, but it can cause the beef to warm more evenly. High temperatures tend to leave the edges of the beef piping hot and the center stone cold, similar to that frozen pizza pocket you may have tried heating once. You can adjust the settings if you wish. Microwaving on a high heat setting is fine, but be cautious. Make sure the beef reaches a safe temperature before you use it. Consider cooking the beef for shorter bursts as well, such as 2 minutes at a time. This will ensure that the temperature stays consistent across the beef. Break the beef apart and stir it in the container. Use a wooden spoon or another tool to divide up the ground beef as much as possible. Rearrange it in the container so the colder, pinker parts are on the outside and the warmer, browner parts are in the center. Flatten the beef out as much as possible before putting the lid back on. Stirring the beef is an important part of getting an even brown coloring since microwaves cannot heat all of it consistently. Cook and stir the beef again as necessary until it is brown. Cook the beef for 2 to 5 minutes, take it out of the microwave, and stir it to bring any pink parts to the outside of the container. You may need to do this a few times before the beef is cooked all the way through. When it is finished, it should be completely brown and have an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C), which you can check with a thermometer. Expect the cooking process to take between 7 to 10 minutes, not counting the time spent stopping and stirring. This will depend on the heat settings you use. Drain the beef in a colander. Set out a colander and dump the beef into it to eliminate the fat. Ideally, you should avoid letting the fat drain down the sink, but this can be tough to do with a colander. You can try holding the colander over a pot, jar, or another container, then dumping the beef into it. You can also set the cooked beef on paper towels. Pat it down to speed up the drying process. Wait for the fat to cool before putting it in the trash.

Thaw the beef in the refrigerator for a day if it is frozen. Spray a frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. Heat the pan over medium-high heat. Put the beef in the pan and let it brown for 3 minutes. Flip the beef over and break it into small chunks with a spoon. Turn the meat often until all red and pink parts turn brown. Pour the beef into a colander to drain the fat and juices. Defrost the beef for a day in the refrigerator if it is frozen. Choose a microwave-safe container or plate. Arrange the beef so it is as flat on your plate or container. Cover the container with a microwave-safe lid. Cook the beef on medium heat for 5 minutes. Break the beef apart and stir it in the container. Cook and stir the beef again as necessary until it is brown. Drain the beef in a colander.

https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Metal

How to Paint Metal

To paint metal, first put on a dust mask and some thick gloves. If you can, take your metal surface outside. Otherwise, put a drop cloth underneath it. Then, scrub the metal with coarse sandpaper to remove any rust or old paint. If you item is rusty, apply a rust converter and scrub the metal with a wire brush if the rust won't come off with just the sandpaper. Wipe the metal with a damp cloth to get any dust or debris off of the surface, then let it air dry. Next, fill a paint tray with metal primer, and use a brush or roller to apply an even coat to the metal surface. Wait at least 24 hours for the primer to dry. Now, fill a clean paint tray with an oil-based paint designed for metal. Apply the paint using a brush or roller, starting with the exterior edges to paint the trim before working your way to the easier, flatter sections. Finally, wait at least 12 hours to let the paint dry before handling the metal. For textured metals, use a spray primer instead of liquid primer. Hold the can 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) away from your sanded metal and coat the entire surface. Wait 24 hours for the primer to dry before spray painting the metal with your top coat.

Work in a ventilated area. Working around paint and rust particles can be harmful, so choose a well ventilated area where you can put a drop sheet down underneath your metal project. Wear gloves and a dust mask while you work. Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe away paint, dust and rust particles periodically while you work. This is much safer for you than waiting until the end to deal with them. If there is any chance the paint you are stripping may contain lead, the dust mask is an absolute must for your own safety. Remove the old paint from the surface. Use a wire brush to strip the paint from the metal, remembering to wipe dust and paint particles away with a damp cloth as you work. If you prefer, you can use sandpaper to remove the paint. A combination approach is best – stripping large surfaces will go much faster with a wire brush, and then use the sandpaper to get in the nooks and crannies. A cordless drill with a wire brush attachment is also an option, and a good one if you are stripping away paint from a large surface area. Remember to wear protective ear muffs when operating drills. Clean the surface of the metal. Wipe away all paint dust with a damp cloth and discard the cloth. Scrape off any hunks of remaining paint. Use a fresh cloth to give your metal a thorough rub down, cleaning off all loose paint, dirt, grease and grime from the surface. Even if the surface looks fairly clean, don't skip this step. You want the surface of the metal to be virtually spotless, or as close as you can get to it. Failure to clean your metal properly will result in a lousy paint job. The paint won't stick to the metal properly and will peel off easily. Oils on the surface of new galvanized metal, which may or may not be visible to the naked eye, can hinder your paint job if they aren't removed. Use a simple detergent solution to wipe down new galvanized metal. Sand down the metal until it is as smooth as possible. This will ensure that you get the longest life out of your paint job. After sanding, wipe down your metal one final time with a damp cloth to remove any lingering debris. Apply a zinc-chromate primer first if the metal is rusted. You will want to do this before you put on the regular primer, but only if you are working with rusted metal. If your metal isn't rusted, start with the usual oil-based primer that is described below. Before application, scrape off any loose rust and wipe it down to remove any flakes or residue. Once the rust is removed, coat the metal with zinc-chromate primer before using a full-bodied primer. You will need to prime your surface with the full-bodied primer immediately after you use one of these products, so don't apply them until you are ready to prime. Zinc-chromate is a corrosive resistant substance. You spray it on first because you want it to be closest to the surface of the metal, to protect it from rust. After applying this substance, you should immediately apply the regular "full-bodied" primer so that the zinc-chromate remains as the first layer. It also acts as an adhesive for the full-bodied primer. Choose an oil-based primer. Make sure your primer and your paint are compatible with one another. You will be using acrylic paint (which works best on metal), so you want to choose an oil-based primer that is compatible with acrylic paint. Look for primer products that are made specifically for metal, as well, since these will best adhere to the surface. Most primers come in a spray can for ease of use, but if you prefer to use a brush to apply it, metal primer also comes in a bucket or can for that purpose. Primer prepares your surface so that the paint will adhere well, but it also helps to smooth out any color and texture that you weren't able to remove from it. Apply one coat of primer. Spray the primer evenly onto the surface of the metal until it is completely covered. If working outside, do not use spray primer on a windy day. It is recommended that you shake the can of primer for about 2 minutes before you start using it. Apply a second coat of primer. Because metal is extremely prone to the effects of oxidization, a double coat of primer is the best course of action. Not only will this help the paint stick to the surface, but it will also make the metal less vulnerable to the effects of time and exposure to the elements. Rust, in particular, can be staved off with the proper use of primer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly. Drying times vary from product to product, so check the information on your particular can for details. The acrylic paint will go on better and last longer if you apply it on primer that has dried completely. Apply one coat of acrylic paint with a brush or paint sprayer. Spray paint is also an option, but this type of paint won't last as long on metal. Apply the paint evenly to the surface of the metal. If you're using a brush, don't overload the bristles with paint, since this can be messy and create an overly thick first coat. Allow the first coat to dry completely. Check your specific product for details about drying times. If you don't allow the first coat to dry completely, the painted finish won't last as long. Luckily, most acrylic paints dry quickly, so you can get the entire job done in one day if you time it right. Apply a second coat of acrylic paint to the surface. Make sure to apply the paint as evenly as possible. A second coat will ensure that the finished project looks the best upon completion. It will also provide additional protection and last longer on the metal. It is possible to do the first coat with one color of paint, allow it to dry thoroughly, and then paint a second coat with another color. This method is perfect for lettering or applying a logo to an object. Acrylic paint is water-resistant, which means multiple layers can be applied to achieve different effects. When applying multiple layers, you must let the paint of each layer dry completely before applying the next one. Allow the final coat of paint to dry for 36-48 hours before using your metal object. If possible, paint it in a place where you can leave it once you're done, without having to move it. This will prevent accidental damage to the finished surface.

Work in a ventilated area. Remove the old paint from the surface. Clean the surface of the metal. Sand down the metal until it is as smooth as possible. Apply a zinc-chromate primer first if the metal is rusted. Choose an oil-based primer. Apply one coat of primer. Apply a second coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly. Apply one coat of acrylic paint with a brush or paint sprayer. Allow the first coat to dry completely. Apply a second coat of acrylic paint to the surface. Allow the final coat of paint to dry for 36-48 hours before using your metal object.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Tent

How to Make a Tent

To make a tent, start by gathering supplies, like 2 tarps, some rope, and 4 stakes or large rocks. Then, choose an area where you'd like to set up your tent, ideally between 2 trees, if possible. Tie your rope between the 2 trees and lay 1 tarp underneath the rope to form your bed. Temporarily secure the edges of the tarp with some rocks so it doesn't blow away. Then, drape your second tarp over the rope and pull the edges taut before securing them to the ground with rocks or stakes.

Make sure you have the materials you'll need. Building a quick and easy makeshift tent doesn't require a lot, but you'll need a few things. Make sure you have a long piece of heavy-duty rope, two tarps, and either four stakes, or large rocks in your surroundings. Locate a good place for your tent. Find a location near two trees that are close enough to tie your rope between but far enough to fit your tarps. You want to make sure you build your tent at a lower elevation. An elevation that is too high becomes extremely cold during the evening. If the weather calls for rain, avoid building your tent in a steep valley that will collect water. Avoid building your tent directly beneath dead or weak branches that look like they could fall in a storm. Make sure the ground is slightly damp. This will prevent dust from blowing around when you are trying to make a tent and build a shelter. It will also help the tarp adhere to the ground more efficiently, since materials tend to adhere better to damp surfaces. Use the heavy-duty rope you brought with you and tie it between the trees. Make sure to wrap it around a few times before tying the knot. Take the other end of the rope and tie it to the other tree. Make sure you tie the rope high enough so that your tent won't be too cramped. If your rope is tied to high, then your tarp walls won't be able to reach the ground. Err on the cautious side and tie your rope a good amount lower than half of the length of your tarps. Check the ground where you plan to build your tent. Make sure you remove any large rocks, pebbles and twigs from the ground before placing the bottom tarp on the ground. You want your floor tarp to go on relatively smooth ground that is free of anything that might poke holes in it. Place one of your large tarps on the ground. Smooth it out and remove all of the wrinkles. It should be directly beneath the rope you've hung between the trees. Try to place it so that it's centered beneath the rope above it. Secure the tarp. If your tarp has holes for stakes in its corners, you can use stakes to secure it to the ground. Place a stake through one of the holes and use either a heavy rock or a hammer to hammer it into the ground. Then do the same with an adjacent corner, making sure to stretch the tarp tight before staking it. Finish the other corners. Don't hammer the stakes in too deeply yet, as you will redo them when you construct the walls of your tent. If you don't have stakes, or your tarp doesn't have holes for stakes, use heavy rocks instead to secure it to the ground. Hang the second tarp. Throw your other tarp over the rope you tied in between the trees. Straighten it out so that the tarp hangs evenly down. If the tarp barely reaches the ground or doesn't even touch it, you've tied your rope too high. Secure the walls to the ground. If you've secured the first tarp with stakes, remove one stake, then line up the holes in the two tarps, and hammer the stake back into the ground. Repeat with the other corners one by one. If you've secured the first tarp with rocks, just lift each rock and place the corners of the wall tarp under them so that the rocks hold both tarps in place. Build embankments to keep out water, if necessary. If you're worried about potential rain flooding your tent, you can keep out water with rocks and dirt. Just use whatever you can find around you, sticks, rocks, and dirt, to build a small wall around your tent's floor tarp. Alternatively, if your tent is on a slope, you can dig trenches around both sides of your tent using a small shovel or a sharp rock, which will help rain flow around your tent instead of into it. Make a tent with one large tarp. If you don't have two tarps, but the one you have is large enough, you can make a tent with floor and roof with the single tarp. Lay the tarp on the ground beneath the rope. Place two rocks on two corners, and two rocks in the center of the tarp at the edges. Throw the edge of the tarp not held down over the rope, and then secure that edge right on top of the opposite edge of the tarp with the same rocks. Carve stakes out of broken branches. If you want to secure your tent with stakes but you don't have any with you, you can use broken tree branches. Take a knife and whittle one end of four branches down to a point. You'll need to find branches that are thin enough to fit through the stake holes in the tarps but thick enough to not break. If you can snap it easily with your hands it's probably not strong enough. Make a tent with only one tree. If you can't find two trees that are a good distance apart, you can make a tent of a different shape with one tree. You'll need stakes and a tarp with holes for stakes for this method. Using your rope, tie one corner of the tarp to the tree. Then just stretch out the tarp and stake the other corners into the ground. If you have another tarp you can stake it to the ground beneath the roof tarp. Use the same stakes and drive them through both tarps, with the corners lined up. Then take one more stake to secure the corner of the floor tarp that is closest to the tree.

Make sure you have the materials you'll need. Locate a good place for your tent. Make sure the ground is slightly damp. Use the heavy-duty rope you brought with you and tie it between the trees. Check the ground where you plan to build your tent. Place one of your large tarps on the ground. Secure the tarp. Hang the second tarp. Secure the walls to the ground. Build embankments to keep out water, if necessary. Make a tent with one large tarp. Carve stakes out of broken branches. Make a tent with only one tree.

https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Good-Dog-Groomer

How to Find a Good Dog Groomer

To find a good dog groomer, call potential candidates and ask about their training and credentials to make sure your dog will have safe and successful grooming experience. You should ask if they have experience with your specific dog breed, as some types of dogs require more complex grooming than others. If the groomer has an established business, try looking them up on the Better Business Bureau website to see reviews from other dog owners. Before you set up an appointment, you should also visit the grooming facility to make sure it is clean, safe, and not overcrowded.

Discuss your dog’s grooming needs with your veterinarian. Each breed of dog requires various degrees of grooming and coat maintenance. Talk to your veterinarian about what specific grooming needs your dog may need, how often they should be groomed, and if seeking the help of a professional is right for your dog. The answer can depend upon your breed of dog and how comfortable you are grooming your dog at home. Your veterinarian may be able to provide you with a list of credible groomers in your area. Poodles often have their hair styled in various ways, which requires help from a professional. The coat of a long-haired dog may be prone to matting and tangling, and you may feel more comfortable going to a professional groomer for assistance. Chat with other dog owners. Ask friends and other dog owners for advice and recommendations. While taking your dog for a walk or for a visit to a local dog park, keep an eye out for well-groomed dogs or dogs that have similar coats to your dog's. Approach the dog's owner and ask if they have any recommendations for a reputable groomer in your area. Visit your local pet store. Your local pet store can be a great source for discovering local businesses that cater to your dog's needs. Check to see if there is a bulletin board in the store that lists brochures, business cards, and flyers advertising groomers in your area. Be sure to ask the employees in the shop if they have any recommendations for you and your dog. Some chain pet shops offer grooming services in the store. Be sure to ask about the training and credentials of the pet groomers in the shop before making an appointment. Look into the groomer’s training and credentials. In the U.S., it is not required that pet groomers receive formal schooling and certification. Many groomers undergo an apprenticeship or have on-the-job training. A vocational and certificate program teaches the groomer safety practices and bathing procedures, and they are also trained to check for skin disorders and other health issues. Check to see if your dog groomer has received certification to ensure a thorough and safe experience for your dog. The National Dog Groomers Association is a professional society in the U.S. that recognizes a particular set of grooming standards and aims to educate and certify its members. See if your dog groomer is a member and has been certified by this group to ensure that your dog receives quality care. Call each of your prospects. It is important to get a sense of your potential dog groomer's training, background, and expertise. Ask questions that are important to you and are specific to your dog's grooming needs. Some groomers specialize in grooming particular breeds, and some groomers have strict polices regarding the size and type of dog they are able to work with If your dog has a chronic health condition or a geriatric disease, ask the potential groomer if they are able to accommodate your dog. Ask your groomer about their training experiences and how long they have been in the business. Be sure to ask your potential groomer if they have a particular expertise or are trained to groom particular breeds. Read online reviews. Other dog owners may have shared their experiences, both good and bad, with a particular dog groomer in an online review forum or website. The reviews can provide helpful information that may help you make a decision. The Better Business Bureau is an excellent resource to check out the quality of a particular grooming business. The BBB sets high standards for businesses, and they offer honest, trustworthy reviews. See if your potential dog groomer has been accredited by the BBB. Visit the grooming shop. Before making an appointment, stop by the grooming shop with your dog to assess the facility. You want to make sure that it is a clean, safe, and healthy environment for your dog. Be sure that the facility is well-lit and clean, that the cages are the appropriate size for your animal, and that the other animals are not crowded together. Chat with the groomer and the staff to make sure they are knowledgeable, friendly, and trustworthy and that they are kind and caring toward your dog. Some groomers provide live streaming via webcam so that you can check on your dog remotely while they're being groomed. Ask if your groomer provides this service, and take advantage of it if they do. Review the grooming costs. The cost of grooming varies depending on your location, the size of your dog, and its grooming needs. The grooming needs of small and mid-sized dogs that do not have a thick coat will typically cost between $30 and $50. Grooming a mid-sized or larger dog with a thicker, longer coat, like golden retriever or an Afghan hound, may cost between $50 and $70. The grooming costs for poodles, Burmese mountain dogs, and other larger dogs that require complicated cuts and styles can cost between $70 and $90. Prepare your dog for professional grooming. Taking a pet to a groomer's can be a stressful situation for the animal. Before you take your dog to a groomer, groom or brush your dog's coat for short periods of time when both you and the dog are relaxed. Increase the grooming time every day, and reward your pet with praise and a treat when it remains calm. Helping your pet to be comfortable during grooming sessions at home can help make the visit to the groomer's easier and less stressful. Make sure your dog is healthy before going to the groomer’s. Before going to the first grooming session, make sure your pet's vaccinations and other medications are up-to-date. Talk to your veterinarian about these details before the grooming appointment. This will help keep your dog, the groomer, and the other dogs at the facility safe. Talk to the groomer about your dog and expectations. Share information about your dog's personality and temperament before you leave the facility. This can help the groomer safely interact with your dog. It is also important to discuss what you hope the groomer will be able to accomplish. Discuss how you would like your dog's hair to be groomed and cared for, if they require and nail care, or if they require any additional treatments.

Discuss your dog’s grooming needs with your veterinarian. Chat with other dog owners. Visit your local pet store. Look into the groomer’s training and credentials. Call each of your prospects. Read online reviews. Visit the grooming shop. Review the grooming costs. Prepare your dog for professional grooming. Make sure your dog is healthy before going to the groomer’s. Talk to the groomer about your dog and expectations.

https://www.wikihow.life/Unblock-a-Toilet-when-You-Have-No-Plunger

How to Unblock a Toilet when You Have No Plunger

To unblock a toilet without a plunger, start by wrapping a plastic bag around the end of a mop. Then, use the mop to plunge the toilet like you would if you were using a plunger. You can also bend a metal coat hanger so it's curved and then use the curved end to plunge the toilet. If all else fails, try mixing baking soda and vinegar in a bowl and pouring it down the toilet. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes and then flush the toilet.

Cover the end of a mop with a plastic bag. Pull the bag over the end of the mop. Then, tie it off or secure it in place with a rubber band. Plunge your toilet with the mop. Use a forceful in and out motion like you would with a normal plunger. Keep plunging with the mop until your toilet is unclogged. You may have to plunge with the mop for several minutes before it works. When your toilet is unclogged, discard the plastic bag on the end of the mop. Bend a metal coat hanger into a curve. Use a metal coat hanger that's coated with plastic if you have one — that way the hanger won't scratch your toilet. If you don't have one, wrap some tape over the wire hanger instead. Push the wire up into the toilet canal and try to clear the way. Don't press too forcefully with the wire hanger. You don't want to scratch your toilet. Keep pushing the wire into the toilet canal until it's unclogged. It may take several minutes for your toilet to unclog. Once it's unclogged, discard the hanger or clean it thoroughly. Cover the end of a toilet brush with a plastic bag. Wrap the bag around the end of the brush. Then, tie it off or use a rubber band to secure it. Use the end of the toilet brush to plunge your toilet. Plunge the end of the brush in and out of the toilet like you would with a regular plunger. Continue plunging until your toilet is unclogged. It may take several minutes of plunging to do the trick. Once your toilet is unclogged, remove the plastic bag from the end of the toilet brush and discard it. Mix 1 part baking soda and 1 part vinegar in a large container. Regular baking soda and white vinegar will do the trick. After you mix them, the mixture should start to fizz. Pour the baking soda and vinegar mixture into your clogged toilet. The fizzing mixture will help break up whatever is clogging it. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes and then flush your toilet. After 5-10 minutes, your toilet should flush normally. If it's still clogged, pour more baking soda and vinegar in and let it sit for longer.

Cover the end of a mop with a plastic bag. Plunge your toilet with the mop. Keep plunging with the mop until your toilet is unclogged. Bend a metal coat hanger into a curve. Push the wire up into the toilet canal and try to clear the way. Keep pushing the wire into the toilet canal until it's unclogged. Cover the end of a toilet brush with a plastic bag. Use the end of the toilet brush to plunge your toilet. Continue plunging until your toilet is unclogged. Mix 1 part baking soda and 1 part vinegar in a large container. Pour the baking soda and vinegar mixture into your clogged toilet. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes and then flush your toilet.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Veins-to-Pop-Out

How to Get Veins to Pop Out

If you want to get your veins to pop out for an IV, tie something around your upper arm to increase the pressure in your veins so they're easier to see. To make them pop faster, clench and unclench your fist several times to trap more blood in your veins until you feel a pressure in your arm. It should take 10 to 15 seconds for the veins to pop, after which you can remove the band and let your veins return to normal.

Reduce your body fat percentage. Having veins that bulge like a body builder's comes down to body fat percentage. The veins that will pop out are surface veins. The less padding you have between your skin and your veins, the more prominent your veins will be. Eat a diet focused on getting lean by decreasing your body fat. Below 10% body fat for men should result in most major veins being visible. The lower your body fat, the more visible your veins will be, especially in hard to see places like your abs.For women, the body fat percentage should be around 15%. To get this percentage of body fat, eat clean. That means loads of fresh vegetables and lean protein while skipping junk foods, soda, and dessert. Lower your sodium intake. Sodium causes you to retain water. When your body is retaining water, your skin puffs up, obscuring your veins. Keep away from the processed foods and pretty much anything you haven't made yourself. Odds are if it's prepared outside of your kitchen, it's been doused in salt. Currently, 2,300 mg of salt is the upper limit daily recommendation. That's just one teaspoon of salt. The Institute of Medicine and the American Heart Association suggest 1,500 mg of sodium per day. To make this manageable, buy fresh and use herbs and spices to jazz up your palette. Build muscle. To build the kind of muscle that yields protruding veins, you need to focus on serious muscle building strategies. These muscles don't come from 3 sets of 10 reps that most people suggest for workout routines. Serious muscle building comes from 3-5 reps at a heavy weight. Start by doing 6 sets of 5 reps, but increase the weight you are lifting by 25%. Muscle needs to exert force to grow. Amp up the cardio. Cardio is an excellent way to burn fat and get lean. High intensity interval training (HIIT) works great for this. HIIT workouts are when you do super high intense bouts of cardio with rest in between for 20-30 minutes. Examples of HIIT are cycling between short intense bouts of speed and rest or completing 10 100-yard sprints with 60 second rests in between. Drink water. Drinking enough water keeps you hydrated and your muscles hydrated. This helps reduce your water retention. Drinking more water than necessary can flush excess water, therefore lowering your water retention. Keeping a healthy level of potassium in your system helps you expel water instead of retaining it (like sodium). Many bodybuilders dehydrate themselves before a competition. Drinking less can lead to your veins becoming more prominent. This method is not recommended because it is very dangerous. If you use this method, use it with extreme caution. Eat less carbs. Carbohydrates increase the amount of fluids your body holds. Eating a low carb diet can result in lower water retention under the skin. Diets low in carbohydrates also lead to fat loss. Safely consider diuretics. Diuretics rid your body of water, helping to make those veins prominent. You can buy diuretics, or you can use natural ones, like espresso. Diuretics can be extremely dangerous, though. If you use them, be safe and smart about them. Try supplements. Agmatine is a supplement that is a by-product of the amino acid Arginine. Agmatine prevents nitric oxide from breaking down in your body, which promotes increased blood flow to your muscles. Enhancing this blood flow can increase your vascularity. A nitric oxide supplement can also help you achieve more prominent veins. Creatine is another supplement thought to attribute to increased vascularity. Tie something around your arm. Using tourniquets increases pressure in your veins and fills them, causing them to be easier to see. Tie something around the section of your arm or leg where you'd like the veins to pop out. Another method is to place your right hand right above your left wrist (or vice versa) and grip it tight. This is the same idea used when you go to give blood or give a sample drawn. The nurse ties a band around your arm to get the vein to pop so she can see where to put the needle. Clench your hand into a fist. After securing the band around your arm, clench and unclench your fist several times. Doing this with a tourniquet traps the blood in your veins, which causes the veins to pop out. Continue until you feel a pressure in your arm. This should take about 10 to 15 seconds. Just as if you were holding your breath, you'll be able to tell when your arm or leg needs oxygen. Your veins should be popping out. Release your hand or the tourniquet when your limb needs oxygen. The veins will slowly return back to normal upon the release. Try holding your breath. Holding your breath hinders the flow of oxygen in the body and increases blood pressure. Close your mouth and nose and press hard. Bodybuilders sometimes use this trick when posing to make their veins pop. This method can be dangerous. Popping veins this way can sometimes lead to ruptures. These can happen in less serious places like the eye, or in serious places like the brain. Just remember to breathe after 30 seconds or so. Exercise. During exercise, cutaneous veins are pushed towards the surface of the skin, making them appear to pop. This is especially prominent in bodies with low percentages of body fat. Lifting weights can produce more prominent veins in the exercised muscles. Veins are also more prominent after exercise because you are dehydrated. Increase your body temperature. When your body heats, the blood is pushed towards the surface of the skin, increasing the appearance of veins. One quick trick some bodybuilders use is to use a hairdryer on your skin to get the veins to pop. Another, safer way is to heat your body through the foods you eat. Try hot peppers or cayenne pepper. Some supplements also provide the same benefits of these foods.

Reduce your body fat percentage. Lower your sodium intake. Build muscle. Amp up the cardio. Drink water. Eat less carbs. Safely consider diuretics. Try supplements. Tie something around your arm. Clench your hand into a fist. Continue until you feel a pressure in your arm. Try holding your breath. Exercise. Increase your body temperature.

https://www.wikihow.com/Revive-an-Overfertilized-Plant

How to Revive an Overfertilized Plant

To revive an overfertilized plant, you'll need to remove as much excess fertilizer as you can and water the plant thoroughly to flush out the fertilizer from the plant's system. To start, carefully scoop out any fertilizer in the topsoil that you can see. Then, water the plant with distilled, room-temperature water until the soil is wet all the way through the root system. Once the water drains away, repeat this step 4 times to make sure all the fertilizer is washed away. To help the plant heal, snip off any misshapen, damaged, or wilted leaves with a pair of scissors. If you're able to, replant it in a new area with fresh soil. Just make sure you don't fertilize your plant again for several weeks so its roots have time to recover.

Watch for weak or dying plants. If you've provided the proper amounts of sunlight and water, plants or seedlings that are weak, stunted, or dying could be suffering from an overabundance of nutrients. Look out for limp, wilted, crinkled, brittle, or very small roots, stems, and foliage. Check the leaves for discoloration. Look at the tops and bottoms of the leaves and see if you notice any discoloration or irregularities. Spots, pale coloring, brown or reddish leaves, and yellowing veins indicate too much fertilizer has been used. Look for misshapen leaves. If the leaves on your plant are misshapen, it could indicate they are not receiving the right amount and mix of nutrients. Watch for curled edges and asymmetrical leaves, as well as wilting. Notice excessive foliage with few flowers. Your overfertilized plant may have an overgrowth of foliage but very few blooms. Since the plant is lush, you may think that all is well. However, the plant is unable to bloom. Examine the soil for fertilization buildup. Look for a white or crusty buildup on top of the soil of the plant. This buildup is the result of using too much fertilizer or fertilizer left behind when water evaporates. Remove any visible fertilizer. If the fertilizer is a powder, and you can see it on the plant or topsoil, removing it will prevent further overfertilization. Additionally, if the fertilizer salts have created a crust (typically white), that must also be removed. Use caution when scooping the fertilizer away to ensure you don't further distress or damage the plant or roots. Leach the soil with water. This will move the fertilizer further away from the plant's root system, helping to prevent additional overfertilization and permitting the plant's roots to begin to heal. Use distilled, room-temperature water to leach nutrients from the soil, if possible. Flood the root system. If the plant is in your garden, flood the soil around the root system before allowing the water to continue to drip at the plant's base for 30 minutes. It's easiest to flood the root system using a garden hose, which creates a continuous stream. Allow the water to drain away. If the plant is in a pot, fill the pot with water and allow it to drain out the bottom. Repeat this step four times in order to make sure all the fertilizer is washed, or leached, away from the plant's roots. Remove damaged foliage. Using a pair of scissors, cut off damaged, misshapen, or wilting leaves. Even though you can rescue an overfed plant, the damaged leaves cannot be revived. Removing them is important to ensuring the plant's future health, and if they are permitted to remain, your plant may become a victim of pests or diseases. Replant if possible. If the plant was severely overfed, transferring it to new, fresh soil after the leaching process is complete will provide your plant and its roots an opportunity to heal. Choose a new spot in your garden, well away from the fertilized area, or repot a plant with fresh soil. If your plant is too large to move or you don't have any available space left, add new soil to the container or plot instead. Avoid fertilizing your plant for several weeks. If your plant has been overfed, do not provide it more fertilizer until it appears healthy again (3 to 4 weeks). Allow time for your plant and its roots to recover from the strain of an overabundance of fertilizer. Choose a fertilizer without nitrogen. When the time comes to begin feeding your plant again, you can prevent many of the negative effects of overfertilization by using nitrogen-free fertilizer. Use only one quarter or one half of the recommended amount of fertilizer as directed on the package.

Watch for weak or dying plants. Check the leaves for discoloration. Look for misshapen leaves. Notice excessive foliage with few flowers. Examine the soil for fertilization buildup. Remove any visible fertilizer. Leach the soil with water. Flood the root system. Allow the water to drain away. Remove damaged foliage. Replant if possible. Avoid fertilizing your plant for several weeks. Choose a fertilizer without nitrogen.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mofongo

How to Make Mofongo

To make mofongo, heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok until it reaches 350ºF. Next, peel the plantains, slice them into 1-inch rounds, and fry them until they're golden yellow. Then, place 4-5 pieces of fried plantain in the pilón and mash them. Add a couple of garlic cloves, a few pieces of pork rind, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste and mash the mixture again. Finally, remove the mixture and shape it into a round half-ball with a flat bottom.

Heat the vegetable oil. Heat about an inch or two (2.5cm - 5cm) height of oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 350ºF/180ºC. If you don't have a thermometer, heat the oil until you can place a slice of plantain into the pan and it immediately starts bubbling as it fries. Peel the plantains. Make a shallow cut along one of the lengthwise "ribs" of the plantain and carefully peel the skin by inserting your fingertip at one end and running it down the banana. It will also be easier if you soak the plantain in hot water for no more than two or three minutes to soften the skin. Slice the plantain across its width into one-inch (2.5cm) round slices. Fry the plantain slices in batches until they are golden yellow. Do not fry them too much; if they turn brown they may not have the right consistency. You want them cooked through, not toasted. Set the fried pieces in a bowl lined with paper towels to drain and dry. Place four or five pieces of fried plantain in the pilón (wooden mortar and pestle) and mash them. Add a couple of garlic cloves, a few pieces of pork rind (the idea is to make it a little crunchy without overpowering the taste), a tablespoon of olive oil , and salt and pepper to taste into the pilón. Mash the mixture again. Alternatively, you can use a food processor with a cutting blade, though the consistency of the finished product will not be the same and may require a bit more olive oil. Remove the mixture from the pilón and shape it into a half-ball (round with a flat bottom). If you will be serving it by itself, you're done! Just add to a serving plate along with salad, mains, etc. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid1138905-v4-728px-Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If you will be serving it with some type of filling, use your hand or a large spoon to make a concave bowl shape in the top, and spoon the filling into it. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/aid1138905-v4-728px-Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Enjoy! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/aid1138905-v4-728px-Make-Mofongo-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Finished.

Heat the vegetable oil. Peel the plantains. Slice the plantain across its width into one-inch (2.5cm) round slices. Fry the plantain slices in batches until they are golden yellow. Set the fried pieces in a bowl lined with paper towels to drain and dry. Place four or five pieces of fried plantain in the pilón (wooden mortar and pestle) and mash them. Remove the mixture from the pilón and shape it into a half-ball (round with a flat bottom). Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Have-Toxic-Shock-Syndrome

How to Know if You Have Toxic Shock Syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare bacterial infection which often comes with flu-like symptoms. In most cases, toxic shock syndrome is associated with tampon use, but men and children can also get it. If you have flu-like symptoms that don't go away, such as intense aches, vomiting, and diarrhea, you may have toxic shock syndrome. Other common symptoms include sunburn-like rashes on your hands and feet, dizziness, disorientation, and in severe cases, seizures. If you think you might have toxic shock syndrome, seek medical help immediately. Fortunately, it's easily treated with antibiotics when caught early on, but if left untreated, it can be severe.

Watch for flu-like symptoms. Most cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome produce symptoms that can easily be mistaken for the flu or some other illness. Listen closely to your body to help ensure that you don't miss such important signs of TSS. TSS can cause a fever (usually above 102 degrees Fahrenheit or 39 degrees Celsius), major muscle aches and pains, headaches, vomiting or diarrhea, and other flu-like symptoms. Weigh your risk for getting TSS (for instance, if you have an oozing surgical wound or are a menstruating young woman using tampons) versus your likelihood of having caught the flu. If it is reasonably plausible that you may have TSS, keep a close eye out for other symptoms. Watch for visible signs of TSS like rashes on the hands, feet, or elsewhere. If there is a “telltale” sign of TSS, it is a sunburn-like rash that appears on the palms and/or soles of the feet. However, not every case of TSS includes the rash, and the rash can occur on any part of the body. People with TSS may also notice significant redness in or around the eyes, mouth, throat, and vagina. If you have an open wound, look for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or discharge. Identify other serious symptoms. Symptoms of TSS usually appear two to three days after infection, and often start off mild in nature. They will, however, progress rapidly as the condition worsens rapidly, so be vigilant in watching for them if you have any inkling that you might have TSS. Watch for a rapid drop in blood pressure, usually accompanied by dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; confusion, disorientation, or seizures; or signs of kidney or another organ failure (such as significant area pain or signs of improper functioning). Seek immediate medical help if you suspect TSS. When caught early, Toxic Shock Syndrome is usually highly treatable. However, undetected TSS can progress rapidly and result in lengthy hospital stays and (in rare cases) irreversible organ failures, amputations, and even death. Play it safe. If you have symptoms of TSS, or if you have possible symptoms plus risk factors for TSS (like ongoing nosebleeds or extended female contraceptive use), get medical assistance right away. Unless otherwise instructed when you contact medical assistance, immediately remove the tampon you are using (if relevant in your situation). Prepare for a substantial but usually successful treatment regimen. Although TSS can almost always be treated successfully when detected early, hospital stays of several days (sometimes in the ICU) are not uncommon. In most instances, the frontline treatment involves the use of one or more antibiotics. Symptom-based treatments will also occur based on the particulars of your case. These can include the provision of oxygen, IV fluids, pain or other medications, and sometimes kidney dialysis. Take special precautions against recurrence. Unfortunately, once you have had TSS, you are approximately thirty percent more likely to get it again in the future. Therefore, you need to make some lifestyle changes and keep a keen eye out for symptoms if you want to avoid a severe recurrence. For example, if you have ever had TSS, you should not use tampons (rely on pads instead). You should also find alternate means of female contraception other than devices like sponges or diaphragms. Use tampons cautiously. When first identified, Toxic Shock Syndrome seemed to occur almost exclusively in menstruating women who used extra-absorbent tampons. Increased awareness and product changes have significantly reduced the overall number of incidents of TSS related to tampon use, but they still account for half of all cases. TSS is caused by staph (usually) or strep bacteria that release toxins into the bloodstream and (in a small percentage of people) cause a major immune response with serious side effects. However, it is still not entirely clear why using extra-absorbent tampons that remain inserted for long periods of time is the greatest risk factor for TSS. Some theorize that the extended insertion period creates ideal conditions for bacteria growth, while others believe the tampon dries out over time and causes small cuts and abrasions when removed. Regardless of the cause, your best defenses against TSS as a menstruating female are to use pads instead of tampons whenever possible; use the least absorbent tampons necessary and change them regularly (every four to eight hours); store tampons in a cool, dry place that does not promote bacteria growth (so, not in the bathroom); and wash your hands before and after handling a tampon. Follow the recommendations for using certain types of female contraceptives. While they cause far fewer cases of TSS than tampons, vaginally-inserted female contraceptives of the sponge and diaphragm varieties must be used with care. As with tampons, the length of time in which the device remains inserted seems to be the key factor in the possibility of developing TSS. Basically, keep sponge or diaphragm-style contraceptives inserted for only as long as necessary, and never for more than twenty-four hours. Also store them somewhere that doesn't get warm and humid (and foster bacteria growth), and wash your hands before and after handling. Watch for other potential causes of TSS that can affect anyone. Women, and especially young women, comprise a significant majority of all cases of TSS, but it can affect males and females, young and old alike. If the staph or strep bacteria enters the body, the toxins are released, and the body's immune system responds in “overdrive,” then any person can develop a serious case of Toxic Shock Syndrome. TSS can also occur when bacteria enter open wounds, after a woman gives birth, during a case of chickenpox, or when packing for a nosebleed is used for prolonged periods of time. So, clean, bandage, and re-bandage wounds thoroughly and regularly; change nosebleed packing regularly or seek other methods to reduce or stop the nosebleeds; be vigilant about following health and hygiene recommendations. Young people are more likely to get TSS, and the best current theory as to why is that older people have built up greater immunity. If you are a teen or young adult female, then, be especially vigilant against TSS.

Watch for flu-like symptoms. Watch for visible signs of TSS like rashes on the hands, feet, or elsewhere. Identify other serious symptoms. Seek immediate medical help if you suspect TSS. Prepare for a substantial but usually successful treatment regimen. Take special precautions against recurrence. Use tampons cautiously. Follow the recommendations for using certain types of female contraceptives. Watch for other potential causes of TSS that can affect anyone.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Hot-Wings-Sauce

How to Make Hot Wings Sauce

To make your own sauce for hot wings, start by whisking together chili powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a bowl. Next, heat canola in a saucepan, then add honey, followed by rice wine vinegar and cornstarch. Once everything is evenly combined, add your spice mixture and allow the sauce to heat until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly. At that point, remove the sauce from the heat and run it through the food processor with 1 cup of butter. Finish by tossing the sauce on your chicken wings as soon as they're done.

Measure chili powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and salt in a bowl. Whisk to mix thoroughly. You can replace these spices with one half cup of your favorite hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Frank's Red Hot Sauce. Heat the canola oil in a small saucepan on medium-high heat. Pour the honey into the saucepan. Heating the honey for a few seconds in a microwave-safe container will make it easier to measure and pour. Add the rice wine vinegar and the cornstarch. You can use apple cider, balsamic or white wine vinegar for slightly different flavors. Pour in your mix of spices. Whisk them into the liquid ingredients. Allow the mixture to heat until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly. Store the spicy sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Remove the hot wings sauce container from the refrigerator. Soften the butter on the counter. For quicker results, place it in the microwave for 20 seconds. Combine the spice mix with the softened butter in a food processor. Toss it on the wings right after they are cooked.

Measure chili powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and salt in a bowl. Heat the canola oil in a small saucepan on medium-high heat. Pour the honey into the saucepan. Add the rice wine vinegar and the cornstarch. Pour in your mix of spices. Store the spicy sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it. Remove the hot wings sauce container from the refrigerator. Soften the butter on the counter. Combine the spice mix with the softened butter in a food processor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant

How to Become a Lactation Consultant

To become a lactation consultant if you're already a licensed health professional, start by completing 1,000 hours of lactation specific clinical practice and 90 hours of lactation related education. Alternatively, if you're not a health professional, enroll in an academic program to complete the educational requirements, then complete 300 hours of lactation specific clinical practice. Once you finish the required education and training, sign up to take the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners certification exam, which will allow you to work as a lactation consultant.

Meet the requirements of a health sciences education program. Most health professional must study and complete an education program in health science, which involves 14 subjects described in the IBLCE's Health Sciences Education Guide. They include nutrition, biology, anatomy, psychology, and other subjects. If you are already a Registered Nurse or another health professional recognized by the IBLCE, you can demonstrate your completion of health sciences education by submitting copies of your license, registration, transcript, and degree to the IBLCE with your application materials. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-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>"} If you are not already a health professional, enrolling in a nursing program is the best way to obtain the education you need to become a lactation consultant. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet2.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>"} If you prefer not to enroll in a nursing program, you will need to complete the following college and continuing education courses: Biology Human Anatomy Human Physiology Infant and Child Growth and Development Nutrition Psychology or Counseling or Communication Skills Introduction to Research Sociology or Cultural Sensitivity or Cultural Anthropology Basic life support (for example, CPR) Medical documentation Medical terminology Occupational safety and security for health professionals Professional ethics for health professionals Universal safety precautions and infection control Alternatively, you could also become a La Leche Leader for the La Leche League, a volunteer program in which experienced breastfeeders help other women learn how to breastfeed. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet4.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-1Bullet4.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>"} Get Lactation Specific Clinical Experience. This means experience providing lactation assistance to pregnant and breastfeeding women and educating families under supervision. Contact IBLCE to find an approved program you can participate in to complete this requirement. You must have experience in consulting with women from pre-conception all the way through the weaning process. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d6\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} The IBLCE exam will test your knowledge of clinical skills you have mastered. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet2.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet2.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>"} Depending on what pathway you choose, you will need from 300 to 1,000 hours of Lactation Specific Clinical Experience in order to sit for the IBLCE exam. clinic hours must have taken place in the 5 years prior to the exam. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-2Bullet3.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-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>"} Complete Lactation Specific Education. You will need to sign up for a Lactation Education program and complete 90 hours of coursework in order to be permitted to sit for the IBLCE exam. The coursework covers the history of lactation consulting and many disciplines related to breastfeeding. Find a program that is meant to prepare you for the IBLCE Exam Blueprint. Since the IBLCE does not recommend any particular program, it's important to find one that is reputable and has adequately prepared people to take and pass the exam. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-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>"} The Lactation Specific Education must have been completed within the 5 years prior to the exam. Choose the path of recognized health professionals. If you are already a health professional and have taken the necessary coursework involved in Health Sciences Education, you may choose this pathway to eligibility for the IBLCE exam. Requirements include: 1,000 hours of lactation specific clinical practice supervised by someone familiar with breastfeeding. The hours must be conducted within the 5 years immediately prior to your exam. 90 hours of lactation specific education completed within the 5 years immediately prior to your exam. Choose the path of accredited academic programs. You may choose this path if you decide to enroll in an accredited program in order to complete your Health Sciences Education coursework, but you are a not a health professional. You must graduate from an academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding. Requirements include: 300 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice (where "directly supervised" means supervision by a certified ICBLC. The hours must be conducted within the 5 years immediately prior to your exam. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} 90 hours of lactation specific education completed within the 5 years immediately prior to your exam. Choose the mentorship path. On this path, you work with an IBCLC who serves as your mentor during the process of completing your Health Sciences Education coursework. Be sure your mentor has been approved by the IBLCE before starting. Requirements for this path include: 500 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice completed within the 5 years prior to your exam. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-6Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-6Bullet1.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-6Bullet1.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>"} 90 hours of lactation specific education completed within the 5 years prior to your exam. Complete the application form and receive a test date. When you've fulfilled all of the requirements, complete the IBLCE application form. Return it to the IBLCE to set up an exam date. Pay the application fee when you send in the form. It ranges from $255 to $660, depending on what country you live in. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Schedule a test date at a IBLCE testing center. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} The exam is given just twice a year, so be aware of the deadlines or you'll have to wait another 6 months before you can take the exam. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/aid1399540-v4-728px-Become-a-Lactation-Consultant-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Pass the exam and receive certification. Once you take and pass the exam, you will become an ICBLC. This means you are certified to work as a lactation consultant at a hospital, at a health clinic, or in assistance to a midwife. You can also work on your own with individual mothers.

Meet the requirements of a health sciences education program. Get Lactation Specific Clinical Experience. Complete Lactation Specific Education. Choose the path of recognized health professionals. Choose the path of accredited academic programs. Choose the mentorship path. Complete the application form and receive a test date. Pass the exam and receive certification.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Dog-from-Eating-Your-Plants

How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Your Plants

To stop your dog from eating plants, spray the plants with diluted lemon juice since dogs don't like the smell of citrus. You can also use bitter apple or diluted chili pepper sauce. Another way you can deter your dog from eating plants is to place some aluminum foil or chicken wire around them, which your dog won't want to walk on to get to the plants. If your dog only eats the plants when you're not home, consider confining it to a crate or room without any plants in it whenever you leave.

Move houseplants out of reach. One way of keeping dogs from eating houseplants is simply to move them to a location that is out of the dog's reach. This can be achieved with the use of tables or plant stands. Houseplants that grow in vines should be trimmed back to stay out of reach of the dog or placed totally out of reach. You may also be able to build cages around the plants using chicken wire or other products that will cut off access to plants. Train your dog to leave plants alone. Using a motion-sensitive repellent, you can train dogs to stay away from plants. When your dog approaches your houseplants, a motion-sensitive device will trigger, scaring the dog away from the plants, and reinforcing the idea that he should probably leave them alone. These devices come in many varieties, sometimes with an air horn or both an air horn and a chemical deterrent. Other varieties may shoot a stream of water to discourage the dog, though these may not be as desirable for use indoors. Consider clicker training as well. Clickers can help your dog understand commands more quickly as well as get their attention quickly. Clickers are available at pet stores, and many dog training academies will give instruction on clicker training. (See elsewhere in this article for information on clicker training.) Spray houseplants with diluted lemon juice. Many dogs avoid the smell of citrus, so if you dilute lemon juice half with water and use a spray bottle to mist it onto your plants, this might deter your dog from eating your houseplants. If you do not want to spray the diluted lemon juice solution onto your plants, you can place lemon slices in the pots as an effective alternative. Empty spray bottles can be purchase at dollar or home stores. Be sure to change lemon wedges regularly so they don't spoil. Keep the dog confined. If your dog tends to eat your houseplants when you are not there to discourage him from doing so, keep the dog confined to spaces where there aren't any houseplants while you aren't available to supervise. This can be a room with a door you can close or a pet crate. Always be sure to keep the dog's well-being in mind when crating, as extended periods spent in crates can have adverse effects. If you aren't sure how to crate train your dog, read this helpful wikiHow article on the subject. Many different types of crates are available, and dogs should have toys, food, and water with them inside. Pay attention to your dog's behavior while confined, as some dogs may get stressed out from confinement. Never use crates as punishment—dogs should only be crated if they are comfortable and happy there. You can encourage your dog to be comfortable in his crate by feeding him his meals in it and leaving its door open all the time so that he can go in and out as he pleases when you're home. Remove toxic houseplants. Some houseplants are toxic to dogs. If you are having a hard time getting your dog to stop eating indoor plants, consider getting rid of toxic plants so that your dog does not actually ingest them and become ill. Here are some common houseplants that are poisonous to dogs: Castor bean Daffodil Elephant Ear Hyacinth Narcissus Oleander Rosary Pea Use remote punishment. If you let your dog near outdoor plants that you don't want him to eat, use remote punishment to condition him to avoid them as you can for indoor plants as well. This punishment could be administered by the dog's owner or caretaker standing at a distance so the dog does not know the punishment is coming from them or via the use of remote punishment products, such as motion-sensitive alarms, water sprayers or other deterrents. An electric fence or dog run can keep your dog in a specific space while outside. Do not use any technique that will cause your dog pain or injury. Shock collars are not recommended by veterinary experts, especially not as training devices. Try clicker training. Use a clicker (available at pet stores) to let your dog know when he does what you want him to do. Make noise with the clicker at the instant your dog does the behavior you want him to do and immediately reward him with a high-value treat, such as a piece of cheese or meat or his favorite cookie. Give him lots of praise. To keep the dog from eating your plants outside using the clicker, bring him outside and if he approaches the plants, signal him to come to you and give a click and a treat the moment that he does so. This way, you are rewarding the recall and not the plant-eating. Spray plants with unpleasant-tasting substances. Bitter Apple and Bitter Yuck are commercially available sprays meant to be sprayed on anything you want to discouraging your dog from chewing on. These sprays are available at pet stores and online. Other sprayable pet deterrents may be available from veterinarians or pet stores as well. You can also use chili pepper sauce diluted with water in a spray bottle to mist on plants you want to discourage dogs from eating. Vinegar and ammonia will also work to keep dogs away from areas where they are not welcome, but these substances cannot be sprayed directly on plants or they will die. Instead, spray the ground near the off-limits area to create a barrier. Always be sure to use non-toxic substances to keep dogs away id it is used in a manner where dogs may ingest them. Be sure to follow all safety information in using deterrents. Spread items your dog will not want to walk upon. Use aluminum foil, pine cones, chicken wire, or any other items to create a barrier in front of plants the dog is eating. The dog will not like the feeling of these items underfoot, so he will be less likely to cross the barrier and eat the plants. Chicken wire also discourages digging. Be sure that any items you spread that the dog may tread upon will not hurt him. Cover or block the plants. Using something like bird netting, cover the plants that the dog tries to eat to keep him from being able to do so. This netting is easily found at home stores and farm supply stores. You can also use chicken wire or other fencing material to block access to the plants the dog tries to eat. Chicken wire or fencing may also help keep other unwanted animals out of your garden. Consider getting rid of toxic plants. If you cannot keep your dog from eating your plants, you might wish to consider getting rid of some plants that can be especially harmful to dogs. Common ornamental plants that are poisonous to dogs include: Azaleas Daphne Golden Chain Jasmine Red Sage Laurels Rhododendrons Wisteria Yew Play with the dog. Dogs may exhibit unwanted behaviors due to a lack of exercise. If you make it a point to play with your dog regularly to expend his excess energy, he will likely be less interested in eating plants in the yard or in the house. Games that force the dog to move around a lot while you mostly stand still are best. They include fetching, frisbee catching/fetching, chasing a toy on a rope or stick that you move, catching bubbles, and many more. Be sure dogs have access to water during play. Always keep safety in mind when playing with your dog. Walk the dog. Walking your dog not only gives him some great exercise, it also stimulates his mind because of unfamiliar sights and sounds you may encounter on the walk. Use an extendable leash that is retractable, giving the dog lots of room to investigate what he encounters. During the walk, try to walk faster than your normal pace for 30 minutes. Older or out-of-shape dogs may need to start with a shorter walk and work up to a faster, longer walk. Pay attention to signs that display rules for walking dogs in public areas. Be sure to clean up after your dog when when walking. Run your dog. For a more significant workout that will expend more of your dog's energy and hopefully discourage him from eating plants, try running your dog. You can run the dog by taking him with you on the leash while you are in-line skating or bicycling. Always be careful when running your dog—he may have to learn to pay close attention to you during the run instead of stopping to smell things or relieve himself. Take regular breaks to allow him to relieve himself. Younger dogs whose bones are not fully formed may need some time to develop before a run is appropriate. Enlist the help of a dog trainer for leash training if your dog has trouble getting used to running.

Move houseplants out of reach. Train your dog to leave plants alone. Spray houseplants with diluted lemon juice. Keep the dog confined. Remove toxic houseplants. Use remote punishment. Try clicker training. Spray plants with unpleasant-tasting substances. Spread items your dog will not want to walk upon. Cover or block the plants. Consider getting rid of toxic plants. Play with the dog. Walk the dog. Run your dog.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Air-Filter

How to Clean an Air Filter

Before cleaning a home air filter, turn off the air filter system so the debris doesn't get sucked back into the system during the cleaning process. Then, open the air vent and use the hose attachment on your vacuum to remove any dust. Next, remove the filter and vacuum the dust and debris from the front, back, and sides. Afterwards, rinse the filter under running water to remove any remaining dust and debris. Finally, pat it dry with paper towels and let it finish air drying before reinstalling it, since moisture on your filter can lead to mold growth.

Turn the system off before touching the filter. Clean the area around the vent with a broom or vacuum before opening the vent. Open the screw(s) or latch and swing open the vent. Vacuum the encasement area, then take out the air filter. If the system isn't turned off first, it will suck in debris during the cleaning process. Use a step ladder if the vent is up on the ceiling or a high wall. Remove excess dirt. Brush dirt off the filter into a trash container outside. Connect a hose attachment to your vacuum cleaner. Vacuum dust and debris from the filter with an upholstery attachment on the filter's front, back and sides. Vacuum the filter outside, if possible, to avoid stirring up dust in the home. Rinse the filter under running water. Attach a hose to your water tap. Hold the filter so that the water flows the opposite way from the airflow. Spray the filter completely to wash off dust and dirt. Use a gentle spray, not the full force of your hose, to avoid damaging the filter. Wash off heavy grime with a soap solution, if needed. If a simple rinse isn't doing the job, you can soak your filter in a soap solution. Add a drop of mild liquid dish soap to two cups of warm water in a bowl. Stir the solution. Wet a cloth in the solution and wash both sides of your filter. Rinse the filter with water, and let it dry completely. After the final rinse, shake off any excess water before setting the filter out to dry. You may want to wash your filter with a soap solution if it's been exposed to grease, smoke or pet hair. Dry the filter thoroughly. Pat the filter dry with paper towels. Leave the filter outside so it can air-dry. Make sure that the filter is completely dry before re-installing it. Neglecting to let the filter dry completely can cause mold growth, which can spread spores throughout your home through the HVAC. Replace the filter. Place the filter back in its housing. Ensure that the airflow is facing in the proper direction. Close the vent, and secure any screws or latches. The filter should sit snugly, without appearing too small or warped. Make sure there are no gaps. Remove the filter. Open the hood of your car. If you can't locate the filter, check the physical or online vehicle manual. Alternately, you can ask a mechanic the next time your vehicle is serviced. Open the canister (usually secured with wing nuts or clamps). Pull the filter out. The air filter's housing should be on top of the engine, in a round or rectangular box. Vacuum a dry filter. Connect a hose attachment to your vacuum cleaner. Vacuum the filter for about a minute on each side. Look at the filter under a bright light, and vacuum any spots you may have missed. Vacuuming is faster and safer than washing the filter. Wash a dry filter, if desired. Fill a bucket with a soap and water solution. Place the filter in the bucket and swirl it around. Take the filter back out and shake off excess liquid. Rinse the filter gently under running water. Put the filter on a towel and allow it to dry completely. Don't put the filter back when it's still wet! This can damage the vehicle's engine. Washing can get your filter cleaner than vacuuming alone, but is riskier and more time-consuming. Cleanse an oiled filter. Tap the filter to shake off dust and dirt. Apply a cleaning solution (specifically for oiled filters) liberally to the outside, then inside of the filter. Make sure the filter is completely saturated. Leave it in a sink or basin for ten minutes. Rinse it with cool water at a low pressure. Shake it off and allow the filter to completely dry. Don't allow the cleanser to dry on the filter; let it sit only for ten minutes. Rinse the filter by moving it up and down under the stream of water. After the rinse, the filter should be dry in about fifteen minutes; but if it isn't thoroughly dry, allow it to sit longer. If you're short on time, you can use a hair dryer or small fan on moderate heat to speed up the drying process, after the rinse stage only. Re-oil a filter, if applicable. Apply air filter oil evenly to the filter. Coat the filter thoroughly with a thin layer. Wipe off any excess oil from the cap and bottom lip of the filter. Allow the filter to sit for twenty minutes to absorb the oil. Clean out the canister. Vacuum dust and dirt from the filter housing, using a hose attachment. Alternately, you can use a soft cloth or paper towel. Just make sure the canister is completely dry and free of debris before replacing the filter. Moisture and debris can cause damage to the engine. Replace the filter. Return the filter to its housing. Secure any locks or clamps that hold it in place. These will be the same ones you undid when you removed the filter. Replace disposable air filters. A cleanable air filter is advertised as “washable,” “permanent,” and/or “reusable.” Don't wash paper or otherwise disposable air filters. Avoid vacuuming them as well. Washing disposable air filters can actually clog them, as well as cause mold. Disposable filters can tear under the pressure of vacuuming or compressed air. At a low pressure, this may work temporarily, but it's not a long-term solution. Clean or replace your car air filter regularly. Clean or change your filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or more often if you travel on dusty roads or in polluted areas. Examine your air filter under a bright light. Clean or change the filter if it's darkened or clogged with debris. Disposable filters should be replaced, whereas permanent filters can be vacuumed or washed. If you don't change your air filter as needed, you may notice a decrease in your gas mileage, ignition problems, or fouled spark plugs. Clean or replace your home air filter routinely. Clean or change your filter every three months, and more frequently in-season. Clean or change the furnace filter monthly during the heating season. Clean or replace your central air filter every month or two in the cooling season. If your filter is disposable, replace it. If it's reusable, you can vacuum or wash it. More frequent changing is needed if your filter is exposed to a lot of dust or pet hair. Failing to clean your air filters in the home can cause HVAC failure or even fire.

Turn the system off before touching the filter. Remove excess dirt. Rinse the filter under running water. Wash off heavy grime with a soap solution, if needed. Dry the filter thoroughly. Replace the filter. Remove the filter. Vacuum a dry filter. Wash a dry filter, if desired. Cleanse an oiled filter. Re-oil a filter, if applicable. Clean out the canister. Replace the filter. Replace disposable air filters. Clean or replace your car air filter regularly. Clean or replace your home air filter routinely.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Ranch

How to Start a Ranch

To start a ranch, you'll need to purchase land and the physical equipment to run it. Then, to get it off the ground, you'll want to hire a ranch manager who can look after the technical aspects of the ranch like cattle management. Additionally, you'll need to buy affordable quality livestock. At this point, you may want to start thinking about how to keep the ranch profitable by budgeting to keep costs down.

Shop for a ranch online. You can begin searching for a ranch online, where you will find a variety of ranching real estate sites. Real estate sites specializing in ranches usually focus on a particular region, such as California or Texas ranches. Some of the sites allow you to sort listings by location, price range and acreage. Work with a real estate agent. Though you'll be able to find many enticing properties online, it's a good idea to work with an agent to find a ranch in your price range. They'll have more access and a better idea of what's on the market, and be able to caution and encourage you appropriately about setting up a ranch. Determine whether you want to invest your money in a ranch. Ranches are a significant investment. If you want to keep your money in a safe investment that is a little more fun than a government bond or savings account, a ranch could be a decent investment. In California, you may pay between $5,000,000 and $21,000,000 for a ranch. In Texas, you might be able to get a ranch for as little as $400,000. You can also easily spend upwards of $5,000,000. You should only invest in a ranch if you want to spend significant time at the ranch, since ranches can be difficult to value and to sell. Talk to your local bank about financing options. Some local banks work with agencies such as the USDA to help finance beginner farmers and ranchers. Ask your local bank about the local beginning farmer financing initiative, which is a special lending pool designed for young farmers. You could also look into the “Young & Beginning” program offered by Farm Credit Services. This program helps young farmers get on their feet with real estate loans, insurance, education reimbursements, youth in agriculture loans, as well as college scholarships. Work your private contacts. If you know any property owners, you should contact them directly to work out an arrangement to ranch on their land. Depending on your financial situation and ranching goals, you could work out a cash deal or a work-in arrangement. In other words, you could work to pay for some or all of the land or get a good deal by paying with cash. Start a large, profitable ranch. If you want to make money with a traditional working ranch, try to determine your possible sources of income from ranching, hunting rights, tourism and other sources. If you want to make money, you should look at emerging markets such as sheep farming and carbon offsetting. Another way to make money is to lease your farmable land out to other farmers to grow hay, corn, or other crops. Get a small, personal ranch. A small ranch can be a great way of living an active and outdoor lifestyle, as long as you have other sources of income. If you are starting a ranch for personal and lifestyle reasons, you might want to purchase a ranch that is conveniently located and hire a ranch manager to keep the cost of the ranch relatively low. If you start a small ranch, remember that it is a significant investment of time. You will be spending at least twenty hours a week working on your small ranch, in addition to whatever you do for a living. Small ranchers do not typically realize a profit, although there are exceptions. If you are mostly interested in ranching for recreational or lifestyle purposes, you may want to start with a small ranch and 5-10 cattle and/or 2-4 horses. Look into the carrying capacity of the land. Go to the local conservation office and ask about the production potential of the land you are looking to purchase. You want to consult with professionals about the soil type, vegetation, annual precipitation and other local ecological conditions that will determine the number of livestock your land can support. Sellers may tell you the land can support more cattle than is realistic. If you live in the USA, the local Natural Resource Conservation Office will have helpful data to help you determine the potential productivity of the land you hope to purchase. Take location into account. Ranches in relatively close proximity to urban centers retain their value and cost a great deal, as well as ranches in high demand regions like Montana or Texas. Although you may want to get away from the city to a remote ranch, you should also consider the time it will take you to get to the ranch for a vacation. If it is a working ranch and you will also have a day job, you should consider the travel time to and from the ranch. Other considerations for location include distance to gas stations, feed stores, and grocery stores. Make sure you have everything to set up your ranch. In addition to the land and the cattle, you will need a lot of physical equipment to start up your ranch. For instance, you will need the following equipment: Tractor Truck Stock trailer Corrals Fencing Fuel ATV Feed for all of your animals Build facilities if necessary. You may need to add fencing or build corrals, barns, sheds, arenas, or feed storage buildings on the property. You'll likely need to hire an architect or engineer to help you plan the site and design the buildings and a contractor and construction team to complete the work. Plan for the expense of paying for the design, construction, and maintenance (including utilities) of any necessary facilities. Hire a ranch manager. Ranching requires significant technical expertise, including not only business management but also cattle and grazing management. As such, you may want to a hire a ranch manager with technical expertise in these areas, as well as irrigation, rangeland, cattle and ranching equipment. Hiring a ranch manager or a management firm will allow you to focus on the more pleasurable aspects of ranching, such as horseback riding, hunting or fishing. Buy affordable, quality livestock. Cattle and horses are the biggest expenses in ranching. Develop a network of friends and professionals to give you advice on which livestock to purchase, since it is easy to overpay for livestock. You also want to make sure you are paying for good quality, genetically superior livestock, since you will be investing a lot in them every year. Do an inventory of financial resources. If you have recently inherited a ranch or purchased a ranch with existing resources, you should do a thorough financial inventory. Take an in depth inventory of existing financial resources, such as ranch bank accounts, debts that the ranch owes to banks, as well as lease agreements and other financial arrangements. Knowing the current financial state of the ranch will help you figure out what to do with it. Review human, natural, and physical resources. Resources include the people who work at your ranch, as well as equipment like tractors, trailers, fences and barns. You want to look at human resources, such as current family and paid employees who put time into the ranch. Then, list all of the natural and physical resources of the ranch, such as existing equipment, buildings and the livestock. Take this inventory into account in planning your ranch operations. Figure out whether you could make money. The profit margin in ranching is typically very thin, with only the most frugal and efficient ranchers able to make a living in this business. Smaller ranchers will usually lose money ranching. However, if you have inherited a ranch, the value of your land may be significant and could possibly allow you to keep your ranch financially feasible. For instance, gross annual income for each cow is typically $190 to $340. Each year, every cow you own will cost you between $300 and $400. Aim for a large volume of cattle. If you start a ranch with a large number of cows for the operation, you will be able to spread the high costs of equipment, fuel and labor over a greater volume of animals. If you can lower the cost spent on each cow, you are more likely to make money in the competitive business of ranching. Of course, you should also make sure your land has the carrying capacity to handle the number of cows you desire. Budget for livestock, equipment, labor and other production costs. Since the most profitable ranches are also the most efficient in their production costs, you should aim to keep your equipment and labor costs down. So, make a realistic and efficient budget for your new ranch, which should include items like livestock, feed, a tractor, ATVs, stock trailers, corrals, and waged labor. If you can use an old truck instead of a buying a new one, you are more likely to make a profit.

Shop for a ranch online. Work with a real estate agent. Determine whether you want to invest your money in a ranch. Talk to your local bank about financing options. Work your private contacts. Start a large, profitable ranch. Get a small, personal ranch. Look into the carrying capacity of the land. Take location into account. Make sure you have everything to set up your ranch. Build facilities if necessary. Hire a ranch manager. Buy affordable, quality livestock. Do an inventory of financial resources. Review human, natural, and physical resources. Figure out whether you could make money. Aim for a large volume of cattle. Budget for livestock, equipment, labor and other production costs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Mousepox

How to Diagnose Mousepox

To diagnose mousepox, check for common signs of sudden onset mousepox, including diarrhea, facial swelling, and a hunched-over position. You should also look for symptoms of sub-acute or chronic mousepox, like rash, swelling, and bite marks. If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet as soon as possible to get treatment quickly and ease your mouse's suffering.

Look for signs of sudden onset mousepox. Sudden onset mousepox is the acute form of the disease, meaning that it comes on suddenly and forcefully. A mouse with acute mousepox will usually be hunched over, have swelling of the face, and have digestive distress, such as diarrhea. These symptoms will appear and progress very quickly. In many cases the mouse will die quickly from the acute form of this disease. Pay attention to signs of sub-acute or chronic mousepox. This form of the disease usually begins as a rash all over the mouse's body. Then, eventually, the mouse's body begins to swell and irritation often leads the mouse to chew on its own body and limbs. The rash may lead the mouse to bite at its own skin. Thus, in addition to a rash, its body may be covered in small bite marks. Quarantine the potentially infected mouse. If you suspect that your mouse has mousepox, you should separate it from any other mice that you have. Place the potentially non-infected mice in a cage that has fresh water, bedding, and food. Also wash your hands after handling the potentially infected mouse. This will help to limit their exposure to the illness. However, this illness is very contagious, so your other mice may be infected already. Keep an eye on them for signs that they are infected as well. Contact your veterinarian. If you suspect mousepox, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. This is an illness with a very high mortality rate, so the quicker you get treatment, the less pain and suffering your mouse is likely to go through. Tell the veterinarian why you think your mouse has mousepox. This disease is very, very rare in pet mice, so your veterinarian may suspect that you are dealing with a different disease unless you can describe exactly how your mouse would have contracted the disease. Take your mouse to a veterinarian. If your mouse has the debilitating symptoms associated with the acute and sub-acute types of mousepox, then it needs veterinary care quickly. Take your mouse to its veterinarian immediately or to an emergency pet hospital if your normal veterinary office is not open when you notice the symptoms. Mousepox is diagnosed based on clinical signs, blood tests, and a history of being exposed to the disease. Tell your veterinarian that you are bringing in your mouse on an emergency basis, so that the veterinary office can be prepared to keep the mouse quarantined. Give supportive care. If your mouse has come down with the symptoms of mousepox it will likely die. Discuss ways to ease the mouse's suffering while it is still alive with your veterinarian. Supportive care could include euthanasia if your mouse is very, very ill. Sometimes the best thing you can do for a pet is to end their suffering in a respectful way. Keep the mouse quarantined. Even if your mouse survives mousepox, it could be a carrier for the disease. This means that a mouse that recovers from the disease should be kept isolated from other mice to avoid the risk of spreading the disease. For example, in laboratory settings, there are strains of mice that are resistant to mousepox. However, these mice can be carriers of the disease and spread it to other non-resistant strains.

Look for signs of sudden onset mousepox. Pay attention to signs of sub-acute or chronic mousepox. Quarantine the potentially infected mouse. Contact your veterinarian. Take your mouse to a veterinarian. Give supportive care. Keep the mouse quarantined.

https://www.wikihow.com/Confront-Friends-Who-Are-Ignoring-You

How to Confront Friends Who Are Ignoring You

To confront a friend who is ignoring you, start by arranging to meet in a calm, private environment, such as a café or classroom. Then, explain how you feel and ask them why they've been ignoring you. When you talk about your feelings, use “I” statements so they won't feel attacked. For example, say something like, “I noticed you all went out on Friday and didn't text me. I felt pretty sad and lonely and was wondering if there was a reason you didn't contact me.” Once you've made your feelings clear, give your friend the opportunity to explain their point of view so you know where they stand. After they've shared their story, try to find a solution together, such as scheduling more time together, making a group chat so you don't get left out, or giving your friend a little space to do their own thing sometimes.

Reflect on your recent mood and feelings. Figure out what's going on inside of you and how you are feeling. It's important that you determine whether your friends are in fact ignoring you or whether you are thinking that they're ignoring you. It's possible that the situation may have more to do with you and how you've been feeling in recent days than with your friends. Consider whether you've experienced any significant changes in your life or stressful events, such as moving, starting a new school, breaking up with someone, or coping with an illness in your family, among other possible events. Stress in one area of your life can have an impact on other areas. For example, if you've recently changed schools, maybe you feel isolated from your friends because you don't know anyone at your new school and you no longer see them every day, even if you've still been in touch through texting. Your feelings of isolation, thus, may be related and a reaction to other things going on in your life. Make sure that the root of your feelings is the sense of being ignored. In other words, make sure the feeling of being ignored is at the root of the issue and is not a symptom of something else you might be dealing with. To connect with yourself and tap into your emotions, try exercising, keeping a journal or talking to another person you trust like a friend or family member. The most important thing is that you move from your current physical position and do something else. Changing positions and spaces can bring about a shift in your mental state and give you fresh energy for some much-needed reflection. Evaluate your interactions with your friends. It's possible that your friends may be going through something else in their lives that is affecting their friendships. Thus, they may not be intentionally ignoring you, but instead, are distracted by their own issues and unable to focus on you or give you a lot of their time. Compare how much you and your friend used to interact with how much you've been interacting lately. Is it a drastic change? Also, compare how much you and your friend interact with how much she interacts with mutual friends or her own friends. Is she frequently hanging out with others but not able to make plans with or talk to you? Consider whether your friend has recently experienced a life-changing event (e.g., the divorce of her parents, a death in the family, depression, etc.) that may be impacting her ability to stay connected to friends. Reflect on your previous interactions and see if any situations come to mind in which there may have been tension between you and your friend. Is it possible that your friend may be feeling offended or hurt by something you said or did? Did you say something behind her back that you knew you shouldn't? Did you make an insensitive joke or comment? It's possible that you may have offended your friend or hurt her feelings and that she is distancing herself from you for a while. Remember that you can't control the behavior of others. You only have control over yourself and your own actions. You can't force anyone to hang out with or talk to you; you can control, however, how you react to the situation with your friends and how you decide to respond to it. No man is an island, and everyone needs social support and engaging friendships to stay healthy and happy. However, all too often people rely on others to affirm their own sense of self-worth. Instead, try to let your feelings of self-worth come from within, from your own assessments of your behavior. What matters at the end of the day is how you feel about the things you have done. You're the one who has to live with yourself. Arrange to meet with your friends. It's important to plan your confrontation ahead of time. Get in touch with your friends and ask them to meet you in a safe, private, and quiet environment that is good for talking, such as a cafe or classroom. Try to find a neutral space for the people you are confronting; don't invite them to your home, for example. Think ahead of how you will approach your friends and what you will ask or say to them. Try also to anticipate how they may respond. You know your friends, so you can probably make a pretty good guess as to how they might react. The goal is to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the confrontation; don't dwell over each possible reaction your friends might have. Ask questions and listen. Stop and allow your friends to explain the situation. Seek first to understand first, and then be understood. Be specific in your phrasing and give precise examples of the behavior you want to discuss. For example, you could try asking them, "I noticed you all went out on Friday. You said you were going to text me about the plans. Why didn't you?" Actively Listen as the other people explain. Maintain steady eye contact, keep your body turned towards them, and keep your arms and legs open, rather than crossed. Your friends' responses may surprise you -- and they may also help relieve your stress! For instance, you may discover that they simply forgot to text you and that nothing hurtful or malicious was intended. Or perhaps they got kept at work and thought it was too late to get in touch with you. It's also possible that your friends' responses may be less straightforward. For example, maybe they let you know about the difficulties going on in their own lives. Or, in the worst case scenario, perhaps they simply have no excuses and have been deliberately ignoring you. This is hard to hear, but in the long term, you'll be glad you confronted them and heard the truth. Explain the situation from your point of view. State facts as facts and interpretation as your point of view and perception of the situation. Let your friends know how the situation made you feel and how you interpreted their actions. Be straightforward and use "I"-language to avoid the blame game. Examples of "I"-statements include: "I feel", "I am upset by" and "I am confused about". For example, try saying "When I didn't get a text on Friday night, it made me feel like you didn't want me to come and were deliberating leaving me out." Be honest about your feelings. But keep in mind that being clear about the issues at hand does not mean you have to be hard on the person. Focus on the issues, not the person specifically. Keep calm and don't let your emotions overtake you. If you feel like you are getting angry, upset, and unable to think clearly, then consider leaving the discussion and returning to it at another point. You don't want to say anything you'll regret later because you lose your cool. In addition, if your friend begins to get angry or aggressive, it's best that you leave the situation before it escalates. Apologize if you're in the wrong. If you're being ignored because you hurt someone's feelings, then include a genuine apology when it's your turn to speak. Make sure to explain precisely what are you are apologizing for and avoid apologizing for how they interpreted your action, rather than the action itself. For example, if you had stated that your friend's job was stupid and that you'd never work there in a million years, don't just say "I'm sorry that you were offended by my comments about your work." This is considered a "non-apology apology" because it does not admit anything wrong with the comments themselves and also suggests that the person may have been too thin-skinned in taking offense in the first place. Instead, say, "I'm sorry I made those comments about your job. Those were offensive and hurtful. I know you're working really hard to pay for school, so that was insensitive of me." Work on a solution. Coming to a resolution together is usually the best option because sometimes what works well for one person may not work for another. It may be as simple as making a promise with your friends to schedule more get-togethers or write down reminders so no one gets left out or forgotten. Be sure to tailor the solution to the particular situation and the reason for the isolation. For example: If your friend has been isolating you because of a particular situation in her life, give her time and space to work through her own emotional issues. Be sure to let her know (via email, text, or a phone call) that you're available whenever she feels ready to talk. Do not put added pressure on your friend by insisting on hanging out; rather, reach out to her by letting her know that you miss her and value your friendship. As the saying goes, 90% of life is just showing up, or, in this case, making yourself available when your friend needs you. If you've been feeling ignored because of something you're going through, as determined in Part I, then let your friend know what you're going through and discuss ways in which you can maintain the friendship while you deal with this particular moment in your life. For example, if you've been really busy helping your mom due to her illness and haven't been able to see your friends recently, ask if they'd like to come over one day so that you can both be at home with your mom and fit some needed time with friends into your schedule. Continue with the friendship or move on. It is possible that the solution may be a difficult one. In some cases, friends outgrow one another. Thus, if your friends confirm that they've been ignoring you because you just don't have as much in common together, it may be time to let those friendships go. If your friends don't validate your feelings or try to work out a way to improve the situation or the friendship, chances are that it's because they don't want to. Though it's a hard lesson to face in life, our friendship groups do change over time. The good thing is that there is a whole world out there where you can make new friends !

Reflect on your recent mood and feelings. Evaluate your interactions with your friends. Remember that you can't control the behavior of others. Arrange to meet with your friends. Ask questions and listen. Explain the situation from your point of view. Apologize if you're in the wrong. Work on a solution. Continue with the friendship or move on.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-the-Smell-of-Garlic

How to Get Rid of the Smell of Garlic

To get rid of the smell of garlic, try drinking some green tea or lemonade, which will help cover up the smell on your breath. You can also chew on some fresh parsley or mint leaves to get rid of garlic breath. If the garlic smell is on your hands, wash them with lemon juice or rub them with stainless steel, which will help neutralize the odor. If your home smells like garlic, open all the windows and set out some bowls filled with baking soda to absorb the bad smell.

Rub or spray your hands with lemon (or other citrus fruit) juice. Make your own citrus spray by adding the grated rind (peel) of any citrus fruit (e.g. lemon, orange, grapefruit) to hot water. Allow to cool, then strain the water into a spray bottle. Rub your hands on stainless steel or use a "steel soap. " In theory, the steel reacts with the sulfur in garlic neutralizing the smell. This works for some and not for others. Use soap and stainless steel. Apply soap to your hands and use a clean stainless steel spoon to rub it all over your hands, even in between fingers. Realize that the smell of garlic may stay in your lungs for 24-48 hours (1-2 days) after you eat it. The solution to getting rid of garlic breath isn't as simple as washing your mouth out or brushing your teeth since the garlic smell, isn't just in your mouth. Chew on some fresh parsley or mint leaves. Drink some green tea or cinnamon tea. Drink lemonade or eat a lemon. Meyer lemons are sweet enough to be eaten like fruit. Use homemade lemonade because store-bought lemonades tend to have very little lemon juice in them. Run a stainless steel teaspoon all around inside your mouth. Touch all the skin surfaces, including the entire tongue and the sides! Turn the spoon upside down to get your tongue all the way back. Use dish detergent. Soak the board in very hot water. Do not allow the board to soak for hours (or overnight) as the board may warp. Squirt undiluted dish detergent on the wet board. Scrub the entire board thoroughly with a scouring pad or brush. Rinse off the board with hot water and leave to dry. A thoroughly well-scrubbed board will not smell when it's dry. Use salt or baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and lemon. Rinse off your cutting board. Sprinkle the salt or baking soda on the board. Use half a lemon to rub the salt / soda into the board. Rinse the board and allow to dry thoroughly. Open the windows and use air freshener. If you have extraction fans, turn them on. Place a small bowl or saucer of baking soda in the affected room (or fridge or cupboard).

Rub or spray your hands with lemon (or other citrus fruit) juice. Rub your hands on stainless steel or use a "steel soap. Use soap and stainless steel. Realize that the smell of garlic may stay in your lungs for 24-48 hours (1-2 days) after you eat it. Chew on some fresh parsley or mint leaves. Drink some green tea or cinnamon tea. Drink lemonade or eat a lemon. Run a stainless steel teaspoon all around inside your mouth. Use dish detergent. Use salt or baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) and lemon. Open the windows and use air freshener. Place a small bowl or saucer of baking soda in the affected room (or fridge or cupboard).

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Lucky-Bamboo

How to Grow Lucky Bamboo

To grow lucky bamboo, plant it in a tall vase in either stones and water or organic soil. Place the bamboo in a warm, indirect sunlight, changing the water every week if you're growing it in stones and adding liquid fertilizer every month. If it's growing in soil, water it enough to keep the soil moist and add organic fertilizer every month. If the leaves are yellowing, move your bamboo farther from sunlight and give it less fertilizer.

Look for a plant with bright green leaves. If the leaves or stems are yellow or brown, this means that the plant is unhealthy. The plant has likely been shipped from China or Taiwan, so it's been through quite a trek. Professional growers take the stalks and braid and curl them into intricate designs. Larger, more intricate designs result in some lucky bamboo plants costing hundreds and hundreds of dollars. A plant kept in a pot can grow up to 3 feet (0.9 m) high. If it's grown in soil outside, it may reach a height of up to 5 feet (1.5 m). Decide if you want to grow it hydroponically or with soil. It's probably easiest and a little cleaner to grow in water and stones, though it can also grow in soil. Ultimately, it's up to you and will likely be determined by the pot or vase you have available. If you do go the stone route, the container should have enough stones or marbles in the bottom to stabilize it. The lucky bamboo will need at least 1 to 3 inches (3-8 cm) of water to thrive. If you want to grow it in soil, well-drained, rich potting soil is best. It needs to stay moist but not soaking at all times. Use organic fertilizer when needed; salts and high phosphorus concentrations in synthetic fertilizers can cause deterioration. Also, you can be sure your soil drains well by simply adding some small rocks to the bottom of the pot. Use the right container. Put the lucky bamboo in a tall glass vase or ceramic container – no shallow bowls – or leave it in the container it comes in. A clear container is great if you just want to grow the plant hydroponically with some decorative stones; use a regular terra cotta pot if you want to grow it in soil. Keep in mind that the plant needs to be stabilized at its peak height. Your container should be at least 1 foot (30 cm) in height. Using soil? Fill the pot up most of the way with your rich soil and make sure it can drain well. Choose the right spot. Lucky bamboo do best in bright, filtered sunlight – think of the light that creeps through the top of a forest canopy. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. And as for temperature, keep it away from the air conditioning or vent. This plant prefers an air temperature between 65ºF and 90ºF. If you want to control the curl of your plant, use a three-sided box (a box with a side cut out). The plant will then bend toward the light. As it curves, change the side the sunlight faces, and the plant will curve back. Place the lucky bamboo in a warm spot where it will get indirect light. Keep an eye on how much light the plant gets – if anything, too little light is better than too much. While you're gone, turn the air off, too. It'll be nicer for the plant if it's a little warmer. As the seasons change, you may want to move the plant. Take it away from any windows if you're unsure. It'll still get plenty of light in the center of a room. Change the water every week if you're growing it hydroponically. And as for what water to use, this plant is very sensitive to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine – only use tap water if it's been sitting out for 24 hours (so the chemicals can evaporate. Otherwise, bottled water is best. Once the plant has grown roots, the roots must be kept covered with water. Again, 1-3 inches is all it takes. Water the plant carefully. If you're growing your plant in soil, water it just enough so the soil is moist but not soggy. Keep it this way every day. The plant can get dry-rot if the soil is too wet. You can also spray the leaves with water to keep it moist and humid. Again, use filtered or bottled water to avoid chemical damage. Encourage more roots by increasing the amount of water in which the plant is growing. More roots mean lusher top foliage; the higher the water is up the stalk, the higher up the roots will grow. Fertilizer your plant every month or so. If you're using soil, use organic fertilizer every month or so so the plant gets enough nutrients (again, go organic as synthetic can cause deterioration). If you're growing it hydroponically, use liquid fertilizer in the water. However, keep in mind that lucky bamboo does not need much fertilizer, so make sure that you dilute the fertilizer to one tenth of its strength. Add it at the same time as you add the rest of the water; it's best to add fertilizer when the water is clean. Prevent tip burn by using filtered or bottled water. Tip burn is when the leaves start to become dry and dead. This often happens when there are chemicals in the water. Setting your tap water out may not be enough – you may need to switch to bottled water to get your plant to look healthy. Once it gets tip burn, it may be hard to get rid of. Even if you do switch water, some chemicals may reside in the plant. You may just have to wait it out as it should go away eventually. Trim the plant. Over time, most of these plants become top heavy. Because of this, trimming is very important for it to stay healthy. Don't cut off the main stalk – just the offshoots. Use sterile snippers to do so. Trim them off within an inch or two (2.5 - 5 cm) of the base. New shoots will emerge and the plant will be bushier and healthier. Pay attention to the color of the leaves. If they're dry and dying, that's a water problem as discussed above. If they're yellowing, that's often a result of too much sunlight or too much fertilizer. If they're brown, try making the area more humid by spraying the plant with water. As for mushy leaves, this plant could be beyond saving. Remove them immediately, change the water, and replant what you have left. Cut the plant if you must. If part of the plant is dying, you may have to cut it off. For example, if you notice that the base of the plant is turning yellow, then this is root rot and the plant will die. You can cut the top of the plant off and replant it, but there is a chance it may not grow. You may also consider cutting the plant if you don't like the shape the plant is taking on. Whatever you do, don't throw away the trimmings – they can be made into a new plant. New shoots will emerge from the bottom, older piece of the plant, and the top section can be potted to grow on its own. If you have a dying plant, get rid of the decaying parts immediately. Take any alive stems or branches and immediately repot them. They may flourish on their own if you take swift action.

Look for a plant with bright green leaves. Decide if you want to grow it hydroponically or with soil. Use the right container. Choose the right spot. Place the lucky bamboo in a warm spot where it will get indirect light. Change the water every week if you're growing it hydroponically. Water the plant carefully. Fertilizer your plant every month or so. Prevent tip burn by using filtered or bottled water. Trim the plant. Pay attention to the color of the leaves. Cut the plant if you must.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Homemade-Cat-Spa

How to Make a Homemade Cat Spa

To make a homemade cat spa, start by wrapping some fabric or rope around a piece of wood so your cat has a scratching post. Then, attach some toys to the scratching post for your cat to play with. Once you're done with the scratching post, glue the back of a couple cat brushes to a piece of wood or cardboard. Then, lean the wood or cardboard up against something so your cat can rub up against the brushes and groom itself. Finally, sprinkle some catnip on the scratching post and brushing station to encourage your cat to use them!

Choose material for a scratching post. You could make it out of cardboard, fabric, or rope. It can be as simple as wrapping a piece of wood with some rope and gluing the ends. Scratching posts can help keep your cat's nails under control, so you won't have to cut her nails as frequently. You can attach the scratching post to a piece of plywood, creating a play area for your cat that you can then add to — many cats would also enjoy a carpet square glued to the plywood to scratch at. Some cats like to scratch vertical surface, others horizontally. Watch you cat and offer her the orientation she prefers. Make a play area. Buy cat toys for enrichment for your pet. Find time after your cat has eaten to play with him. Think about attaching the toys to the scratching post so that the fun area is all in one place (and you don't have to go chasing after the cat toys). Create a self-brushing station for your cat. Taking a cat brush or two, pull the handle and back off the brush. Using glue, attach the section with the tines to a piece of wood or heavy cardboard. This way your cat can rub against the brush whenever she desires. This can really help keep hair under control, particularly if you have a cat that sheds a lot. If you don't want to make your own, there are commercial products you can buy that do the same thing. Make a catnip toy to attach. Cats often go crazy for catnip and it can really enhance their experience in the cat spa. If your cat seems to be having a bad day, catnip can cheer him up and bring up his energy levels. Use different textures. Cats like to run their bodies along different textures to massage themselves. Think about using pieces of different fabrics or carpets that you can glue or staple to heavy cardboard or wood pieces. It also might help keep your cat off the furniture! Buy a cat spa and activity center. Cats enjoy the massaging, brushing action, and enrichment of a plastic cat spa, available online. They can rub their rub their faces against the massaging or brushing areas or go crazy with the catnip dispenser. If you don't feel like making all of the different elements, this is a good option. Get your cat accustomed to brushing. Start when she is happy — perhaps after eating. Even though cats do a lot of washing themselves, brushing often takes some time to get used to. Start by letting her inspect the grooming brush and try to brush her for about five minutes. Talk and cuddle your cat as you brush. Keep your cat happy and entertained as you brush him. Start a regular brushing routine so that your cat knows what is coming and begins to look forward to it. At the beginning you might even want to give your cat a treat for doing a good job while you were brushing. Choose the right tools. Short-haired cats and long-haired cats have different needs when it comes to their care. Always brush in the direction the hair is growing. Be sure to clean out the brush after each use — and especially if you have multiple cats that use the same brush. Short-haired cats need a fine-toothed metal comb for the initial brushing, followed by a soft rubber brush to get out the loose hair. Long-haired cats initially need a wide-toothed comb to get out the tangles and any dirt that might have gotten stuck in their hair. Work very carefully to get the knots out. Then use a wire brush to get out the loose hair. Some people suggest using a toothbrush around the face as the final step. Deal with matted patches. Long-haired cats can easily get tangles in their hair which are often difficult to remove. Make sure your cat is in a very good mood before beginning to work on the knots. Using a wide-toothed comb, work at the edge of the tangle, closest to the end of the hair. Keep picking gently at the tangle with the comb — do not tear at it. It will eventually come out, even if it might take a few sessions to get it out entirely. Focus on your cat’s eyes. Check that they look healthy — they should be clear, with the area around the iris a bright white. Using a damp cotton ball, wipe away any of the dirt that collects at the edges of your cat's eyes. Use a separate piece of cotton wool for each eye. Trim hair. Some cats get hairs on their faces that are so long that they can poke your cat in the eye or get in the way of his vision. This can especially be a problem for long-haired cats. Brush any hair on the facial area with a toothbrush, not a wire comb or brush. Clean your cat’s ears. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation of a good ear cleaner you can buy at the pet store. Be aware that some of the ear cleaners sold in pet stores are not suitable for use in cats, so make sure you talk to the vet first. Put a drop of the cleaner onto a cotton ball or piece of gauze. Fold your cat's ear back and gently rub away the dirt and earwax that has gathered there. Do not rub at the ear — just dab and lift with the cotton ball or gauze. Be sure to stay away from the ear canal — it is sensitive and trying to clean it can easily cause infection. Get your cat ready for a nail clipping. If you've never done it before, it's a good idea to observe someone else do it first. Ask at the veterinarian's office if you can watch someone. For some cats, a scratching post will be enough work for their nails that you don't need to clip them. For most cats, however, nail clipping is an essential part of their grooming and care. Make sure your cat is in a happy and even sleepy mood before beginning. Cuddle and scratch your cat to get her ready. Some cats dislike getting their nails cut and might need to be wrapped in a towel so that you can complete the task. Choose good nail clippers. Cats need clippers specific to felines, available at pet stores. You might want to put a drop of baby oil on the nail so that you can see its length better. You don't want to cut it too close to the quick, which will bleed if cut. Begin cutting. Holding onto one paw, place your index finger on the pad on the bottom of the paw connected to the nail you want to clip. Put your thumb on top of the same area. By gently pushing with your index finger and thumb, the nail will come out (they typically retract in, so you need to get it out enough for you to cut it). Cut the nail just above the pink area (called the dermis or quick). Reward your cat. For a job well done, give your cat a treat or toy. Play with your cat to reinforce good behavior. Try to start clipping his nails when he is young so that he gets used to it early and it becomes normal. Wash your cat. Some cats love water, but many are actively resistant to baths. Luckily, most cats can keep themselves generally clean with their tongue, but sometimes it does become necessary to give a bath — particularly if she has gotten into something smelly or sticky. Bathing your cat should be the last step at your cat spa. Brush and trim nails before putting your cat in the bath. If your cat enjoys the water, a bath can be a real treat. Fill your tub with 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) of warm water. Put in a rubber bath mat so your cat doesn't slip. Get cat shampoo. Always use shampoo specifically for cats, because other shampoos can have toxic oils. Use one part shampoo to five parts water. Mix it in a bowl and have it beside you on the floor ready to put on your cat. Ready your sprayer, pitcher, or washcloth. You will need a sprayer, unbreakable pitcher, or washcloth to wet your cat down and then rinse the shampoo. Make sure you never spray or dump the water directly in your cat's face. It shouldn't get in the eyes, ears, or nose, so be careful. Prepare your area. Make sure the door to the room where you will be washing the cat is closed. You don't want to have to chase a wet cat around the house. You also might want to put down a few big towels in the room in case the cat escapes or is particularly agitated in the tub. Have your supplies at hand — shampoo, pitcher, washcloth, or towel — whatever you have decided to use. Carefully pick up your cat and put him in the tub. Start washing your cat. Soak your cat from the neck down in water using your sprayer, pitcher, or washcloth. Keep at least one hand on your cat at all times to prevent escape. Put a little shampoo on your hand or the washcloth and rub it through your cat's fur, starting at the neck and massaging through to the tail. Rinse thoroughly. Using your sprayer, pitcher, or washcloth, make sure to get all of the shampoo out. With clean water on a clean washcloth, gently wash your cat's face, making sure not to get near the eyes, ears, or mouth. Dry your cat. Get your cat out of the bath with a large towel wrapped around her. Pat your cat dry. Give your cat a treat for behaving so well.

Choose material for a scratching post. Make a play area. Create a self-brushing station for your cat. Make a catnip toy to attach. Use different textures. Buy a cat spa and activity center. Get your cat accustomed to brushing. Talk and cuddle your cat as you brush. Choose the right tools. Deal with matted patches. Focus on your cat’s eyes. Trim hair. Clean your cat’s ears. Get your cat ready for a nail clipping. Choose good nail clippers. Begin cutting. Reward your cat. Wash your cat. Get cat shampoo. Ready your sprayer, pitcher, or washcloth. Prepare your area. Start washing your cat. Rinse thoroughly. Dry your cat.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Sinking-Desk-Chair

How to Fix a Sinking Desk Chair

To fix a sinking desk chair, start by sliding the plastic cylinder on the extendable part of the chair up or down so you can see the metal underneath. Then, set the chair to your preferred height, laying it on its side if you need to so it stays in place. Once the chair is at the right height, wrap a hose clamp around the metal cylinder and tighten it as much as possible so it holds the chair in place.

Slide the plastic skirt off the cylinder. Most office chairs have a plastic tube over the extendable cylinder. Slide this all the way down or up, until you can see the metal cylinder underneath. Set the chair to the preferred height. You will not be able to adjust the height after this repair, so make sure you have it right. The seat of the chair should be level with your knees when you are standing. If the chair won't stay up even when no one is on it, lay it on its side. If the plastic skirt covers the cylinder at this height, you will need to remove the skirt first. To do this, turn the chair upside down, push the retaining clip at the base with a screwdriver, and pull off the wheels, then the skirt. Slide the wheels back on. Wrap a hose clamp around the cylinder. Get a ¾" (2 cm) hose clamp (Jubilee Clip) from a hardware store. Loosen the screw on the hose clamp (Jubilee Clip) and pull out the belt end. Wrap the clamp around the metal cylinder, but do not tighten it yet. Improve the grip of the clamp (recommended). The clamp will need to be very tight to hold the chair up. Give the clamp a better surface to grip by wrapping a strip of rubber or a couple layers of duct tape around the cylinder. Do this at the highest visible point on the cylinder, Alternatively, scuff up this area of the cylinder with sandpaper. If the cylinder looks dirty or greasy, clean this off first. Tighten the clamp as far as possible. Slide the hose clamp to the top of the cylinder. Double check that the chair is at the correct height. Pull the hose clamp tight and fasten it by rotating the screw. Test the chair. The chair should now be unable to slide down past the clamp. The built-in height adjustment will still not work properly. If the chair is at the wrong height, move the clamp higher or lower on the cylinder. If the clamp slides off, fasten it over a strip of rubber to improve the grip, or try the PVC pipe method below. Measure your chair's cylinder. Pull down the plastic skirt cover the extendable, metal cylinder. Estimate the diameter of the cylinder by holding a ruler across it horizontally. Also measure the length of the cylinder when the chair is at the perfect height. You shouldn't need an exact measurement, but you can calculating the diameter from the circumference if you prefer to be precise. Buy a length of PVC pipe. This pipe will fit over the pneumatic cylinder of the chair. It should be about the same size as the cylinder diameter, or slightly larger. Pipe 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter works well for most models. Buy enough straight pipe to extend from the wheel base of your chair to the seat, when the chair is at the preferred height. The pipe does not have to be in one piece. It may be easier to work with in smaller pieces, although you can easily cut it yourself at home. One user reports using a tall stack of plastic shower rings instead of PVC pipe. These are even cheaper and easier to install, but they may not be sturdy enough to support your weight. Try at your own risk. Saw through the PVC pipe lengthwise. Secure the pipe in a vise. Use a hacksaw or back saw to cut through the pipe from tip to tip, but only on one side. The end result should be a pipe with a slit in it, not two half-pipes. Wearing a mask or respirator is recommended while cutting PVC to avoid inhaling irritating particles. If you do not have a vise or cutting tools, just leave the pipe intact and remove the chair's wheels so you can slide on the pipe. In most cases, you can remove the wheel base by pressing a retaining clip on the underside with a screwdriver. Snap the pipe onto the chair cylinder. Pull the chair's plastic skirt up or down to reveal the metal cylinder. Push the slit side of the PVC pipe against the cylinder to snap it around the cylinder. It should now hold the chair in place, preventing it from sliding down. If you're having trouble snapping the pipe on, saw it into shorter pieces and try again. Add more pipe to adjust the height of the chair. If the chair is still too low, raise it and snap on another piece of pipe. You will not be able to lower the chair again without removing the pipe, so make sure you set it to the perfect height.

Slide the plastic skirt off the cylinder. Set the chair to the preferred height. Wrap a hose clamp around the cylinder. Improve the grip of the clamp (recommended). Tighten the clamp as far as possible. Test the chair. Measure your chair's cylinder. Buy a length of PVC pipe. Saw through the PVC pipe lengthwise. Snap the pipe onto the chair cylinder. Add more pipe to adjust the height of the chair.

https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-a-New-Relationship

How to Handle a New Relationship

The best way to handle a new relationship is to get to know your partner by talking about both everyday topics, such as a funny thing your friend did, and deeper ones, such as your hopes and dreams for the future, as well as your fears and anxieties. If something is bothering you, it's important to tell your partner this in a calm and clear manner, instead of bottling it up and allowing it to become an even bigger issue later on.

Be yourself. Let your new mate have a chance to get to know more about you and the great things there are to love about you. Don't change yourself to fit their likes and desires. Remember if they didn't like the real you, they wouldn't be in a relationship with you. Be honest about the things you do and don't like or agree with. For example, if you don't like basketball, don't fake enthusiasm for March Madness. If you enjoy sketching, share some of your drawings with your significant other. Talk to each other. Although you know enough about your partner to be in a relationship with them, there's a lot you don't know and a lot they don't know about you. The more you know about each other, the more you will understand each other and the stronger your relationship will be. Talk about everyday things like how your day was, funny things your friends did, your plans for the weekend. Talk to your significant other to learn more about their dreams and goals. Share your hopes and aspirations with them. Discuss your fears, worries, and even your mistakes with each other. Sharing these things will form a bond between you two. Pay attention to small things. You will learn a lot about your mate by talking to them, but a great deal of what you learn will be from observing them and paying attention to other hints about them. Notice what types of music, movies, and TV shows they prefer. What situations make them laugh? What makes them angry? What types of things do they like or comment on online? Try new things. Because you are individuals, you and your partner will have some things in common as well as different interests, opinions, etc. Be open to doing things their way every once and a while, you just might discover that you like it or learn something new. Let them introduce you to their hobbies, and teach you how to do them. (Everyone loves to feel like an expert.) You can teach them to do your favorite activities too. Listen to and think about their opinion on where to go, what to do, how to do things, etc. Don't feel pressured to do anything you really don't want to do. You can try new things without giving up your morals, values, or beliefs. Spend time together. The best way to get to know each other is to spend time together. Try to interact with each other in a variety of settings so that you can experience the different sides to each other. Spending time one-on-one gives you a chance to pay attention to each other without distractions. When you do things in a group setting, it allows you to see how they interact with others. Don't just pay attention to how great they look, but also what seems to make them comfortable or uncomfortable, what types of activities and settings they enjoy, etc. Spend some time apart. Although you will probably want to be around each other all the time, it's a good idea to spend some time apart. Doing things outside of your relationship means you have something to talk about when you are together. It also gives you time to reflect on your partner and the relationship. Do things and go places without each other. You had interests before you started your relationship. Continue to do those things. Make time for your friends and family. Even though you are in a relationship, the other people in your life still need you and want to spend time with you, too. Make sure you are making time to take care of your other responsibilities (clean your room, finish your work, feed the fish, etc.). Talk and listen. Regular communication builds your new relationship and allows you to get to know one another more. It also helps cut down on misunderstandings and confusion. Remember, though, that communication is a two-way street; make sure that you are doing as much listening in your relationship as you are talking. Even if it's just a 'good morning' message or afternoon call, check-in with each other on a regular basis. Everyone likes to know that someone else is thinking of them. Make time to actually sit-down and just talk with each other. Talk about your day, your goals, your fears, your friends, etc. Listen to what they have to say and share with you. Use your talks as a way to learn more about each other and to support each other. Talk about the serious and important things face-to-face. Speak up. When something is really bothering you, then say something about it. It's better to speak up when something first upsets you than to let it go and have it turn into a big issue later on. Remember, the relationship is still new and your mate doesn't know all of your boundaries yet. Talk calmly about what is on your mind in private and don't use an accusatory tone. For example, you don't want shout, “You are so inconsiderate! Spreading our business to everyone!” at them in the middle of the mall. Instead, you might wait until you two are alone and say, “Hey, babe, it makes me uncomfortable to talk to strangers about personal issues. Can we keep our personal stuff between just us?” Disagree with each other. All relationships have times when the two people don't agree with one another; this is normal. How you communicate during your disagreement (more so than what you disagree about) is what determines how long your new relationship will last. Relationships are measured on the quality of the make-up compared to the frequency or intensity of the disagreements. Disagreements simply mean that you are individuals with two different ways of viewing or doing things. Focus on what is right, not who is right. Trying to problem-solve, rather than blaming each other will strengthen your new relationship. Speak respectfully to each other and avoid saying things just because you are angry or hurt. Be able to “agree to disagree” about some things. Accept that there are some things you simply will never see eye-to-eye about. If they aren't major, then just agree that each of you has your own perspective. Focus on getting all of your feelings out during the argument. Express all of your feelings, emotions, and opinions about the situation. Then, however, you should focus on repairing the relationship. Check in with your partner afterward. Ask, "Are you okay?" or "Is there anything you're still upset about?" Then plan to do something special to make up. Let some things go. Although you should voice your concerns, you don't have to point out every little thing. There will be things about your sweetie that annoy you, but not everything is worth discussing, or even mentioning. Accept that some things are just an endearing quirk of their character, the same as they do for you. If the issue doesn't go against your morals or values; doesn't hurt anyone; and isn't worth leaving them for, then try to let it go. For example, the way he says 'pacifically' instead of 'specifically' might be annoying, but it isn't a relationship-ending issue, so just let it go. Talk about it. Because the relationship is new, you all need to talk about what you want and are okay with in terms of intimacy. It might be a little awkward at first, but talking about it eliminates any confusion and misunderstandings that may arise later. Discuss what types of intimacy you are okay with; For example, holding hands, hugging, kissing, cuddling, etc. You might try saying, “This is a little weird, but I want to talk about what I'm okay with. I like holding hands a lot, but I'm not all right with…” Talk about how fast or slow you want to move as well as being safe at each step. For example, you could say, “I want to take things slowly and enjoy the process of getting to know each other.” Take it one step at a time. There is no reason to rush. Sure you may want to get physical, but if this is the start of the relationship there's plenty of time for that. Get to know each other in other ways before you get intimate. Taking it one step at a time allows you to enjoy each step of getting to know each other this way. Consider your emotional attachment as the benchmark by which to measure if you are ready for physical intimacy. Do you feel emotionally close, safe, and open enough to match those feelings through physical intimacy? Remember that neither of you have to do anything or move any faster than you are ready to. Just because you all have talked about your limits doesn't mean you should go straight to those limits. For example, if you both agree that the limit is kissing, then don't start with kissing. Start with holding hands for a bit and enjoy that closeness. Then move to hugging, then to kissing. Make the first move. When the relationship is new, both people can be a little nervous about making the first move. Once you have talked about your physical boundaries, you may have to (or want to) be the one to make the first romantic move. If you are nervous, then take a few deep breaths. You can ask them if it's okay. It can be really sweet to say, “Can I hold your hand?” or “Can I kiss you?”. Don't be worried if it's a little awkward at first, just remember that the relationship is new and you are still getting to know each other. Talk about the relationship. Even though the relationship is new, talking about how you both think it is going will help the two of you solve any problems that you foresee. Discuss what works for you and what you like about the relationship, as well as what doesn't make you so happy. Talk about the relationship future. Have a realistic and honest conversation about where you see the relationship heading. Making sure you are both thinking the same about the future of the relationship will make it easier for you the two to build your new relationship. Admit when things aren’t working. Sometimes relationships don't work out and the sooner you admit it, the better for both people. If you have gotten to know one another, tried communicating, and spending time together (and apart), talked about the relationship and either of you aren't happy, you should consider talking about whether the relationship should continue.

Be yourself. Talk to each other. Pay attention to small things. Try new things. Spend time together. Spend some time apart. Talk and listen. Speak up. Disagree with each other. Let some things go. Talk about it. Take it one step at a time. Make the first move. Talk about the relationship. Talk about the relationship future. Admit when things aren’t working.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-on-the-Day-You-Get-Braces

How to Prepare on the Day You Get Braces

To prepare on the day you get braces, make sure to focus on how great your smile is going to look if the thought of getting braces makes you nervous or afraid. Then, stock up on soft foods, like yogurt and mashed potatoes, since you'll want to eat things that don't require much chewing for at least a couple of days. You should also get some orthodontic wax, which you can put on any broken wires to keep them from poking you until you can get your dentist to fix them. You may also want to have over-the-counter pain relievers on hand in case you need them.

Focus on the benefits of getting braces. This holds especially true if the thought of getting braces makes you feel afraid, nervous, or reluctant. Braces will help to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. No matter what, this will raise your confidence. Also remember that lots of people have or have had braces—you're not alone. Choose the type of braces you will get. Although metal wire braces are probably the most traditional and widespread type of braces, there are other options. Sometimes you can choose which type of braces to get. Clear teeth aligners are an alternative. These are made of a transparent plastic material that are made to fit your specific teeth. A sequence of different sets are applied to gradually shift your teeth into position. Aligners can be easily removed so that you can eat and drink normally and no one will even notice you are wearing them. Lingual braces, which fit on the inside surface of your teeth, are another option. However, keep in mind that these braces are more expensive since they are made of gold. Each of these types of braces has advantages and disadvantages, and not every type is right for every person. Talk to your orthodontist if you have questions about the different types. Choose the color of your braces. If you are getting metal wire braces, you may get to choose the color of their brackets and/or rubber bands. This can be fun, and a way to personalize your braces. For instance, you could: Choose your favorite color See if you can use more than one color Choose a seasonal color(s) (like black and orange for Halloween!) Choose the color(s) of a school or sports team Brace yourself for slight discomfort. The process of getting metal braces is fairly quick. The orthodontist will glue small brackets to your teeth, and then insert wires to connect the brackets. You might feel a little pressure on your teeth as these parts are put on, and your mouth might feel a little sore for a few days, but this should go away quickly. Talk to your orthodontist if you have questions about how it will feel. You can also ask people who have already had braces about their experiences. This may provide some answers to your questions and it may also help you to feel motivated about getting braces because you can see other people's end results. Eat hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, if you want. In the first few days after your braces are put on, you will want to eat only soft foods. During the time that you have to wear braces, you will have to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy, and sugary foods and drinks. Enjoy some of these before getting your braces, if you want, since it might be a while before you can have them again. Bring a book, music, or some other distraction to the orthodontist’s office. You might have to wait a while at the orthodontist's office. Having something to keep you interested and busy while you wait will put your mind at ease, and help to pass the time. Stock up on soft foods. Because of the pressure on your teeth and the adjustment time needed, you will want to stick to soft foods for the first few days after getting braces.. Try things like smoothies, mashed potatoes, ice cream, yogurt, etc. Make sure you have a supply of wax. The wax designed for braces can coat the wires so that they don't irritate your mouth. You can ask your orthodontist for some, but you might also want to get extra for the first few days and afterwards. This wax is sold under various product names, like "orthodontic wax" "braces wax," "wax for braces," or "dental wax." It is widely available at pharmacies. It's always a good idea to have a supply of wax with you. That way, if one of the wires accidentally breaks, you can coat it with wax to keep it from poking you until your orthodontist can fix it. Braces can also cause soreness from rubbing on the inside surface of your cheeks or lips in the first days of wearing them, so covering them with wax may be helpful. Have pain reliever ready. An over-the-counter pain reliever can ease any discomfort your braces cause in the first few days. Make sure you have a supply before the braces are put on, just in case you need it. Ask your orthodontist any questions you have about getting braces. You will have to see a dentist for assessment before ever getting braces, so ask ahead of time if you have questions about what is involved. If you still have questions on the day the braces are put in, or haven't had a chance to ask them, talk with your orthodontist before starting the procedure. If you have any questions at any step of the way while your braces are being put in, ask. Know exactly how the braces will be applied. Having a sense of what is going to happen as the braces are put on can ease your mind. Traditional wire braces are applied in several steps: First, bands will be placed on your back molars. At this point, you might start to feel some pressure on your teeth. Next, a bracket made of metal or ceramic will be attached to each of your teeth. These brackets will be used to support the wires of the braces. Glue will be used to adhere the brackets to your teeth—it might not taste good, but it is harmless. You might get to choose the color of these brackets. After that, the orthodontist will place wires in the tops and bottoms of the brackets. These wires help to gradually move your teeth into position during the time that you wear the braces. The wires will be cut so that they don't poke the inside of your mouth. Next, small rubber bands will be inserted to keep the wires in the brackets. You might get to choose the color of these bands. If you are getting clear teeth aligners, these will be fitted to your particular teeth, and can be removed to eat. They look similar to the custom made whitening trays used for the home whitening treatment. You'll have to get a new set of aligners every two weeks. Understand how to get through the first few days with braces. At first, you will be very conscious of the fact that you are wearing braces. As time goes on, you will get more used to it. Still, you should know that in the first few days: You might feel a dull pain because of the pressure on your teeth. This pain is caused by the metal wire pulling on the brackets. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease this. This discomfort will go away. You will have to remember to eat only soft foods at first. Make yourself comfortable. Since your braces might make your mouth sore at first, you will probably want to take it easy for a while. Aside from taking pain relievers to avoid soreness, you might want to avoid talking too much and other activities that might cause discomfort. If you play a wind instrument (brass or reed), you will still be able to with braces. However, there will probably be an adjustment period needed to get used to the feeling of playing your instrument with braces. You also might want to avoid playing your instrument for the first few days after your braces are put in. Prepare for life with braces. Living with braces can mean some long-term adjustments. Knowing about this ahead of time will make the whole process easier. You will have to avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, and tough foods, as well as sugary foods and drinks while you have braces. Ask your orthodontist about specific recommendations regarding what is ok to eat, and what is not. You might be asked to wear headgear. Headgear is a rigid wire that hooks onto the bands of your braces and around your head. It helps to either move your teeth into position, or keep them there. Usually, you are only asked to wear headgear at night, if at all. Your braces will have to be adjusted periodically, according to a schedule your orthodontist develops. Your teeth will move gradually into position, and your orthodontist will have to adjust the braces as they do. Most people wear braces between one and three years. After your braces come off, your orthodontist might ask you to wear a retainer for a while. This is a rigid piece of material that fits behind your teeth. Take good care of your braces. Just as you would normally need to take care of your teeth, you will have to regularly brush and rinse your teeth and braces. Ask your orthodontist for any special tips for keeping your braces and teeth clean. Food particles can get caught in your braces. Be extra sure to brush well around all the parts of the braces (especially after meals) to avoid plaque buildup and tooth decay. You will need to spend extra time brushing every bracket going from the back of your mouth to the front. Make sure you brush every tooth thoroughly and use dental tools to get between your teeth, such as an interdental brush, floss, and an oral irrigator. Rinsing with mouthwash will also help to keep your teeth and braces clean. Your dentist might also ask you to use a fluoride rinse for extra protection. You will need to floss using a special flexible plastic “threader” that can get around the parts of the braces. These are widely available at pharmacies.

Focus on the benefits of getting braces. Choose the type of braces you will get. Choose the color of your braces. Brace yourself for slight discomfort. Eat hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, if you want. Bring a book, music, or some other distraction to the orthodontist’s office. Stock up on soft foods. Make sure you have a supply of wax. Have pain reliever ready. Ask your orthodontist any questions you have about getting braces. Know exactly how the braces will be applied. Understand how to get through the first few days with braces. Make yourself comfortable. Prepare for life with braces. Take good care of your braces.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate-Eclairs

How to Make Chocolate Eclairs

If you want to make your own choux for chocolate eclairs, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil over medium heat. Once it reaches a boil, stir in your flour until it forms a smooth dough. Let the dough cool, then transfer it to a piping bag and pipe the dough into log-shaped cylinders that are roughly 3 cm wide and 15 cm long. Bake the choux dough for 25-30 minutes and let them cool, then fill them with eclair filling and top them with chocolate sauce.

Place the pan on medium heat. Add the water, then spoon in the butter. Add the salt. Bring to a boil. Preheat the oven to 374 °F (190 °C), gas mark 5. Make the choux dough. Once boiling, add the flour to the water and butter. Stir well with the wooden spoon until it forms a smooth dough, and set aside to cool. Make the pastry cream. Add the cream and sugar to a bowl, and whisk continuously until the cream starts to form stiff peaks. Cover the bowl with cling film, and cool in the fridge. Add the eggs to pastry dough. When the pastry has cooled, add one egg and combine. Continue to add each of the eggs one by one until the pastry is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough into the piping bag. Open the piping bag, and spoon in the pastry. Squeeze dough to the bottom of the bag every once in a while to make room for more. When full, close the bag and squeeze dough down. Pipe the dough. Cover baking tray with grease proof paper, and pipe pastry dough into 3 centimeter (1.2 in) by 15 centimeter (5.9 in) log shaped cylinders. Bake. Place pastry dough into center of the oven, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Make the chocolate sauce. Place pan with water on low heat, and cover the pan with a bowl of chocolate and butter. Allow it to melt by slowly stirring. Remove from oven. After removing the pastries from the oven, allow them to cool. Slice along the length of each of the eclairs with a knife when they are cooled and make a slight opening. Fill all the eclairs with cream using a spoon. Decorate with chocolate. With a spoon, dribble the melted chocolate lengthwise over each éclair, and leave it to cool by putting it in the fridge for a few minutes. Serve.

Place the pan on medium heat. Bring to a boil. Preheat the oven to 374 °F (190 °C), gas mark 5. Make the choux dough. Make the pastry cream. Add the eggs to pastry dough. Transfer the dough into the piping bag. Pipe the dough. Bake. Make the chocolate sauce. Allow it to melt by slowly stirring. Remove from oven. Slice along the length of each of the eclairs with a knife when they are cooled and make a slight opening. Fill all the eclairs with cream using a spoon. Decorate with chocolate. Serve.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pottery

How to Make Pottery

If you want to make pottery, decide on which item you're going to make before choosing an appropriate clay, such as low-fire clay. If you're making a bowl or plate, use a potter's wheel to ensure it's symmetrical. However, if you're creating a smaller object, pinch the clay by hand between your thumb and forefinger to form the shape you require. When your piece is finished, place it in an electric kiln at 800 degrees F for 12 hours to remove all liquids from the clay. Finish by glazing your object.

Are you setting out to make a functional or non-functional piece of ceramics? Depending on your needs, a bowl might best be done on a pottery wheel, but a decorative clay piece is probably done best by hand. You can even make a clay sculpture as long as it is mostly hollow on the inside and you create a vent hole for air to go during firing. Imagine the purpose, size, shape, and the color of the object you wish to make. "Pottery" is a very vague term -- there are dozens of different ways you can go about making a creation. To achieve each product, different elements of the art must be considered. Visit a gallery which sells pottery and ask how it was done. You can also visit art supply stores and discuss the best materials to use for the results you want, cost, firing, glazes, or a beginner's class. See what resources are out there to help you pick what your end product will be. Start thinking. If you want to stick to small objects, beads, soap dishes and other slab methods are best. A decorative box might be tricky because you have to know when the clay is dry enough to stand up to make the box. You must use slip, a 50% mix of water and clay, that you use like glue. The edges of the clay need to be scored or roughed up with a stick before you apply the slip and then sealed together with your fingers. Animals can be fun to make, but the legs often cause difficulty. Think of animals that can sit. The sky is the limit with vases, plates, pots, dinnerware, and wall decorations. Pick your clay. Once you know what you are going to make, you'll be able to choose your material. Air dry doesn't even have to be fired. But it's a bit expensive, so you might want to stick to smaller creations. Fimo clay is baked in a regular oven and already comes in various colors which can be blended together. Otherwise, there's low-fire or high-fire clays, and they warrant different results. Low-fire clays are great for bright colors and detailed decoration. But they're not super good in water, so if you do go for low-fire clay, get a glaze that you know will seal 'er up. High-fire clays aren't so great with bright colors, but they're sturdy, waterproof, and can be texturized easily. Glazes may move when fired, so detailed images could get blurred. Decide which method will work best for your project. You have a few options to choose from: Potter's wheel: Best for bowls or plates, vases or anything you need to be symmetrical and round, It takes a lot of practice to get really skillful at this. It also requires a kiln and knowledge of firing and glazes. It's good for large and small objects, but again it is tough to rework if mistakes happen initially. Pinching by hand: Best for small objects. The method is fairly straightforward: Start off with a small amount of clay that you can work with in your palms. Mold it with pressure from your thumb and index finger and keep turning it in your other palm if you want it round, and keep the "walls" even. Use a damp sponge to smooth the surface. Coiling: Best for hollow or non symmetrical objects. You can create an interesting texture or pattern by or coiling layers together. Instead of one block of clay, you simply pile or coils into a shape. They adhere together with slip and create one mass. Slab making: Best for flat sided objects. You put the sides of the clay onto a form. Use a plastic bag so it won't stick or use a light coating of cooking oil. As it dries remove it from the original form, it will shrink and possible crack if left draped over a bowl but it will maintain its shape. Form away. This is up to you and your skill level. If you have a wheel, great. If you don't, there are ways around that. If you're brand new to pottery, seek out a professional or watch a few videos online; it's an art that requires skill, most definitely. Some clays aren't able to be molded, shaped back into a ball, and molded again. So when you make your choices, be careful -- your clay may not be too keen on giving you a second chance. Place the pottery in an electric kiln. Raise the temperature of the kiln to 850°F (455°C) for 12 hours. This will produce "bisque" or "unglazed pottery." This initial firing removes the physical and chemical water so that the piece can be glazed without returning to mud and breaking. Ranges of temperature are referred to as "cones" in the ceramics world. Allow the temperature to drop and remove the pottery 48 hours later after the temperature has completely cooled. Paint your object with glaze. Keep in mind that glaze will run. Cover the bottom of your pottery with wax to shield it from sticking to the kiln shelf itself. If you want more precise lines, paint with "bisque stain" and then cover with a clear glaze. If your surface isn't smooth, use a 100 grit sandpaper or a kitchen paring knife edge to make it so. Then sponge the entire surface of the pot to remove any dust left from sanding to provide a clean surface for the glaze to adhere to. Glazing takes on a number of forms. You can dip, brush, sponge, or etch -- just to get the list started. Use wax to keep the bottom from getting glaze on it during firing. You can also buy glazes in liquid or dry form. If you want to be a real pro, eventually you can make your own. Reheat the pottery to melt the glaze and seal your object. Depending on your clay, the size of the object, and the glaze, you may need a kiln that hits 2500° Fahrenheit (1148° C). Overnight, warm up your kiln at very low heat. Spend two hours at low heat (an increase in temperature of no more than 200°F per hour) and then two hours at medium heat (an increase in temperature of no more than 300°F per hour). Finally, finish at high heat (an increase in temperature of 300 to 400°F per hour) until the required temperature has been reached. File down the bottom of your object. It may have rested on the bottom of the kiln in an awkward position, forcing it to lose its flat bottom. Smooth it so that it sits without wobbling on a surface such as a table or shelf. Add felt onto the bottom of your object if you so desire. Then, admire your finished product!

Are you setting out to make a functional or non-functional piece of ceramics? Imagine the purpose, size, shape, and the color of the object you wish to make. Pick your clay. Decide which method will work best for your project. Form away. Place the pottery in an electric kiln. Paint your object with glaze. Reheat the pottery to melt the glaze and seal your object. File down the bottom of your object.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Juicer

How to Choose a Juicer

To choose a juicer, opt for a centrifugal juicer if you're planning to use it for fruits and vegetables. Alternatively, get a masticating juicer if you're mostly juicing wheatgrass or leafy greens, like kale and spinach. You may also want to consider a hand juicer if you want a low-cost option for making orange juice. Once you decide on a type of juicer, make sure you research different brands and models, since there can be a lot of variation in quality and price.

Determine what you will juice. A centrifugal juicer is an excellent choice for juicing most vegetables, and almost any fruit. Most centrifugal juices can juice spinach or other greens, but they are not very efficient at doing so. Additionally, most centrifugal juicers cannot juice wheatgrass. If you plan use primarily juicy fruits and veggies, then a centrifugal juicer may be a great choice for you. Consider the price. Centrifugal juicers are very reasonably priced. This is the primary benefit of a centrifugal juicer (over the more high-end masticating juicers). Centrifugal juicers start for as little as $20, but they may run as expensive as $200. Higher end models can typically handle whole pieces of produce, and yield more juice. Look for a model that fits your budget. Think about juicing speed. Centrifugal juicers work fast. These speedy machines are excellent for preparing yourself a quick glass of fresh juice each morning. If juicing is something you plan to do often, and if you are short on time, a fast-moving centrifugal model may be right for you. Look for easy cleaning. The worst part about making juice is cleaning the juicer. Fortunately, with a centrifugal juicer (unlike with most masticating models), the cleaning can be easy! Look for a model that easily snaps apart and rinses clean with minimal effort. A good choice is the Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juicer. Any of the Breville models are also notable easy to clean. Decide if you can handle some noise. One drawback to centrifugal juicers is that they tend toward the noisier side. The noise produced by the average centrifugal juicer is on par with a typical blender, food processor, or coffee grinder. Fortunately, centrifugal juicers are much faster than other models, so your juicing time, noisy though it may be, will fly right by. Think about your health. If your primary reason for wanting to juice is better health, then a masticating juicer is probably the best choice for you. Sometimes called “cold press” or “slow” juicers, masticating juicers use a low rpm motor which best retains the nutritional value of your fruits, veggies, and greens. Decide if you want to juice greens. Although some higher-end centrifugal juicers can tackle leafy greens (like spinach or kale), the process is extremely inefficient. If you plan to juice a lot of greens, your best bet is a masticating juicer. This slower, low rpm process extracts the most juice from leafy greens. Determine if you’d like to juice wheatgrass. Whereas centrifugal juicers can technically juice leafy greens (albeit inefficiently), they definitely can't take on wheatgrass. If wheatgrass is something you'd like to include in your juice regimen, you will need a masticating juicer. Factor in a reduction in food waste. The biggest drawback to masticating juicers is almost certainly the price. (The typical masticating model will run you upwards of $200.) However, something else to keep in mind when considering the price is the fact that a masticating juicer will give you more bang for your buck (or more juice for your carrot). If you use your juicer often enough, you will recuperate your money over time. Store your juice longer. Because of the low rpm process used by masticating juicers, very little heat is introduced into the juice. As a result, you can store your fresh juices for up to 48 hours, without losing any of the nutritional value. (Unlike juice produced by centrifugal models, which begins losing nutritional value right away.) This can be a huge perk, and in some ways makes up for the time lost on the slower juicing process. Make pasta or baby food. Many masticating juicers offer extra features. (Sometimes these are included, but other times they cost extra). This may include accessories you can use to mince, grind, and puree. This can enable you to make fresh pasta, homemade baby food, pesto, or other foods. Determine your budget. Citrus juicers vary widely in price, with simple hand juicers ranging from $5 to $20, manual presses running about $50, and electric citrus juicers running anywhere from $20 to $150. Knowing how much you are willing to spend can help you determine what type of citrus juicer to choose. Consider a hand juicer for value and ease of use. Certainly the simplest and most cost-effective option when it comes to orange juice is a good-old hand juicer. These non-electronic, plastic or metal kitchen tools are perfect if you only need to make a glass or two of juice. They take up almost no space in your kitchen; they are cheap and easy to clean. Many models (such as the ChefVantage Citrus Juicer) come with a measuring cup or pitcher built-in. Think about a manual press for efficiency and durability. Take a peak inside any gourmet kitchen, and you will likely find a manual citrus press. These durable, often stainless steel tools are efficient at extracting the juices from lemons, oranges, or other citrus fruits. These non-electronic devices are also aesthetically pleasing; a manual citrus press looks great on your counter top. Opt for an electric citrus juicer for speed. Most electric citrus juicers are sort of like hybrids of centrifugal juicers and manual citrus presses. You place half of your citrus fruit onto a ribbed reamer and press down, activating a motor which causes a spinning motion. This is an extremely quick and effective method for juicing citrus and results in a delicious, high-quality juice. Look for a model with a pulp-selection feature. If you've ever purchased orange juice from the store, you probably know that there are a lot of different preferences when it comes to pulp. You can aim to satisfy the needs of everyone in your household by selecting an electric juicer with a pulp-selection feature. This feature allows you to choose how much pulp goes into your juice, and it is one benefit of using an electric citrus juicer over a manual one. One choice is the Proctor Silex Alex's Lemonade Stand Citrus Juicer. Another option is the Black & Decker CJ625 Citrus Juicer.

Determine what you will juice. Consider the price. Think about juicing speed. Look for easy cleaning. Decide if you can handle some noise. Think about your health. Decide if you want to juice greens. Determine if you’d like to juice wheatgrass. Factor in a reduction in food waste. Store your juice longer. Make pasta or baby food. Determine your budget. Consider a hand juicer for value and ease of use. Think about a manual press for efficiency and durability. Opt for an electric citrus juicer for speed. Look for a model with a pulp-selection feature.

https://www.wikihow.com/Gargle-Saltwater

How to Gargle Saltwater

To gargle saltwater, add 1 teaspoon of table salt or sea salt to 8 ounces of water. You can add in a few drops of apple cider vinegar to improve the flavor, if you like. Once the salt is dissolved, pour 2 or 3 ounces into your mouth and hold your head back at about a 30 degree angle. Keep your throat closed and gargle for about 30 seconds. Then, spit out the saltwater and repeat the process until you have gargled all 8 ounces of water.

Add one teaspoon of either table salt or sea salt to eight ounces of water. Saltwater can reduce swelling in your throat by drawing the water out of the tissues of your throat. Salt also acts as a basic antibacterial agent, which is why salt is used to cure some foods from spoiling by preventing the growth of bacteria. Gargle with the solution for thirty seconds. To gargle, take a deep breath and pour two or three ounces of the solution into your mouth without swallowing. Tilt your head back (roughly 30°), keep the back of your throat closed, and gargle for a full thirty seconds before spitting out the solution. For children, try having them gargle with regular warm water first. The only age restriction to this treatment method is a child's ability to gargle without swallowing, which is usually around three or four years of age. To make them do it for the entire thirty seconds, you can turn it into a game where the child tries to sing something like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” as he or she gargles. Repeat the process until you’ve gargled all eight ounces. Depending on how much of the solution you pour in your mouth, you should be able to repeat the process three or four times with the eight ounces of solution. Take a deep breath and gargle for thirty seconds each time. Try other solutions if you can’t gargle saltwater. Some people may have a difficult time gargling saltwater simply because of the intense taste of the salt at the back of their throats. You can try gargling with other solutions or simply adding essential oils to the salt to mask the taste. Options include: Adding apple cider vinegar. The acid in apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria the same as saltwater. You can add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the saltwater to add additional antibacterial properties and to mask the flavor of the salt—though, you might not like the vinegar taste much better. Adding one or two drops of garlic. This essential oil has some antibacterial and antiviral properties. Adding one or two drops of burdock. Traditional Chinese medicine commonly uses burdock to treat sore throats. However, scientific studies on burdock are minimal. Adding peppermint. You can also add one or two drops of peppermint, which has traditionally been used to soothe sore throats. Adding one or two drops of marshmallow. This herb (not the fluff) contains mucilage, which are gel-like substances that can coat the throat to help relieve sore throat pain. Repeat as necessary. You can use all of these gargles once every hour (or more often) as needed. The important step is simply not to swallow the saltwater since it can dehydrate you the same way it dehydrates the tissue in your throat. Drink plenty of water. This prevents dehydration and keeps your throat as moist as possible to minimize the discomfort. Most people prefer room-temperature water, but you can drink cold water or hot water if it makes your throat feel better. Drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day and more if you have a fever. Humidify the air around you. Keeping the air around you moist will also help to keep your throat from over drying. Use a humidifier if you have one. You can also set bowls of water throughout your living room and bedroom if you do not have a humidifier. Get enough sleep. Whether your body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection, plenty of sleep is one of the best ways to boost your immune response. Try to sleep a full eight hours a night, especially while you're sick. Eat soft foods without a lot of spice. Drink lots of soups and broths. The old tales of treating colds with chicken soup are true. Studies have shown that chicken soup can slow the movement of specific types of immune cells, and that the slower movement of these cells make them more effective. Chicken soup also increases the movement of tiny hairs in the nose that can help reduce infections. Other soft, spice-free foods include: Applesauce Rice Scrambled eggs Well-cooked pasta Oatmeal Smoothies Well-cooked beans and legumes Take small bites and chew your food well. The smaller and more moistened your food, the less likely it is to cause additional throat irritation. Cut food into very small pieces and chew it thoroughly to allow your saliva to moisten it before you swallow. Know when to see your doctor. A sore throat can easily be a symptom of another illness, such as a viral or bacterial infection. If your sore throat lasts longer than a week (or more than three days while gargling saltwater regularly), or if you also develop any of the following symptoms, then it's time to see a doctor. Additional symptoms include: Any difficulty swallowing Any difficulty breathing Difficulty opening your mouth Developing joint pains Earache Rashes A fever above 101°F (38.3°C) Blood in your saliva or phlegm A lump or mass in your neck Hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks Note that for children, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you take them to a doctor for any overnight sore throat that doesn't go away by hydrating or if the sore throat is accompanied by difficulty swallowing, breathing, or odd/unusual drooling. Submit to diagnostic testing. In order for the doctor to diagnose the reason for the sore throat, he or she will run a few tests, including a physical examination where the doctor uses a light to examine down your throat. Additional tests include a swab of your throat in order for the doctor to run a culture to determine if the cause is a bacterial infection (and what kind of bacteria). If this test comes back negative, then the infection is likely viral, especially if a cough is present. Although, your doctor may also order allergy testing and a complete blood count (CBC) to measure your current immune response. Take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. If the culture determines that your sore throat is due to a bacterial infection, then the doctor will likely prescribe you a course of antibiotics to help combat the infection. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them for the prescribed length of time, even if you are beginning to feel better. If you don't, some bacteria (the antibiotic-resistant bacteria) may survive and can increase the population of antibiotic resistant bacteria, as well as increase your risk of complications and recurrence of the infection. If you are prescribed antibiotics, eat yogurt with active cultures to replace the normal gut bacteria that are also killed by the antibiotics. You have to eat yogurt with active cultures because this yogurt contains bacteria. Pasteurized or otherwise processed yogurts do not. This is recommended to prevent the diarrhea that is sometimes associated with antibiotic use and can help maintain the normal gut bacteria that are vital to keeping you (and your immune system) healthy. Watch out for unusual diarrhea while on antibiotics. Unusual diarrhea may signify another illness or infection. Rest if the infection is viral. If your doctor determines that your sore throat is due to a viral infection (such as a common cold or flu virus), then he or she will likely recommend lots of rest, water, and a healthy diet. These can all help boost your immune system, which in turn will help your body beat the infection. Some studies have shown that increasing your Vitamin C intake may boost your immune system and help you fight a viral infection.

Add one teaspoon of either table salt or sea salt to eight ounces of water. Gargle with the solution for thirty seconds. Repeat the process until you’ve gargled all eight ounces. Try other solutions if you can’t gargle saltwater. Repeat as necessary. Drink plenty of water. Humidify the air around you. Get enough sleep. Eat soft foods without a lot of spice. Take small bites and chew your food well. Know when to see your doctor. Submit to diagnostic testing. Take antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Rest if the infection is viral.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Mosaics

How to Do Mosaics

To make a mosaic, start by getting some pieces of glass, stone, porcelain, or any other material you want to use for your mosaic. Then, find a surface to create your mosaic on, like a table, a planter, or a walking stone. Once you have your materials, mix some mortar powder and water in a bowl and apply the mortar to the base you chose. Press the pieces into the adhesive in whatever pattern you desire and let it dry for 24-72 hours. Finally, apply grout in between the pieces and seal the mosaic with varnish.

Pick the base to glue the mosaic tiles on. You can make a mosaic on nearly any surface. It should be strong enough to handle the weight of your mosaic pieces and the glue and grout. Tables, planters, bird baths, or walking stones are all great options. Be sure to clean off any dirt or debris from your base before you use it. Use a damp sponge to scrub off any stubborn debris. Dry the base completely before you start applying the mosaic pieces to it. Your base can be any shape, but be careful with very extreme curves because you will need very small mosaic tiles to fill the curves. The best mosaic base for outdoor mosaics is concrete because it is the most weather-resistant. You can find thin concrete boards at your local building material store. A mesh metal pizza tray works especially well for making decorative glass gem mosaics. Terracotta bases are more risky for outdoor mosaics since they can be susceptible to freezing damage. If you want to make a mosaic on a terra cotta pot, for example, either take the pot inside in cold weather or apply several coats of sealant when you are finished to protect it from the elements. Select the material you want to use to make your mosaic design. The small pieces of material used in a mosaic art are called tesserae. They can be glass, stones, porcelain, seashells, or anything else you can find. If you don't have any material lying around your house, try buying mosaic tiles in your local arts and crafts store. Consider the size of your mosaic base when collecting your mosaic pieces. If you are unsure, scatter the pieces across the base. They should be able to cover it fully. If you are reusing materials for your mosaic, be sure to clean off any dirt or debris with soap and water. Let them dry completely before you begin the project. You can also add other objects or decorations to your mosaic, like small ceramic flowers. You can also used smashed china plates as mosaic tiles. Break one plate at a time with a hammer inside a plastic bag. Use a tile nipper to break the plates for more control over the sizes and shapes of the pieces. You will need 5-7 plates for a medium-sized mosaic, about 20 by 24 inches (51 cm × 61 cm). Cups don't work as well for mosaics because they don't end up making flat pieces so they are harder to arrange and glue down. Round glass gems are a kid-friendly mosaic tile because you won't have to worry about sharp edges. You can find the gems in your local craft store. They are available in many different colors and sizes. Sketch your design on the base. Copy a mosaic pattern from a coloring book or make your own simple sketch. Remember that the more detailed the design, the smaller your mosaic tiles will have to be. If you've sketched something on paper first, transfer your design onto your base using tracing paper. Lay your mosaic pieces over your design before gluing them down. Place your mosaic pieces over the design to arrange them how you'd like and preview how they will look before you glue them on. Make sure the pieces are clean of any dirt or debris before laying them out. You can further break your pieces with a hammer or tile nipper if need be. Choose the right adhesive for the materials you are using. The traditional mosaic adhesive is cement-based mortar. It is made by mixing cement, sand, and water. But you can also use acrylic based adhesives, epoxy resins, or construction adhesives. Find the right adhesive for you at your local craft supply or hardware store. Start by looking at the “Applications” section on the label. You will need an adhesive that works well for your base and decoration materials. If you are making an outdoor mosaic, make sure your adhesive label states that it is water-resistant. For mosaics that will regularly get wet, like shower floors, use thinset mortar. Acrylic-based adhesives are easy to use and very strong and good for slippery surfaces like ceramic and glass. Epoxy resins work well on metals, but they can be messy to use and smelly. Mix your adhesive per manufacturer recommendations, if necessary. Check the label on your adhesive to find out if you need to mix it before applying. Mortar will need to be mixed beforehand, as will epoxy resins. A tube of acrylic adhesive is ready to use right away. If you have a powdered adhesive, mix it up outside and wear a dust mask so you don't inhale the dust particles. Spread the adhesive on the base with a trowel or spatula. Wear rubber gloves when handling adhesives to keep your hands from getting glued. Spread the adhesive over the whole surface of the base. You can also put the adhesive directly on each mosaic tile as if you are buttering it like a piece of toast. Apply the buttered piece directly to the foundation and press down to affix it in place. This also works well if you have an adhesive that comes in a squeezable tube. Arrange the mosaic pieces on top of your design. While the adhesive is still wet, gently affix the mosaic tiles by pushing them into the mixture. Apply tiles starting in one corner of the design and work across in rows. Make sure the gaps between the tiles are about ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) or less. If you are using concave mosaic pieces, like shells, coat the underside of the shell with adhesive and fill the body of the shell with adhesive before you place it on the base. Let the adhesive set. The time needed varies depending on the type of adhesive you used and where your mosaic will be, so check the label on your adhesive and follow the directions stated there. Once the adhesive is set, wipe the mosaic tiles with a damp sponge to clear away any extra adhesive material that may have risen to the top. Try to wipe the excess mortar as soon as possible after its set. If you wait until the adhesive cures completely (usually another 24 hours after it is set), it will be very difficult to wipe off the excess from the tiles. If you used traditional mortar, 24 hours is usually enough time for indoor mosaics. Outdoor mosaics will need to set for 72 hours. Acrylic adhesives and epoxy resins usually take between 12-24 hours to set completely. Choose your grout. Adding grout, a fine textured version of cement mortar, will fill in the spaces between your mosaic pieces. It also unifies and enhances the design. Grout comes in many colors and you can even color the grout yourself to get the perfect match for your mosaic. It looks best if you pick a contrasting color so your design will stand out. If you used very textured or porous pieces, like shells or very uneven stones, you don't need to grout your mosaic. If you are in doubt about the grout color, black is usually the best choice, and pure white often drowns out the mosaic design. If you want a lighter color, try a cream-colored grout. Prepare the grout mixture. Mix the grout by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It's best to mix the grout outside, since it can be a messy and dusty process. Wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask to protect yourself when mixing the grout. Apply the grout using a spatula. Lay newspaper down on your work surface and place the mosaic on it. Cover the whole mosaic with grout, spreading it with a spatula and filling in the creases between the tiles. The grout should cover the mosaic enough to fill the gaps. Do this outside or in a well ventilated area. Let the grout set and wipe away the excess. Check the label on your grout to see how long it will need to set. It should be set in about 20 minutes. Then, wipe the mosaic with a clean sponge and warm water. Rinse out the sponge regularly as you wipe away grout from the surface of the tiles. If there is any stubborn grout residue left on the mosaic, or if you wait too long after it sets to wipe it off, clean the excess grout off with a clean lint free cloth or a piece of crumpled newspaper. Remove big pieces of grout stuck to the mosaic pieces with a non-scratch nylon scouring pad or a small wooden stick. Apply sealant to the mosaic to protect it. This will coat the tiles and safeguard against damage, especially for outdoor mosaics subjected to fluctuating temperatures and adverse weather conditions. It also will give a high gloss shine that will make the colors stand out. Let the sealant dry before using the mosaic. You can also get a matte finish sealant if you don't want your mosaic to have a glossy sheen. Apply at least 2-3 coats of sealant to protect outdoor mosaics. Let the sealant dry between coats.

Pick the base to glue the mosaic tiles on. Select the material you want to use to make your mosaic design. Sketch your design on the base. Lay your mosaic pieces over your design before gluing them down. Choose the right adhesive for the materials you are using. Mix your adhesive per manufacturer recommendations, if necessary. Spread the adhesive on the base with a trowel or spatula. Arrange the mosaic pieces on top of your design. Let the adhesive set. Choose your grout. Prepare the grout mixture. Apply the grout using a spatula. Let the grout set and wipe away the excess. Apply sealant to the mosaic to protect it.

https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-if-You-Got-the-Job

How to Ask if You Got the Job

Asking if you got the job can actually make you stand out to the hiring company, but you'll want to make sure you ask in the right way at the right time. At the end of your interview, ask the manager about what happens next to show you're invested in the position. For example, you could say, “How long will the post-interview process take?” Just don't ask straight-out if you got the job. Even if the interview went well, this can make you look desperate. If you want to send a follow-up email after an interview, wait about a week so the hiring manager has time to finish all their interviews. In your email, include your name, the position you applied for, and the date of your interview. Then, ask for an update on the open position. You could say something like, “I wanted to check on the status of the coordinator position I applied for on January 10.”

Ask about next steps at your interview. At the end of your interview, the hiring manager will likely ask you if you have any questions. This is a great time to ask more about the company or specific job, but you should also ask what happens next. For example, ask the hiring manager how long the post-interview process might take, if you can expect to hear from the company whether you got the job or not, and when you might hear something. You can also ask what the best way is of contacting the hiring manager if you have questions. Don’t ask if you got the job right away. If your interview goes well, you might be tempted to ask the hiring manager on the spot if you got the job. Don't do this. It can make you look desperate, which can be a turn off for the hiring manager. It's also likely that the hiring manager won't be able to give you an answer right away. They may have more candidates to interview, or they might need to discuss all of the candidates with a larger group of people. Send a thank you note after your interview. This isn't directly related to asking if you got the job, but it will keep you on the mind of the hiring manager. In your note, remind the hiring manager of who you are, what you interviewed for, and something that excites you about the company or position. For example, you can say something like “Dear Jim, I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the assistant manager position at Jim's Bakery. I really enjoyed the interview, and I'm so excited about the new products that Jim's Bakery is innovating!” Don't ask for an update about the position in this note, just use it to thank the manager for interviewing you. Time your follow up email. Give the hiring manager or recruiter some time to go over all of the interviews they did. They might also need to speak to other people in the HR department, and are often prevented from discussing the opening until they've been given the green light to hire someone. Give them about a week to deal with those issues before you write a follow up email. If the hiring manager gave you an actual date by which they're hoping to make a decision, wait a few days after that to follow up. The dates they give are usually optimistic, and other things may have come up. Remind the hiring manager who you are. Your email should include your name, the position you applied for, and the date of your interview. The better you can remind the hiring manager who you are, the more likely you are to get a response. You can say something like, “Dear Jim, I hope things are going well. I was wondering if you could provide me with an update on the assistant manager position I interviewed for on May 5, 2017] Please let me know if I can provide you with any other information; I look forward to hearing from you.” Let the hiring manager know if you’ve had other offers. If you're interviewing for a new position, chances are you're in the middle of a job search. If you've received another offer while waiting to hear from your first choice, let the hiring manager know. This gives you a solid reason to need to know and increases the likelihood that you'll hear back. You can say something like “Dear Emily, I hope you're doing well. I wanted to check on the status of the coordinator position I interviewed for on January 10. I've since received an offer from another company, but I'm still eager to hear from you about joining ABC Consulting. Could you offer me any update on the position? Thanks for your time.” Limit your check-ins. If you're waiting to hear about a job you're really interested in, it can be tempting to check in until you get an answer, especially if the hiring manager encourages you to continue to do so. You should, however, give yourself a limit for check-ins, usually no more than three. If you don't get an answer by then, move on to the other positions. If you don't hear after three check-ins, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't get the job. But it does mean that the timeline is definitely longer than you initially thought, and you don't want to waste energy on it when you could be working on following up on other leads!

Ask about next steps at your interview. Don’t ask if you got the job right away. Send a thank you note after your interview. Time your follow up email. Remind the hiring manager who you are. Let the hiring manager know if you’ve had other offers. Limit your check-ins.

https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-Your-American-Pit-Bull-Terrier

How to Groom Your American Pit Bull Terrier

To groom your American pit bull terrier, try to brush its coat at least once a week with a soft to medium bristle brush to keep its fur clean. You should also clean its ears with a mild canine ear cleaner once a week, since American pit bull terriers have perky ears which are susceptible to infection. In addition to cleaning its fur and ears, you should brush its teeth at least once a week to get rid of any tartar and bacteria. Make sure to use a canine toothpaste, as human products can be poisonous or harmful to dogs.

Brush your APBT’s coat at least once a week. Use a rubber curry brush or a soft-to-medium bristle brush with short, dense bristles to groom your pet daily to weekly. Brush its fur in in the direction of growth to remove loose hair, enhance its circulation, and distribute its skin's natural oils. Go over your dog's back, the top of its neck, and the front of its legs. Brush gently on more sensitive areas such as the bottom of its neck, stomach, or back of its legs. Besides keeping your pittie's coat healthy and lustrous, brushing helps control shedding and dust by removing hair and dead skin cells. Wipe its coat. Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe your APBT's fur after brushing. Be sure to move from its neck to tail, following the grain of its fur. Press firmly enough to remove any lingering hair or dirt, but do not rub. Rubbing or scrubbing your pittie's fur will encourage any dirt or debris in its coat to cling to its skin instead of removing it. Clean your APBT’s ears once a week. Pitties have perky ears that are susceptible to infections, especially if they're cropped. Keep your pet's ears clear of wax and dirt by cleaning them with a mild canine ear cleaner. Since your dog will want to shake its ears after you clean them, you may want to do this outside to avoid a mess. Drip just enough cleaner into your APBT's ear canal to fill it. Then, massage the base of your pet's ear for 10-20 seconds, making circular motions with your pointer and middle fingers. Once you've massaged the ear, let your dog shake its head to release the cleaning solution and whatever debris it has loosened. Gently wipe any liquid, dirt, and wax out of the ear you've just cleaned using a clean cotton ball, then repeat the whole process on the other ear. To prevent any damage to your pet's inner ear, avoid using cotton swabs or poking anything into its ear canal. While you're at it, be sure to watch out for any symptoms of infection, such as redness, rashes, swelling, discharge, or foul smells. If you do notice any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet. Brush its teeth at least once a week. Regular oral hygiene is important to keeping your pittie clear of bad breath, tartar buildup, and bacterial infections. Start by getting canine toothpaste and an angled canine toothbrush that is sized appropriately for your APBT. Push up your APBT's lips to expose its teeth, and brush them quickly with a gentle circular motion along the gumline. You only need to do the front-side of your dog's teeth. Do not use human toothpaste. It can be poisonous or harmful to dogs, especially if it contains fluoride or baking soda. Dog toothpaste doesn't need to be rinsed and comes in meaty flavors that your pet will enjoy. It'll make this grooming task much easier for you and your pooch. You can also help prevent plaque buildup by feeding your dog dry kibble and giving it dental chews. Trim its nails about twice a month. Clipping your APBT's claws will keep them from cracking or breaking. The frequency will depend on your dog's activity level and environment. Use a scissor-like Miller's Forge trimmer designed for medium-sized dogs, and have some styptic powder handy in case you accidentally cut the quick. Before you try clipping your pit bull's nails, get it used to having its paws handled. Praise your dog and offer treats when it allows you to touch or hold its feet. Pick a time when your dog is tired and relaxed, such as after a walk or feeding. That way, it'll be less likely to squirm. Go paw by paw. Take one of your dog's paws, holding the foot firmly by the ankle in the palm of your hand. Look for the “quick,” a nerve ending in the underside of your pet's claw. The quick is only visible on dogs with light-colored nails. Only clip the tip of the nail that extends beyond the quick. Play it safe by erring on the side of leaving too much rather than painfully cutting the quick. If your pittie doesn't like to have its paws touched or is squeamish, clipping its nails might be a 2-person job. Have one person hold your dog and speak to it reassuringly while the other trims. If that doesn't work, consider leaving this task to a professional. If you accidentally cut the quick or see blood, firmly press the styptic powder into the end of your pittie's nail to stop the bleeding. Keep your dog still and reassure it that it's all right. Choose the right shampoo. It's best to get a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo since human shampoos can easily irritate canine skin. It should be free from fragrances and synthetic chemicals. Alternatively, you can make your own dog shampoo by mixing together 1/3 cup (80 ml) glycerin, 1 cup (about.25 liters) mild dishwashing soap, 1 cup (about.25 liters) white vinegar, and 1 quart (about 1 liter) water. Put all these ingredients into a liter-sized bottle, and shake before each use. infrequently. Bathe your APBT Frequent washing will dry out a pittie's skin and deplete the natural oils in its coat. With their fine fur, most APBTs only need a couple baths per year. You should bathe your pet only when necessary and no more than every 6 weeks unless otherwise directed by a vet. If your dog gets dirty frequently, stick to rinsing off the mud with plain water rather than bathing it more often. You can also spot-clean parts of your dog that get dirty easily (such as the rear end or the feet) with pet wipes. You can bathe your dog in a tub, shower, or outside using a hose with a gentle spray nozzle. Your pooch will be more likely to stay put if you wash it in a controlled or closed space using a comfortably warm water temperature. It's a good idea to brush your pittie ahead of time to remove any loose hair or dirt before it jumps in the bath. Lather and rinse its coat. Wet and lather up your pittie with dog shampoo from its neck down. Lather up your dog's head last, taking care not to get soap and water in the eyes and ears. Rinse your pooch with lukewarm water using a detachable shower head, pitchers of water, or a hose with a gentle spray nozzle. Rinse the head first, working your way back over the rest of the body. Be sure to rinse your APBT's coat thoroughly until the water runs clear so that there's no shampoo left to dry out its skin or tempt your pet into licking it. Dry your pittie. Once you've given your dog a good rinse, let it shake off any excess water. Then, wrap your pet in a big, absorbent towel, and gently pat it dry. Do not let your dog out into cool weather until it has dried completely. An APBT's short, single coat and low body fat mean that it can get cold very easily. Be on the lookout for skin issues. Pit bulls are prone to certain skin conditions, like mange and allergies. Skin issues can seriously affect the condition of your dog's coat, making it dry, dull, and/or flaky. Sometimes bathing and grooming can exacerbate these issues instead curing them. As you groom your dog, keep an eye out for visible irritations, like sores, scabs, rashes, or hot spots. Take your pittie to the vet if you have any concerns. If you notice symptoms of skin issues that are chronic, severe, and/or widespread, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Skin irritations could be a result of allergies or a symptom of more systemic issues like an immune or gastrointestinal disease. A vet can help you diagnose the causes of skin issues and prescribe treatments to address the underlying conditions. Vets can also help identify the causes of frequent itching. If your pittie itches all year round, it may have an environmental or hereditary allergy. If its itching tends to take place at a particular time of year, it likely has a seasonal allergy. If it's constantly itching for short, intense periods, your APBT may have fleas. If your pitbull has ongoing skin issues, have your vet refer you to a board certified veterinary dermatologist. Give your APBT the right nutrition. You can help keep your pittie's coat and skin healthy by feeding it a diet that's rich in essential fatty acids, such as vitamin E, omega-6, and omega-3. Check to see that your regular pet food contains these plant- and meat-based nutrients. Most high-quality “complete and balanced” dog kibbles will already contain essential fatty acids. If yours doesn't, consider giving your pittie a fish oil supplement to boost its omega-3 intake. Talk to your vet before giving your dog fish oil or other supplements. They can tell you how much to give your dog and recommend supplements that are specially formulated for dogs.

Brush your APBT’s coat at least once a week. Wipe its coat. Clean your APBT’s ears once a week. Brush its teeth at least once a week. Trim its nails about twice a month. Choose the right shampoo. infrequently. Lather and rinse its coat. Dry your pittie. Be on the lookout for skin issues. Take your pittie to the vet if you have any concerns. Give your APBT the right nutrition.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fake-Arm-Cast

How to Make a Fake Arm Cast

If you want to make a fake arm cast to fool your friends, you can use toilet paper. To start, wrap 2 layers of toilet paper around the bottom part of your arm and wrist. Then, hold your arm under the tap until the toilet paper is thoroughly wet. Squeeze out the excess water then wrap on more dry toilet paper. Repeat this process a few more times or until your cast looks realistic. Finally, allow your cast to dry. Alternatively, you can use a sock and duct tape to make a fake cast. To do this, cut the toes off an old tube sock and cut a hole for your thumb. Slide the sock onto your arm, then wrap colored duct tape around the sock until it's fully covered.

Use a washable marker to mark the cast lines. Decide how far you want your cast to come down you arm. For this type of cast, it's best to not go past the elbow. This type of cast will look more like an older plaster-type cast rather than the fiberglass wrapped cast most often used today. Wrap two layers of toilet paper around the bottom part of your arm. Starting just below the marker line, begin wrapping the toilet paper around your arm in two layers. Tear off the paper. At this point, don't cover your hand. Focus on the part of your arm below the wrist. Wet the paper. Hold your arm under water for a few seconds, wetting the paper thoroughly. Squeeze out the water. Press the paper to your skin, squeezing out the water as you go. It's acceptable to have a few wrinkles or tears. You're going to be covering that layer in more toilet paper. Add another layer or two of toilet paper. Wrap it around the same part of your arm. Wet the paper again. Hold your arm under the water for a few seconds to wet the toilet paper. Squeeze out the water again. Press out the water, pushing the paper in towards your arm. Repeat the process. Continue adding paper until you have a thick layer of toilet paper on the bottom of your arm. Begin wrapping around your hand. Connecting it to the rest of the cast, wrap the paper around your hand, going above and below your thumb. Repeat the same process from above. Add layers, wetting them as you go. Be sure to press the paper down to your arm so the excess water is squeezed out. Let the cast dry. You can rest your arm on a towel or pillow to allow the cast to dry. Alternatively, try using a hair dryer. Use a white sock. Cut the ankle out of the sock. Cut a small triangle off at the ankle, leaving it attached on the top side. If the sock is long enough, you can cut off the foot all together. Basically, you want to create on log tube that will fit over your arm. By cutting off just the heel, you create a tube that lays flat on your arm. Use a sock that you don't care about, as you will be damaging it beyond repair. Cut the toes off the sock. Snip off the end of the sock at the toes so you have an even toe. Cut a hole for the thumb. Leaving about two inches or so at the bottom of the tube, cut out a small section to fit your thumb through. Using sharp scissors, cut a half circle in the folded sock, creating a hole for your thumb. Put the sock on your arm. Pull the sock up as far as you want the cast to come up your arm. If it's too long, cut off part of the sock to make it shorter. However, you want to leave some to fold over the end of the gauze. Wrap your arm with self-adhesive gauze. Starting at the bottom, wrap you arm in the gauze. Leave some space at the bottom of the sock to fold over the gauze. Overlap each layer. When you reach your hand, wrap over and under your thumb, leaving your fingers free. Don't wrap it too tightly, as it will cut off circulation. Fold the sock back over the gauze. Fold the ends of the sock over the gauze. This step isn't vital, but it will make the ends look neater. Use colored tape to wrap your arm. Starting at the folded over edge of the sock at the bottom, wrap colored tape around your arm, overlapping as you go. You can use masking tape or duct tape. Make sure not to wrap it too tightly. You don't want to cut off the circulation. Work in smaller pieces to make it easier. Use about a foot of duct tape at a time so it doesn't fold back on itself. You can use sports pre-wrap in place of the tape. Cut off an excess tape at the thumb. If the edge of the duct tape overlaps near your thumb too much, carefully cut off the edges. Measure the length and width of the arm. Start where you want the cast to begin at the bottom of you arm and measure up to the top of your palm. Write down the number. Measure the circumference of your arm. Wrap a measuring tape around the thickest part of your arm. Write down the number. Wrap a measuring tap around your hand just under the thumb. Write down the number. Add 2 inches to each of these measurements for overlap. Measure two pieces of flannel. Use the length and the circumference measurements to measure out a piece of flannel. Angle down each side from the larger circumference measurement to the smaller one. Cut out two flannel pieces to what you measured. Also cut out cotton batting for the middle in the same size. Check to make sure that the cast fits around your arm. Place one piece of the flannel around your arm. Make sure it overlaps an inch on each side at the thickest part. The part at the top of your hand will have a whole for your thumb eventually. Cut tights into 3/4 to 1-inch strips. Use an old pair of tights. You can use colored tights or white tights, depending on your preference. Layer the pieces together. Put a piece of flannel on the bottom, the batting in the middle, and a piece of flannel on top. Lay out the strips of tights on top. The strips of flannel should overlap each other and zigzag across the cast. They should also run width-wise not length-wise. Sew the strips on. Run along the edges of the strips to sew them on. You can use a plain stitch or a zigzag strip. You can use the same color for the thread as the tights or use a contrasting color. Cut a hole for the thumb. Fold the cast in half length-wise. About an inch from the top, cut a round hole big enough for your thumb with small scissors. Stitch around the cast and thumb hole. Using a zigzag stitch, run around the edges of the cast and around the thumb hole. Sew Velcro strips on. On the two long sides, sew on matching Velcro strips. Wrap the cast around your arm. Velcro it in place.

Use a washable marker to mark the cast lines. Wrap two layers of toilet paper around the bottom part of your arm. Wet the paper. Squeeze out the water. Add another layer or two of toilet paper. Wet the paper again. Squeeze out the water again. Repeat the process. Begin wrapping around your hand. Repeat the same process from above. Let the cast dry. Use a white sock. Cut the toes off the sock. Cut a hole for the thumb. Put the sock on your arm. Wrap your arm with self-adhesive gauze. Fold the sock back over the gauze. Use colored tape to wrap your arm. Cut off an excess tape at the thumb. Measure the length and width of the arm. Measure the circumference of your arm. Measure two pieces of flannel. Cut out two flannel pieces to what you measured. Check to make sure that the cast fits around your arm. Cut tights into 3/4 to 1-inch strips. Layer the pieces together. Sew the strips on. Cut a hole for the thumb. Stitch around the cast and thumb hole. Sew Velcro strips on. Wrap the cast around your arm.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Your-Parents-to-Like-Your-Boyfriend

How to Get Your Parents to Like Your Boyfriend

It can be nerve-wracking if you think your parents won't like your boyfriend, but if you're open and honest with them and listen to their concerns, you can ease any tensions that might come up. Talk about your boyfriend around your parents, since open communication about the relationship will make them less worried about you. When you introduce him for the first time, meet up in a low-pressure setting, like at your house for dinner, which will make things less stressful. As everyone chats, find things your boyfriend and your parents have in common. For example, if your boyfriend plays soccer and your parents love sports, try bringing that up! If your parents don't approve, listen to their perspective, even if you think they're wrong. This will show them that you care about what they have to say. Then, calmly and politely ask that they respect your choices to date this person.

Talk with them about your boyfriend. Instead of hiding the fact that you're seeing someone, discuss with your parents about your boyfriend when the relationship becomes more serious. Tell them more about him, and how long you've been dating. Open communication with your parents will likely feel better and healthier for you in the long run. If you are fearful that they will disapprove, be calm and polite. Focus on showing them why he is a good fit for you, and what you like about him. Explain how your relationship will not interfere with your work, life, or school. Listen to their perspective. While hearing that they don't like your boyfriend may be tough, give them a chance to explain themselves. Have them provide clarity about why he's a bad fit for you. While you may not like what your parents have to say, sometimes it comes from a place of wisdom. Ask them why they have an issue with your boyfriend. Are they worried that your boyfriend doesn't respect you? Are they concerned about the way he talks to you? Do they think that he's controlling? If this is the case, these may be serious concerns to consider. Avoid being immediately defensive. While you may want to talk back to your parents, and provide criticism about their choices, this will not help you get any closer to having your parents like your boyfriend. Being overly defensive will likely make them even less approving of your relationship with him. Avoid putting your parents down or stating that their views are wrong. Tell them that you love them. Explain that you came to them for support rather than judgment. Focus on being calm even if they make you upset. Respond to their concerns with respect. Your parents or family history may be rooted in certain traditions or norms. It may seem like they are outdated in their views or don't understand your perspective. While there may be differences, focus on keeping a positive relationship with them. Even if you and your parents disagree, that doesn't mean you should be rude and disrespectful of their concerns. If you are kind, mature, and respectful, they are more likely to take your relationship seriously, and try to find the positives in your boyfriend. Prep your boyfriend about expectations. Before introducing your boyfriend to your family, provide him with your family's possible expectations. By prepping your boyfriend for certain behaviors and questions, then he may feel less overwhelmed and more at ease. Avoid blindsiding your boyfriend about how your parents may act. Provide him with reassurance. Teach him ways to win your parents over. Good manners in particular will help. Consider asking him to dress up for the first meeting with your parents. Tell your boyfriend to avoid cursing or crude language that could bother your parents. Tell your boyfriend what to call your parents, such as Mr. and Mrs. Smith or by their first names if less formal. Have introductions in low pressure settings. When you and your boyfriend meet up with your parents, make the settings less awkward or uncomfortable. Find ways for your boyfriend to meet your parents well before a big family gathering or a holiday dinner. Make the interactions seem natural between your boyfriend and your parents, rather than awkward, big events. Have opportunities for you and your boyfriend to meet your parents at home or at a family dinner on a Sunday night. Consider having your parents meet you and your boyfriend at a neutral place like a shopping mall or a restaurant. The interactions between your boyfriend and your parents don't have to be long, but should help to put both sides more at ease. Find ways to connect your parents’ interests to your boyfriend. Just like when you meet new people. You're more likely to enjoy being with someone who has common interests. Figure out ways to connect the hobbies, interests, and personalities of your parents to your boyfriend. For example, let's say that your boyfriend is soccer sports fan and watches other sports. Maybe your parents are devoted sports fans. Even if they aren't fans of the same team or sport, there may be things that they can talk about. Or let's say that your boyfriend plays a musical instrument, and your parents love jazz, you could see if your boyfriend could play a song that they enjoy. Avoid taking sides. You may feel torn between your parents and your boyfriend. But it's not about who's right or who's wrong. It about reconstructing each side's ideas about each other. Focus on being understanding. Tell you parents that ultimatums will likely be less helpful than having your parents get know your boyfriend. Find ways to see compromise as a benefit for them and your boyfriend. Remind your parents that you love them, and you're not trying to hurt them with your choice of boyfriend. Ask for mutual respect from your parents. It may be hard to understand your parents' ways or beliefs. They may seem to show little respect for your own choices. Try to take the high road and focus on being kind even if it's tough. Show them that you can be respectful, even if you continue to see your boyfriend. Avoid alienating yourself from your family just because they say they don't like your boyfriend. Understand that their thoughts about your boyfriend may change with time. If you continue to be kind, polite, and mature, they are likely to be less overbearing about your boyfriend. Treat them as you would like to be treated. Find ways for your boyfriend to feel more included in your family. Even if your family may be initially hesitant to include your boyfriend, find ways to have your boyfriend become more integrated into your family's life. If your parents say they don't want to see him, don't assume that they will always act that way. Your parents may feel initial shock or worry when meeting a new boyfriend of yours. It may simply take time for them to feel more comfortable. Make your boyfriend feel welcome at your home or in your life. Provide your boyfriend with reassurance that your parents may change their minds with time.

Talk with them about your boyfriend. Listen to their perspective. Avoid being immediately defensive. Respond to their concerns with respect. Prep your boyfriend about expectations. Have introductions in low pressure settings. Find ways to connect your parents’ interests to your boyfriend. Avoid taking sides. Ask for mutual respect from your parents. Find ways for your boyfriend to feel more included in your family.

https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Someone-if-They%27re-Okay

How to Ask Someone if They're Okay

To ask someone if they're okay, find a time when they'll be alone and not distracted so you can have an open, honest conversation. There are many different ways you can ask if someone's okay, like, “Are you okay?” or “How have you been lately?” If there's something specific you're concerned about, you can also mention it. For example, say something like, “I know your granddad died recently. I was just wondering how you're doing?” If they open up to you, show your support by saying something like, "I'm sorry you feel like that. That must be hard for you." Avoid telling them you know how they feel, since you can never really know what someone's experiencing. Instead, ask how you can help or offer to hang out with them sometime.

Have a private conversation. Choose the right place to talk to your friend. If you ask them in front of people, they might become embarrassed and not answer honestly. For example, if you're out to coffee or lunch, your friend may not want other people to hear their response, even if they're strangers. If you want to talk, pick a time when it's just the two of you. Have the conversation in private where there are no prying ears. Talk in the car, on a walk, or another private place. Remove any distractions. Don't ask your friend when they are in the middle of working on something, on their phone, talking to someone, or when they have something on their mind, like a test tomorrow. Ideally, you want your friend to have some time to talk without having any interruptions or distractions. For example, if you're at your friend's house and their parents or siblings often interrupt, go somewhere where interruptions will not occur. Feel prepared to talk. You should feel prepared to listen, talk, and support your friend. Don't be distracted by anything, and have some time set aside for your friend. Don't have other things on your mind or things that might distract you, like anticipating a phone call. Set aside some time that you have free. Remember that you cannot 'fix' someone's problems. If the person isn't ready to talk or doesn't want to, be prepared to let it go. If you think you might get nervous talking about something personal, you could write down some bullet points you want to address. Take a friendly yet concerned approach. When talking to your friend, be warm, open, and gentle. Show that you are concerned and want to help and support them. While you might choose to approach the conversation casually, make sure they know that you care. Say, “I'm concerned about you and want to know if you're doing okay.” Nonverbal cues can help communicate your concern. Sit facing them and make eye contact when you speak. It if feels appropriate, you could place a hand on their shoulder to let them know you care. Ask how they are. Once both of you appear ready to talk, begin asking some questions. You can start by simply asking, “Are you okay?” Keep in mind that there are lots of ways to see how your friend is doing. Ask, “How have you been lately?” You can also ask, “How are you doing? Do you want to talk?” Starting the conversation can be the hardest part. Jump right in and allow them to respond however they choose. Mention something specific. If there's something that worries you or concerns you, bring it up. Especially if your friend is surprised or somewhat defensive to your questions, expand a bit more. Talk about what you've noticed and why it concerns you. For example, say, “I've noticed you're spending a lot of time alone lately. Are you doing okay?” You can also say, “You've been really secretive. Is there something going on?” Try to stick to objective observations without adding any assumptions or accusations. Avoid confrontation. Notice if the person doesn't want to talk about it or if they feel immediately defensive. You don't want to cause a fight or argument. If the person is not responsive to your questions, drop it. Reiterate that you're concerned and that you're there for them. If the person is getting defensive, ask, “Is there someone else you'd like to talk to?” or, “I'll leave you alone, but please don't hesitate to call if you want to talk.” Understand that it might take a few conversations for them to open up about whatever's going on. Try not to push the issue in your first conversation or two. Talk about suicide. If your friend is suicidal, stay calm and stay with them. Talk with them about suicide and get help if needed. They might tell you how they are feeling or what they want to do. If you're worried, ask, “Are you thinking of hurting yourself or taking your life?” If the person is scared to ask for help, tell them to call a suicide crisis like (like 1-800-SUICIDE) or emergency services. After the call, offer to help them find a mental health professional or follow up on whatever suggestions the hotline operator made. Be available to listen. It's not enough just to ask your friend if they are okay. The important part comes next, when you show them that you're available to listen and support them. Make sure you have time to listen if they decide to open up. Lean in and make eye contact frequently. Nod your head and give some feedback that you're listening by saying, “Uh huh” or, “I see.” Reflect what they are saying to show that you understand the content and the feelings they're expressing. For example, say, “I'm so sorry that makes you feel sad and angry.” Avoid saying you know how they feel. It's best just to be there for them and empathize the best you can with what they are experiencing. Avoid judgments. Even if you disagree with the person, don't immediately say so or start an argument. Don't blame them for their experience, even if you think their problems are their fault. Keep in mind that you asked them if something is wrong. Whatever your opinion, keep it to yourself, at least for today. For example, if your friend admits that they have a drug problem, don't chastise them for doing drugs. Listen and show your support in admitting their problem. Acknowledge their experience. When listening to your friend open up, acknowledge their experience and how it makes them feel. If they are having a hard time, notice and acknowledge this difficulty. Show that you're listening and sympathetic toward their feelings. Try to simply listen and empathize for a bit before offering any advice. You might ask, “What are you thinking about doing about that?” Helping them formulate their own solutions can help them feel empowered. If you don't know what to say, consider, “It sounds like this is difficult for you” or simply, 'That sucks.” Encourage action. If their situation needs action, encourage them to take the next steps. You might encourage them to see a therapist, look into rehabilitation facilities, or talk to their family and friends. Perhaps you might encourage them to take some medications or take some time off from work or school. Say, “Thanks for opening up to me. I think it may be best for you to consider talking to a professional or getting some help.” Stay in contact. Check in on the person to see how they are doing. Let them know you haven't forgotten about them. Send a text, ring them on the telephone, or see them in person. Let them know you are there to support them and help them when they need it. Continue asking, “How are you doing?” to follow up with them. Ask, “What can I help you with?”

Have a private conversation. Remove any distractions. Feel prepared to talk. Take a friendly yet concerned approach. Ask how they are. Mention something specific. Avoid confrontation. Talk about suicide. Be available to listen. Avoid judgments. Acknowledge their experience. Encourage action. Stay in contact.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Sand-Timer-from-Recycled-Plastic-Bottles

How to Make a Sand Timer from Recycled Plastic Bottles

To make an easy DIY sand timer, find two clear plastic water bottles that are the same size and shape. Start by taking the caps off and gluing their tops together. When the glue is dry, make a hole through the center of the caps and screw the double cap onto one of the bottles. Then, pour sand through the hole into the bottle for one minute, or however long you want your timer to last. To finish, screw the empty bottle into the other cap and wrap some tape around the neck seam.

Find two, clear plastic bottles that are the same size and shape. The shorter the bottles are, the more stable your timer will be. For a more realistic hourglass, try to use bulb-shaped bottles, such as Method or Orangina. Make sure that you take the labels off. Use soap and warm water to clean off any residue. Wipe the bottles clean with rubbing alcohol afterwards. Take the caps off, glue them together, and let the glue dry. Draw a ring of glue around the top the first cap. Be careful not to get any glue in the middle, or you won't be able to make the hole. Place the second cap on top of the glue. Make sure that the tops of both caps are touching. You should only see the underside/inside of each cap. Use a strong glue, such as super glue or epoxy glue. Regular school glue or hot glue will not be strong enough. Punch a hole through the middle of the glued-together caps. You can use an electric drill to do this, or a hammer and nail. Experiment with different hole sizes. The larger the hole is, the faster the sand will flow through. The smaller the hole is, the slower the sand will flow through. If you are a child, ask an adult to help you with this step. Some caps have a plastic disk inside them. This can make drilling the hole difficult. Use a flat screwdriver to pop this disk out before you drill the hole. Screw the cap onto the first bottle, just like you normally would. The only difference is that now, you will have a second cap on top of your bottle. Don't worry about this one just yet. Make sure that the sand you are using is very dry. If you use damp sand, the sand will clump up in your bottles. Even if you bought your sand from the store, it might be a good idea to spread it out on a baking sheet, and leave it out in the sun for 1 hour. Try using colored sand. You can find it in the floral section of an arts and crafts shop. Add some fine scrapbooking glitter to your sand to make it look more magical. Plain sand and gold glitter will look great together. White sand and iridescent glitter will also look pretty. Start filling the second bottle with sand. If you don't care how long your sand timer takes, fill the bottle two-thirds of the way with sand. If you want your timer to run for a specific amount of time, then time yourself filling the bottle using a stopwatch. For example: If you want your sand timer to last 1 minute, fill the bottle for 1 minute. Screw the empty bottle onto the sand-filled bottle. Keep the sand-filled bottle on the table. Turn the empty bottle upside down. Align the cap with the neck of the sand-filled bottle. Screw the cap unto the bottle until it is tight. Test your sand timer. Turn your sand timer upside down. The sand should be flowing smoothly from one bottle to the next. If you have a specific amount of time for your timer in mind (such as 1 minute), pull out a stopwatch and stop timing it. Be careful when handling your sand timer. The glue holding the caps together will not be very stable. Hold your timer by the seam/neck. Make any necessary adjustments after the sand has finished flowing. Unscrew the bottles first, and keep the sand-filled one standing upright. If the sand is not flowing smoothly enough, make the hole larger. If the bottom bottle is taking too long to fill, empty out some sand. If the bottom bottle fills too quickly, you will need to add more sand. Once you have made the adjustments, screw the bottles back together. Wrap some tape around the neck seam. Once you are happy with your timer, you will need to secure the necks together. Get some sturdy tape, such as duct tape, and wrap it tightly around the necks of the bottle. Start at the bottom neck, work your way up past the seam, and finish at the top neck. You may want to do this a few times for extra durability. Use your timer. Turn your timer so that the empty bottle is on the bottom. When the sand flows all the way down, the time is up. Flip your timer over if you'd like to use it again. Trace two large squares on a sheet of cardboard. The squares need to be about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) larger than the base of your bottle. Use a ruler to make the squares even. Cut the squares out using a box cutter or craft knife. If you are a child making this project, ask an adult to help you with this step. Find four wooden dowels that are the same height as your sand timer. If you need to, trim the dowels down. If you can't find any dowels, glue three wooden skewers together; this counts as one dowel. You will need 12 skewers total. Paint the cardboard and dowels and wait for the paint to dry. You can use acrylic paint or spray paint. They can all be one color, or even different colors. Make sure that you paint the edges of your cardboard squares as well. Glue the cardboard squares to the top and bottom of your sand timer, and let the glue dry. Cover the bottom of your sand timer with glue, and press it into the middle of the first cardboard square. Cover the top of your sand timer with glue, and press the other cardboard square on top. You can use any type of thick glue for this: school glue, wood glue, hot glue, or epoxy. Glue in the dowels between the cardboard squares. Place a drop of glue on the bottom of the first dowel. Press the dowel into the corner of the bottom square. Place a drop of glue on top of the dowel, and slide it under the top square. Make sure that the dowel is as straight as possible. Repeat this step for the other three dowels. Decorate your finished sand timer further. You can leave your sand timer plain, or you can decorate it further. Here are some ideas to get you started: Wrap some ribbon around the dowels. Cover the edges of the cardboard squares with glitter glue. Draw designs on the top and bottom cardboard square using glitter glue. Let the glue dry before you do the other side. Glue one some plastic rhinestones or jewels along the dowels. Add on some glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the top and bottom cardboard squares.

Find two, clear plastic bottles that are the same size and shape. Take the caps off, glue them together, and let the glue dry. Punch a hole through the middle of the glued-together caps. Screw the cap onto the first bottle, just like you normally would. Make sure that the sand you are using is very dry. Start filling the second bottle with sand. Screw the empty bottle onto the sand-filled bottle. Test your sand timer. Make any necessary adjustments after the sand has finished flowing. Wrap some tape around the neck seam. Use your timer. Trace two large squares on a sheet of cardboard. Cut the squares out using a box cutter or craft knife. Find four wooden dowels that are the same height as your sand timer. Paint the cardboard and dowels and wait for the paint to dry. Glue the cardboard squares to the top and bottom of your sand timer, and let the glue dry. Glue in the dowels between the cardboard squares. Decorate your finished sand timer further.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Squirrels-from-Eating-Your-Birdseed

How to Stop Squirrels from Eating Your Birdseed

To stop squirrels from eating your birdseed, try filling the birdseed with foods that squirrels don't like. For example, place nyjer, safflower, or millet seeds in your feeder, which are all seeds that birds eat but squirrels don't like. You can also add things to bird food that squirrels don't like. Mix in hot pepper, which squirrels won't eat. If these options don't work, try distracting the squirrels. Set up a squirrel feeder in a different part of your yard and fill it with nuts or corn to keep them occupied.

Use squirrel-proof feeders. There are several on the market that are weight-activated, allowing birds to feed but not squirrels. Some have better features, and might last longer, but are also a bit on the expensive side. Use a squirrel-resistant feeder if you are budget minded. These tend to be less expensive, and are not quite as sturdy but will do the trick. These feeders will definitely slow down the seed consumption and might work if you only have an occasional squirrel, but are not truly squirrel-proof like the choices above. Use baffles to prevent a squirrel or raccoon from climbing to a feeder. Baffles can be hung or placed on poles or posts and they work if used correctly. The magic formula is ten feet by five feet. That is, athletic squirrels can jump ten feet horizontally and five feet vertically. Pole baffles are the easiest to situate. You can use either a straight pole or a shepherd's staff pole, just make sure that it is tall enough. Place the pole ten feet away from any trees, fence or other structure from where the squirrel might jump. Mount the baffle five feet high on the pole. Make sure that feeders hang above the top of the baffle. If you want to hang a baffle, the best way is to string a wire between two trees, place the baffle in the middle, ten feet away from either tree, and hang the feeder underneath the baffle. Make sure the bottom of the feeder is above five feet. Metal baffles tend to be most effective. Buy foods that squirrels do not like. Nyjer seed, millet, safflower, canary seed and canola seed all are ingredients that squirrels avoid. Unfortunately a hungry squirrel will eat anything that will provide it nourishment. Mix hot pepper (capsicum) into birdseed. It is a non-toxic ingredient and will not harm or kill birds. It will not lower body temperature and will not freeze birds in cold climates. Pepper seeds are disseminated naturally by birds eating these seeds in the wild. The only caveat might be the use of powdered hot pepper. This powdered form is not natural to birds and if wind-blown could cause temporary discomfort to the eyes due to nerves about the mucous membrane. An alternative would be the use of crushed hot pepper flakes, hot pepper seeds, hot peppercorns (whole or cracked) or coarsely ground hot pepper. Try diversion feeding. It doesn't always work that well, but if you can't beat the squirrels, at least enjoy them! Get a squirrel feeder and give them a little corn or some critter munchies. They can be very entertaining when pursuing their own food. If you prefer the entertainment value, make the feeder difficult to reach and enjoy their gymnastics trying to reach it. Hang some suet in a small suet wire cage several feet from the feeder, in the squirrels' trees. Suet is very cheap and it bribes the squirrels to eat the suet, which can help encourage them to leave the bird feeder alone. Once again, the entertainment factor will be high. Consider relocating the squirrels if there isn't much else working. Relocation is not as effective as some of the other method. You can eliminate problem squirrels by using live traps to harmlessly catch them. However, be aware that relocating squirrels to another area is often a death sentence for the squirrels. Moreover, squirrel populations tend to build back up quickly, so this can be an ongoing effort. Make sure to take the squirrels several miles away and give them a nice, new home with lots of trees. Do not relocate nursing females. Know the local regulations concerning relocating wild animals.

Use squirrel-proof feeders. Use a squirrel-resistant feeder if you are budget minded. Use baffles to prevent a squirrel or raccoon from climbing to a feeder. Buy foods that squirrels do not like. Mix hot pepper (capsicum) into birdseed. Try diversion feeding. Hang some suet in a small suet wire cage several feet from the feeder, in the squirrels' trees. Consider relocating the squirrels if there isn't much else working.

https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Together-a-Welcome-Home-Party

How to Put Together a Welcome Home Party

As you make plans for a friend's or loved one's homecoming, keep the preferences and personality of the guest of honor in mind. Set the date of the party at least a week after the honoree returns to allow some time to unpack and rest. Salute the honoree's time away by incorporating their trip into the party's theme. For example, you can serve food or drinks from the country they've returned from, or choose decorations related to their trip like maps, photos, or flags.

Keep the guest of honor in mind as you plan the gathering. Plan a party you know they will enjoy, whether that's a large or small gathering, an informal shindig or a formal sit-down dinner. Also consider how long they've been gone, and why they were travelling: someone who has been away months or years, or was away for military service, may need more time to rest and adjust before they're ready to celebrate. Select a date about a week after the guest of honor gets back. This will give them time to rest and unpack. Consider what day of the week and time of day will be good for all your guests, but be particularly sure it is convenient for your guest of honor. Choose a location that will be right for your party. An informal get-together will probably work best at a home, whether yours or the guest of honor's. For a larger or more formal affair, you may want to reserve space at a restaurant or rental hall. Weigh the cost involved in reserving space elsewhere with the work involved in preparing for a party in one's home. Invite the guests 1-3 weeks before the party. The method you use to invite guests should be determined by the formality of the party: a larger affair or a sit-down dinner suggests printed invitations or perhaps an e-vite. A call, text, or social media message is fine for more casual gatherings. Choose a theme for your party based on your guest’s travels. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with simple balloons or flowers to make a space feel festive, a welcome-home party is a great opportunity to plan and decorate according to a theme. You can use your party's food, drinks, and decorations to commemorate where your guest of honor has been, or the hometown or state to which they've returned. Decorate with your guest’s travels in mind. Photographs and mementos or their trip make great decorations, but don't ask the honoree to go to too much trouble for a party in their honor. Check out travel magazines and search the internet for ideas and inspiration about the culture, famous destinations, and natural features of the places they've been visiting. Look for old maps, postcards, or other materials you can re-purpose. For returning college students, look for pennants or flags, as well as and other decorations, in the school colors of their new university. Incorporate the college's mascot or motto into invitations or banners. If the university has a fight song, play it as your guest arrives. If your guest of honor is a military service member returning home from deployment, patriotic decorations are an easy and impactful choice. Red, white, and blue balloons, banners, and tableware, American flags, and patriotic music can all help express your pride and appreciation for their service. Let your hometown inspire your decorations. Celebrate the home to which your guest is returning in a way that will be meaningful to them. The skyline of your city, or the outline of your home state, can make a great visual motif to welcome anyone home. Think about a map of the Bay Area on the invitations, a Texas-shaped cake, or a Chicago skyline in washi tape along a wall or fence. Incorporate your guest's favorite things about your hometown or state into your decorations. You might wish to include local sports teams' colors or logos, nearby attractions, or regional features like beaches, mountains, forests, or lakes. Serve a variety of drinks. Offer a choice of non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, soda, coffee, and lemonade. If you are also serving alcohol, have at least three or four choices of beer, wine, or cocktails. Offer local beers or regional wines from your hometown or state to welcome your guest back home. Or, provide drinks that commemorate the places they've visited: tea from Japan or England, wine from France or South America, beer from Australia. Consider mixing up a festive bowl of punch (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), especially if your guest has been visiting a tropical locale. Serve a selection of finger foods. A great party “spread” has something for everyone to enjoy, so offer a variety of snacks. Solid standby choices include chips and dip, small sandwiches or “sliders,” or a fruit and vegetable or cheese and cracker tray. Or, you can personalize the refreshments to your guest of honor and their travels. To commemorate your guest of honor's return home, serve local or regional specialties, whether that's New York-style pizza or Cincinnati chili, Tex-Mex or crab cakes. Offer a few dishes from the locations your guest has been visiting, if you can. Don't try to prepare new-to-you dishes that are complex or challenging: keep it simple, or have it catered. Welcome the guest of honor home. You may want to say a few words when they arrive, invite your guests to welcome them with applause, or simply provide time for everyone to greet the honoree individually. Create a “selfie wall. ” Get the fun of a photobooth with a fraction of the effort. Concentrate some of your decorations (balloons, signs, maps, pictures, you name it) in one space, such as a blank wall or fence. Invite guests to take photos: of themselves and each other, and especially with the guest of honor. Encourage them to share their selfies and other party pictures by creating a hashtag for the party on social media, or create a group or shareable photo album online. Make a book of “welcome home” messages. Buy a blank book, or provide paper and pens for your guests to write messages welcoming back your guest of honor. These messages can be collected in an album with photos, or incorporated into a number of DIY projects to make a keepsake, similar to a wedding guest book. Maps, globes, and printed photographs with messages would all make appropriate mementos for the honoree's return home. Wrap the party up after two or three hours. Ideally, everyone present should have a chance to welcome and catch up with the guest of honor, but be sure the event doesn't last so long that he or she is tired out. This is especially true if the honoree has just arrived home a few days ago, or was gone for a long time. Make sure the honoree doesn’t have to clean up at the end. If the party is held at the guest of honor's home, arrange for family or friends to clean up after the event. A line of empty cans and a stack of dirty dishes in the sink would be a poor way to welcome back your friend or loved one.

Keep the guest of honor in mind as you plan the gathering. Select a date about a week after the guest of honor gets back. Choose a location that will be right for your party. Invite the guests 1-3 weeks before the party. Choose a theme for your party based on your guest’s travels. Decorate with your guest’s travels in mind. Let your hometown inspire your decorations. Serve a variety of drinks. Serve a selection of finger foods. Welcome the guest of honor home. Create a “selfie wall. Make a book of “welcome home” messages. Wrap the party up after two or three hours. Make sure the honoree doesn’t have to clean up at the end.

https://www.wikihow.com/Study-in-One-Day

How to Study in One Day

If you're trying to study in a day, first review your notes and highlight important information, then repeat key concepts out loud so they'll stick. Try re-writing information or using mnemonic devices for facts and ideas you need to memorize, or make flash cards so you can quiz yourself on terms and definitions. If you can, find a quiet place to study where you won't be interrupted, like the library, and turn off your phone so you're not distracted.

Find somewhere new to study. Study somewhere away from distractions, such as your bed or your friends. Going to a new physical space will allow you to focus solely on the task at hand. Make sure to find a place where you will not have to move for a while. A quiet room, library, coffee shop, or your study desk are ideal options. Bring all necessary belongings. Make a list of your study essentials before you leave so you do not forget anything. This may include your textbook, notes, computer, snacks, post-its, highlighters and anything else you may need. Make sure not to bring anything that may distract you. Turn off your phone. Unless you need it to study, try turning off your phone for long periods at a time while you study. This will allow you to be focused for longer without stopping, and reduces the chances of you getting distracted. Decide who to study with. With such a limited amount of time, it is probably best to study alone. However, it is sometimes helpful to work with a small group in order to compare notes and talk through concepts together. If you decide a study group will help you, make sure to choose classmates who are at least as smart as you so they don't slow you down. Be careful of studying with friends. It is easy to get distracted if you are only studying with good friends. Make sure your study group has some members that you only know from class. Review your notes. If you don't have your own, make sure to have a copy of the notes from someone who you trust. Re-reading your notes is important, but it is not enough. Go over and highlight key words and concepts or use post-its to signify important sections. Try writing summaries of your notes for each chapter or major concept. Write them in the simplest terms on a separate piece of paper. These summaries can help guide your study day. Read your notes out of order as you review them. This will allow you to make sure you know each piece of information on its own, rather than part of a series. Say it out loud. Make sure you are saying the information out loud as you review it. It will be easier to remember if your brain is hearing and pronouncing and not merely reading the information. Try teaching a chapter or concept to an imaginary student. This will force you to fully articulate the subject. It will be clear whether or not you have a handle on the material if you try to explain it to someone else. You can also do this with a study group or partner. Use memorization tricks. As you prepare lots of last-minute memorization, it will be helpful if you use some memorization techniques. Re-writing information over and over again may help it stick in your brain. Make sure to copy the fact or idea at least three times for this method to work. Use mnemonic devices. Mnemonic devices are techniques that help your brain retain information. Creating rhymes, acronyms, and songs that you can associate with the material will help you recall it. Make flash cards. Write terms and their full definitions on a set of notecards or cue cards. This will allow you to test yourself throughout the day. They are also useful on the day of the test, as you can review them on the bus, or in line for lunch. Use your textbook effectively. Simply re-reading your textbook will not help you retain information, especially when you only have one day to study. Look for chapter summaries and bolded keywords as you review and pay attention to chapter introductions and conclusions, as they usually contain essential summarizing information. Look for review questions at the end of chapters, or in the back of your textbook. It is important to be testing yourself whenever possible to better gauge what you still need to work on. Create a study guide. A study guide is an effective way to force you to review all your material. It can also be useful to look over the day of the test for a quick refresher. Type out a list of all the material you need to cover, including key terms, dates, and concepts. Next, go back and fill in each area using your notes, either typed or handwritten. Putting these ideas into your own words and writing them out will really help cement them in your mind. A friend or classmate may have created their own study guide which you might be tempted to borrow when you are short on time. However, the act of creating your own study guide will force you to put the information into your own words and copying out the material will help it stick in your mind. Study for the test you are taking. Even with a time crunch, you need to make sure you prepare properly for the test depending on the format that it takes. Refer to the syllabus or your class notes to establish what format the test will take. If you are unsure, be sure to contact a classmate so you are studying for the right thing. For multiple choice tests, questions will usually be geared towards smaller details and facts, as well as vocabulary and definitions. There may also be questions about sequences and steps. Questions that ask about the similarities and differences between things are also common on multiple choice tests. While it may be difficult to memorize all the tiny details with a limited amount of time, focus on specific areas rather than attempting to conquer the entire subject. For essay or short answer tests, you will be asked to have a good understanding of wide themes and ideas. Try preparing a few sample questions based on the textbook and syllabus. Time yourself for 15 minutes and write out a detailed outline for each question, as if you were going to turn it into a full essay. Be sure to memorize some key terms and examples that you can use for support in your essay questions during the actual test. Know exactly what is being covered. Make sure you're clear about what you are being tested on. This may include date ranges, specific scientific theories, or mathematic equations. If you are unsure, as a classmate to verify what material you are being tested on. This is essential to your success, especially with such little time to lose. Make a schedule. Divide up the hours in the day and decide what you will focus on when. Make sure you allow yourself time to sleep. Make a list of everything you need to know. Review the syllabus or any handouts given to you by your teacher. Figure out exactly what is being covered and create your own list of the material you need to review. Take lots of breaks. Make sure that you are allowing yourself frequent breaks so that you do not burn out. Consider working for 45 minutes, and then taking a 15-minute break. During your break, feel free to check your email, use your phone, or get up and walk around. One way of creating a break schedule for yourself is the 50/10 method. Study diligently for 50 minutes, without distractions. Hold yourself accountable. If you stop or get distracted, restart the 50 minutes. Once you have had a completely undistracted 50 minutes, go on a 10-minute break. This will force you to be much more productive when you are studying. Establish major concepts. Create a list of the major theoretical or categorical concepts, and make sure you understand them. As you are studying last minute, it is most important that you understand the largest concepts first. While you may be tested on small details, it is first important to grasp the large theories in order to give yourself a context for the smaller facts. Organize terms and facts according to these larger groupings. This is a technique called "chunking." It is easier to memorize individual concepts when you are putting them in relationship to a greater whole Review your syllabus. Usually, your teacher hands out a syllabus at the beginning of the year or semester detailing all the material that will be covered in the course. Refer back to the syllabus to ensure that you have not missed any areas of study. You can also use the syllabus to guide your study. There is a good chance that your professor organized the material in a specific way to guide your learning. Use the syllabus to help you find ways to look at the course material from a larger perspective, and figure out how to best organize this mass of information.

Find somewhere new to study. Bring all necessary belongings. Turn off your phone. Decide who to study with. Review your notes. Say it out loud. Use memorization tricks. Make flash cards. Use your textbook effectively. Create a study guide. Study for the test you are taking. Know exactly what is being covered. Make a schedule. Make a list of everything you need to know. Take lots of breaks. Establish major concepts. Review your syllabus.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Foster-Parent

How to Become a Foster Parent

If you're thinking of becoming a foster parent, take a parent training class to learn about the issues that foster children face and decide if you're up for the challenge. Find ways to be an advocate for disadvantaged children and determine if you have the parental maturity necessary to nurture a foster child. When you're ready, you can start an application and discuss details of a placement with a caseworker, who will tell you how to prepare your home and family to foster.

Contact your local or state agency that oversees the foster care system. The foster care process is usually administered by the state, which means it changes based on where you live. Contact a local foster care agency to learn more about what it takes to adopt a foster child, and what it's like. There should be an orientation which you can attend which provides you with an overview of the process. Know some of the things that make a good foster parent. There is no single prototype for the "perfect" foster parents. In fact, they come in many shapes and sizes. But there are several things that set outstanding foster parents apart from the pack: Family stability and personal maturity Being a steady advocate for children Being a "team player" with your family and your welfare worker Know what is not needed to become a foster parent. There are several misconceptions about who you need to be or what you need to have in order to become a foster parent. You do not need to be married in order to become a foster parent You do not need to own or live in your own home You do not need to be wealthy You do not need to already be a parent or have kids of your own You do not need to be young You do not need to be a stay-at-home parent Begin attending your pre-service parent training classes. Before you officially begin the application process, states usually make you complete a pre-service training class designed to teach you about the sorts of challenges foster youth routinely face. These are free through your state agency and are usually scheduled at times that will work for people who work 9 to 5 jobs. These classes usually run 4 - 10 weeks, but states will vary. Start the application process. After you've completed your pre-service training, you'll be asked to start the (sometimes labor-intensive) process of filling out paperwork and due-diligence. During this phase, you may be asked to provide: Income verification through your employer. (Again, you do not need to be wealthy to become a foster parent, and many expenses associated with the raising of foster youth are reimbursable.) Criminal record screening at all three levels — local, state, federal Letters of reference from your employer as well as from personal acquaintances Age verification by birth certificate or other legal means Meet your caseworker. After the pre-screening and pre-service training have been completed, you get to meet your caseworker. It's very important to get off on a good footing with your caseworker; be honest, open, and thoughtful about your experiences and your motivation behind becoming a foster parent. After you meet your caseworker and complete an interview with them, you'll be expected to do the following: Be responsive to the caseworker's requests in a responsible, timely, and open manner. Honor your caseworker's requests for documents and information. Pledge to maintain confidentiality about children in foster care as well as the details surrounding their family. Accommodate your caseworker on required home inspections and criminal background checks. Do a home study. In some states, a home study is required. A home study is a document your caseworker compiles intended to learn more about you, your family history, and your personal relationships. A home study is conducted through a series of questions and interviews, and can last anywhere from three to six months. Generally, a home study includes: Family background and any relevant parenting experiences Education and employment Personal relationships and social life Information about your home and the neighborhood you live in Your reasons for wanting to foster parent and your readiness to do so Wait for your caseworker to make their recommendations. It can take upwards of a year from when you first contact the foster parent agency until you are given a foster placement. During the waiting period, while your caseworker is making their determination, it's a good idea to stay busy and receptive to any questions your case worker might have. During this time, do as much research as you can about the types of issues foster children will have. Some come into the system abused — sexually, mentally and physically — and this presents serious issues for the both the foster youth and parents. Contact your state foster parent association and talk to other foster parents for insights and advice. Network with them and find out firsthand what's it's like to be a foster or adoptive parent. If a caseworker comes to you with questions which you think may put your eligibility in doubt, never lie. If your caseworker believes you to be deceptive or dishonest, your eligibility will suffer. Most issues that come up can be worked around. The best policy is openness with your caseworker. After your application is accepted, start preparing your home and life for the addition of a child. Your local agency will require a number of safety features in your home, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and the like. Don't let a simple oversight derail your plans so late in the game! Follow the safety recommendation for the child's sake and for yours. Learn as much as possible about the placement process from your placement coordinator. Your placement coordinator should give you information about how other children in your home could be affected by the placement, and what the chances of the child returning to its birth family are. It's important to remember that upwards of 50% of foster youth are reunited with their birth families after being placed in foster care — being a foster parent often doesn't last long! If you are feeling weary, unsure, or unwilling to accept the placement, know that you have the right to back out of the placement request before it's finalized. Examine your family's budget. While there are no requirements to be a foster parent concerning age, race, preference, gender, or religion, you must be able to financially support yourself and any members of your current household. Make sure you understand the financial responsibilities of being a foster parent. In most states, foster children are covered with Medicaid cards, which includes medical, dental and counseling services. If the child needs daycare, this is a cost you'll probably be responsible for. Again, this differs from state to state; some states include a monthly stipend for childcare. Buy the items that you would need to care for a child in the first 48 hours they are in your house. A few sets of clothes for the age group you are willing to care for, age appropriate toys, food, hygiene items, etc. Begin living with your newly-placed foster child. Understand that the initial transition can be quite rough for the foster youth; not everything is going to be rosy right from the get-go. But with a little bit of gumption and a lot of patience and love, your foster youth should ultimately understand that your intentions are pure and that your love is real. Form emotional bonds with your foster youth, but don't expect them to stay for very long. Foster care can last a matter of weeks or months, but it rarely drags on forever. More than half of foster youth are eventually reunited with their natural parents. If reunification with their birth parents is no longer possible, you may be able to adopt your foster youth. This may only happen after the legal rights of the parents have been officially severed. Continue to work with your caseworker to help meet the day to day needs of the foster youth. Stay in touch with your caseworker. They will help you better provide for your foster youth, if only with moral support. Avoid foster parent burnout. Give yourself some TLC. In order to physically, emotionally, and psychologically provide for your foster youth, you need to provide for yourself. To help avoid burning out, enlist the help of babysitters and respite care. In most states, babysitters 18 or older can legally sit foster youth, although your particular state may have a provision against it. Ask your caseworker for more details if you are unsure. Respite care is a temporary handing over of the foster youth to another caregiver in order to give the foster parent(s) a break. Again, check with your caseworker for more information about respite care.

Contact your local or state agency that oversees the foster care system. Know some of the things that make a good foster parent. Know what is not needed to become a foster parent. Begin attending your pre-service parent training classes. Start the application process. Meet your caseworker. Do a home study. Wait for your caseworker to make their recommendations. After your application is accepted, start preparing your home and life for the addition of a child. Learn as much as possible about the placement process from your placement coordinator. Examine your family's budget. Buy the items that you would need to care for a child in the first 48 hours they are in your house. Begin living with your newly-placed foster child. Avoid foster parent burnout.

https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Chicken

How to Eat Chicken

To eat chicken that's been sautéed or that's boneless, use a fork and knife. Hold the chicken down with the fork and use the knife to cut it into bite-size pieces. If you're eating fried chicken or chicken wings, you can use your hands to eat it. If you do use your hands, avoid licking your fingers in public, which is considered rude. If you're ever in doubt, just look around and see how everyone else is eating their chicken.

Eat chicken with utensils. Usually, sautéed or boneless chicken is eaten with a fork and knife. Use the knife to cut the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces. If you're eating chicken with bones in it, use the knife to hold the chicken in place while you pull the meat off with the fork. Americans usually hold their knife in their right hand and fork in the left while cutting food. To eat it, they move the fork to their right hand. European diners usually hold their fork in their right hand and the knife in their left. Use your fingers to eat chicken. In most cases, fried and roasted chicken can be politely eaten with your fingers. To do so, pick the chicken up with both hands and take a modest bite. Avoid sucking the chicken off the bone or licking your fingers in public. This is seen as rude and unsanitary. Follow the lead of your host. If you're being served chicken and you're not sure how to eat it, watch your host. If they use their fingers to eat the chicken, you can do so as well. However, if they choose to use a knife and fork, follow their lead. If you don't, you may unintentionally offend someone. Roast a whole chicken. First, rub the chicken with a seasoning blend. Next, cook the chicken in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius) for about an hour. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken. When the thickest part reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius), the chicken is done cooking. Standard chicken seasoning includes 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 crushed garlic clove, a tablespoon of salt, and a tablespoon of pepper. For an aromatic roasted chicken, create a seasoning by combining tablespoons of celery flakes, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Create an herbal seasoning mix from ¼ cup chopped mint, ¼ cup chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, and the juice from a lemon. Make deep-fried chicken. This method works best for pieces of chicken rather than a whole chicken. First, dredge the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture and buttermilk to cover it in batter. Next, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and cook the chicken until it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius.) To season the flour: Create a basic seasoning mixture from 1 ½ tablespoons of garlic salt, 1 tablespoon of pepper, 1 tablespoon of paprika, and ½ a tablespoon of poultry seasoning. To create a Cajun seasoning blend, combine 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, ½ a teaspoon of cayenne, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and 5 dashes of Louisiana hot sauce. Add ¼ tablespoon of cayenne to any seasoning blend to give it a spicy kick. Sautée boneless chicken breasts or thighs. First, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Next, add the chicken and cook it until you can't see any pink. If you're cooking large pieces of chicken, use a cooking thermometer to measure the thickest parts of the chicken. It should reach an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius.) Serve sautéed chicken with cooked vegetables for a nutritious meal. Add sautéed chicken to any pasta dish. Mix the cooked chicken with a can of cream of mushroom soup and serve it over rice. Serve chicken as a main course. Once your chicken is cooked, serve it with a variety of sides. For example, serve fried chicken with barbecue sauce and coleslaw for a savory meal. Other examples of sides include: Healthy roasted vegetables such as roasted potatoes, carrots, and green beans Traditional Southern fried chicken sides, such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens A small garden salad topped with your favorite dressing A small side of leftover fried rice Make a chicken sandwich. This method is great for both leftover and freshly cooked chicken breast. First, toast a sandwich bun with some butter. Next, place the chicken breast on the bun and add whatever toppings you'd like. For example: For a “chicken burger,” add tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and mustard. Top the chicken with coleslaw for a tangy kick. Slather fried chicken breast in barbecue sauce and top it with pickles to make a chicken barbecue sandwich. Make creamy chicken salads. This is a great way to use leftover chicken. First, remove any bones or chicken skin from the leftover chicken. Next, add some seasonings and mayonnaise. Serve the chicken with some fresh lettuce or on toasted wheat bread. To make a sweet, tangy chicken salad, combine: About two cups of diced leftover chicken 1 stalk of celery, diced 1.5 teaspoons of chopped fresh dill 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley 1 cup of mayo 2 teaspoons of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons of kosher salt Add chicken to pastas. This method works best with bite-sized pieces of sautéed chicken. Sautéed chicken can be stirred into any pasta to add flavor and protein to the dish. For example: Add chicken to Alfredo pasta. Stir a cup of cooked chicken into your favorite pasta sauce recipe. Add chopped chicken, olives, and olive oil to cooked bowtie pasta to create a pasta salad.

Eat chicken with utensils. Use your fingers to eat chicken. Follow the lead of your host. Roast a whole chicken. Make deep-fried chicken. Sautée boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Serve chicken as a main course. Make a chicken sandwich. Make creamy chicken salads. Add chicken to pastas.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sue-a-Judge

How to Sue a Judge

In rare circumstances, you can sue a judge in the United States. Judges are immune to being sued for any judicial acts, like rulings, motions, deciding issues, and sentencings. However, you can sue for non-judicial acts, like making racially-charged remarks, making derogatory comments to the media about a party, trying to get a party fired from their job, or physically assaulting one of the parties in the courtroom. Since suing a judge can be a complicated process, consult with a lawyer to see if your case fits into one of the narrow exceptions to judicial immunity. If the lawyer agrees that you have a case, then draft a complaint and file it with the appropriate court. After the lawsuit is filed, engage in the discovery process, when you request and exchange information and documents to help prove your case.

Identify judicial acts. Judges in the United States are immune from suit for any “judicial act” that they perform. This immunity applies even when the judge acts maliciously or corruptly. This is a very broad protection for judges. Generally, the acts a judge performs during your trial or case will be “judicial” and therefore immune. Common judicial acts include: Ruling on motions. Deciding issues, like child custody, alimony, and child support, as well as the outcome of a civil or criminal case when the judge is acting as the finder of fact. Sentencing you or arraigning you for a crime. Realize you may sue for non-judicial acts. Non-judicial acts are those acts which are not normally performed by a judge. Some acts which have been found “non-judicial” include: making repeated racially-charged comments about a party with the hopes of getting people, including the party's attorney, to distance themselves from the party making repeated derogatory comments to the media about a party trying to get a party fired from his or her job physically assaulting one of the parties in the courtroom. Meet with a lawyer. Because you cannot sue judges except in limited situations, you need to meet with a lawyer to see if your case fits into one of the narrow exceptions to judicial immunity. During a consultation, you can explain the facts of your case, and the lawyer can advise you whether you have a legal case against the judge. You can find a civil rights attorney by visiting your state's bar association, which should run a referral program. You may be worried about the cost of a lawyer. Keep the following points in mind. First, federal law allows some plaintiffs in civil rights lawsuits to recover “reasonable attorneys' fees” if they win. This means that the defendant would have to pay for your lawyer if you prevailed. Second, many civil rights attorneys will represent you on “contingency.” Under this arrangement, the lawyer will not charge legal fees. Instead, you will pay a portion of any amount awarded to you at trial. Although you will still be responsible for court costs (such as the cost of court reporters or filing fees), some lawyers will advance you these costs. If you have a decent case against the judge, then you should hire the attorney to represent you. The judge certainly will have lawyers, so you need professional representation as well. File a complaint. If your attorney thinks that you have a good case, then your lawyer will have to draft a complaint and file it with the appropriate court. The complaint alleges the facts surrounding the dispute, the legal justification for the lawsuit, and your requested relief. The basis of your lawsuit against a judge will probably be that you were deprived of your civil rights. These suits are called “section 1983” cases, which is the section of a federal statute that authorizes them. Defend against a motion to dismiss. The judge will undoubtedly try to get the case dismissed by filing a motion to dismiss. The motion will argue that the judge is protected by judicial immunity, which is absolute. Your attorney will need to argue that the alleged conduct was not judicial in nature and that the lawsuit should proceed. Engage in discovery. “Discovery” is a process parties engage in after a lawsuit is filed. They request and exchange information and documents in each other's possession or control. The most common discovery methods include: Requests for Production. You can request that the defendant turn over any document relating to the case. Documents also include electronic documents, such as emails. Interrogatories. You can have the judge answer written questions. Parties answer Interrogatories under oath. Requests for Admission. You can tender specific facts and ask the other party to admit or deny them. Usually, the facts are basic ones, e.g., that you appeared in court on a certain day, that the judge is a judge on a specific court, etc. If the other party fails to deny them in time, then a court can consider the fact deemed admitted at trial. Depositions. In a deposition, your attorney will ask witnesses (including the defendant) questions face-to-face, and the witness will answer under oath and in front of a court reporter. Defend against a motion for summary judgment. The judge may also file a motion for summary judgment. This motion argues that there are no issues of material fact in dispute and that the judge is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Prepare to testify. As the victim in the case, you almost certainly will have to testify. Testifying in court can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people. Accordingly, you may want to practice with your lawyer. Your lawyer can pretend to represent the judge's attorney, also, and can ask hard questions to prepare you. When testifying, remember the following tips: Use your own words. Even if you prepare for the testimony with your lawyer, you should not memorize your testimony. Instead, you want to speak naturally, using your own words. Make sure that you can be heard. Speak clearly and use words like “Yes” or “No.” Do not make sounds, like “Uh-huh” to signal agreement or disagreement. Also speak loud enough so that all jurors can hear you. Listen carefully. You want to answer the question asked, so you need to listen closely to what the attorney is asking you. You also do not want to volunteer anything. Only provide the answer to the question asked. If the lawyer needs further clarification, he or she will ask you to clarify. Don't guess. If you are not sure of an answer, don't guess. Say, “I don't remember.” Attend trial. At the trial, your attorney will try to prove that the judge is guilty of violating your civil rights. You will prove this by introducing documents and questioning witnesses. As the plaintiff, your lawyer will go first. After you present all of your evidence, the defendant judge goes next. Your lawyer will be able to cross-examine the defense witnesses. After all evidence is presented, the jury will retire to decide the case. In federal court, the jury verdict must be unanimous in your favor. Appeal if necessary. If you lose at trial, then you should ask your attorney about whether or not you want to appeal.

Identify judicial acts. Realize you may sue for non-judicial acts. Meet with a lawyer. File a complaint. Defend against a motion to dismiss. Engage in discovery. Defend against a motion for summary judgment. Prepare to testify. Attend trial. Appeal if necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Boiled-Rice

How to Make Boiled Rice

To make boiled white rice, rinse 1 cup of medium- or long-grain rice under cold running water to remove dust or excess rice. Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil, then add the rice and 1/2 tsp of salt. If you'd like, you can also add 1 tbsp of butter or oil to help prevent the rice from sticking. Bring the water back up to a simmer, then turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the rice to cook for about 18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is firm but not crunchy. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand covered for about 5 minutes before you serve it.

Rinse the rice in cold water. Before boiling white rice, it's a good idea to rinse it. That removes any dusty starch that might be on the rice so it doesn't stick together when it cooks. Place 1 cup (195 g) medium- or long-grain white rice in a strainer, and rinse it under cold running water. Rinsing the rice isn't always necessary. Some rice may have more starch on it than others, though, so you may just want to get in the habit of doing it with every batch that you boil. Bring the water to a boil. Add 2 cups (470 ml) of water to a small saucepan, and place it on the stove at medium-high to high heat. Allow the water to heat until it comes to a roiling boil. When you're making white rice, use a use a 1:2 ratio for the rice and water. That means for every 1 cup of rice you plan to make, use 2 cups of water. As it cooks, rice expands so it's important to use a pan that's large enough for the amount that you're making. In general, a 2-quart (2.5 L) pan is large enough for 1 to 2 cups of uncooked rice. Add the rice and salt to the pot. Once the water comes to a boil, add the rice and ½ teaspoon of (2.84 g) salt and stir gently. Allow the pot to come to a gentle simmer. You can also add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter or oil to flavor the rice and keep it from sticking together as it cooks. Cover the pot and cook until the rice is tender. After the pot reaches a simmer, turn the burner's heat down to low, and cover the pot with its lid. Allow the rice to cook for approximately 18 minutes. At that point, start checking its texture. When the rice is finished, it will be firm but not crunchy. You want it to be tender, so it's okay if it's somewhat sticky. However, make sure that you don't cook it so long that it becomes gummy. Don't take the lid off the pot before the 18 minute mark. It helps trap steam that aids in the cooking process, so if you remove the lid, it may take longer for the rice to finish. If you don't have a lid for your pot, use foil to cover it while the rice cooks. Just make sure to cinch the foil around the edges so the steam can't escape. If there's still water left in the pot when the rice is finished cooking, you should drain it. Just tilt it over the sink to allow the excess water to drip out. Allow the rice to sit in the pot for several minutes. Once the rice is finished cooking, turn off the heat but leave the rice in the pot with the lid on. Let it sit and steam for another 5 minutes to finish off the cooking process. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Just before you're ready to serve, take the lid off the pot and use a fork or spoon to comb through the rice and fluff it. Transfer the rice to a bowl or individual plates and serve. It's a good idea to allow the rice to sit for another 2 to 3 minutes after fluffing before you serve it. That gives it some time to dry out so it's not too wet and sticky when you serve it. Rinse the rice in cool water. Just as with white rice, it helps to give brown rice a rinse before boiling it. That helps remove any dust and grit that may be clinging to it. Place 1 cup (190 g) medium- or long-grain brown rice in a strainer or colander and rinse it under cool water. Rinsing the rice before cooking can also improve its texture, so each grain is distinct and doesn't stick to the others. Toast the rice in a pot. To bring out the nutty flavor of brown rice, you should toast it before boiling it. Place a 2-quart (2.5 L) pan on the stove, and heat 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil or sesame oil in it over medium-high heat. Add the rice to the pan, and toast it until the rice is completely dry and the ends begin to look lightly toasted. You can also tell when the rice is finished toasting when it begins to give off a nutty aroma. Combine the water and rice in the pot. After the rice has finished toasting, pour 2 cups (470 ml) of water into the pan, and mix in 1 teaspoon (5.68 g) of salt. The water will steam and bubble when you first add it because the pan is hot due to the toasting. Bring the pot to a boil and reduce the heat. Leave the pot on the burner at medium-high to high heat, and bring the rice, water, and salt mixture to a complete boil. After the pot comes to a boil, turn the heat to low and allow it to reduce to a bare simmer before covering it with a lid. Make sure not to cover the pot until the contents stop boiling completely. Cook the rice for 45 minutes. After you've covered the pot, allow it to cook on low heat for 45 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, uncover the pot and look to see if the rice has absorbed all of the water. Test the rice to see if it's no longer crunchy too. It should be tender but slightly chewy when it's done. During the 45 minute cooking period, don't uncover the pot. That will cause steam to escape, and the rice will need longer to cook. It's okay if there's a little water at the bottom of the pot when you check it after 45 minutes. If there's more than 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water, though, drain the excess into the sink. If the rice is still crunchy after 45 minutes, pour a bit more water if necessary into the pot and allow the rice to cook longer. Be sure to check on it in 10 minute intervals, though, until the rice is tender. Cover the rice and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. When the rice is finished, remove it from the heat, and place the lid on the pot once again. Allow it to sit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes in the covered pot to get rid of some of its stickiness. Allowing the rice to sit also helps it dry a little so it doesn't seem as wet and freshly steamed when you serve it. Fluff the rice and serve. Remove the lid from pot, and use a fork or spoon to rake through the rice and fluff it. Place it in a bowl or on individual plates to serve. Leftover brown rice can last between 3 and 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Rinse and soak the rice. As with white and brown rice, you should rinse basmati rice before cooking it. Place 2 cups (380 g) basmati rice in a strainer, and rinse it under cold, running water to remove any dust or debris. Next, transfer the rice to a large bowl full of cold water and soak it for 30 minutes to an hour before draining it well. Soaking the rice isn't entirely necessary, but it helps make the rice softer once it's cooked. Place the rice in a sauce pot and add boiling water. Transfer the rice to a heavy sauce pot that has a lid. Add a pinch of salt, and then pour 3 cups (705 ml) boiling water over the rice. If you don't have a lid for your pot, don't worry. You can set a cookie sheet that's large enough to cover it on top when the times comes. You can add as much salt as you like to taste. In most cases, ⅛ teaspoon (0.7 g) for each cup of rice is usually sufficient. Bring the pot to a simmer and then cover. Set the pot on a burner and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the rice and water to come to a simmer, and just before it starts boiling and steaming once more, place a sheet of foil over the pot, pressing it all along the edges to keep the steam from escaping. Next, place the lid on top. Cook the rice on low for 15 minutes and then allow it to sit. After you've covered the pot, turn the heat to low. Leave the rice to cook for approximately 15 minutes. When the time's up, remove the pot from the burner, leave the lid in place, and let it sit for another 5 minutes to steam a bit longer. During the 15 minutes when the rice is cooking, don't remove the lid or foil to check on it. You'll allow steam to escape, which can affect the cooking process. Fluff the rice and serve. After you've allowed the rice to steam for a few more minutes, remove the lid and foil from the pot. Use a fork to run through the rice and fluff it. Transfer it to a serving bowl and serve warm.

Rinse the rice in cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the rice and salt to the pot. Cover the pot and cook until the rice is tender. Allow the rice to sit in the pot for several minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Rinse the rice in cool water. Toast the rice in a pot. Combine the water and rice in the pot. Bring the pot to a boil and reduce the heat. Cook the rice for 45 minutes. Cover the rice and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Fluff the rice and serve. Rinse and soak the rice. Place the rice in a sauce pot and add boiling water. Bring the pot to a simmer and then cover. Cook the rice on low for 15 minutes and then allow it to sit. Fluff the rice and serve.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-an-AKC-Dog%27s-Name

How to Change an AKC Dog's Name

To change your dog's name that's registered with the American Kennel Club, make sure its new name follows their guidelines. To do so, you should pick a name that is 36 characters or less, uses standard English spellings, and doesn't include any profanity. You also need to leave out any titles or phrases related to your dog's showing or breeding, such as “kennel,” “champion stud,” and “sire.” Along with adhering to these rules, you must verify that your dog was born in the U.S. and has never been bred or shown, as these are both requirements from the AKC. Once you've checked all of these naming restrictions, you can complete the AKC's Dog Name Change Authorization form, which is available on their website.

Limit your dog's new name to 36 characters or less. This character limit includes punctuation (such as hyphens) and spaces. For instance, a name like “Harry's Ace in the Hole” would be 23 characters counting the apostrophe and spaces. Your name can be as long as 50 characters if you pay an additional $10 fee. Use standard English spellings. All letters in your dog's new name must be drawn from the standard English alphabet. Diacritical markings (such as accents, tildes, or umlauts) will not appear on your dog's registration form since its name will be printed in all capital letters. You should also not include Roman numerals as part of your dog's new name, although the AKC may assign them in cases where there's naming overlap. You are free to use written numbers (like “one” or “first”) and standard arabic numbers (“1,” “2,” or “3”). Leave out any titles or terms related to showing or breeding. AKC titles or show terms are prohibited from being included in AKC dog names. You may also not include breed names or breeding-related terms like “kennel, male, stud, sire, bitch, dam, and female.” Even if your pooch is a champion show dog or the direct offspring of one, you may not advertise this in its name. For example, “Augustus, Champion Stud” is not admissible. Leave out profanity. Your dog's new name must be obscenity-free. Do not include any swear words or derogatory terms related to gender, race, creed, nationality, or other social differences. This also applies to transliterations or obvious misspellings of such profane diction. Get permission from the owner before including a kennel name. If you would like to use an AKC Registered Kennel Name as part of your dog's new handle, such as “Abby Mae of Stony Field,” you must get the approval of its owner first. If this is the case, there is a place at the top of the name-change form where the kennel owner can sign to indicate their formal authorization. Verify that your dog was born in the U.S. Imported dogs do not qualify for name changes. Your pooch must have been whelped in the United States in order for you to re-register it under a different name with the AKC. Including your dog's existing AKC registration number on the name-change form will verify its birthplace. If it was born outside the U.S., do not apply for one. Foreign-born pets can be registered with the AKC, but they must stick with the same name they were given abroad for consistency's sake. Ensure that your dog has not been bred or shown. Dogs can have their names changed through the AKC only if they have never been bred and never won awards at any AKC-licensed event or competition. This restriction helps the organization to maintain accurate records and preserve the integrity of their registry. If you're unsure about your dog's breeding or show history, use the AKC's “Dog Search” tool available at their Online Store to see if the dog has any points earned in competition or if it's registered as the sire or dam to a litter. You will need the dog's current AKC registration number along with its breed and current registered name to do the search. Get permission from any previous owner. If your dog was previously registered individually with the AKC by another owner, you will need to get their signature to authorize a name change. This stipulation does not apply to dogs whose whole litters were registered by their breeders, only to those who were individually registered by owners. Download the form. The “Dog Name Change Authorization” form is available as a PDF online through the AKC's website. Print the form since you will need to mail it in order to submit the application. Complete the application. The form will require you to list information about your payment, your dog, and yourself as well as obtain any other necessary signatures from kennel owners or previous AKC-registered owners to authorize the name change. You will need to enter your dog's current AKC name and registration number, as well as its new name. You will also need to provide personal contact information and sign the form. If your dog has two registered owners, include contact information and a signature for both. If you are including an AKC-registered kennel name in your dog's new name, fill out the section that asks for the kennel's name, owner's signature, and the owner's customer number. If your dog was registered by a previous owner, be sure to complete the section “Consent of Litter Owner(s)” with their names and signatures. Pay the fee. The AKC requires a one-time, nonrefundable $25 processing fee to rename an AKC dog. An additional $10 fee is charged for names that exceed the 36-character limit. You can pay by credit card, check, or money order. If you pay by card, include the account number and expiration date in the “Payment Information” section of your application form. If you pay by check or money order, be sure that it's payable to: The American Kennel Club. Mail your application. Submit your completed “Name Change Authorization” form with the required payment, and your dog's current AKC Registration Certificate via the mail. Send all materials to the AKC headquarters at: The American Kennel Club / 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100 / Raleigh, NC 27617-3390. Expect a 3-5 week turnaround time. The AKC will send you back a new certificate of registration after your name change has been approved. Read over the new registration carefully, and verify that your name and the dog's new name are spelled correctly and all information is current and correct.

Limit your dog's new name to 36 characters or less. Use standard English spellings. Leave out any titles or terms related to showing or breeding. Leave out profanity. Get permission from the owner before including a kennel name. Verify that your dog was born in the U.S. Ensure that your dog has not been bred or shown. Get permission from any previous owner. Download the form. Complete the application. Pay the fee. Mail your application.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pickled-Mango

How to Make Pickled Mango

To make sweet pickled mango, cut the 2 mangos into strips or chunks. Next, stir light brown sugar and Hawaiian salt into 2 cups of boiling water, then add 1 cup of rice vinegar to the mixture. Stir in 2 tbsp of Li Hing powder and, if you'd like, add 3-4 drops of red food coloring to make the dish really pop. Cool the juice in the fridge or freezer, then pack a mason jar with the sliced mangoes and pour the juice over the fruit. Refrigerate the mangoes for 3 days, then serve and enjoy!

Wash and cut each mango into 4 long pieces. Remove the pit from the mango. You can also cube the mango into small chunks if you prefer that. You should lightly salt the pieces of mango and let them absorb the salt for twenty minutes. Dry in the sun for about 2-3 hours. This will remove some of the moisture from the mango. Heat oil in a pan until the oil smokes. Heat 1 1/2 cup of mustard oil in a pan until it sizzles, which should take between 1 and 2 minutes. If you don't have mustard oil, you can use regular cooking oil and 2 tsp. of mustard seeds instead, taking care to mix them together. Take it off the stove and cool it Lightly crush the fenugreek. The longer you crush it, the more fine it will become. Mix the fenugreek with the remaining ingredients and half the oil. Mix the fenugreek with the fennel seeds, turmeric, chilli powder, curry leaves, vinegar, salt, and half of the mustard oil. Mix the spice mixture with the mango. Mix the spice mixture thoroughly with the mango pieces by hand, so that each mango piece is covered by the mixture very well. You can wear gloves if you don't want to get the mixture all over your hands. You can place the mixture in a bowl and individually dip each of the mango slices into the mixture, making sure you cover both sides of them. Transfer the mango pieces to a sterilized glass or jar. You can use multiple jars if you don't have a large one handy. Pour the remaining oil over the pieces. Tie a muslin cloth over the jars. You can use a rubber band to secure the cloth. Place the jars in the sun for 4-5 days. This will give the mangoes enough time to fully absorb the spicy pickling mixture. You can also shake the jars from time to time to help the pieces absorb the oil. Remove muslin cloth and cover with a lid. Once the mango is fully pickled, you can just use a jar with a regular lid. Make sure it's sealed tightly so the mango can last longer. Serve. Enjoy this tasty spicy pickled mango with bread, rice, or vegetables. Peel and slice 2 mangoes. Take 2 green mangoes and slice them into long, thin pieces that are bite-sized. This part is really up to you. If you prefer cubed pieces over longer slices, that works too. Whatever you decide, this amazing Hawaiian dish, known as Li Hing Pickled Mango, will suit your tastes. Boil 2 cups of water in a small pot. Turn off the heat once the water is boiled. Add and dissolve the sugar and salt. Stir 2½ cups of light brown sugar and 3 tablespoon (44.4 ml). of Hawaiian salt into the water to dissolve it. If you want to dilute the mixture a bit, you can add a little bit more water. Add the rice vinegar. Remove the mixture from the heat completely and add 1 cup of rice vinegar to the mix. Add the Li Hing Powder and the food coloring to the mix. Jade brand powder is a great powder to use; just add 2 tablespoon (29.6 ml). of the Li Hing powder to the mix and stir it in to combine the ingredients. You can add a bit more to taste if you like. Add a few drops of food coloring until the color is a deep red. Though adding food coloring is optional, it can really make this dish pop and look fantastic. Stir all of the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated. Cool the juice. Once you've made and stirred the juice, place it in the fridge for an hour, or the freezer for half an hour or so. Place the sliced mangoes into a jar. Place the mango pieces in a jar, packing it as tightly as possible. Pour the juice over the mango. Then, remove the cooled juice from the fridge and pour it into the jar, over the pieces of mango. Fill the jar all the way to the top and make sure that you cover it tightly. Refrigerate for three days. This is how long it will take for the mangoes to fully absorb the juice. Serve. Once you've made this delicious treat, you can enjoy this pickled mango on its own, with other fruits, or with rice.

Wash and cut each mango into 4 long pieces. Dry in the sun for about 2-3 hours. Heat oil in a pan until the oil smokes. Lightly crush the fenugreek. Mix the fenugreek with the remaining ingredients and half the oil. Mix the spice mixture with the mango. Transfer the mango pieces to a sterilized glass or jar. Tie a muslin cloth over the jars. Place the jars in the sun for 4-5 days. Remove muslin cloth and cover with a lid. Serve. Peel and slice 2 mangoes. Boil 2 cups of water in a small pot. Add and dissolve the sugar and salt. Add the rice vinegar. Add the Li Hing Powder and the food coloring to the mix. Cool the juice. Place the sliced mangoes into a jar. Pour the juice over the mango. Refrigerate for three days. Serve.

https://www.wikihow.com/Spell-Numbers

How to Spell Numbers

To spell numbers, use a hyphen to separate the words in double-digit numbers, such as “twenty-five” or “sixty-two.” Try to avoid spelling out numbers larger than 99 unless they are at the beginning of a sentence. However, very large numbers, such as 1,000,000, should be written as “one million.” For clarity, dates and times should be left as numerals, but you should spell out decades, such as “the seventies” or “the nineties.”

Spell out the numbers one through nine. Unless you are short on space, this is the most widely accepted way to write a single-digit number. Spell out “zero” as well. Since it can be easily mistaken for the letter “O” it is best to treat it as if it were a single-digit number. Spell out numbers when they appear at the beginning of a sentence. In almost all cases, single, double-digit and compound numbers should be spelled out for clarity if they start a sentence. Exceptions may be used for incomplete sentences, like bullet points, or four-numeral dates (i.e. 1845). Decide whether you want to use numbers or spell out the words when double-digit numbers are used elsewhere in a sentence. The majority of styles suggest using the numerals, such as 67; however, Chicago Manual of Style suggests spelling these out until you get to number 100. Check with your professor or editor if you are unsure. Whatever you choose, make sure you are consistent. Hyphenate all double-digit numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine. This mostly applies to writing them at the beginning of a sentence. It can also apply to all double-digit numbers if you are using the Chicago Manual of Style. Spell out cents when you are writing them independently of a larger sum. It is better to write “fifty cents” than “$0.50”. If you are writing cents as part of an amount greater than $1, write “$1.50”. Don’t spell out numbers that are larger than 99, unless they are at the beginning of a sentence. These numbers can get fairly long, and they are clearer if written as numerals. For instance, 487 is clearer and more succinct than four hundred eighty-three. Spell out large numbers at the beginning of a sentence. Despite the long numbers, this is still the accepted grammatical style in most cases. Note, that it is better to use the most succinct version of the word when you start getting into the thousands. For example, forty-five hundred is a better spelling than four thousand five hundred. You don't need to use the word “and” for larger numbers, as it is implied. Include commas as well as numerals if you are writing numbers in the thousands that are not at the beginning of a sentence. For example, “She made $6,987 during the month of June.” Spell out numbers in the millions or higher. After you get to seven-digit figures, the zeros are generally too long to prove clear if you write numerals. For example, use one million, rather than 1,000,000. Add the word “dollars” after the spelling if you are referring to currency. Replace dollars with another currency if it applies. Use numerals with dates, rather than spelling them out. For example, 1900 or 764. This is true whether at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. It is a good idea to include AD or BC for double or triple-digit dates to improve clarity. Use numerals with times as well. For inexact times, you can write 8 AM, rather than 8:00. For specific times, include a colon and the exact time to the minute. You can write AM and PM, am and pm, A.M. and P.M., or a.m. and p.m. All of these are correct. Just make sure you stick with one system. Spell out noon or midnight, when using these times in a sentence. Spell out decades. Generally, it is better spell out seventies than write “70s.” Some styles prefer that you use numerals, in which case you should leave out the apostrophe before the “s.” Use numerals with four-digit dates. Also, avoid the apostrophe. For example, “1600s.”

Spell out the numbers one through nine. Spell out “zero” as well. Spell out numbers when they appear at the beginning of a sentence. Decide whether you want to use numbers or spell out the words when double-digit numbers are used elsewhere in a sentence. Hyphenate all double-digit numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine. Spell out cents when you are writing them independently of a larger sum. Don’t spell out numbers that are larger than 99, unless they are at the beginning of a sentence. Spell out large numbers at the beginning of a sentence. Include commas as well as numerals if you are writing numbers in the thousands that are not at the beginning of a sentence. Spell out numbers in the millions or higher. Use numerals with dates, rather than spelling them out. Use numerals with times as well. Spell out noon or midnight, when using these times in a sentence. Spell out decades. Use numerals with four-digit dates.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Crying-when-You-Are-Very-Upset

How to Stop Crying when You Are Very Upset

If you're struggling to stop crying when you're very upset, try to breathe deeply, which will reduce stress and help you relax. You can also try standing up straight with your hands by your sides or stretched out, since an upright posture can help you feel more positive. Alternatively, distract yourself by going for a walk or listening to music. Once you're able to relax and calm down, remind yourself that this moment will pass, no matter how bad it feels right now.

Calm yourself using deep breathing. This may be hard to do while you are sobbing, but try your best to inhale deeply (through your nose if possible), hold for a count of 7 and slowly exhale for a count of 8. Do 5 complete breaths. If you cry really hard, you may hyperventilate, which can be a scary experience if you already have high anxiety. Try deep breathing a few times a day, or when you feel particularly stressed. Taking long, deep breaths can help to control hyperventilation, bring down your heart rate, increase blood flow throughout your body, and reduce stress. Identify negative or sad thoughts. Many times you might continue crying because you keep having a sad or negative thought. You might think something like, “He's left me forever,” or “I have no one…” In the moment, identifying the thought may seem like it makes it worse, but it is the first step in regaining control of your thoughts and tears. If you can't do it in the moment, reflect on the thoughts you were thinking in the moment once you've stopped crying. Write down what is upsetting you. If you are too upset to write a formal sentence, feel free to write anything, write messy, or even scrawl. You can simply list incomplete sentences, a page with one big feeling word, or a page full of feeling words. The point is to get these feelings and thoughts onto a page and out of your mind a little. Later on you can reflect on and discuss these feelings and thoughts when you are in a calmer state. For example, you might simply write something like,"So heavy," "Hurt, betrayed, offended." Writing down what's bothering you can also help you have a conversation with someone who might be hurting you. Physically distract yourself. To break the cycle of negative thoughts, try distracting yourself by tensing up your muscles or by holding a piece of ice in your hand or on your neck. Ideally, this will draw your attention away from the thought long enough for you to regain composure. You can also try to distract yourself with music. Rock and sway to center yourself and calm your body. Singing along may help you regain control of your breathing and focus on something else. Go for a walk. The change of scenery from going for a walk can help stop those pervasive, negative thoughts. Physical activity may also help reset your breathing and heart rate. Change your posture. Facial expressions and posture have an effect on our moods. If you find yourself frowning or hunching over in a defeated posture, this can make you feel more negative. If possible, try to change it up. Stand up and put your hands by your sides (hands akimbo) or try the acting technique “lion face-lemon face” where you make a “rawr”, lion-type face then a puckered sour face. Changing your posture may help break the crying cycle long enough to regain your composure. Try progressive muscle relaxation. This is a technique where you tense and relax various parts of your body. Start by tightening the muscles as hard as you can for about five seconds while inhaling. Then, quickly release the tension while you exhale, then relaxing your face. Then tense your neck, relax. Then your chest, hands, etc. until you work your way down to your feet. Perform these relaxation techniques regularly to prevent stress from building up. This helps you become aware of where you are holding tension when you're crying hard. Remind yourself, “This is temporary. ” Though in these moments it feels permanent, try to remind yourself that this moment will pass. This moment is not forever. This will help you see a bigger picture beyond this overwhelming moment. Splash some cold water on your face. The coolness can distract you for a moment to gain control of your breathing. The cool water may also help some of the swelling (like puffy eyes) that happens after crying hard. Ask yourself if your crying is a problem. Do you feel like you're crying too much? While this is subjective, on average women cry 5.3 times a month and men 1.3 times, but this crying varies from watery eyes to sobbing. These averages may not necessarily take into account times when crying is more frequent because of some sort of emotional life event, like a breakup, the death of a loved one, or other major life events. When crying fits start to feel out of your control and affect your personal or work life, then it may be considered a problem worth addressing. You're more likely to feel overwhelmed and find yourself in a cycle of sad or negative thoughts during these highly emotional periods. Think about why you cry. If something is going in on your life that causes your stress or anxiety, you may be more likely to cry frequently. For example, if you're mourning the death of a loved one or just mourning the end of a relationship, crying is normal and understandable. But, sometimes life itself can become overwhelming and you may find yourself crying without understanding why you started crying in the first place. In this case, excessive crying may be a sign of something more serious like depression or anxiety. If you find yourself frequently crying without understanding why you feel sad, worthless, irritable, start experiencing pain, trouble eating, have trouble sleeping or have suicidal thoughts, you may have depression. Seek medical attention to learn treatment options. Identify crying triggers. Start being aware of the situations leading up to your crying fits and write them down. When do the fits happen? Are there certain days, situations, or scenarios that elicit intense crying? Are there things that trigger a crying fit? For example, if listening to a certain band reminds you of your ex, take the band off of your playlists and avoid listening to the provoking music. Same goes for pictures, smells, places, etc. If you don't want to be exposed to these upsetting reminders, it is ok to avoid them for a while. Start journaling. Write down any negative thoughts and ask yourself if they're rational. Likewise, consider if your ideals are rational and realistic. Remember to be kind to yourself. A good way to do this is to list any accomplishments or things that make you happy. Think of your journal or diary as a record of what you're grateful for. Try to contribute to your journal or diary every day. When you feel like you're going to cry, read what you've already written and remind yourself what makes you happy. Evaluate yourself. Ask yourself, “How do I cope with conflict?” Do you typically respond with anger? Tears? Ignoring it? Chances are, if you let conflict build up by ignoring it, you'll end up in a big crying fit. Becoming aware of how to respond to conflict may help you identify what path you need to take. Don't forget to ask yourself, "Who is in control?” Reclaim control over your life so you have the power to change outcomes. For example, rather than say, "That teacher is terrible and made me fail that test," admit that you didn't study enough and that led to your poor score. Next time, focus on studying and accepting the outcome. Understand how thoughts affect your emotions and behavior. If you continuously think negative thoughts, you may be fostering harmful emotions. You might even revisit negative, sad memories that happened in the distant past, which also keeps the crying going. This can cause damaging behavior, including prolonged crying fits. Once you're aware of the effects your thoughts have, you can begin to change your thinking to create more positive situations. For example, if you keep thinking, "I'm not good enough," you may begin to feel hopeless or insecure. Learn to stop the thought process before it affects your emotional well-being. Reach out. You can try reaching out to a close friend or family member to talk about what is bothering you. Call them or ask if they are available for a cup of coffee. If you feel you do not have someone you feel you can talk to, try a hotline like the Samaritans, (212-673-3000). If you find yourself crying frequently and feel you need some additional help, a professional counselor may be able help you. A counselor can develop a plan for you to regain control of your thoughts and cope with them appropriately. Know what to expect with professional therapy. Ask your general practitioner, check the phone book, or ask friends to refer you to a counselor or therapist. Your counselor or therapist will ask about what brings you into therapy. You can say something like, “I find myself having crying fits often, and I would like to understand why they happen and how to control them.” Or even something as simple as, “I feel sad.” The counselor will ask you questions about what you've been experiencing, as well as a history. You and your therapist will discuss your goals for therapy then devise a plan on how to accomplish those goals.

Calm yourself using deep breathing. Identify negative or sad thoughts. Write down what is upsetting you. Physically distract yourself. Change your posture. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Remind yourself, “This is temporary. Ask yourself if your crying is a problem. Think about why you cry. Identify crying triggers. Start journaling. Evaluate yourself. Understand how thoughts affect your emotions and behavior. Reach out. Know what to expect with professional therapy.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dry-Hydrangeas

How to Dry Hydrangeas

To dry hydrangeas, start by removing any discolored parts and cut the stems down to about an inch from the base of each bloom. Next, pour a thin layer of silica gel into the bottom of a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the bottom of the container is fully covered before carefully placing each bloom into the gel with the bloom-side face down. Then, add more silica gel on top so the flowers are completely surrounded and supported. Finally, put the lid on the container and leave the blooms undisturbed for 4 days.

Select hydrangeas to dry. To keep the color of most hydrangeas, it's best to start the drying process when the flowers first bloom. Cut or buy fresh, recently opened hydrangeas on the morning you plan to start the drying process. Pee Gee Hydrangeas however, look better when left to mature. Take these at different times of the season. They start out a pale green, then as they mature, some pink shows up, later turning to burgundy, and finally a chocolate brown color very late in late fall. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Dry-Hydrangeas-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dry-Hydrangeas-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Dry-Hydrangeas-Step-1.jpg\/aid1330107-v4-728px-Dry-Hydrangeas-Step-1.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>"} Prepare the flowers for drying. Remove discolored parts and extra leaves, so the flowers are in good shape for drying. Cut the stems down to and or inch 2 (2.35 to 4.7 cm) from the base of the flowers. Prepare the drying container. Choose a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to use for drying your flowers. Deeper containers work better than shallow ones, since the flowers will need to be completely submerged in silica gel. Pour a thin layer of silica gel in the plastic container. The gel should completely cover the bottom of the container. Err on the side of pouring in too much gel to keep the flowers from being crushed against the bottom of the container. Place the blooms in the container. Take each bloom by the stem and carefully place it bloom-side down into the container. Add as many blooms as will comfortably fit in the container without touching each other or the container's sides. Add more silica gel. Place enough silica gel in the container to completely surround and support the hydrangeas. Hold each flower steady with one hand and sprinkle the gel with the other until the flowers can stand up on their own and are covering the petals and stems. Fill the container with gel until it rises 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) above the blooms in addition to covering the stem. If the container is narrow and very deep, you can suspend a flower at the bottom, cover it with silica gel, and add another bloom above it. Just make sure the container is deep enough that the flowers don't touch each other. Start the drying process. Put a lid on the container. Place it in a corner or a closet to allow the drying process to commence. Write the date you submerged the flowers on the container, so you know when it's time to take them out. Leave container undisturbed for 4 days. Drying hydrangeas any longer in silica could result in brittle blooms that could shatter. Remove the blooms from the container. After 4 days, they should be completely dry. Open the container and slowly pour the contents onto newspaper. Remove the dry hydrangea blooms and gently tap them to remove any loose silica. Save the silica gel in a plastic container for the next time you want to dry flowers. Store or display the dried hydrangeas. Carefully store the dried hydrangea blossoms in plastic bags until you're ready to use them or place them in a vase. Prepare the flowers for drying. Remove all but a few leaves, and discard discolored petals. Cut the flower stems to your desired length. Fill a vase or container with a couple inches of water. Place the flowers stem-side down into the vase, so the stems are submerged at the end of the stem. Allow the flowers to dry. Your hydrangea will slowly dry as the water gradually evaporates. Place the vase out of direct sunlight, since strong sun can cause the flowers to shrivel or fade. Don't top off the water, since this may cause the flowers to mold before drying. The drying process should take one to two weeks. Remove the dried flowers. Trim the stems if they are moist or discolored from being submerged in the water. Store the flowers in a plastic bag or place them in a vase and display. Prepare the flowers for pressing. Pressing flowers preserves the color and shape of the petals, but the shape of the hydrangea blossom itself will be flattened. Cut the hydrangea blossoms in half to preserve and flatten their round shape. Cut individual flowers and plan to arrange them in the shape of a hydrangea blossom after they're dried. Prepare the press. A press is made with two pieces of plywood that are tightened with screws and wing nuts. Remove the top piece of plywood and lay a piece of cardboard followed by two sheets of parchment or pressing paper on the bottom piece of plywood. The cardboard and parchment paper should be cut a few inches smaller than the bottom of the press. The bottom sheet of parchment paper is called the "blotter." It absorbs moisture from the drying flower and is switched out every few days. The top sheet of parchment paper anchors the flowers during the drying process. Lay the flowers on the top sheet of parchment paper. Arrange them so that no petals or folded or crushed, unless you are trying to create a windblown effect. A little layering is fine, but don't build too many layers of petals, or they won't dry out correctly. If you wish, add other foliage like leaves, ferns and other flowers. Finish assembling the flower press. Cover the flowers with a sheet of parchment paper, a second "blotter" sheet, a piece of cardboard, and the top piece of the flower press. Screw the plywood pieces together and tighten them with the wing nuts. Allow the flowers to dry. Set the press in a dry place in your home and let the drying process begin. Open the press and change out the blotter sheets every few days. Discard the old sheets and replace them with fresh ones. After a week or two, the flowers should be completely dry. Remove them from the press. Lift the pressed flowers from the parchment paper. They are now ready to use in craft projects such as cards or jewelry. Pressed flowers also look beautiful mounted on a card and framed.

Select hydrangeas to dry. Prepare the flowers for drying. Prepare the drying container. Place the blooms in the container. Add more silica gel. Start the drying process. Remove the blooms from the container. Store or display the dried hydrangeas. Prepare the flowers for drying. Fill a vase or container with a couple inches of water. Allow the flowers to dry. Remove the dried flowers. Prepare the flowers for pressing. Prepare the press. Lay the flowers on the top sheet of parchment paper. Finish assembling the flower press. Allow the flowers to dry. Lift the pressed flowers from the parchment paper.

https://www.wikihow.health/Get-Rid-of-Chilblains

How to Get Rid of Chilblains

To get rid of chilblains, start by applying lanolin to the affected area to soothe your skin. Next, apply calamine lotion or witch hazel to help with the itchiness. It's important not to scratch chilblains, since this may result in an infection. Light exercise, like marching in place or pacing back and forth indoors, can get your blood flowing and positively impact chilblains. If your chilblains are persistent or severe, talk to your doctor about medications like nifedipine, which relax blood vessels and improve circulation.

Use calamine lotion or witch hazel for itching. Chilblains can be extremely itchy, but scratching them may result in an infection. To ease the itchiness of chilblains without scratching, apply some calamine lotion or witch hazel onto your chilblains using a cotton ball. Both work well, so use whichever you have on hand. Don't rub the lotion or witch hazel into your chilblains. Just dab it on gently. Apply lanolin to your feet or hands. Lanolin can help to soothe itching and to moisturize your skin around the chilblains. Apply lanolin all over your feet or hands. Do not press too hard when you apply the lanolin. Smooth it onto your skin with light, gentle strokes. Apply lanolin before applying witch hazel or calamine lotion. Put on a pair of warm socks or mittens. It is important to avoid warming up your feet or hands too quickly when they get cold. Changing into a pair of warm socks or putting on a pair of warm mittens or gloves will help to warm up your feet gradually. Wool and thick cotton socks or mittens are good options. Do some light exercise. Getting the blood flowing to your extremities may also help to treat chilblains. Try walking in place or pacing back and forth indoors to get the blood flowing. Avoid doing anything too vigorous. This may irritate your chilblains. Call your doctor if chilblains do not improve or are recurring. Chilblains usually get better after a couple of weeks, so you may not need to do anything except wait. However, if your chilblains will not go away or if they keep coming back, see a doctor. Ask your doctor about nifedipine. This medication can help to treat chilblains by relaxing the blood vessels and improving your circulation. Nifedipine is available by prescription, so you will have to see your doctor to get it. Nifedipine is a pill that you take 3 to 4 times daily. However, follow the dosing instructions your doctor or pharmacist gives you. Nifedipine is most commonly prescribed for high blood pressure. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are taking to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions. Watch for signs of an infection. Sometimes chilblains may become infected. If this happens, you will need to see a doctor for a prescription antibiotic. Some symptoms of an infection include: Pus and/or swelling around your chilblains A temperature above 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) Feeling unwell in general Having swollen glands Exercise regularly. Poor circulation is one of the main reasons why people get chilblains, so getting regular exercise may help to reduce your risk. Take a 30 minute walk daily or get up a few times per day to walk around your home or office. Protect your skin in cold weather. Exposure to very cold temperatures is part of how chilblains develop, so it is important to wear appropriate outerwear when the weather is cold. Wear a coat, hat, mittens, warm socks, and boots. Warm up gradually after exposure to extreme temperatures. Chilblains often form as a result of warming yourself up too quickly. Avoid quick methods of warming up, such as immersing your feet or hands in very warm water or standing close to a heater or fire. Moisturize your feet and hands. Keeping your feet moisturized may help to reduce your risk of chilblains. Apply a thick layer of lotion to your hands and feet each day. . Quit smoking Smoking increases your risk of chilblains. If you are a smoker, talk to your doctor. You may be able to get medication to help you quit. Eat a hot meal before going out in the cold. Having at least 1 hot meal every day will help to keep you warm, and doing so right before you go out in cold weather can help even more. Eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, soup for lunch, or a hot casserole for dinner. You can also sip hot liquids during the day, such as tea, coffee, and broth.

Use calamine lotion or witch hazel for itching. Apply lanolin to your feet or hands. Put on a pair of warm socks or mittens. Do some light exercise. Call your doctor if chilblains do not improve or are recurring. Ask your doctor about nifedipine. Watch for signs of an infection. Exercise regularly. Protect your skin in cold weather. Warm up gradually after exposure to extreme temperatures. Moisturize your feet and hands. . Eat a hot meal before going out in the cold.

https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Vines

How to Kill Vines

One of the easiest ways to kill vines is by cutting them away with pruning shears and completely removing their roots from the ground. If the vines are growing on the ground rather than climbing up a structure, destroy them by running your lawn mower over them. You can also cover vines with mulch material to smother them or spray them with a vinegar-water mixture to kill them.

Cover up to protect your skin from the vines. Some species of vines, such as English ivy, may cause irritation to your skin. Protect yourself by wearing long sleeves, pants, and shoes to cover your skin when you handle vines. You should also wear thick gardening gloves. Proper attire may also protect you from scratches and bug bites while you work. Pry away climbing vines from trees or buildings with a sturdy, flat tool. To avoid damage to the trees or other surfaces they are clinging to, remove vines by using a long, flat object to pry it away. Gently insert a screwdriver, crowbar, or similar tool between each vine and the surface it is clinging to. Slowly pull the vine up and away. If you are removing vines from a tree, pull them off slowly to avoid damaging the tree's bark. Cut away vines with pruning shears or a pruning saw. Cut off climbing vines at a height of 3–5 feet (0.91–1.52 m). Use pruning shears or a razor tooth pruning saw to sever the vines, depending on their thickness. This helps make removing the roots more manageable. Dispose of all vine cuttings right away as new plants can grow easily from cut stems. Pull or dig the base of the vines out of the ground by hand. If the vine is still fairly small, you should be able to track down the roots. Pull the roots out by hand or use a shovel or trowel to dig the root system out completely. Remove the underground roots, bulbs, and tubers completely to effectively kill the vines. For best results, do this when the soil is moist and soft in the spring. You will be able to move more of the dirt around this way, giving you better access to the root system. Note that you might need to dig out vine seedlings regularly for a few months or years to keep the problem under control. Mow vines growing on the ground to kill them easily. Groundcover vines can be controlled by cutting them down with a lawnmower. Use a gas-powered machine that will be powerful enough to cut through tough vines instead of just rolling over them. Doing this at least 3-4 times a year will slowly kill the spreading vine. Electric or rotary mowers are more likely to run over vines than to cut them. If you want to reduce the hard labor of killing vines, this is the best option to try, though it will take regular, repeat mowing for it to be effective. Smother the vine with mulch. Vines require light, water, and air to survive and grow. Cover the vine with mulch, which is made up of any materials you can use to cover the area where the vines grow. Cover the area thoroughly to deprive the vines of enough light, sun, and air to kill them off within a few weeks. Try to use biodegradable mulch materials like grass cuttings, tree bark, old newspaper, or dead leaves so that they can decompose into the soil after killing the vines. Alternatively, you can cover the vines with plastic sheeting. This will rob the plant of oxygen and build up intense heat, which is likely kill off the vine after a few weeks. Spray the vines with a vinegar mixture. Fill a spray bottle or garden sprayer with a mixture of 80% water and 20% white vinegar. Douse the vines with the mixture. Check their condition after 2-3 days and pull out any dead vines. Repeat the process if necessary. Be careful to avoid spraying other plants with the mixture. Pour boiling water onto the root crown of the vines. Cut away the bulk of the surface vines with pruning shears and discard them. Use a shovel or trowel to dig into the ground until you reach the vine root. Pour 3–4 cups (0.71–0.95 L) of boiling water directly onto the top of the root system, where the roots meet the base of the plant. Buy a triclopyr herbicide to kill thick, woody vines. Systemic herbicides enter the vines' circulatory system through their leaves, then kill off their roots. Use a triclopyr herbicide, the strongest type of systemic herbicide, to kill vines that are strong and thick. This will penetrate the tough exterior of the vines easily. Buy herbicide at a local garden center or hardware store. Use a glyphosate herbicide to tackle herbaceous vines. Herbaceous vines can be removed with a milder systemic herbicide. Apply a glyphosate herbicide to the vine leaves to be absorbed into the circulatory system. Herbaceous vines are not as durable as woody vines and can be killed without need for a more intense poison. Spray isolated vine leaves with systemic herbicide. If you are killing vines on the ground or on a building that are not touching other plants, spray them with herbicide. Apply enough herbicide to completely wet the foliage of the vine. Avoid dousing the leaves enough to cause runoff onto the ground, which may damage the soil and the roots of nearby plants. Do not spray vines growing on trees or other plants. It may take several weeks or months to kill the vines depending on their thickness and how developed their root system is. Multiple applications may be necessary. Cover your other plants with plastic bags or plastic sheeting while you spray. Protect your garden from vine-killing chemicals by covering them completely with thick plastic. To protect their roots, cover the soil surrounding them as much as possible. Ground the plastic with large rocks, bricks, or stakes while you spray. Remove the plastic 2-3 hours after applying the herbicide. Cut away large vines and treat the stumps with herbicide. Larger, well-established vines are likely to be intertwined with other plants or firmly planted on building or trees. Cut away these vines with a pruning saw or shears and leave a 3–5 inches (7.6–12.7 cm) stump. Apply an undiluted triclopyr herbicide directly to the freshly cut stump. The treated stump should die within a week or 2 after the herbicide attacks the root system.

Cover up to protect your skin from the vines. Pry away climbing vines from trees or buildings with a sturdy, flat tool. Cut away vines with pruning shears or a pruning saw. Pull or dig the base of the vines out of the ground by hand. Mow vines growing on the ground to kill them easily. Smother the vine with mulch. Spray the vines with a vinegar mixture. Pour boiling water onto the root crown of the vines. Buy a triclopyr herbicide to kill thick, woody vines. Use a glyphosate herbicide to tackle herbaceous vines. Spray isolated vine leaves with systemic herbicide. Cover your other plants with plastic bags or plastic sheeting while you spray. Cut away large vines and treat the stumps with herbicide.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Study-Skills

How to Improve Your Study Skills

To improve your study skills, always start by studying the hardest subject first since you'll be more alert and focused when you first start studying. Also, remember to take a break from studying every once in a while to go for a walk or listen to some music, which will prevent you from feeling stressed and overwhelmed. It's also helpful to quiz yourself as you're studying so you know which things you don't understand and should spend more time on.

Avoid distractions by limiting electronics. If you have family members that distract you, politely ask them to leave so you can continue with your assignments. Make sure the TV and radio are off. Turn your phone on silent. If you don't need the internet for your studying, turn your WiFi off so you won't get distracted. If you like studying with music, make sure it is chill music, without words, that won't have you singing along and getting distracted. You can ask one of your family members to help you keep all the distractions away from you, such as mobile phones and laptops. Study one subject at a time instead of multitasking. If you're feeling really stressed, it's often tempting to work on 3 assignments at the same time, because you're so worried about all of them. But that actually makes each task more unpleasant and difficult to accomplish, makes everything take longer, and means you do a worse job on each task. Instead, devote a chunk of time to studying for one class, take a break, and then start studying for the next class. Studies have shown that multitasking isn't only ineffective; it's also stressful. You can get much more enjoyment out of a task if you focus on it and do a good job, and then move on to the next thing. Stay organized with a study schedule. Keep a detailed planner listing all your tests and assignments. This can be in a paper planner or online. For each day, write down the homework or studying you have to do and when you plan to do it. It can be helpful to write down other time commitments you have, too. Mark out time slots to work on long-term projects and study for big tests, so that you don't push them to the last minute. It's also very satisfying to be able to check off each item as you complete it. You feel accomplished! Take notes and ask yourself questions as you read. Reading to study isn't like reading a novel for fun: you have to make sure you are actively focusing on and remembering the information. As you read the material, ask yourself about what you've just read to check your comprehension. Take notes by writing down the chapter headings and then make a few bullet points for each one with key information. If you're not sure what is the most important information to write down, check out the textbook chapter summary, which will often include only the most important points. Some textbooks will also mark the most important information in bold, or have review sections going over key points. It will also help you remember the material, and point out areas that you don't understand, where you need to do more studying or ask for help. Take an active break at least every hour. After an hour of sitting and studying, get up and take a little break. You can walk around, eat a snack, do a few push-ups, or go get some air outside. Try to make the break last about 10 minutes so that you can go back to studying. When you take frequent active breaks, you're able to learn much more in the long term than if you try to sit and study for 4 hours without stopping. Your brain and body need a little activity and fun so that you're able to focus again. Practice a growth mindset. Success in school isn't all about innate talent. It's mostly about effort. Instead of telling yourself, “I'm no good at this subject,” tell yourself, “I can learn more if I ask questions and practice.” Instead of saying, “I'm bad at studying,” say, “I'm going to practice studying more efficiently.” Studies have shown that students who practice a growth mindset learn better than students with fixed mindsets, who tell themselves that every setback is a bad thing, instead of an opportunity to grow. Don't worry if you have a more negative mindset now. You can develop a growth mindset with lots of positive self-talk. Make sure you get enough sleep every night. Sleep is the best ingredient to help you focus. Staying up late studying on school nights is not a good idea for long-term success. Lack of sleep prevents you from concentrating and reduces your ability to remember what you have learned. Aim to get 8-9 hours of sleep a night, or more if that's what you need. Figure out your learning style so you can study more strategically. Different people have different forms of learning that work best for them. Some people are visual learners, which means they learn best from images and reading. Some people are auditory learners, which means they most clearly remember what they hear. Jingles and songs can help them remember information. And some people are tactile learners, also called kinesthetic learners. They learn best by physically handling the things they are learning about. Figure out your learning style and use techniques that best work for you to help study. For example, a tactile learner would best learn how a clock works by taking one apart and putting it back together. A visual learner would look at a diagram of how the clock worked. A reading/writing learner would read an essay about the clock's function and take notes. An auditory learner would listen to a lecture about it. If you're not sure what you're learning style is, you can take an online quiz about it here: http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles-quiz.shtml Use acronyms and flashcards to help you remember things. Acronyms are made up of the first letter of each word you are trying to remember. One example is the acronym PEMDAS, for remembering that the order of operations in arithmetic is: Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. Flashcards are another good tool for memorizing large amounts of information. Try building a visual memory of things you need to remember if you're a visual learner. For example, if you have to recite a long poem for your English class, try to picture each line or verse as a specific image. Take detailed notes in class in the weeks leading up to the exam. Even if your teacher posts notes online, the physical act of taking notes will make the concepts stick better so that you don't have to frantically learn everything before the test. Studies have shown that you remember more if you take notes by hand instead of on the computer. Try not to just copy what the teacher has written on the board, but also write down important things your teacher says. Whenever your teacher starts a new topic, mark a new section in your notes and write down some key points. Taking notes in class also forces you to pay attention. Don't feel the need to write down every word your teacher says. Practice test-taking strategies. Acing a test isn't just about studying the information, it's also about getting the hang of tests. Try practice tests to get the hang of multiple-choice, true-false, short answer, and essay questions. When you're taking the test, mark difficult questions to come back to later instead of spending a long time trying to figure them out. That way you'll have time to answer more questions that you know, and if you have time, you can come back to work on the ones you didn't know. If you're going to have to write an essay on your test, don't just memorize information that you might have to include. Actually practice writing an essay in a short amount of time, so that when the day comes, you won't feel nervous, because you've done it before. Start studying for exams at least a week in advance. Instead of cramming at the last minute, you should study for about an hour or two every day for a week. This will give you time to gradually prepare and learn everything you need to know without stressing.. Cramming the night before a test isn't just stressful and exhausting, it's also not very effective. Join or form a study group. If you have a big test coming up, get together a group of friends from your class to quiz each other and ask each other questions. Be mindful of balancing group and individual study. Group study can be much more fun and you can ask questions, but groups of friends can get distracted really quickly. If your study group is having trouble focusing, try setting a timer for 45 minutes. Say: “Let's study until the timer rings, and then we'll have a snack break,” or something like that. Having a short, set amount of time to focus is more manageable. Try teaching the concept to somebody else. Studies have shown that teaching a concept to somebody else helps you learn it and retain it far better than just studying it on your own. So if you've got a particularly tricky concept you're trying to learn, try teaching it to a friend. Depending on the concept, you can also try teaching it to a younger sibling or somebody else who has less knowledge than you. Trying to explain a tricky concept in simple language can clarify your understanding. Also, explain your study concept to someone. This will help you understand the concept better because you're talking out loud. If you can't talk to someone, talk to your pet, your TV, your pillow, your imaginary friend, etc. The point of this isn't to teach someone the concept, it is to read it out loud, but it might feel weird talking to yourself, which is why talking to someone or something can help. Ask for help if you're having a hard time studying. When you're feeling stuck in your studying for an exam, don't be afraid to ask for help. You can ask for help from a friend who's taking the same class as you, or ask the teacher during class. You can also see if your school offers tutoring, and go ask a tutor for help. Try your best on a problem before you ask for help from your teacher. Then phrase your question like this, “I tried this, but I couldn't figure it out. Could you help?” or “I understand this part, but I'm confused about that part. What does it mean?” This will make it clear that you're not asking your teacher to do your work for you, you are just looking for clarification.

Avoid distractions by limiting electronics. Study one subject at a time instead of multitasking. Stay organized with a study schedule. Take notes and ask yourself questions as you read. Take an active break at least every hour. Practice a growth mindset. Make sure you get enough sleep every night. Figure out your learning style so you can study more strategically. Use acronyms and flashcards to help you remember things. Take detailed notes in class in the weeks leading up to the exam. Practice test-taking strategies. Start studying for exams at least a week in advance. Join or form a study group. Try teaching the concept to somebody else. Ask for help if you're having a hard time studying.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Badminton-Doubles

How to Play Badminton Doubles

To play badminton doubles, start by choosing between an attacking formation, where one player is in front of the court with the other one in the back, or a defensive formation, where both players stand side by side. Start the game by serving the shuttle diagonally, so that if you're standing on the left side of the court, you'll serve to the right side of the opponent's court, from your perspective. Then, use strategies like hitting the shuttle at its highest point to set up your opponent to smash or net the ball, which will result in your side winning the rally.

Serve diagonally. There are two service courts (as a whole there are four) on each side separated by a center line. The server must serve the shuttle, i.e., the ball, to the court that is diagonal to their court. For example, if you are standing on the left side of the court, from your perspective, you need to serve the ball to the right side of the court (or your opponent's left court). Be stationary. Some part of both feet must be touching the ground when you serve. In other words, one foot cannot be touching while the other is lifted. You can keep both feet in contact with the floor by standing on your tiptoes while you serve. However, you cannot drag a foot along the floor. Stay inside the box. While serving, you must stay inside your respective box. You are not allowed to touch or cross the boundary lines while you are serving. However, you may lean forward or sideways so that your racket is outside of the court lines. The receiver of the shot must also stay inside their respective box. Hit the shuttle below the waist. When serving the shot, the shuttle must be below your waist at all times. Your waist is defined as the lowest part of your ribcage. Therefore, it is slightly higher than the line of your shorts. Feel for your lowest rib. The shuttle must be below this point when it comes into contact with the racket. Do not take more than five seconds to serve. Once the game begins, do not take more than five seconds to hit the shuttle. If you do, the referee might rule a fault. While serving, you are not allowed to delay once you start to backswing the racket. In other words, there should be no delay between your backswing and forward swing; it should be one fluid motion. Grip the racket in a handshake grip. When gripping the racket, your hand should imitate the act of shaking someone's hand. The head of the racket should be perpendicular to the floor when you hold the racket straight out in front of you. Cup the shuttle with your off-hand. Hold the shuttle from your body at a comfortable distance. Your arm should be relaxed, i.e., not locked or stiff. At this point, your racket should be cocked back in order to generate momentum to hit the shuttle, as opposed to underneath the shuttle. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart. Your dominant foot should be back. Also stand near the center line. Hit the shuttle. With an underhand stroke, hit the bottom of the shuttle below your waist. Your arm should cross your body and end near your opposite shoulder on the follow-through. Remember to aim the shuttle toward the court that is diagonal from you. For short serves, the trajectory should be flat. This will force your opponent to return high. For long serves, the shuttle should travel high towards the back line. This will force your opponent to move back to return the shot. Familiarize yourself with the court lines. Double service courts are wider, but shorter than single service courts. The basic court lines for badminton doubles are: The center line. This is the line that runs perpendicular to the net and runs down the middle of each side. It separates the two service boxes. The doubles side lines. These are the outermost lines that run perpendicular to the net. The short service line. This is the line closest to the net, and runs parallel to the net. The line covers the width of the court. The doubles long service line. This is the second to last line near the back of the court. It is parallel to the net, and spans the width of the court. Get into an attacking formation. An attacking formation is the ideal formation for you and your badminton teammate. An attacking formation is when one player is in the front of the court (usually the server assumes this position), and one player is in the back of the court, i.e., the defensive player. The defensive player usually stands right behind the setter. The setter, i.e., the front player, secures the net position by forcing their opponent to lift the ball. They also intercept a short defense or shot with a smash. The defensive player, i.e., the back player, usually fires powerful shots, like smashes, from the back of the court. Assume a defensive formation. A defensive formation is when both players stand side by side covering their respective sides. It is the weaker formation of the two. It usually occurs when you or your teammate execute a high lift or high clear, which is a weak return. A high lift or high clear sets your opponents up to smash or net the ball, and thus, win a rally. Force your opponent to do a high lift. You can force your opponent to do a high lift by smashing the shuttle. The back player, i.e., the defensive player, usually carries out the smash. A smash shot travels downward toward your opponent's court. Carry out a smash by adopting a forehand grip, i.e., the handshake grip. Raise both arms, and cock back you racket arm. Once the shuttle is at its highest point, swing the racket over your head, and hit the shuttle. Make sure to follow through with the swing. You also want to make sure you have good balance to get the most out of your swing. Do a net kill if you are a front player. Front players usually employ net kills. To do a net kill correctly, you will need to change the position of your hand. You will also need to do a short swing as opposed to a larger swing. Place your thumb behind the badminton handle. Only the pad of your thumb should be touching the handle. Make sure your racket is up before the shuttle arrives so you can make a short swing. If not, you will most likely make a larger swing than necessary and accidentally hit the net (called a fault), or hit the shuttle into the net on your side. Before hitting the shuttle, make sure your racket is on top of the shuttle, and you have a tight grip. Then, hit the shuttle downwards. Communicate. Talk with each other. The name doubles implies partnership. You should maintain an open line of communication with your partner. Try to be aware of where your partner is in the court at all times. This prevents you from having to look back, and getting hit by the shuttle. Good communication will also prevent both of you from rushing toward the shuttle at the same time. For example, you can tell your partner what you plan to do before you start a rally. Tell them, “Hey, cover me, I think I am going to go for a smash on the next rally.” If your in the back of the court you can tell your partner, “I'm covering the back left side, cover the front right side.”

Serve diagonally. Be stationary. Stay inside the box. Hit the shuttle below the waist. Do not take more than five seconds to serve. Grip the racket in a handshake grip. Cup the shuttle with your off-hand. Hit the shuttle. Familiarize yourself with the court lines. Get into an attacking formation. Assume a defensive formation. Force your opponent to do a high lift. Do a net kill if you are a front player. Communicate.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Outdoor-Canopy

How to Make an Outdoor Canopy

To make an outdoor canopy, start by getting a tarp with grommets, or small metal rings, in each corner. Then, lay the tarp out on the ground, and tie the end of a tent pole to each grommet using nylon rope. Next, lift the tarp off of the ground, and stick the tent poles into the ground. Once you've done that, pull the nylon rope at each corner taut, and stake it into the ground. Finally, put a longer tent pole in the center of the canopy to raise it up higher.

Buy a high-quality tarp with grommets, big enough to cover the desired area. Use a silver tarp for the best protection against both sun and rain. Use a blue tarp if you can't find a silver tarp. Grommets are small metal rings in each corner of the tarp that will allow you to attach tent poles to create the canopy. You can find high-quality tarps at most home centers or outdoor supply stores. Clear the area for the canopy and lay out the tarp on the ground. Clear away any debris from the area where you will set up the canopy. Stretch out the tarp flat on the ground in roughly the position that you want to set it up. It's important to clear the area so that the tarp will lay flat on the ground, and so that there is nothing underfoot to trip on while you set up your canopy. Attach a tent pole to each corner of the tarp with nylon rope. Place 1 7 ft (2.1 m) tent pole in each corner with the tips in the grommets. Use 10 ft (3.0 m) of 0.25 in (6 mm) nylon rope to secure the poles in place by threading 1 end through each grommet and around the tip of each tent pole, then tying it in a tight knot. Leave all the excess rope that is not tied around the grommets and tent poles. You will use it to secure the canopy to the ground by tying it to tent stakes. Stainless steel tent poles are the best poles to use for your canopy because they are sturdy and they don't rust, but you can use bamboo or wooden poles instead. You can get the tent poles and nylon rope at outdoor and camping supply stores. Lift up the tarp with the help of 4 people and stick the poles into the ground. Enlist the help of 4 people and have each person stand in a corner and grab a tent pole. Have everyone slowly lift up the canopy and stretch it out so the tarp is taut, then stick the poles in the ground as securely as possible. Keep everyone standing in the corners and holding onto the poles while you finish securing the canopy. If you don't have anyone to help you, you can do it yourself 1 pole at a time. Just make sure to really push the poles firmly into the ground so they don't fall over while you stretch out the canopy. Stretch out the ropes from each corner and secure them with tent stakes. Grab each rope 1 at a times and stretch them out straight away from the corners as far as you can. Hammer a tent stake into the ground in each place where the ends of the ropes reach and tie the ropes to them. Once each corner is secured by the ropes, everyone can let go of the canopy and it should stand in place. If you are doing this by yourself, be careful not to pull the ropes so tight that you tip over the canopy. Put 1 longer tent pole in the middle of the canopy and stick it in the ground. Place 1 8 ft (2.4 m) tent pole underneath the middle of the canopy so that the tip lifts the middle up. Push the other end of the pole into the ground securely. 1 end of the middle pole will be held in place by the tension of the canopy, and 1 end will be held in place by the ground. Lifting the middle of the canopy slightly with a longer pole is important so that rain water will drain off the sides of the canopy. You can decorate your canopy with some string lights to light it up at night. Get a canvas drop cloth of the size you want with grommets in the corners. Make sure it is big enough to cover the area you want to shade. Take notes of the measurements of the tarp for when you drill holes in the wall. You can use a tarp instead of a canvas drop cloth. You can get a canvas drop cloth for the canopy at a home center. If it doesn't have grommets in it, ask the home center staff if they can put some in using a grommet tool. Drill two holes in the wall closer than the length of 1 side of the drop cloth. Make the holes at least 1 ft (0.30 m) closer than the distance between 2 grommets on 1 side of the drop cloth, and 7 ft (2.1 m) high off the ground. This will allow you to create a peak in the canopy at the end. Make sure to use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw eyes or hooks that you will screw in. Screw 2 screw eyes or hooks into the wall. Place metal screw eyes or hooks into the holes you drilled and screw them in tightly. These will be used to secure the drop cloth to the wall. Screw eyes are metal loops that have a screw on one end. You can get metal screw eyes or hooks at a hardware store. Tie the drop cloth to the screw eyes or hooks with strong cord. Use a short length of cord to tie 2 corners of the canopy to the wall. Tie the cord around each grommet at 1 end and around the screw eyes or hooks at the other end. Try to tie the drop cloth as close to the wall as possible. Tie a pole to each front corner and stick the poles in the ground. Use 2 fresh 10 ft (3.0 m) pieces of strong cord to tie 1 tip of the poles to the grommets by tying 1 end of the cord through the grommet and around the tips of the tent poles. Stretch out the canopy so it is taut and push the other ends of the poles firmly into the ground. You can use aluminum tent poles, bamboo poles, or wooden poles. Make sure to leave the excess cord attached to the poles because you will use it to secure the canopy with tent stakes. Stretch out the 2 cords in the front and tie them to tent stakes in the ground. Pull the cords out from each corner as far as they will go, and place tent stakes in the ground where the ends reach. Tie the cord to the stakes to secure the canopy. It is a good idea to have someone hold the tent poles firmly in place while you stretch out and secure the cords. Put 1 longer pole in the middle of the canopy to create a peak. Place 1 end of a 8 ft (2.4 m) pole underneath the canopy in the middle. Push the other end of the pole firmly into the ground. The tension of the canopy and the 1 end of the pole pushed into the ground will hold the middle pole in place. If you don't want to create a peak, you can drill the holes for the backside of the canopy slightly higher than the poles you are using for the front to create a slope. This will allow rainwater to drain off just as well.

Buy a high-quality tarp with grommets, big enough to cover the desired area. Clear the area for the canopy and lay out the tarp on the ground. Attach a tent pole to each corner of the tarp with nylon rope. Lift up the tarp with the help of 4 people and stick the poles into the ground. Stretch out the ropes from each corner and secure them with tent stakes. Put 1 longer tent pole in the middle of the canopy and stick it in the ground. Get a canvas drop cloth of the size you want with grommets in the corners. Drill two holes in the wall closer than the length of 1 side of the drop cloth. Screw 2 screw eyes or hooks into the wall. Tie the drop cloth to the screw eyes or hooks with strong cord. Tie a pole to each front corner and stick the poles in the ground. Stretch out the 2 cords in the front and tie them to tent stakes in the ground. Put 1 longer pole in the middle of the canopy to create a peak.

https://www.wikihow.com/Hide-Things-in-Your-Room

How to Hide Things in Your Room

To hide things in your room, try putting things inside a board game boy or inside an old stuffed animal. If the item is small, try stashing it in the battery compartment of an electronic device or in an empty lotion bottle. Alternatively, flat items can be slipped into the back of picture frames of between the pages of a book. You can also put the item in a sealed plastic bag and bury it in the soil of a houseplant so that it's completely covered.

Avoid common hiding places. Sock drawers, pillowcases, and the area under your bed are all pretty obvious places. Think about the hiding places you would search first if you were looking for something, then steer clear of those. When searching for something, people tend to look in the most obvious places first. If you hide something in such a place, someone is sure to find it. Pick spots where your family members or roommates are least likely to go. If someone seldom visits a room, then they are not likely going to come across whatever it is that you are hiding. For example, if no one ever goes into the basement or the linen closet, then those are safe hiding options. Some bad examples include: If your sister comes into your room to use your lotion every morning, an old lotion bottle probably isn't the best hiding spot. If your roommate likes to borrow books from your bookshelf, you should probably hide your secret notes elsewhere. Go for places that you can access pretty easily. This is important if you want to take out your secret items often. If getting to your hiding spot could cause a loud avalanche in your closet, attracting the attention of parents and snooping siblings, you should probably pick a different location. In the same way, you should be able to reach an item without taking everything out of your drawers or tearing up your bookcase. Remember your hiding spots. If you have many different hiding spots, keeping track of all your goodies could get confusing. Write a simple note in your phone or computer to help you remember. If you want to write down your hiding places on paper, you'll need to hide the paper, too. Keep your note vague to throw off nosy family members. For example, if you hid a secret letter in the pages of the book Tom Sawyer, you could simply write “Tom” in your notes to remind you. You can also use little tricks to help you remember your hiding spots. If you hid your money in the pocket of a green shirt in your closet, you could think: “Money is green, and so I hid my money in the green shirt.” Use the battery compartments of your electronics to stash tiny items. If you have a few electronic devices that you don't use much anymore, like a beaten-up radio or an old gaming console, take out the batteries and slide your tiny valuables into the battery compartment. Then, replace the back. Make sure that no one else uses these items. If someone tries to use the TV remote and it doesn't work, the first thing they'll do is check the battery compartment. Slip flat items into the back of picture frames. Open your picture frame and take out the cardboard backing. Then, place small, flat items, like secret notes or cash, on top of the picture. Replace the cardboard backing, and you've got an awesome hiding place. This may also work for framed mirrors, as long as they have a backing, like on a picture frame. Put items in empty product containers. Old containers, like empty deodorant sticks, sunscreen bottles, or pill containers, are great places to house your treasures. Large lotion bottles can work well for bigger items. Make sure that this isn't an item that anyone else in your house uses. If they realize that the container is empty, they may toss it--along with whatever it is that you're hiding. Use this for personal items, such as a lotion bottle in your room that only you use. Stash goodies in the soil of potted plants. Put your goodies in plastic baggies and bury them in the soil of your potted plants. If you don't have any, it may be a good idea to buy one or two for secret stashing. Make sure the baggie is tightly sealed. You don't want soil and water ruining your treasures! This can also work outside. Place an inconspicuous stone or figurine (such as a lawn gnome) over the hiding spot to mark it. Store items between your trash can and the trash bag. Take out the trash bag and put some of your goodies in the trash can. Then, replace the trash bag on top. Who would think to look for your most prized possessions in the garbage? Only use this method if you take out your own trash. If your mom or dad does it, then they could find your secret stash! You can also do this is you line your laundry basket with a sack. Just slip your prized possession between the basket and the sack. Put some goodies in the pockets of your clothing. Pick a few neglected pieces of clothing in the back of your closet and slip some goodies into their pockets. Make sure you remember the clothes you selected so you don't accidentally donate them or give them to little siblings. Get into the habit of double-checking the pockets of anything you plan on donating, just in case you did hide something that you forgot about. Keep the items small and discrete. A folded up dollar bill in a coat pocket won't be noticeable, but a large, bulky candy bar or toy will. Slide flat items between the pages of books. This method is great for notes, cash, and cards. It'll work better if you have lots of books in your room, because most snoopers aren't going to take the time to flip through each one. You could make a tiny marking on the chosen book so you'll remember which one you picked. To stash non-flat items, you could buy a hollow book safe in stores or online, or make your own. It can sit on your shelf just like a real book! Use an old board game box to stash valuables. If you have a board game you never play anymore, empty out the contents of the box and replace them with your secret items. Then, put the box in the back of your closet. Board game boxes are great for stashing bigger items. Store goodies inside an old stuffed animal. Pick a teddy you're willing to sacrifice to the cause. Make a little cut along a seam and slip in your items. If the cut is big, you may have to sew it back up so the stuffing doesn't leak out. Place it with its fellow stuffed animals so it blends right in. Use a tennis ball for tiny items. Using a pair of scissors, cut a small opening in a tennis ball. Squeeze it to widen the slit, then slide small goodies through the slit and into the tennis ball. Throw the tennis ball into an unassuming location, like the back of your closet, behind your bed, or with your sports stuff. To retrieve the items, simply squeeze the ball again to widen the slit, and shake the items out. If they are stuck, you may have to use your fingers or tweezers.

Avoid common hiding places. Pick spots where your family members or roommates are least likely to go. Go for places that you can access pretty easily. Remember your hiding spots. Use the battery compartments of your electronics to stash tiny items. Slip flat items into the back of picture frames. Put items in empty product containers. Stash goodies in the soil of potted plants. Store items between your trash can and the trash bag. Put some goodies in the pockets of your clothing. Slide flat items between the pages of books. Use an old board game box to stash valuables. Store goodies inside an old stuffed animal. Use a tennis ball for tiny items.

https://www.wikihow.com/Catify-Your-Home-for-a-Senior-Cat

How to Catify Your Home for a Senior Cat

To “catify” your home for a senior cat, you should try to keep your floors clear, especially if it's blind or has mobility problems, so it doesn't trip or bump into things. If you don't have a windowsill your cat can easily access, you can also provide furniture or a perch to give it a view of the outdoors, since it won't be able to explore as much now that it's older. As well as a nice view, try and create a warm, cozy place for your cat to sleep in, either by a heating vent or in a spot that gets lots of sunlight.

Provide a warm, cozy place to sleep. As your cat ages, it may be more inclined to spend its time napping in a warm spot. Place your cat's bed in a location that gets lots of warm sun or is near a heating vent. In a great spot, your cat can spend it days cozy and contented. If you want to make your cat extra cozy and warm, consider getting it a heated cat bed, which plugs in and provides gentle warming. Give access to quiet spaces. If you have a multi-cat household or a home that is generally loud and active, you may need to provide an older cat with a space to escape the noise. Give your cat access to a quiet bedroom or a warm, sunny corner away from the noise. Make sure to let all family members know that the cat should be left alone when it goes to its quiet area. Keep other pets out of this quiet area so that the senior cat can get some rest and relaxation. Remove dangers in the cat's space. If your cat is losing its sight or is generally losing its function, you may need to adjust what objects are in its space. For example, if your cat has gone blind, you need to remove clutter that is in the cat's usual paths so that it doesn't bump into things. You don't want a cat that is blind having to navigate around random objects you leave lying around. Keep your furniture in the same locations, if possible. This will allow a cat who is losing sight to find its way around your home based on memory. If you cannot remove all dangers, you may need to find a way to keep older cats out of dangerous areas. This can often be done with baby gates, as older cats are less likely to expend the energy to jump over them. Provide ramps and steps for accessibility. If your cat has mobility problems, anywhere from minor arthritis to an inability to move around without a wheelchair or cart, it may benefit from some accessibility ramps or steps. This could include adding steps up to your bed, so that your cat can sleep where it has always slept. It could also include adding ramps in your home so that a cat in a cart can move around its home. Not all accessibility solutions mean adding stairs and ramps to your home. You can simply rearrange furniture to make it easier for your cat to get to a high spot. Putting a bench at the end of your bed, for instance, may make it so your cat can jump up onto that and then up further onto your bed. Give access to views of the outdoors. As your cat ages it will be less able to be physically active but it will still need to have its mind stimulated. With this in mind, give it easy access to a place where it can watch the world outside. Giving a senior cat a spot where it can view the goings on in the neighborhood will be give it a fun activity that is stimulating to its mind. Giving your cat a spot where it can watch the world may require that you install cat perches or some other way for the cat to get up to a window. It could simply mean that you put a piece of furniture next to a window so that the cat can sit on it and look outside. This is especially important for cats that can't or don't want to go outside. It is common for very old cats to avoid going outside as much as they might have previously. Provide easy access to food. As your cat ages it will be less able to climb up to food dishes on high points, such as kitchen counters. If you have traditionally fed your cat on a high surface, move its food down to the floor. Giving your cat easy access to its food will help assure that it eats enough food to stay healthy and happy. This is especially important for cats that have mobility issues, such as cats with arthritis or other age-related movement problems. Put food in elevated cat dishes. While you shouldn't put your cat's food dishes on a high counter, it is a good idea to raise them off the floor. Putting your cat's food in an elevated dish, which lifts the food a few inches off the floor, will make it easier for your cat to eat its food. Elevated cat dishes allow your cat to be in a more neutral position when eating than bowls on the floor do. Basically, they make it so your cat doesn't have to bend over. Give unlimited access to water. As your cat ages, it is more likely to suffer from dehydration. Because of this, be sure to provide unlimited access to water. Also consider providing water dishes in multiple locations in your home, so that your senior cat can easily have a drink of water whenever it wants one. Transitioning your cat from a dry kibble diet to a wet, canned food diet can also help your cat get more water. Consider providing a cat drinking fountain for a cat that is hesitant to drink water. These fountains recycle water in a stream, which can lure cats that are interested in running water into drinking. Give your cat a calm place to eat. Some older cats have a hard time getting enough to eat if they are forced to eat in an area that is loud, noisy, or filled with other pets. Consider giving your older cat a quiet place to eat where it can be all alone and focus on its meal. This could be as simple as letting the older cat eat in the kitchen alone before you let other pets in to eat. You could also give your senior cat its own special space, such as a landing or kitchen pantry floor, where only it is allowed. Put the litter box in an easily accessible location. It is important to give your cat easy access to its litter box so that it is able to get to it without a lot of effort or discomfort. Placing the litter box in an area close to where the cat spends most of its time is important. Also, a cat with mobility issues should not have to climb up and down stairs to get to its litter box. This means that litter boxes in basements or other out of the way places may need to be placed somewhere closer to the cat's area. Putting a litter box in a central location in your home can be a drag but it is better to have a litter box there than to have accidents in the house. Having a litter box in a central location in your home will also make you more likely to clean it regularly, as you will see it often and you will have to deal with the smell and sight of a dirty litter box. Consider putting multiple litter boxes in your home. As a cat ages it will have less ability to wait to go to the bathroom when it has the urge. If you provide it with multiple litter boxes, your senior cat is more likely to make it to one and to not have an accident in the house. Providing multiple litter boxes is most important in homes that are large in size. If your cat never has to go far to get to its litter box, for instance if you live in a small apartment, multiple boxes is not necessary. Use a litter box with low sides. As your cat loses mobility, it will be harder of it to get in and out of a litter box. Consider providing a litter box with low sides or a low entrance area. This will help assure that it uses the litter box when it needs to and that it doesn't choose somewhere else in the house to go to the bathroom. A litter box with low sides can be messier than a litter box with high sides. Try putting the litter box with low sides on a large mat that will hold stray litter in place and that can be easily shaken out or vacuumed regularly. If you can't find a litter box with low sides, try making your own using a plastic storage container. Cut out a low opening in one side of the container with a utility knife, then fill with litter and you are ready to go!

Provide a warm, cozy place to sleep. Give access to quiet spaces. Remove dangers in the cat's space. Provide ramps and steps for accessibility. Give access to views of the outdoors. Provide easy access to food. Put food in elevated cat dishes. Give unlimited access to water. Give your cat a calm place to eat. Put the litter box in an easily accessible location. Consider putting multiple litter boxes in your home. Use a litter box with low sides.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Tell-if-Your-Cat-Is-Constipated

How to Tell if Your Cat Is Constipated

To tell if your cat is constipated, check to see if your cat cries out or hunches over when using the litter box, as these are signs of constipation. Alternatively, look out for hard balls of fecal matter outside of the litter box, since your cat may stop using their litter box if they associate it with pain. You can also monitor your cat's eating habits to find out if they've changed. If you think they have changed, press gently against your cat's stomach to see if you can feel hard lumps.

Make sure your cat is using the litter box. Sometimes when a cat is constipated and feels uncomfortable trying to relieve themselves in the litter box, they can associate the pain with the box itself, and start to avoid it entirely. If this happens, you may find hard balls of fecal matter in other places in your home, such as the bathtub, hallway, or a closet. Make the litter box as appealing as possible for your cat by removing any covers if present.These litter box tips will allow you to monitor your cat's bathroom habits regularly and bring your attention to any issues before they become a bigger problem. Try keeping your litter box in an open area that is easily accessible for your cat. Don't hide the litter box in a cabinet or small closet. Be aware that an older cat or one with arthritis, may not be able to access the litter box as they once could. Look for straining in the litter box. Without the presence of fecal matter, is usually the first sign that your cat may be constipated. They can sometimes cry out or appear to be straining by standing on their toes and hunching excessively to try and relieve themselves. If you notice any of these awkward behaviors in the litter box, there could be a problem. It is normal for a cat to have, at least, one normal bowel movement per day, but many will regularly have two or more. For older cats with arthritis, products such as joint supplements, and sometimes pain medication, can help keep your cat comfortable when posturing in the litter box. Look for indicators of urinary tract infections. If there are little to no urine spots present, especially when there is fecal matter present, your cat's discomfort or straining could indicate a urinary tract blockage. This is an emergency situation, which requires immediate veterinary assistance. Straining behavior is easily and frequently confused with what can be a more serious condition, a blocked urinary tract. One thing to be aware of if you see this type of litter box behavior, is to always check and make sure that urine is present in the box when your cat is finished using it. Urinary tract blockages are much more common in male cats, but can occur in females as well. If there is any doubt as to what is causing this behavior, consult with your veterinarian immediately. Be vigilant with litter box monitoring to avoid mistaking a urinary problem for constipation. Consider using lubricating aids. There are a couple of lubricating aids that you can give your cat at home to help pass fecal matter if needed. Consult with your veterinarian about the products they have and for recommendations for their use. They usually carry lubricating products, such as Laxatone, that are designed to relieve constipation and are flavored so that your cat will enjoy consuming them. These products tend to be easier to administer because they are more appealing to your cat. These aids can also be applied to either, the roof of your cat's mouth, under their nose on their upper lip, or on a front paw. If you are unable to get the aid directly into your cat's mouth, they are usually prone to lick under their nose or their paws when there is a foreign substance present. Be patient and give your cat breaks if they are getting anxious or frustrated If using Laxatone, give your cat 3 cc (about 3 inches), 1-2 times daily. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can also be used safely at home. Try giving your cat 1/2 teaspoon, once daily, as a treat or mixed into wet food. Decide if improper defecation is a persistent problem. If your cat has not been able to defecate normally for 24 hours after trying a few things at home, it is time to consult with your veterinarian. For mild cases of constipation, your veterinarian may recommend a laxative or stool softener. For more serious cases, an enema or manual removal of the feces under anesthesia may be necessary. However, Only in the most severe cases of constipation is surgery required. This may be recommended if your cat has been constipated for a long period of time and has developed obstipation. Obstipation is the inability for your cat to empty their colon on their own which results in a large amount of feces build-up. When this happens, your cat's colon can swell and lose its natural motility. In this case, surgery may be considered to be a lifesaving option for your cat. Check to see if your cat is eating as it normally does. However, don't rely solely on changes in appetite to indicate that your cat may have a constipation issue. A change in appetite can also be an indicator for a long list of other issues. If you notice changes in diet, try checking your cat's tummy by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen while they are standing upright. Run your hand back and forth over their tummy to see if you can feel any hard lumps. If you do feel hard fecal lumps, take your cat to the veterinarian for a professional physical exam to confirm your concerns. Prevent constipation through diet. Some cats that have a history of chronic constipation benefit from long term diet changes or by adding a high fiber supplement recommended by your veterinarian. Canned pumpkin is safe for your cat to eat and is high in fiber and moisture content. If your cat solely prefers a dry diet, find a brand of dry food with a high fiber content or add a little Metamucil cookie or powder to their food if they are willing to eat it. Increase your cat's water intake. Dehydration is a common culprit in many cases of constipation. Cats naturally derive the majority of their fluid requirements from their diet. Feeding a canned diet will supply a much greater water content than a dry one, and help to maintain proper hydration. You also provide your kitty with several water bowls strategically located around your home to encourage more drinking. Make sure the water in each bowl is clean, fresh, and appealing to your cat. A drinking fountain is another good way to encourage your cat to drink sufficiently. These types of fountains can be found at your local pet store.

Make sure your cat is using the litter box. Look for straining in the litter box. Look for indicators of urinary tract infections. Consider using lubricating aids. Decide if improper defecation is a persistent problem. Check to see if your cat is eating as it normally does. Prevent constipation through diet. Increase your cat's water intake.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prune-Tulips

How to Prune Tulips

Before you prune your tulips, wait for their flowers to start fading, which usually occurs around May or June. After they've faded, snip the heads of the tulips using a pair of garden shears or scissors. Avoid cutting your tulips' leaves, since they help continue their growth cycle. About 6 weeks after they bloom, your tulip leaves may turn brown or yellow at the ends. If this happens, trim only the fading sections or cut the leaves at the base of the stem, which will help them grow back next year.

Wait until your tulips begin to fade. Once your tulips blossom and the flowers start to fade, the flowers become wilted and look unattractive. Typically, tulips begin to fade in May or June. The exact month your flowers start to fade will vary based on your location and climate. of stem showing above the soil. Prune off the heads of your tulips using gardening shears. After your tulips fade, trim your tulip plants to encourage them to grow back next year. Snip the head of the tulip using either a pair of garden shears or a sharp pair of scissors. Do this after the blooms are faded. Avoid removing the tulip leaves when you’re pruning. “Deadheading” is the process of taking off the bloom of the flower. When you do this, you want to preserve the leaves and foliage of the tulip plant. Only snip away the head of the flower, rather than the green leaves. Keeping the leaves intact helps the flower continue its growth cycle, and they look attractive. The tulip plant has attractive green leaves that look great throughout the summer. Remove the leaves about 6 weeks after flowering. About 6 weeks after your tulips bloom, your plant may turn yellow or brown at the ends. When this happens, you can trim the leaves. Either trim off only the brownish sections or cut the leaves at the base of the stem, based on personal preference. This encourages the plant to grow back next year. If you'd like, trim the leaves completely off leaving just the stems intact. The stems may shrink or wilt as winter strikes, but this way the plant will resurface in the spring. You can use garden shears or a sharp pair of scissors. If you trim the flowers at the end of June, you can cut the leaves in late July or early August. Prune your tulips when the blooms are closed but the color is visible. To maximize your bloom time, cut your tulips when they are in the advanced bud stage. This is when the flower hasn't quite emerged, but the bud is close to blooming and the color of the flower is visible. The flower will fully bloom in 1-4 days. You'll see a pink or purplish color from within the mainly green bud, for example. Cut your tulips at least 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) down the stem at an angle. Using a sharp knife, garden shears, or scissors, make your cut on the stem at angle. Cutting the plant at an angle keeps it healthy and promotes regrowth. You can cut your tulips to any desired length. For a standard vase size, cut the stem to around 12–18 in (30–46 cm). Avoid cutting the foliage as you trim your tulips. Only cut the stem of your tulip plants, rather than trimming the leaves as well. Make your cut towards the base of the plant, but ensure there are no leaves in the way. This keeps your plant healthy. Leaving the foliage in place helps the plant build up energy for next year. Put your tulips in a decorative vase full of water. Fill up a vase of your choosing about ⅔ of cool water, and then place your tulips inside. You can fill up your vase with many tulips, or you can also add other flowers or floral accents. Avoid adding paperwhite narcissus or daffodils to your tulip vase. These flowers exude a gummy sap that can harm your tulips. Using floral preservative is not necessary for tulips. If you want to use one, simply shake it into the water before you place your tulips into the vase. Make a fresh cut at the base of the stem every 2-3 days. Use a knife to cut the end of the plant at an angle, removing about ⁄ 16 – ⁄ 8  in (0.16–0.32 cm) of the stem. A knife is the preferred tool to make the cut, as scissors can crush the stem and make it more difficult for the plant to absorb water. Replace the water in the vase daily. To maintain the health of your tulips, dump out the water every day. Then, fill your vase up with cool water. With proper care, your tulips can last 7-14 days in a vase. This helps the plants absorb water and extend their vase life. Tulips stay fresh the longest in cold water, rather than warm or hot.

Wait until your tulips begin to fade. Prune off the heads of your tulips using gardening shears. Avoid removing the tulip leaves when you’re pruning. Remove the leaves about 6 weeks after flowering. Prune your tulips when the blooms are closed but the color is visible. Cut your tulips at least 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) down the stem at an angle. Avoid cutting the foliage as you trim your tulips. Put your tulips in a decorative vase full of water. Make a fresh cut at the base of the stem every 2-3 days. Replace the water in the vase daily.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Christmas-Cactus

How to Care for a Christmas Cactus

Plant your Christmas Cactus in a well-draining nursery planter and fill it with potting soil and sand in a 3:1 ratio. Place a tray of water next to it to create humidity. Set the cactus in bright but indirect light, such as near a window, moving it to a shady spot outside for the summer. Water the dirt and leaves whenever the top inch of soil gets dry, and stop watering in October to get ready for the bloom. Lower the temperature to 50 to 55 °F until the buds form, then increase light, temperature, and humidity for the rest of the bloom.

Give your Christmas Cactus bright but indirect light. Keep the plant in a well-lit location (like near a window) away from direct sunlight – too much heat and light can stunt growth and burn the leaves. It should also be away from drafts, heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. Move an indoors plant outdoors in summer to a shady location. It is best to keep in a normal house temperature range, about 65 to 75°F (18 to 20°C). That being said, cooler night temperatures can be used to initiate blooming. We'll discuss getting it to bloom in the final section. If it's in a north or east-facing window, you won't have to worry about light. But if it's in a south or west-facing window, diffuse the light with semi-transparent curtains or some other light-diffusing device. Provide the plant a source of humidity if you live in a dry environment. Put a tray of water next to the plant so that the water evaporates and provides humidity. Alternatively, you can make a humidity tray by placing the pot on a waterproof saucer that is filled with gravel and halfway filled with water. Make sure to not let the pot touch the water when it is sitting on the gravel; otherwise the pot will wick up water and make it easier for the roots to rot. 50 to 60% humidity is the ultimate goal. If your environment is close to that, you should be fine. Use a well-draining container and well-draining soil. For the container, some of the cheap nursery planters will work well, and orchid planters (the plastic basket kind) work well also. Pair this planter with a planter that will hold water and allow the basket to fit down into it. Then, place a few medium sized rocks into the bottom so that the basket container will be held about an inch above the bottom. Use a combination of 3 parts potting soil to one part sand for the potting medium. An alternative is one part potting soil, two parts peat moss or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite. Whichever way you go, pour about two inches of room temperature water into the outer container and set the basket container inside. After about twelve hours, pour out any remaining water. Repeat this as often as the plant needs water; it will vary based on your home's condition. Monitor its need with a moisture prod and adjust accordingly. Add fertilizer to assist plant growth. Plants that are actively growing should be given a blooming houseplant-type fertilizer. This is best done for a plant that is 2-3 weeks old. Follow the label directions for how much and how often to feed. Fertilizing is important to keep the plant in good condition; the joints are fragile and can break apart if the plant descends into poor health. Generally, it should be fertilized 2-4 times a year with a 20-20-20 feed, but stop feeding about a month before the buds appear (this usually means stopping by the end of October). Water a Christmas Cactus with care. Caring for this plant can be a bit tricky as you need to take care not to overwater or underwater it : A Christmas cactus is a tropical cactus, not a desert cactus. Unlike most desert cacti, this variety cannot tolerate completely dry soil. If the soil gets too dry, the flowers buds will drop, and the plant will wilt. Feel the soil with your fingers; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Too much watering will cause spots from white rot to appear on the leaves, and the leaves will likely fall off. The soil should be evenly moist for best growth. The rule of thumb is less water is better than too much water. When watering, thoroughly water the plant. Before attempting to water the plant again, check to see that the top inch of soil has dried thoroughly first. Mist leaves as well as watering the soil. Change your watering schedule seasonally. Water the cactus based on your environment and the time of year. A good method is to water a cactus as follows: Dry climate, outdoors : Water every two to three days when warm and sunny Humid, cool or indoors : Water every week During the fall and winter months, the plants should be watered less frequently in order to promote blooming. Stop watering around October. When October hits, your watering duties are over. You can carefully resume a light watering in November. If it's dry where you live, feel free to place the pot over a tray of moist pebbles. This is all to set up the bloom happening around Christmas. The only other time you should cease watering is after the plant blooms. At this time, cease watering for about 6 weeks to allow the plant to rest. New growth will still appear – and that is when watering should be resumed. Watch out for bud drop. One of the most frustrating things that can happen to Christmas cactus is after the flower buds have developed they drop off the plant. Bud drop can be caused by several different conditions. Usually it's because of over-watering, but it can also be due to a lack of humidity or insufficient light. If this starts happening, water the plant less and add some fertilizer to the pot. Move it to an area away from a hot radiator or vent and try a new spot where it can get a bit more sunlight. Encourage the flower blooming for the holiday season by lowering the temperature. The key to getting Christmas cactus to flower during the holiday season is proper light exposure, correct temperatures and limited watering. If you manipulate these things yourself, you can time a bloom just how you'd like. Because this plant is thermo-photoperiodic, it will set buds when day length is about equal to night length and when the temperature drops to 50 to 60 degrees F for several weeks. If the temperature drops further, the plant will not bloom. From September and October, the Christmas Cactus should be kept in a cool room where temperatures will remain around 50-55°F (10-12°C), give or take a few degrees. Don't expose the plant to freezing temperatures. Plants should be blooming for the holidays if cool treatments are started by early November. Keep the plant in a dark room during the night. During the fall months, the Christmas Cactus should be placed in a spot where it receives indirect, bright light during the daylight hours but total darkness at night – it requires long, uninterrupted dark periods of about 12 hours or more. Begin the dark treatments in about mid-October to have plants in full bloom by the holidays. Place the plants in a dark area from about 12 or more hours each night for 6-8 weeks or until you see buds forming. A closet or unused bathroom are ideal places. Be especially careful with watering at this time. Reduce the watering slightly. Do not soak the soil after a dry period; only moisten the top few inches, since buds, flowers and even leaves can fall off if the roots are suddenly saturated. When you see flower buds forming, increase light and humidity. The "dark ages" are over when your plant starts budding. At this point, you should increase, humidity, light, water (not too much, of course), and the temperature. In other words, continue as you were a few months ago. If the buds form too early, you can lower the temperature to stunt them. When you're ready, up the temperature and they should resume their progress. Prune the Christmas cactus about a month after blooming. This will encourage the plant to branch out, especially after a period of "rest" has been granted. It will not look very pretty after the blossoms have faded. Some people wait until March or so, when new growth begins, to prune the cactus. As mentioned before, cease watering for 30 days post-bloom. When you see new growth forming, you can begin watering again. Propagate a Christmas Cactus by cutting off short, Y-shaped sections of the stem. Each section must consist of two or three joined segments. Allow each section to dry for a few hours before pushing them into a 3-inch pot that contains the same potting soil as the parent plant. Plant halfway down the first segment and water sparingly to prevent rot from developing. Treat the cuttings as mature plants. In about four to six weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and will begin to show some new growth. They grow quickly, and should take in about two or three weeks. You can fertilize after the cutting has grown one new segment. Repot every 2-3 years. Your plant should be fine for a couple of years unless the root system gets diseased or harmed. Apart from this, a new pot is needed when the roots have filled it or when the soil has been officially depleted of nutrients. Most people do this in the spring. When replanting or repotting, use new, fresh soil. It's worth the few extra dollars since it will probably be sitting in that soil for a long time. Your plant is a living thing like you, so it deserves the best. The best time for repotting is between February and April, about once every three years. Just be sure not to give it a pot that's too big; the Christmas Cactus flowers best when it's pot-bound.

Give your Christmas Cactus bright but indirect light. Provide the plant a source of humidity if you live in a dry environment. Use a well-draining container and well-draining soil. Add fertilizer to assist plant growth. Water a Christmas Cactus with care. Change your watering schedule seasonally. Stop watering around October. Watch out for bud drop. Encourage the flower blooming for the holiday season by lowering the temperature. Keep the plant in a dark room during the night. When you see flower buds forming, increase light and humidity. Prune the Christmas cactus about a month after blooming. Propagate a Christmas Cactus by cutting off short, Y-shaped sections of the stem. Repot every 2-3 years.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Dairy-Free-Ice-Cream

How to Make Dairy Free Ice Cream

To make dairy-free ice cream, start by slicing 3 bananas, putting them in a plastic bag, and leaving them in the freezer overnight. Once they're completely frozen, put them into a blender with 4 tablespoons of almond or coconut milk and a pinch of salt. Then, blend the mixture until it's smooth, and use a spatula to fold in any other ingredients you like, such as fruit or chocolate chips. Finally, serve the ice cream immediately or freeze it for 30 minutes for a firmer texture.

Freeze the bowl or your ice cream maker at least 24 hours ahead of time. If you do not have an ice cream maker, don't worry; you can still make this ice cream. Pour all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Try to use coconut cream if you can; it will give you the creamiest ice cream. If you cannot find any, you can use full-fat coconut milk. Be sure to shake the cans well before opening them and pouring the contents into the blender/food processor. Add some flavor, if desired. This recipe will give you basic vanilla-coconut flavored ice cream. You can add some extra ingredients to enhance the flavor of your ice cream, however. Here are some idea to get you started: If you want chocolate ice cream, increase the sweetener to ⅔ cup (135 grams) and add ¾ cup (75 grams) of cocoa powder. For mint chocolate chip ice cream: use ½ teaspoon of mint extract instead of vanilla extract, and ½ cup (65 grams) of powdered sugar instead of your usual sweetener. If you want the ice cream to be green, add 2 drops of green gel food coloring. If you want to make strawberry ice cream, purée 2½ to 3 cups (500 to 600 grams) of sliced, frozen strawberries, then add the rest of the ingredients. You may want to decrease the sweetener to ⅓ cup (65 grams) and the vanilla extract to ¼ teaspoon. Blend the ingredients together until everything turns smooth. This should only take 1 to 2 minutes. From time to time, you may have to pause the blender/food processor, and scrape any lumps or clumps down the sides and towards the bottom. Freeze the ice cream base in your ice cream maker. Follow the instructions that came with your ice cream maker, as each one will be a little different. It will take about 20 minutes for the ice cream to freeze. If you don't have an ice cream maker: pour the mixture into a metal loaf pan and stir in your extras. Put it into the freezer, and cover it with a sheet of wax paper. Stir it every 30 to 60 minutes with a whisk. It will take about 6 hours for the ice cream to freeze. Stir in any desired extras using a rubber spatula. At this point, your ice cream is done and ready for freezing. You can, however, step it up by adding in ¼ to ½ cup (50 to 100 grams) of extras, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips. Be sure to match your extras to the base flavor! If you are making mint chocolate chip ice cream, you might want to stir in ¼ cup (45 grams) of chocolate chips (dark chocolate or vegan). If you are making strawberry ice cream, you might want to stir in ¼ cup (50 grams) of chopped, frozen strawberries. Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container, and freeze it for at least 4 hours. If the container does not have a lid, press a piece of wax paper over the ice cream's surface. This will prevent ice crystals from forming. Peel, slice, and freeze the bananas ahead of time. If you have not already done so, peel and slice 2 to 3 bananas, and put them into a plastic bag. Leave them in the freezer overnight so that they are nice and firm. Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. The more milk you add, the creamier the ice cream will be. You can use almond milk or coconut milk—or any other non-dairy milk. If you are making mint chocolate chip ice cream, use only 2 bananas. All other flavors will require 3. Add some flavor. Bananas are sweet on their own, but not everyone likes their taste. You can change the flavor to a certain extent by adding some additional ingredients. Here are some ideas to get you started: To make chocolate ice cream, add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder. To make mint chocolate chip ice cream, add ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract. You can also add a drop or two of green gel food coloring. To make strawberry ice cream, add 1 cup (200 grams) of sliced, frozen strawberries and ⅛ teaspoon of vanilla extract. To make vanilla ice cream, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until everything is smooth. From time to time, you may have to pause the blender/food processor, and push any lumps or clumps down towards the bottom with a rubber spatula. Keep blending until everything is evenly mixed together. Stir in some extras for texture. At this point, your ice cream is done. You can step it up by adding in some extras, however. Toss in some chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles, and gently fold them in with a rubber spatula. If you are making mint chocolate chip ice cream, you might want to stir in a handful of chocolate chips (dark chocolate or vegan). If you are making strawberry ice cream, you might want to stir in a handful of diced, frozen strawberries. Serve the ice cream, or freeze it for another 30 minutes. At this point, the ice cream is ready as a soft-serve style. If you want it to be more firm, transfer it into a freezer-safe container, and leave it in your freezer for 30 minutes.

Freeze the bowl or your ice cream maker at least 24 hours ahead of time. Pour all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Add some flavor, if desired. Blend the ingredients together until everything turns smooth. Freeze the ice cream base in your ice cream maker. Stir in any desired extras using a rubber spatula. Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container, and freeze it for at least 4 hours. Peel, slice, and freeze the bananas ahead of time. Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor. Add some flavor. Blend until everything is smooth. Stir in some extras for texture. Serve the ice cream, or freeze it for another 30 minutes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Cat-Food-Labels

How to Read Cat Food Labels

To read cat food labels, really pay attention to the first 3 ingredients since pet food labels list ingredients by weight in decreasing order, meaning the first 3 ingredients are what your cat will be eating the most of. Generally, you want to go with cat food that lists meat or meat meal as the first 3 ingredients so your cat's diet is made up of mostly meat. Additionally, try to avoid foods that have grains or gluten at the top of the ingredients list since they're not as healthy for cats. You should also look for cat food that has more amino acids and B vitamins than fiber and carbohydrates so your cat is getting all of the nutrients it needs.

Look for net weight. In the U.S., many brands abbreviate this as “NET WT” and list it at the bottom of the front of the bag or can. This is the weight of the contents of the package. For example, a net weight of 3 oz. (85 g) means the package contains three ounces/85 grams of food. This does not include the weight of the paper or metal in the package. Read the statement of purpose. Look for the words, “for cats” somewhere in the statement. This informs you that the food contains ingredients that satisfy feline nutritional needs. You should find this statement on the front of the package. Make sure the statement fits your cat's stage of life. If you have a kitten (under the age of one) or a senior cat (over the age of 12), make sure the statement includes “kittens” or “senior cats.” Apply the same rules for pregnant and nursing cats. These stages have different nutritional requirements than adult cats who are not pregnant or nursing. Assess the guaranteed analysis. Under U.S. law, this list must include the minimum and maximum percentages of crude protein (an analysis of nitrogen in plant and animal protein sources), crude fat (the amount of fat calories about to be burned), crude fiber (fiber that doesn't absorb water), and moisture. For example, if you read “Crude Protein (Min.) 10.0%,” this means that crude protein is at least 10 percent of the net weight. It could contain more. An analysis of “Crude Fiber (Max) 1.5%” means that crude fiber is no more than 1.5 percent of the net weight, although it could contain less. Some brands might include ash (the final product after food has been completely incinerated). This is a voluntary move on the part of the manufacturer. U.S. law does not require its inclusion in the analysis. Look for this information on the back of the package. It usually appears above the ingredient list. Read the feeding instructions. You can find this information on the back of the package, usually under the ingredients and in bold font. These are more like guidelines, as opposed to strict directions. Because each cat is different, ask your vet for specific feeding instructions. For example, the instructions might read, “Feed an average size adult cat 1 can per 2.5 pounds of body weight daily. Feed up to twice this amount for kittens.” If your adult cat weighs 10 pounds, the manufacturer recommends feeding them four cans per day. For a three-pound kitten, the guideline would be about two cans per day. Look for the statement of responsibility. You can find this on the back of the label under the list of ingredients. This statement gives the full name of the manufacturer and their contact information. Usually, the contact info will include a mailing address and a toll-free telephone number. It also contains a statement of their obligation to meet nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or its non-U.S. equivalent. Note the placement of ingredients in the product name. The AAFCO mandates that product names comply with one of four rules. Each rule governs what cat food must contain in order to legally have certain names. If you live outside the U.S., check the rules established by your national equivalent of the AAFCO. Recognize the 95-Percent Rule. This usually applies to foods with simple names and few ingredients. The ingredient in the product name must be at least 95 percent of the net weight, not counting the ingredient's water content. The water content is capped at 25 percent of the ingredient. For example, a 6-oz. can of “Tuna Cat Food” can't contain more than 1.5 oz. of water. Its tuna content must come to at least 4.5 oz. Grasp the 25-Percent Rule (aka the “Dinner Rule”). Any product name containing a main ingredient that comes to less than 95 percent but at least 25 percent of the net weight must include the word “dinner” somewhere in the name. Its water content can't be more than 15 percent of the main ingredient. For example, a 6-oz. can of “Tuna Dinner for Cats” shouldn't contain more than 0.9 oz. of water. Its tuna content must weigh between 1.28 oz and 5.1 oz. Decode the "Dinner Rule" with more than one ingredient. The total of the named ingredients must equal 25 percent of the net weight. At the same time, each ingredient must be at least 3 percent of the net weight. The manufacturer must list the ingredients in the same order as they appear in the ingredients list. For example, a 6-oz. can of “Tuna, Chicken, and Shrimp Dinner for Cats” must include at least 0.18 oz each of tuna, chicken, and shrimp. The three ingredients must total at least 1.5 oz. Tuna must be the most common ingredient, followed by chicken and shrimp. Recognize the 3-Percent Rule (aka the “With Rule”). If the product name includes “with,” at least 3 percent of its content must be that ingredient. For example, a 6-oz. can of cat food labeled “Turkey with Cheddar” must contain at least 0.18 oz. of Cheddar cheese. Read the first three ingredients. Pet food labels list ingredients by weight in decreasing order. Although cats can have some vegetables, they haven't evolved to tolerate vegetarian or vegan diets. For this reason, you should make sure the first three ingredients are always meat (includes poultry, lamb, and fish) or meat meal. Avoid any foods whose top three ingredients include grains (such as corn or wheat) and/or gluten. Meat is animal flesh, muscle, esophagi, hearts, and lungs. Meal is finely ground dehydrated tissue. Meat weighs more because of its water and fat contents. However, meat meal is higher in minerals and protein. Meat and meat meal are especially crucial for diabetic cats. If you buy food containing gravy or any grains, they should appear toward the end of the ingredient list. No more than 10 percent of your cat's calories should come from carbohydrates. Pay attention to the nutrients. Nutrients are more important than the ingredients. Cats need a variety of nutrients to survive. These include amino acids, vitamins (especially B vitamins), water, and fiber. Make sure the food contains more amino acids and B vitamins than fiber and other carbohydrates. Nutrient requirements change throughout a cat's life. Check with your vet for specific recommendations. The amino acid taurine is one of the most essential nutrients for cats' vision and heart health. They literally need it to stay alive. While taurine doesn't have to be among the first three ingredients, the farther up in the list of ingredients it appears, the better. Read the calorie content. Cats' daily caloric needs vary depending on their weight or stage of life. Often, calories are listed as kilocalories or “kcal.” This means the same thing as “calories” on human food labels. This information is usually listed on the back of the package below the feeding instructions. In the U.S., manufacturers must include the calories per kilogram of net weight in kilograms followed by a “translation” of the number of calories per can. An example of this information might look like this: “Calorie Content (Calculated) 853 kcal/kg 73 kcal/can.” The calorie content of the food must be balanced with its nutrient content. However, manufacturers in the U.S. are not required to list a breakdown of percentages of each nutrient per calorie. If you can't find an itemized list, contact the manufacturer for more information. Look for allergy information. If your cat suffers from food allergies, it's important to buy food that doesn't contain certain ingredients. Although human food in the U.S. must include allergy information on labels, this isn't the case with pet food. However, if your cat has allergies to certain ingredients such as fish, you'll have to scan the ingredient list on the back. Even if the ingredient your cat is allergic to is not on the label, this doesn't guarantee the diet was produced in an allergen-free facility or processed on the same equipment. If your cat has a food allergy, consider a diet specifically formulated for cats with allergies. These diets are specially processed to break down proteins in the food so that they're too small to cause an allergic reaction. Talk to your veterinarian for a prescription. Don't mistake “Grain-Free” for carb-free. This is especially important if your cat has diabetes. While the claim itself isn't a “lie,” it can be misleading. Grains include corn, rice, and wheat. They don't include carbohydrate-heavy vegetables like potatoes or peas. Carbs are an excellent source of energy for healthy cats, but you should keep them to a minimum. For diabetic cats, they should be avoided whenever possible or appear towards the end of the ingredient list. Even if the front of the label says, “Grain-Free,” check the ingredient list for starchy vegetables. Look for “organic,” not “natural. ” Some cats require organic food due to environmental sensitivities or veterinary recommendations. Under U.S. law, the word “natural” isn't regulated in human or animal food and is actually quite meaningless. On the other hand, no brand can claim to be “organic” unless it's certified free of chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a more stringent state tilth organization.

Look for net weight. Read the statement of purpose. Assess the guaranteed analysis. Read the feeding instructions. Look for the statement of responsibility. Note the placement of ingredients in the product name. Recognize the 95-Percent Rule. Grasp the 25-Percent Rule (aka the “Dinner Rule”). Decode the "Dinner Rule" with more than one ingredient. Recognize the 3-Percent Rule (aka the “With Rule”). Read the first three ingredients. Pay attention to the nutrients. Read the calorie content. Look for allergy information. Don't mistake “Grain-Free” for carb-free. Look for “organic,” not “natural.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Certified-American-Red-Cross-CPR-and-First-Aid-Instructor

How to Become a Certified American Red Cross CPR and First Aid Instructor

To become a certified Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor, first get certified in CPR by registering for a training program at your local Red Cross. During your program, remember to listen to your instructor carefully and to complete all the required activities and worksheets. At the end of your program, you will need to pass an exam to get your certificate. Once you're officially CPR certified, you can then look for an instructor training program through your Red Cross. It's up to you if you want to complete the program in person or online. When you've finished the training program, enter your course records on the Red Cross website to get your certificate.

Register for a training program at your local Red Cross. In order to become a Red Cross CPR Instructor, you must first become certified in CPR through the Red Cross. While there are other independent training programs available, you must register with the Red Cross if your heart is set on their instructor program. If you don't live near a Red Cross or the class schedule doesn't work for you, there are training programs online. Keep in mind, however, you miss a lot of hands-on learning by taking classes online. The Red Cross also offers blended classes, which combine online and hands-on training. Pick a course length that works for you. The length of courses varies. Ask at the Red Cross about the timeframe for each training course offered. Training programs generally do not take long. Most classroom-based CPR classes are five to seven hours. Check with the Red Cross to be sure the CPR training program you choose meets the requirement to qualify for the instructor training program. Make sure you have the necessary funds. Costs vary from Red Cross to Red Cross, but there is generally a registration fee. The course itself may cost a small amount of money. Courses are not generally very expensive. Usually, the total costs are around $200. If you don't have the money at the moment, you can always save up and become certified later on. Prepare for your classes. You may have to purchase or download the course materials through the Red Cross website. You should review any materials you were given when you registered to see what papers and supplies you will need. Courses are brief, but dense. You will be getting a lot of vital information about safety, as CPR is used in life or death situations. As you'll be getting a lot of important information, get some pens or pencils as well as a notebook. You want to take a lot of notes. If you choose to use an electronic device to take notes, make sure you can use the device responsibly. Avoid browsing Facebook or other popular websites during class. Take notes during training. You want to make sure you remember everything you are taught. There will be an exam at the end of the training period. Your notes can be a valuable resource Separate notes by class session and section. Use your own symbols, like bullet points, for organization and outlining. You should also try to write as neat as possible. After class, spend about five minutes reviewing your notes. This way, you'll help get the information embedded in your brain. Get monitored by an instructor. During your CPR training, you will have to practice with a dummy. Your instructor will monitor you during this time. They will give you instructions and feedback to make sure you can safely administer CPR. Listen to the instructor carefully and do not disregard their feedback. It's vital that you learn how to do CPR correctly. If there's anything you are confused about, talk to your instructor. He or she may be able to offer you additional help after class. Complete in class activities and worksheets. In addition to hands-on learning, there will be lecture based learning. There will be worksheets and in-class activities you will have to complete. For example, you may have to complete a worksheet where you fill out information about a medical emergency. There may be "true or false" type answers to help you debunk common misconceptions. Take your certification exam. You will be learning a lot of information in a short period of time — typically, CPR class is one day and certification is offered at the end of the class. Certification is based on demonstration of skills and passing written test at end of class. Rules for the exam vary. Usually, the exam is multiple choice. You may have to take it on a screen or on paper. It is important that you are present for the entire class to obtain certification. Once you've passed your exam, you will receive your certificate. Find a training program in your area. Once you're certified to perform CPR, you can move on to instructor training. If you want to take a course in person, you'll need to find one in your area. You can do this on the Red Cross website. You simply type in your zip code or city and you'll be provided a list of courses near you. Courses run on different schedules. An instructor training course may not be available right away. You may have to wait a few weeks or a few months for a class to begin. All courses come with a fee. Usually, the fee is between $200 and $300. Consider online training. This is generally more convenient and will give you access to plenty of resources. If you can't find a class in your area, consider enrolling for an online instructor training program. If you take a course in person, you may have to pay for a textbook. With an online course, you can print materials from home and will have access to a digital textbook. There are also a wide array of study materials, such as refresher courses, online. You can call 1-800-RED-CROS or email [email protected] to ask about enrolling in an online course. Complete your chosen course. Once you've selected a course, work hard to complete it successfully. Successful completion of an instructor training course is the final step in becoming a certified trainer. If you take an in person class, you will be emailed online activities. These must be completed before the first day of class. Class schedules vary, but it generally does not take long to obtain certification. Some classes only consist of two full days of training. Enter course records on the Red Cross website to obtain your certificate. Once you have completed the course, you can get your certificate on your own. On the Red Cross website, you will enter your course records. You should then be able to locate a certificate issued in your name. If you're unsure how to type in your course records, try calling the Red Cross or asking your training instructor. Look for places to volunteer. You don't always get paid to teach CPR; however, it can be a rewarding experience nevertheless. You could volunteer for an emergency services organization, a school, or a hospital. Places like these are always looking for passionate individuals to volunteer. Volunteer at work. Having employees CPR certified can make for a safer work environment. This is especially true if you work in a field where there may be accidents on site. Ask your boss about doing a CPR class for your co-workers. You may get a small perk or bonus for conducting a class. However, do not expect to get paid. A lot of CPR instructors primarily do volunteer work. Offer your services for a fee. If you want to make some money as an instructor, you can advertise your services around your town. Put up fliers in places like hospitals and schools. Make it clear you're Red Cross certified CPR instructor willing to conduct classes for a fee. How much you charge is up to you, but keep your rates reasonable. If you live in a middle class area, charging $300 for a course may not get you much business. More people may be interested, however, if you offer courses for $50. Re-register when necessary. Your certification lasts 2 years. After this point, you will need to renew your certification. You will to need take a small review course at your local Red Cross. After taking the course, you can renew your certification.

Register for a training program at your local Red Cross. Pick a course length that works for you. Make sure you have the necessary funds. Prepare for your classes. Take notes during training. Get monitored by an instructor. Complete in class activities and worksheets. Take your certification exam. Find a training program in your area. Consider online training. Complete your chosen course. Enter course records on the Red Cross website to obtain your certificate. Look for places to volunteer. Volunteer at work. Offer your services for a fee. Re-register when necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Charity

How to Start a Charity

If you want to start a charity, fill out an application packet for a non-profit organization with your Secretary of State. Then, you will have to pay a small fee to get a Federal Employer Identification Number, or EIN. After you do that, file with the IRS for recognition as a charitable organization. When the paperwork is complete, start raising money for your cause and send it where it is needed.

Develop your vision. The creation of a charity comes from a passion for a cause. Ask yourself what you are passionate about. Find out if others are passionate about it. Imagine what sort of change you would like to bring about. Creating a non-profit organization is one way to bring it about. Your charity's vision should be its ultimate goal. If you want to start a non-profit organization as identified by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, your organization's activities will have to be charitable and will have to fit within certain categories. In order to be considered for tax-exempt status, your purpose must be religious, scientific, educational, charitable (for example, providing relief to the poor), literary, or dedicated to public safety or the prevention of cruelty. Your organization cannot be operated for the benefit of private interests. Additionally, 501(c)(3) organizations have imposed restrictions on what lobbying activities they can conduct and what types of political engagement they can be involved in. Decide if a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is best suited to serve your charitable goals. In addition to non-profit organizations, there are also charitable trusts. Trusts differ from non-profits in that they are centered more on the allocation of money than on the allocation of community services. These private foundations typically have only one donor and do not rely on public funding. Define your mission. What is your organization going to do? What service will it provide your community? Once you've figured out your mission, write it out in a formal mission statement. A good mission statement succinctly communicates to others--volunteers, community members, and potential funders--what you do and what you hope to do. The mission statement should be short (ideally three to five sentences), clear, and free of jargon. If you're having trouble finding the words, visit established organizations' web sites and study their mission statements. Complement your statement with a set of goals that are both achievable and challenging. Name your charity. A charity's title often refers to its function. Many charities are named for someone related to the function that the charity provides. Create articles of incorporation. These lay out the foundations of your organization. You can find sample articles on the Internet. Articles of incorporation state the purpose, name, duration of operation, structure, and other basics of your organization. Most US states have forms online that you can fill out. Check your state's Secretary of State website to find the required forms. Be aware that some states want at least two signatures on articles of incorporation. Write the bylaws for your organization. Bylaw templates can be found online. Bylaws are the rules that govern your charity. A set of bylaws will define how decisions are made, who makes the decisions, what type of governing structure will direct the charity, how the organization will be set up, and how conflicts will be resolved. There is no legal language specifically required in bylaws. While not all states require non-profits to have written bylaws, they are useful in helping organizations to run smoothly. Set up a board of directors or an advisory board, and appoint a registered agent. A board of directors will help guide the charity and will make decisions. A registered agent is responsible for receiving official communications from the state. The advisory board would ideally consist of unpaid consultants experienced in nonprofit work. Add significant donors and fundraising partners to the board as the organization grows. File an application packet for a non-profit organization with your Secretary of State. A non-profit charity is considered a corporation, so application paperwork should be directed to the corporations division within the Secretary of State's office. There is usually a small fee associated with filing. The packet will include the articles of incorporation that you filled out earlier. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is the number the IRS will use to identify your organization for tax purposes. You'll enter the EIN on just about every form you fill out, including IRS paperwork and grant submissions. You can call the IRS at (800) 829-4933 or apply online to get an EIN assigned immediately, or you can apply by mail or fax. For this you will need IRS Form SS-4. File with the Internal Revenue Service for recognition as a charitable organization. There are charitable-organization application packets available online. The IRS reviews applications for recognition as a charitable organization on an ongoing basis, so you can apply for charitable status at any time. The form for tax exemption is Form 1023. The packet will ask for information on what your organization will do, whom it will benefit, and how it will administered. You must complete your articles of incorporation and your bylaws, and they must be accepted by the Secretary of State before you apply for federal charitable status. Start raising funds. Find ways of placing your name before the public. Meet with other organizations similar to yours. Contact grant-making entities supportive of your mission. Prepare presentations for potential donors. Don't be discouraged if a potential donor decides not to donate. Expect setbacks, but keep pushing for funds. Be professional. Professional conduct will go a long way in earning donor trust. Take advantage of social media. Spread your message using Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Instagram, etc.. Keep a strong online presence including a professional website. Tell all people around you! Be active in your community. Advertise what you are doing, who is going to benefit, and how you are going to accomplish your goals. Try to get involved in partnerships with other charitable organizations. Even a small role in a larger project can build credibility and recognition for your fledgling organization. Organise charity functions: sporting events, entertainment shows with local celebrities, etc. Begin your charity work. It is highly recommended that you raise at least a year's worth of operating funds before you begin operations. Spend this money wisely. Try to keep operating and fundraising costs below 20% of your total spending. The rest should go directly to your cause. Write grant requests, raise funds, create programs, hold events, and bring people together to solve problems and make the world a better place.

Develop your vision. Define your mission. Name your charity. Create articles of incorporation. Write the bylaws for your organization. Set up a board of directors or an advisory board, and appoint a registered agent. File an application packet for a non-profit organization with your Secretary of State. Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). File with the Internal Revenue Service for recognition as a charitable organization. Start raising funds. Be professional. Take advantage of social media. Be active in your community. Begin your charity work. Try to keep operating and fundraising costs below 20% of your total spending.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-in-MLA-Format

How to Write in MLA Format

To write a paper in MLA format, create 1-inch margins on all sides of the page, and use 12-point font and double-space your text as you write. You should also create a running header containing your last name and the page number on each page. On the first page, type your heading in the upper left corner. The heading typically includes your full name, your instructor's name, the class number, and the due date, all on separate lines. On the line immediately following the date, center your paper's title. Left-align your text again and begin writing the body of your paper.

Do not include a separate cover page unless specifically told to do so. According to standard MLA formatting rules, a cover page, or separate title page, is not necessary and should not be added to most papers. With that in mind, sometimes an instructor will ask students to create a cover page for an MLA style paper, especially for long papers. There are guidelines concerning the type of information that should be included in this event. Center your title. Your title should be centered and typed one-third of the way down from the top of the page. The title of your page should be informative yet creative. If you include a subtitle, type it on the same line as the title and separate the two with a colon after the title. The first letter of every major word should be capitalized. Do not capitalize minor words, like “the,” “and,” or “to,” unless they are the first word of the title or subtitle. Include your full name. In the middle of the page, still centered, you should type your name proceeded by the word “By.” Type “By” on one line, hit the “Enter” key on your keyboard, and type or full name on the following line. Your name should be in FirstName LastName format. Wrap things up with your class, instructor's name, and due date. Two-thirds down from the top of the page, you should include this block of essential information about the assignment itself. Type the class and section number on one line. On the line immediately after, write the instructor's name. On the final line, type the date your paper is due in Month Numerical Day, Numerical Year format. Create 1 in (2.5 cm) margins. The top, bottom, left, and right margins should each be 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. For most word processing programs, you can change the margins by heading into the "Page Layout" settings, usually located under a "File" menu. There should be a "Margins" heading in the dialog box. From there, change each margin to the appropriate size. Double-space your paper. From the first page on, your entire paper should be double-spaced. Note that you do not need to include any extra space at the end of a paragraph. For most word processing programs, you can change the spacing by going into the “Page Layout” settings, typically accessed from a “File” menu.” There should be a “Line Spacing” heading in the dialog box. Under that heading, select “2.0” spacing. Use 12-point font. The preferred font and size for MLA papers is 12-point Times New Roman. If you opt to use another font instead of Times New Roman, choose a font that is simple, easy to read, and not excessively large. Create a running header. A running header will appear on each page in the same spot. It should include your last name and the page number of each page, and should be positioned in the upper right corner of the page. Access the "Header and Footer" tool in your word processor, often found under the "View" menu. Type your last name and hit the page number icon in the options box to automatically insert the current page number on its corresponding page. Type your heading in the upper left corner. The heading essentially includes all the information a cover page would include when used. Type your full name, instructor's name, course name, and due date in the upper left corner. Type your full name FirstName LastName on the first line. On the next line, type your instructor's title and name. On the third line, type the the class course number. Include the date your assignment is due on the last line. It should be in Numerical Day Month Numerical Year format. Center your title. On the line immediately following the date, you should type your paper's title. This title should be centered. Do not make the title larger, italicized, underlined, or bold printed. The title of your page should be informative yet creative. If you include a subtitle, type it on the same line as the title and separate the two with a colon after the title. The first letter of every major word should be capitalized. Do not capitalize minor words, like “the,” “and,” or “to,” unless they are the first word of the title or subtitle. Write the body of your paper. On the line immediately following the title, left-align your text and begin writing the introduction paragraph of your paper. Indent the first line of each paragraph. The first line of each paragraph must be indented by 0.5 in (1.3 cm). Indent the first line by hitting to “Tab” key on your keyboard. You do not need to separate paragraphs with extra line spacing. This indentation alone is enough to mark the start of a new paragraph. Separate the body of the paper into section headings when appropriate. If your paper is long, your instructor may request that you separate certain portions of it into various section headings. The recommendation for section headings under the MLA style is to number each section with an Arabic number and a period. Follow the period with a space before typing the section name. The first letter of each word in the section name should be capitalized. Section headings should usually be centered on the page and given their own separate lines. Provide a figure number when including a picture or table. When you include a table or figure in your MLA paper, center the figure and provide a figure number, label, and source information. Use "Fig. 1," "Fig. 2," etc. for illustrations and photographs. Use "Table 1," "Table 2," etc. for tables and charts. Quickly label the figure with a descriptive term like "cartoon" or "statistical table." Provide the creator's name, the source the figure was published in, the date of publication, and the page number. All of the information should be included on a single line below the picture. Include parenthetical citations for all borrowed material. Whenever you include a direct quote, paraphrase, or summary in your paper, you must cite the source of that material in parentheses after the material is presented. When the information is available, include the author's last name and the page number from which the material came. If the materials came from an online source and no page number is available, you only need to include the author's name. If no author's name is available, include an abbreviated portion of the source material's title. Note that if you introduce the author's name earlier in the sentence, you do not need to include the name in the parentheses, as well. Format an "in-line" quotation. Most quotations will be “in-line,” meaning that no special formatting is required and they can be treated as normal text. Always include a quote as part of another sentence. Never write a “hanging quote,” a type of quotation in which only the quote is presented without any lead in. For example, introduce sentences with some kind of context, such as: Churchill argued for the importance of the initiative when he declared, “Britain must unite behind this measure” (Author 21). Commas and periods should follow the parenthetical citation, and the parentheses should fall outside of the ending quotation marks. Format a block quote. Quotes that are longer than three lines should be separated from the rest of the text in the form of a block quote. After you type the last word that comes before your quote, hit the "Enter" key to move to a new line. Each line of a block quote should be indented another 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in. You do not need to include quotation marks for a block quote, but you still need to include a parenthetical citation. Center the "Notes" title. Do not italicize, bold, or underline this heading. If you inserted any notes into your document, the notes themselves should be included as endnotes that are listed on a separate page after the main body of the paper. Do not include them as footnotes, which are listed at the foot of each page as they appear. Number your endnotes. If you inserted your endnotes using an endnote tool on your word processor, the numbering should already be done for you. Otherwise, make sure that each endnote is preceded by an Arabic number that corresponds to a number places in the section of the paper's body that relates to the information provided by the endnote. The first line of each endnote should be indented by 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Include brief yet important information in your notes. Endnotes should be used to discuss information that does not coherently fit into the paragraph it relates to. Your endnotes should not exceed three or four lines in lengths. Avoid long discussions. Endnotes are not the right time to bring up entirely new points. Center the "Appendix" heading. Do not italicize, bold, or underline the heading. If including multiple appendices, label each as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on. Add related but unnecessary information. The information in an appendix should relate to the information in your paper, but it should not be crucial or essential to your argument. An appendix is a way to include related information without distracting from the main argument of your paper. Center the “Works Cited” heading. Do not italicize, bold, or underline the heading. Your “Works Cited” page should include all the texts you directly referenced in the body of your paper. All papers written in MLA format must include a “Works Cited” page. Alphabetize your cited material. All of your citations should be listed in alphabetical order according to the authors' last names. If a text does not have a known author, arrange that citation in alphabetical order according to the first word of the article or book title. Cite a book. The basic format for a book citation includes the author's name, the title of the book, the publication information for that book, and the medium of publication. Write the author's name in LastName, Firstname" format. Follow with a period. Italicize the book title and capitalize the first letter of each word. Follow with a period. Write the city of publication followed by a colon, and include the publisher's name after that. Follow this with a comma and the year of publication. End with a period. Type the medium of publication, "Print" or "eBook," at the end. Finish with a period. For example, your book citation should look like similar to this: Ash, Beth Sharon. Writing in between: Modernity and Psychosocial Dilemma in the Novels of Joseph Conrad. 1st ed. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1999. Cite a journal article. A standard journal article includes the author's name, title of the article, title of the journal, issue information, and medium of publication. Write the author's name in LastName, Firstname format. Follow with a period. Include the title of the article in quotation marks and follow with a period. The first letter of each word should be capitalized. Italicize the title of the journal and follow with a period. The first letter of each word should be capitalized. Write the issue number, followed by the year of publication in parentheses. Put a colon after the year and include the page numbers after this. Follow with a period. Finish with the medium of publication and a final period. A finished journal article citation should look similar to this: Aiex, Nola Kortner. “Martins Pena: Parodist.” Luso-Brazilian Review 18.1 (1981): 155–160.

Do not include a separate cover page unless specifically told to do so. Center your title. Include your full name. Wrap things up with your class, instructor's name, and due date. Create 1 in (2.5 cm) margins. Double-space your paper. Use 12-point font. Create a running header. Type your heading in the upper left corner. Center your title. Write the body of your paper. Indent the first line of each paragraph. Separate the body of the paper into section headings when appropriate. Provide a figure number when including a picture or table. Include parenthetical citations for all borrowed material. Format an "in-line" quotation. Format a block quote. Center the "Notes" title. Number your endnotes. Include brief yet important information in your notes. Center the "Appendix" heading. Add related but unnecessary information. Center the “Works Cited” heading. Alphabetize your cited material. Cite a book. Cite a journal article.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Long-Layers

How to Cut Long Layers

To cut long layers, start by dampening your hair and detangling it with a fine-tooth comb. Then, divide your hair into 4 even sections using clips so you have 1 section on top, 2 on the sides, and 1 at the base of your head. Next, unclip the top section and trim 1-2 inches off of it, working with one small segment at a time. When you finish the top, unclip the sides and cut 1-2 inches off of them. Finally, unclip the last section of your hair and trim off 1-2 inches to finish your layers.

Dampen your hair. You can wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner if your hair is dirty. Then, wring out the excess moisture with your hands and squeeze your hair with a microfiber towel or t-shirt so it is just damp. You may also need to let your hair air dry until it is damp. If your hair is already clean and dry, fill a spray bottle with warm water. Spray your hair until it is damp. Detangle your hair with a comb. Use a fine tooth comb to detangle your hair—carefully remove snarls and knots from your locks. Start combing downwards near the ends of your hair and work your way up the hair shaft as you detangle it. If your hair dries while you are combing it, use a spray bottle filled with water to re-wet your locks. Divide your hair into 4 even sections. Part your hair down the center of your head—from the top of your forehead to the base of your skull. Part your hair horizontally twice—once at the top of your ears and once at the base of your ears. You now have 1 top section, 2 side sections, and 1 section at the base of your skull. Twist each section and secure it with a large hair clip. Make sure the right sections are even with the left sections, and that you have clean, precise parts dividing the sections. Create your first guide. Unclip the top section. Section off a small segment of the hair at the top of your forehead. This segment will be your first traveling guide. Determine the length of your first layer. Cut between 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) off your layers at a time—you can always go shorter! Insert your traveling guide between the forefinger and middle finger of your non-dominant hand. Slide the fingers towards the ends—pulling the segment at a 90° angle—until your fingers have reached the part you would like to cut off. Trim the excess hair with a pair of sharp shears. A traveling guide moves with the area being cut. The most recently cut segment of hair in a section assumes the role of the traveling guide. It is held up to the next segment of hair and used as a ruler. Trim the remainder of the section. Use your travelling guide, the most recently cut segment of hair, to determine the length of the next segment. Slide the traveling guide and the next segment of hair between your forefinger and middle finger. Move the fingers towards the ends—pulling the hair at a 90° angle—until you reach the end of your traveling guide. Cut the new segment of hair so that it is the same length as the traveling guide. The freshly cut segment is now your travelling guide. Repeat the process until the entire section is cut. Check the evenness of your trim periodically. Pull the hair in multiple directions and at varying angles to check the evenness of the cut. For example, if you trimmed a section using a vertical part, then check the section using a horizontal part. Trim any uneven pieces before moving onto the next section of hair. Cut the left section. Unclip the left section. Use the first layer as a guide to determine how much hair to trim off the second layer. Begin by cutting 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) off—take off more length as needed. Gather a small segment of hair at the front left side to use as your first guide. Pull the segment of hair straight at a 90° angle. Slide your fingers towards the ends of the hair until you reach the point you would like to cut off. Trim the excess hair. Cut the remainder of the section with the aid of your traveling guide. Cut the right section. Unclip the right section. Gather a small segment of hair at the front left side (your travelling guide) and the front right side. Insert the 2 segments between your middle and forefinger and pull them forward at a 90° angle. Stop your fingers at the end of the left segment. Trim the excess hair from the right segment. Cut the remainder of the section with the aid of your traveling guide. Check the evenness of your trim periodically. Pull the hair in multiple directions and at varying angles to check the evenness of the cut. Trim any uneven pieces before moving onto the next section of hair. Trim the bottom section. Unclip the bottom section. Use the layers above to help you determine the length of your last and final layer. Start by trimming off 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) —take off more length as needed. Gather a small segment of hair at the center of your bottom section. Pull the segment of hair straight at a 90° angle. Slide your fingers towards the ends of the hair until you reach the point you would like to cut off. Trim the excess hair. Cut the remainder of the section with the aid of your traveling guide. Prep your hair for the cut. Shampoo and condition your hair prior to cutting your locks. Squeeze the excess water from your tresses. Comb through your hair to remove all of the snags and snarls. Fill a spray bottle with warm water. As your hair dries, dampen your hair with the water from the spray bottle. You may also choose to forgo washing your hair and simply wet it with the spray bottle. Cut your stationary guide. Throughout the haircut, you will use 1 stationary guide to cut every segment of hair. This will produce shaggy layers at varying lengths throughout your hair. Section off a small segment of hair at the top of your head. Determine the length of your stationary guide (the shortest layer). Grasp the stationary guide between the middle and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Slide the fingers towards the ends while pulling the segment straight up at a 180° angle. Stop your fingers when they have reached the desired length. Trim the excess hair with sharp shears. Instead of cutting off too much hair, start gradually. Trim off 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) of hair from your stationary guide and complete the entire haircut. If your hair is too long, take another 1 to 2 inches off from your stationary guide and re-cut your hair. Cut the surrounding hair. Starting at the front of your head, insert a segment of hair surrounding the stationary guide and the stationary guide between your middle and forefinger. Slide your middle and forefinger towards the ends—pulling the hair at a 180° angle—until they reach the length of the stationary guide. Trim the excess hair. Repeat this process, working from front to back down the center of your head. Trim the sides. To produce even layers, alternate between cutting segments on the left side and the right side. Insert a segment of hair and the stationary guide between your middle and forefinger. Slide your middle and forefinger towards the ends—pulling the hair at a 180° angle—until they reach the length of the stationary guide. Trim the excess hair. Repeat until all of your hair is cut. Prep your hair. Begin with dry, clean hair. Carefully brush your hair until it is smooth. Pay particular attention to removing any snarls or knots in your long locks. Brush your hair into a ponytail. Bend forward at your waist. Brush your hair forwards towards your forehead. Gather your hair into a ponytail at the base of your forehead. Secure it tightly with a rubber band. Imagine that you are transforming your hair into a unicorn's horn. The ponytail should be located in the same place as a unicorn's horn. Position the rubber band. Remain bent over at your waist. Slowly slide your rubber band towards the ends of your hair. Stop 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) from the ends of your hair. Adjust the rubber band to the desired length—remember, it is always better to cut a little bit off at a time! Cut your hair. Position your non-dominant hand securely over the rubberband. As you stand up straight, try not to shift your hair or the position of your hand. Using a pair of sharp shears, cut just below the rubber band. Set down the hair you cut off, remove the ponytail holder, and assess your layered look. If you want to cut more hair off, repeat the process. After you remove the ponytail holder, make sure to check you layers for evenness. If you notice any areas that are uneven, use a pair of scissors to clean them up. Be sure to look in a mirror as you do this.

Dampen your hair. Detangle your hair with a comb. Divide your hair into 4 even sections. Create your first guide. Trim the remainder of the section. Cut the left section. Cut the right section. Trim the bottom section. Prep your hair for the cut. Cut your stationary guide. Cut the surrounding hair. Trim the sides. Prep your hair. Brush your hair into a ponytail. Position the rubber band. Cut your hair.

https://www.wikihow.com/Shave-Your-Bikini-Area-Completely

How to Shave Your Bikini Area Completely

Before you start shaving, trim your pubic hair to about 1/4 inches long. Once the hair is the right length, take a warm shower or soak in the bathtub to soften the remaining hair. Next, exfoliate the area with a loofah to remove dead skin cells, then apply shaving gel to help the razor slide smoothly across your skin. Always shave in the direction the hair is growing to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs. Shave with long, slow strokes, and use as few passes with the razor as possible.

Decide what you want your mons pubis (the of pubic hair under your belly button) to look like. Choose the option that makes you feel the best. You have a few options: Shave it all off. There are no health risks to shaving all of your hair off as long as you do it hygienically, use a new razor, use an anti-septic after shaving and don't cut yourself. Use a stencil. You will place a stencil, like a small heart, over your pubic area. Then, you'll shave around the stencil to leave a section of hair with a fun shape over your pubic area. You can find stencil kits at most adult stores or online. Create a landing strip. Your landing strip, or a line extending up from your labial part toward your belly button, can be either whisper thin (good for thick, unruly hair) or slightly wider (for thin, sparse hair). Trim your pubic hair with scissors to about 1/4" (6 mm) in length before you get into the shower. Your razor may be gel-filled and have more blades than a small child can count, but you still need to be nice to it. Any longer and it won't work as efficiently. To trim the most efficiently, pull the hair toward you and cut in small sections. It doesn't all have to be even, it just has to be short. If the idea of taking scissors down there...gives you the heebie jeebies, use electric trimmers that don't have rotating heads. The blades can only get so close to your skin. Soften your hair by taking a shower. You can also soak in the tub for a little while before standing up in the shower to shave the area. Getting the follicles soft will make the hair easier to shave on the first go-round. If you want to wash the area, clean it before you start shaving to avoid irritating your exposed skin later. If you're away from a shower (and have a desperate, desperate need to shave your bikini area -- maybe you're stranded on a desert island?), take a wet washcloth and leave it on the area for 5 to 10 minutes. The same effect can be garnered from this, too. Exfoliate. You're probably going to come across people or places that tell you to lather, shave, and exfoliate -- in that order. But if you wanna be a pubic shaving pro (and who doesn't?!), exfoliate before and after. It'll align your hairs all in the same direction, making your razor's job ten times easier. It also removes that extra dead skin, freeing your razor to get even closer to the hair's root. Just use your normal shower exfoliate for this part. Grab your loofah and go to town like you usually do! Wet the area with warm shower water and smooth shaving gel over it. This part is imperative. Never shave without some sort of lubricant. If you don't use shaving cream, you will find yourself in the midst of a red, bumpy, unattractive mess. Nobody wants that. It's best to use unscented shaving cream designed for the bikini area. If you have particularly sensitive skin, test an area before you apply it all over. Once in a while, people have allergic reactions. Shop for a transparent, non-foamy shower gel so that you can see what you're doing while you shave. Briefly wet a new razor. The more blades, the better -- the fewer it has (and the older it is), the more times you'll have to go over the area (and that doesn't include time spent reapplying shaving cream). Get one with those fancy lubrication pads on it, too, for good measure. You can reuse your razor if you take good care of it but preferably use a new disposable razor each time. Make sure you wash it after you're done, but don't leave it wet -- water will erode the metal of the blades, tarnishing and weakening them. Shave with long, slow, even strokes along the direction of hair growth. This cuts each hair straight across so no sharp pointy bits dig in. Put your hand onto your stomach just above the mons pubis to make sure the skin over your mons pubis is smooth and taut. When shaving, let the blade do the work. Avoid pressing down into your skin. Keep the number of passes of the razor low; each pass removes surface skin, too. If you have thick, curly hair and you're having a tough time shaving it, try using an electric razor to trim it down even more before you use the handheld razor for the finishing touches. Rinse your razor between strokes if it becomes clogged with hair. Bend at the waist and lift your first leg. Try starting with the side opposite your dominant hand (e.g., if you're right-handed, start with your left side). Generally, that side is much easier and quicker to do. Bending over will help you to see the area clearly. Prop your raised leg on the shower wall or sink if you need to. The process for this section is the same as the one outlined above when it comes to exfoliating and whatnot. However, razor burn and ingrown hairs are less likely to show up down here, so the hardest part is over. Wet the area and apply shaving gel to the area. Take care not to get any gel or other shower products in between the labia. If you find it running off under the shower water, you'll need to reapply. Shave with smooth, horizontal strokes from the outside in. That is, if you're shaving your left side, shave from left to right. Use a light touch. Stop each stroke before the end of the labium in the center. Rinse any excess shaving gel when you are done shaving the first side. You may want to spread your legs further apart to keep the skin you're shaving taut, so that you won't run into any folded or wrinkled skin while you're shaving. Shave the other side of your labia and your other inner thigh crease following the same technique. Exfoliate again. You're probably thinking, "This again?" Yes. This again! Exfoliating after gets rid of the dead skin your razor whipped up and aligns your follicles preventing ingrown hairs (which are the worst). A sugar scrub at this point can work wonders. If that's not in your bathroom, make a baking soda paste to leave your skin smooth to the touch. This is obviously bikini shaving to the extreme -- warranting the absolute most top-notch results. Pat your bikini area dry with a soft towel. Don't rub your bikini area vigorously, or you may irritate the delicate skin. It's just been through a lot! If you notice any stray hairs, grab a pair of tweezers to put the finishing touches on the area. Sometimes you can spend what seems like hours down there shaving and you've still missed a few. Moisturize. Use something that is non-scented as perfumes can be irritating, especially to freshly shaven skin. Aloe vera and baby oil are good standard options. Avoid coloring agents, too. If you use lotion, make sure it's the plainest kind you can buy. You can spray on some scents later if you'd like. Pat your pubic area with some baby powder. You may also apply baby lotion to the area to reduce irritation. Just don't go overboard! Smothering the area won't let your skin breathe, leading to pimples and the like. Make sure to only apply these products externally. Allow at least a few days in between shaves. For a constantly hair-free look, you may have to look at other hair removal techniques, such as waxing or laser hair removal. Shaving works, but it requires constant upkeep.

Decide what you want your mons pubis (the of pubic hair under your belly button) to look like. Trim your pubic hair with scissors to about 1/4" (6 mm) in length before you get into the shower. Soften your hair by taking a shower. Exfoliate. Wet the area with warm shower water and smooth shaving gel over it. Briefly wet a new razor. Shave with long, slow, even strokes along the direction of hair growth. Bend at the waist and lift your first leg. Wet the area and apply shaving gel to the area. Shave with smooth, horizontal strokes from the outside in. Exfoliate again. Pat your bikini area dry with a soft towel. Moisturize. Pat your pubic area with some baby powder. Allow at least a few days in between shaves.