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https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-Someone-Who-Is-Cheating-Online | How to Catch Someone Who Is Cheating Online | If you want to catch someone you suspect is cheating online, start by observing their behavior. Ask yourself if they seem distant or angry with you for no reason. If they do, ask them what is going on in a concerned, but not accusatory, way. For example, you could say "You've seemed really distant lately. Is everything okay?" Your partner may confess to cheating or explain why they have been upset. If this doesn't reveal anything, check their browsing history and texts to see if there is anything suspicious. | See how they’re acting differently. A cheating spouse might be acting differently in a number of ways, including being physically distant or uninterested in sex; politely distant; hostile, critical or mean; or absent entirely. Pay close attention to their online activity, which might also indicate attempts at hiding something: they close internet browser windows as soon as you enter the room; they demand privacy when using the computer; they spend lots of time online after you go to bed; and they start new email accounts, among other activities. Confirm that they aren’t doing something else. Someone who is acting distant or strange may not be cheating; they may be preoccupied with work or a family issue. They also might be engaging in other damaging activities, such as buying or selling drugs or gambling online. These are serious issues that can dramatically affect a relationship and they should be addressed by you with the help of a professional and your support network. Keep a journal of your partner’s activity. Keep track of their movements as much as possible, including internet activity, travel, late nights at work, ATM withdrawals, phone calls, emails, and so on. This will help you keep track of details, which will become important if your spouse is trying to cover up something. Prepare yourself for what you might find. Have a plan for what you will do in the event that you discover your partner is cheating. Finding out this information can ruin relationships – not just the relationship between you and your partner, but between other family members, children, and friends. It can have financial impact on you as well. Figure out where you stand regarding infidelity and where you draw the line. What level of physical involvement counts as cheating for you? Have a confidante. Choose a close friend or family member who will be a good sounding board for you. If possible, choose someone who will not be misconstrued as a romantic partner of yours; your own relationships may undergo close scrutiny in the process. Secure a support network of family or friends who can help you through the situation. In a situation where one person is cheating, families and friends often find themselves torn. To whom should they remain loyal? Think about who will be the most supportive people in your life. Consult a family or matrimonial lawyer. You will also likely need the advice of a family lawyer if you are married or if you share resources or finances with your partner. Visit a counselor or therapist. If your suspicions are correct, you might find yourself being faced needing to make life-changing decisions. This is also very emotionally traumatic and a professional can help you through. Get referrals from trusted friends to find a counselor who suits you. It may take visits with a few different counselors before you find the right fit. Check their internet history. This will help you figure out what websites they frequently visit. Every web browser has a history function. If your partner is really concerned about being found out, they may erase the browser history, which makes it more difficult to ascertain what websites they've been visiting. Check their email. If you have your partner's email address and password, you can check their messages. Alternately, you can try to log into their email account if their password has saved into the browser. Be familiar with your state's laws on electronic privacy, since states interpret this activity differently. Enable cookies on their computer. If your partner's email password is not saved in their browser, they might not have cookies enabled on their computer. Go into the web browser settings to enable cookies, which may store information and passwords. The computer will then be ready for your spouse's next internet session, and passwords and other information will be stored. Try to engage online with your partner using an alias. If you think your partner frequents certain chat rooms or other discussion forums online, you can also go into those forums using an alias. Talking and flirting with your partner or otherwise engaging in an online conversation may draw out hints about recent activities and lure them into infidelity. Some people have created fake Facebook accounts to spy on their partners, although you should proceed with caution on this approach, as it can be extremely damaging to the relationship and any trust you have for each other. Install a keylogger program on your partner’s computer. Keylogger programs are used to track all keystroke activity on a computer. They can be used to track your own computer usage and also to track others' use of the computer. This will also likely tell you what login IDs and passwords are, which can help you access your partner's email or other accounts. These types of programs range in quality; some are available for free download, such as Free Keylogger Pro, while others are pay services, such as All in One Keylogger, The Best Keylogger, or Total Spy, which range in price from $35 to $80 or more. Use surveillance software on your partner’s computer or mobile phone. There are numerous software programs, all varying in degrees of repute, cost and effectiveness, that can be purchased and installed on a computer or mobile phone. These programs, such as WebWatcher, Stealth Genie or Spector Pro, can track all usage activities as well as exact locations (in the case of a mobile phone). Many programs have social media monitoring, email recording, chat recording and other functionalities, and they can range in price, with many starting around $90 to $100. Be sure to fully understand how your state treats electronic surveillance and privacy before embarking on this type of activity. Find out where unknown phone numbers are coming from. If your partner has a phone number on their phone that you don't recognize, you can do a reverse phone number search. You can also do an online reverse email search. Check out your partner’s texts. If there are suggestive texts that aren't between you and your partner, it may be that they're cheating with someone else. Examine the history of texts to determine how long this has been going on. It's possible, however, that your partner erases texts which will eliminate the texting history. Install GPS tracking software on your partner’s phone. A lot of new technology and software tracks the physical location of a phone through GPS. You can track your partner's travel route and precise current location if they have their phone with them. Compare their movements with what they tell you they're doing. If there are discrepancies, you may have caught them in a lie. Use surveillance technology that activates a remote microphone on the phone. Some technology and software can turn on a microphone on the phone so that you can hear and record audio from the phone. The phone, in essence, works like a mini microphone and will record a conversation or other sounds that happen in close proximity to the phone. Determine if your partner is using more than one SIM card. Different SIM cards will hold different information, including different lists of contacts, but will enable a person to continue using the same phone and thus will not rouse suspicion. Check your partner’s browsing history. If your partner has a smart phone, they will have an internet browsing history. This will help you figure out what websites they frequently visit. Every web browser has a history function. If your partner is really concerned about being found out, they may erase the browser history, which makes it more difficult to ascertain what websites they've been visiting. Find out where unknown emails are coming from. If your partner has an email from someone you don't recognize, you can do a reverse email search. You can also do an online reverse phone search. Search for names in online search engines to learn more about them. If you suspect that your spouse is cheating on you with someone in particular, or you have come across the name of someone, you can often locate more information about that person by searching online. This is also useful to try to establish what interests the other person may have, what their job is, what their family situation is, and how much money they may have. Pay for an online background check. When a simple internet search doesn't turn up much information, you can pay to have a more extensive background check. These can be very affordable, ranging from $15 to $40 or more. Some of these services are more reputable than others, so do a bit of research about the service to see what feedback it's received. Determine if you are the type of person who should hire a private investigator. Certain personality types are better off leaving this type of work to a professional. You might think about letting someone else check on your partner if you have some of the following qualities: you are emotionally insecure; you are a naturally jealous person; you are paranoid; you have an overactive imagination; or you tend to overreact in certain situations. Hire a professional service to observe your spouse online and in person. Make sure you hire a licensed private investigator who practices within the bounds of the law. If you need to go to court with evidence gathered by this investigator, the evidence needs to be admissible in court. This may be particularly important if evidence is gathered from online surveillance; laws around electronic privacy can be convoluted, and a private investigator may have more experience with and understanding of these laws. A professional will also provide impartial observations, which can help you make an educated decision about your next steps. Be ready to pay. Private investigators are not cheap and charge hourly fees of $75 to $200. Be clear about how much time you'd like them to spend on your case. Also consider how you want to pay for this service. Do you need to keep it a secret? Keeping such a large fee secret you're your partner may be difficult if you have a joint bank account. Lower your expenses by doing some of the investigation yourself. Gather some of the information about your partner's activities online, such as monitoring internet history or checking email first. Give the investigator basic facts and background information, which will enable them to spend less time figuring this out and more time getting to the root of the problem. Confront your spouse to see if they are cheating on you. One of the most straightforward ways to determine if someone is cheating is to ask them directly. Not everyone will come clean, however, and they may continue telling lies. Spying on them online may contribute to hostile feelings between the two of you and may further weaken any trust that still exists. Choose a good time to have a conversation. Try to choose a time when you can both be available and able to devote time to the conversation. You may want to ambush your partner in the act, but this might not be the most productive route. Do not be aggressive or accusatory with your questions. Approaching the conversation in a serious yet calm manner may result in a more honest conversation than if you are aggressive, demanding where your partner has been or who they have been with. Suggest to your partner that you see a marriage counselor together. Get referrals from trusted friends or from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Not every marriage counselor will be the most appropriate or the best fit for you and your partner, and it may take visiting with more than one counselor to find the right one. Be patient with your partner through this process, particularly if they have admitted cheating on you. If you are committed to making the relationship work, you will need to both be open to forgiveness and compromise. | See how they’re acting differently. Confirm that they aren’t doing something else. Keep a journal of your partner’s activity. Prepare yourself for what you might find. Check their internet history. Check their email. Try to engage online with your partner using an alias. Install a keylogger program on your partner’s computer. Use surveillance software on your partner’s computer or mobile phone. Find out where unknown phone numbers are coming from. Check out your partner’s texts. Install GPS tracking software on your partner’s phone. Use surveillance technology that activates a remote microphone on the phone. Determine if your partner is using more than one SIM card. Check your partner’s browsing history. Find out where unknown emails are coming from. Search for names in online search engines to learn more about them. Pay for an online background check. Determine if you are the type of person who should hire a private investigator. Hire a professional service to observe your spouse online and in person. Be ready to pay. Lower your expenses by doing some of the investigation yourself. Confront your spouse to see if they are cheating on you. Choose a good time to have a conversation. Do not be aggressive or accusatory with your questions. Suggest to your partner that you see a marriage counselor together. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Accept-Your-Boyfriend%27s-Interest-in-Pornography | How to Accept Your Boyfriend's Interest in Pornography | Accepting your boyfriend's interest in pornography can be difficult, but having an open, honest dialogue about it will help you both. Instead of trying to stop your boyfriend watching porn, which could make the situation worse, tell him how you feel about it and ask him why he likes to watch it. If you think he has an addiction to porn, you can also tell him and ask if there's anything you can do to help. This will help you reach some kind of understanding about porn. Just don't push him if he doesn't want to answer anything, since some guys like their porn habits to be a private thing. Keep in mind that, although people's opinions on porn vary, it doesn't mean that he's not attracted to you or satisfied with your relationship. | Talk to your boyfriend about it. Have an open and honest discussion about how his porn use makes you feel. Let him know what you're thinking and feeling, what doubts you have, and ask him some questions about his views on pornography. You'll feel better if you put your feelings out there and let him know what you're thinking and feeling. If he respects you, he'll respect your views and will take the time to listen to you. You can even ask him about his reasons for watching it, if you like, if you are concerned that he is aroused for the wrong reasons. Just know that many men view their porn watching as a very private activity, just like masturbation, and your boyfriend may not want to discuss every little detail with you. If you can both be open and understanding of one another, that is a good sign that you can grow together intimately with or without porn. Don't try to ban it, but establish each other's boundaries to the relationship. Unfortunately, if you know you are not okay with porn and you try to keep your significant other from watching it, you may fall into a pattern of being the "porn police". This behavior causes distrust in the relationship, and can cause him to keep his porn use hidden from you, or cause tension and discomfort while talking about the subject. If you feel okay with the porn, the concept of keeping him from watching it should not arise. If it is only certain genres of porn that upset you, make sure to talk about this with him and let him know why it makes you feel the ways you do. If you are unsure, try to imagine yourself watching porn, or maybe you do watch porn. If you can understand the reasons he may have for watching porn or the reasons you enjoy watching porn, you can mutually grow and include the porn into your sex life. Understand your feelings before you act. If you feel tempted to snoop, or pick through his search history, you may find at the end of that road even more distrust and dishonesty. If your boyfriend is okay with you watching porn, and he also thinks it is okay for him to watch porn then the two of you can have a better, open conversation on how you can incorporate it into your bedroom and fulfill each other's fantasies. Porn is a substance that can be addictive, and if you believe that he may have an issue based off of how the porn effects your relationship, he also has to see that. If he agrees with you and would like to stop using porn not only for the relationship, but also for himself. You can grow together, although it will not be easy and the use of counseling, couples counseling, or online programs like No Fap, will help significantly. If your boyfriend does not see eye-to-eye with you and how you feel, he will most likely do nothing to change, and you cannot change him even if you try. If he chooses to stop using porn, he will still masturbate and he'll still have fantasies. If you are thinking of banning porn to make your boyfriend only think of you sexually, that is not reasonable. Men and women both fantasize about people who are not their lover, it could be movie stars, people from real life, a cartoon, whatever it may be... It is hypocritical to believe that you can have freedom over your fantasies and he can not. Try not to be paranoid during your time together. When you and your boyfriend are hanging out watching TV, going for a run, or having a romantic dinner, understand that you may have thoughts about the porn and you may question if he is thinking about the porn while you spend time together. For men, usually their porn use is separate from the relationship and used as non-attachment and impersonal fulfillment of pleasure. Enjoy every moment you spend with your boyfriend, and know that he's enjoying every moment too. Define what cheating means to you. You do not think of porn as cheating or you do think of it as cheating. Some men and women are not okay with porn and know how they feel about it being in a relationship. If you are uncomfortable and feel like his excitement of watching other women engage in sexual acts is cheating, then that may mean you are not okay with the porn. Do not feel like you have to rationalize his porn use and discount your feelings. If you feel that it is not cheating, then you probably just think of it as a pleasurable movie, the videos do not pose a threat to your relationship and you may define cheating as being something you can only do with a real person. Your definition of cheating matters, and understanding what your partner's definition of cheating is will help you feel more secure in your relationship or find points where you both will need to find compromise. Ask yourself if you have any objections to having porn in your relationship. If you have values that don't align with the genre of porn he watches, communicate that. If you feel like the porn has a negative effect on your trust for him (if he was hiding it from you) then understand that the porn may not be the core issue, dishonesty could be the primary issue to deal with. It is essential to understand your own feelings and beliefs, and ask yourself if you can see yourself in a long term relationship with your partner and not having an issue with porn. It's important to be honest with yourself an d be clear with your partner. If you are triggered by porn and have insecurity because it brings you to your past, you may want to explore yourself further and see if porn is the issue or if there is trauma you need to work through. If you have a hard time sorting through your feelings about the porn, seeking a friend who is understanding may help. If you feel that you can't consult a friend, there is professional help or advice online and in person available. It is okay to feel like you are okay with porn and then later feel not okay with it. People change everyday, and getting to know yourself while getting to know another person in a relationship can be difficult. Identify your insecurities, if any of them root directly to porn and the nature of porn, then you may not be okay with porn itself. If the insecurities you have go back to dishonesty, trust, or intimacy, you should consider bypassing pornography as being an irritant to the initial, core problem. If you have had cheating boyfriend in the past, or your boyfriend has cheated on you, you may feel like porn is a window for cheating, or that he may still be cheating on you. Know if he has a real problem with pornography. There's a difference between being a casual porn watcher and having a porn addiction. If your boyfriend is obsessed with watching porn and sneaks away to watch porn every chance he gets, then he may be having a real problem with a porn addiction and should seek help. Though most of the time this is not the case, it's important to know that it's a possibility. Ask yourself if his porn habits are affecting your relationship, replacing the time he spends with you, and generally making it difficult to be romantically involved. If this is the case, then you may have a real problem on your hands and should discuss next steps. Consider watching porn with him. While this isn't for every couple, if you see nothing morally objectionable about porn though you have never watched it before, or if you've seen it before and are curious about what it's like to watch porn as a couple, then see if you and your boyfriend can have a kinky time watching porn together. Your boyfriend may not think this is a good idea, and if he doesn't, you shouldn't push him on it too much. And if you do watch it with him, watch it for the enjoyment of watching something sexy together, not to gauge his reaction to see how much he really likes it. This will make him self-conscious and unlikely to enjoy himself. Try to use the porn to discuss your boyfriend's sexual fantasies. Many men say that they watch porn as an escape, and that they'd never want to do the same things with their girlfriend that they see people doing on television. Yet, sometimes the stuff he watches on porn can make him yearn for something with you, even if it's just some harmless role playing or some time spent having sex in a new position or making out in a new location. Talk to him about it to see if the conversation may take your own relationship to a new level. Your boyfriend may want something in the bedroom but may be too shy to ask unless you press him. Of course, this doesn't mean that you have to do anything that you're uncomfortable with. The fact of the matter is, a lot of porn does objectify women, and you don't have to do anything that makes you feel demeaned or worthless. And hey, you can use this as a time to tell your boyfriend about any fantasies you may be having as well. This doesn't mean that your boyfriend will jump for joy when you ask him about what he's watching during his porn solo sessions. It may make him uncomfortable, and that's only natural too. Discuss your next steps. Once you've had an open and honest discussion about watching pornography, then you and your boyfriend can discuss what next steps you can take. Here are some options you may decide on: Breaking up. Though breaking up over your boyfriend watching a regular amount of porn alone may not be that common, the porn watching can be indicative of larger issues that may have brought the relationship to a status of beyond repair. Watching it together. If you don't find porn offensive and are curious about what turns your boyfriend on, then this may be an option for you. Just make sure he's comfortable with it. Having your boyfriend try to watch porn less, or not when there's a chance you may walk in on him, if that's what you really want. Though you don't want to force your boyfriend to curb his desires or to become too secretive around you, this may be the best option you come up with. Seek a relationship counselor if it's necessary. If your boyfriend is suffering from a porn addiction and you want to help him overcome it, then you may choose to see a counselor together, or to have him see a counsellor. Or your conversation about porn may lead to your realization of larger problems in the relationship, such as issues related to infidelity or insecurity. If this is the case, then you may need to seek outside help for your relationship. | Talk to your boyfriend about it. Don't try to ban it, but establish each other's boundaries to the relationship. Try not to be paranoid during your time together. Define what cheating means to you. Ask yourself if you have any objections to having porn in your relationship. Know if he has a real problem with pornography. Consider watching porn with him. Try to use the porn to discuss your boyfriend's sexual fantasies. Discuss your next steps. Seek a relationship counselor if it's necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-a-Character-for-a-Story | How to Develop a Character for a Story | To develop a character for a story you're writing, start by giving them a name that suits the character and will stick in the reader's mind. Then, determine your character's physical attributes, like height and eye color, and describe how they might dress, such as in jeans and t-shirts or designer clothes. Next, develop a backstory for your character that speaks to their family structure, childhood, and current relationship status. Finally, give your character goals, but create conflicts for them to work through to make the pursuit of those goals interesting. | Give your character a name. Pick a name that will suit the character and stick in your reader's mind. Avoid generic names like “Jane Smith” or “John Wilson.” Instead, go for a name that describes who they are and tells the reader a bit about the character. For example, you might name a character “Sadie” because it is unique and suits the character's demeanor. Or you may name your character “Bash” because they are bold and destructive in your story. You may want to choose unusual surnames like "Temples" or "Cottrill" so the name sticks in the reader's mind. In some cases, it's easier to determine the other details of your character first and save their name for last. Perhaps your character's true identity could be revealed as the story progresses? Determine their age in relation to the story. Remember you may need to age your character if your story has a long time scale. Maybe your character is an adolescent, just two months shy of their sixteenth birthday. Or perhaps you are writing about an older character who has just celebrated their sixty-fifth birthday and is looking forward to retirement. Decide the exact age of your character so you can create a unique and detailed voice for them in your story. After all, a character who is just a teenager will have a different point of view than a character who is decades older. For example, you may determine that your character is twelve years old and just starting to experience puberty. You may then try to write from the perspective of a twelve-year old, using your own experiences at that age as inspiration. Outline their height, eye color, and hair color. Decide if your character is short, tall, skinny, muscular or stocky. Note if their eyes are blue, green, brown or grey. Maybe they have black hair or blonde hair with streaks of grey. Jot down a few notes about their physical appearance so you have a good idea of how they look. You can then use these details to build their character and make them come alive on the page. For example, maybe your character is tall and lanky, with long, skinny arms and legs. They may have green eyes and dark colored hair, giving them a striking appearance. Note if they have any scars or distinguishing marks. This could be a mole on the side of their face, a scar on their chest, or a limp when they walk. Giving your character a scar or distinguishing mark can help them stand out on the page and become more memorable to your reader. J.K. Rowling, for example, gave her main character a lightning bolt shaped scar, which is an interesting and memorable mark. Having a distinguishing mark play a role in your story makes it even more memorable. For example, you may have a character with a long scar behind their ear from an operation they had in their childhood. Or maybe your character has a tattoo on their back from a wild holiday. Describe the character’s clothing. Think about what the character wears on a daily basis to work or around the house. Decide if the character has a favorite or distinct item of clothing. Use the character's style of dress to tell the reader a bit more about their personality. For example, you may have a character who only wears black leather and denim to try to blend into the crowd. Or perhaps you have a character who dresses in designer clothing to show off their status and wealth. Determine the character’s race or nationality. Maybe your character is African-American or Hispanic. Perhaps your character is mixed-race, with one parent who is African and one parent who is Irish. Your character's racial background may affect the way they view the world and how they interact with other characters. For example, you may create a character that is Asian-American to reflect your own race or your family background. If you decide to create a character that is a race or nationality that is different than your own, be prepared to do research into that race or nationality to avoid falling into stereotypes. Describe the character’s family. Outline whether the character has both parents who still live at home, or parents who are divorced. Maybe the character's mother is now married to another man, or the character's father is a widow and their mother died in their childhood. You should also decide if the character has any siblings. Maybe your character is an only child and is close to cousins or has a particular group of friends. Maybe the character has five siblings and grew up in large family, but has a really close relationship with one sibling in particular, or is estranged from their eldest brother? Explore where the character has lived or grown up. Provide backstory into the character's home life and early experiences. Note where in the world the character was born and grew up. You can then use their home life to add details to their character, such as how they speak, how they express themselves, and how they view the world. For example, maybe your character grew up in a deprived part of the American Deep South. They may then use certain vernacular and approach the world in a certain way. Outline the character’s schooling if applicable. Decide if your character went to high school and university or dropped out of education altogether. Determine if your character is currently at school and what grade or level they are in. Outlining your character's schooling will tell the reader about your character's education level. You may have a character who did not finish school or dropped out and instead worked odd jobs to gain life experience. This could play into their character as a whole and their approach to the world. Determine their relationship status. Is your character single? Married? Divorced? In an open relationship? Maybe your character is involved with one of your other characters in the story, or with a minor character that only appears once. Determining their relationship status will help to clarify their interactions with other characters. For example, you may have a character who is romantically involved with the other main character in your story. Or you may have a character who is recently divorced and trying to deal with the break-up of their marriage. Describe their likes and dislikes. Decide your character's favorite color and favorite food. Make a list of their favorite television shows and films if applicable. If your story is set some time or place without TV shows and movies, you can disregard this. Determine what they do not like, such as food that make them gag or things that drive them insane such as: people who don't clean up after themselves, dogs, smokers etc. You can then use their likes and dislikes as features in your story. For example, you may have a character who hates olives and loves tacos. Or, maybe your main character is obsessed with a television character and binge watches the same TV programme on repeat. Show how the character thinks. Give the character space in the story to think in their own voice. Write an internal monologue for the character so the reader gets a good sense of how the character perceives the world around them. Let your character have moments of introspection, where they muse or think through their ideas and thoughts. For example, you may include moments of introspection like, “Sadie thought about how angry her mother would be when she got home, five minutes past her curfew. Would she confiscate her mobile phone again or just throw something at her head? Would she go on about how worthless and irresponsible she is? Maybe she fell asleep on pain pills again, dead to the world. Sadie crossed her fingers as she stepped inside.” Include dialogue that is specific to the character. Give the reader a sense of how the character speaks, including any slang or lingo they may use. Make the character's voice unique and specific to their experiences as well as where they grew up. Avoid generic dialogue like “Hi, how are you?” or “What's new?” Tell the reader more about your character through their dialogue. For example, you may have a character who speaks in a combination of English and Spanish to reflect their background and family life. You can also have a character who has a catchphrase that they say when they feel nervous, such as “Holy mother!” or “Seriously, dude.” Give the character a desire or goal. A developed character will have a clear desire that motivates them to take action in the story. Their desire can be something seemingly small, such as wanting to ask someone out on a date. Or their goal can be large, such as wanting to save the world from mass destruction. Giving your character a desire or goal will ensure they are active in your story. For example, your character may have a desire to leave their small town and escape their abusive family life. Or perhaps your character wants to learn how to throw a football correctly so they can join a local sports team. Create conflict for the character. Make your character's life difficult so they can raise to the occasion and take action. Put obstacles in the way of your character's desires or goals. The obstacles could be another character, a natural disaster, financial difficulties, or simply bad luck. This will create conflict and force your character to make decisions about what to do. For example, your character may struggle to leave their lonesome, small town because they have to care for their elderly mother and have no money to go anywhere. Or your character may find it hard to throw a football because they cannot find someone to teach them how to do it properly. Allow the character to have flaws and make mistakes. Do not write a perfect character who gets exactly what they want and has no problems. This character will be boring and unrelatable to your readers. Give your character flaws and shortcomings. Have them make mistakes or bad decisions. Then, show your reader how they deal with their flaws and mistakes in the story. For example, you may have a character who has addiction issues, causing them to lash out and hurt others around them. Or you may have a character who is too prideful to admit they are wrong, causing them to have poor relationships with their children. Your character could have a particular phobia, such as: heights, water, blood, large crowds or the dark. One of these could be holding them back from achieving their goals. | Give your character a name. Determine their age in relation to the story. Outline their height, eye color, and hair color. Note if they have any scars or distinguishing marks. Describe the character’s clothing. Determine the character’s race or nationality. Describe the character’s family. Explore where the character has lived or grown up. Outline the character’s schooling if applicable. Determine their relationship status. Describe their likes and dislikes. Show how the character thinks. Include dialogue that is specific to the character. Give the character a desire or goal. Create conflict for the character. Allow the character to have flaws and make mistakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-a-Frozen-Turkey | How to Cook a Frozen Turkey | To cook a frozen turkey, first remove the packaging and preheat your oven to 325 ° F (160 °C). Then, place a roasting rack inside of a roasting pan, put the turkey on top of the rack, and put it in the oven. Let the turkey thaw in the oven for 2 ½ hours, or until its internal temperature is between 100 and 125 degrees Fahrenheit (40 and 50 °C). Once it's thawed, take the giblets and neck out of the body cavity, and season the turkey with butter, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, like sage, rosemary, or thyme. Finally, roast the turkey in the oven for 1 more hour per 5 pounds (2 ½ kilograms) of meat. Brush the turkey with more melted butter as it's cooking if you'd like. You'll know the turkey is done when its internal temperature is 165 ° F (75 ° C). | Take your turkey out of the freezer and unwrap it. Use scissors to cut the netting and plastic off the turkey. Leave the bag of giblets inside the turkey for now. Put the turkey on a roasting rack inside of a roasting pan. The turkey should be breast-side up on the rack in the pan. It's important that you use a roasting rack so the heat in the oven can circulate around the entire turkey. Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C). If there are multiple racks in the oven, remove all of them except for the one that's in the bottom third of the oven. That way there will be enough room for the turkey. Place the frozen turkey in the oven and let it thaw for 2 and a half hours. Avoid opening the oven during this time so heat doesn't escape. After 2 and a half hours, the turkey should be mostly thawed and have a golden brown color. Don't worry about seasoning your turkey yet — seasoning won't stick to a frozen turkey. You can season the turkey later after it thaws for a couple of hours in the oven. Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature after it’s thawed. Stick the thermometer in the breast or thighs and give it a few seconds to read the temperature. At this point, the turkey should be around 100–125 °F (38–52 °C). If the temperature is lower than 100–125 °F (38–52 °C), let the turkey continue to roast and check on it periodically until it's up to temperature. Take the bag of giblets out of the neck of the turkey. The giblets are the organs of the turkey that are bagged and stuffed in the turkey's neck by the butcher. Now that the turkey is partially thawed, you should be able to pull the giblets out so you can discard them (or make gravy with them ). Brush 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of melted butter onto the turkey with a basting brush. Coating the turkey with butter will make it more flavorful. If you don't have butter, you can use olive oil instead. Season the turkey with salt and pepper. Start with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of salt and pepper and gradually add more if it's not enough to cover the whole turkey. Sprinkle the seasonings onto the top of the turkey and then gently rub them in with your fingers. You can also use other kinds of seasonings, like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Roast the turkey for 1.5-5 more hours depending on its weight. The more your turkey weighs, the longer you'll need to roast it for. You can find out how much your turkey weighs by checking the plastic wrapping that it came in. 8–12 pounds (3.6–5.4 kg): roast for 1.5-2 more hours. 12–14 pounds (5.4–6.4 kg): roast for 2-3 more hours. 14–20 pounds (6.4–9.1 kg): roast for 3-4 more hours. 20–24 pounds (9.1–10.9 kg): roast for 4-5 more hours. Check on the turkey every hour. When you check on the turkey, check its temperature with the thermometer to make sure it's going up. You can also brush on more melted butter or oil to give it more flavor. If the turkey looks like it's burning or getting too crisp, cover the top with aluminum foil. Take the turkey out of the oven once it reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Your turkey will be fully cooked and safe to eat at this temperature. Check the temperature with the thermometer at multiple depths in different places to make sure the whole turkey is cooked through. Check the center of the turkey with the thermometer since it will take the longest to cook. Let the turkey cool for 30 minutes before serving. After 30 minutes, your turkey should be cool enough to carve and serve. Carve the turkey and serve it with stuffing, mashed potatoes, or your other favorite sides. | Take your turkey out of the freezer and unwrap it. Put the turkey on a roasting rack inside of a roasting pan. Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Place the frozen turkey in the oven and let it thaw for 2 and a half hours. Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s temperature after it’s thawed. Take the bag of giblets out of the neck of the turkey. Brush 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of melted butter onto the turkey with a basting brush. Season the turkey with salt and pepper. Roast the turkey for 1.5-5 more hours depending on its weight. Check on the turkey every hour. Take the turkey out of the oven once it reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Let the turkey cool for 30 minutes before serving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Out-Your-Crush | How to Ask Out Your Crush | While asking out your crush can be scary, try to be direct and honest so your crush fully understands your feelings. When possible, talk to your crush in person and alone for a more romantic touch. For example, while on a walk you might say, “I like you a lot, and I want to spend more time with you. What do you think?” If your crush seems interested, then ask them to go do something specific that you'll both enjoy, like going to the movies, on a hike, or to a dance. On the other hand, if your crush says “no,” then you need to respect their answer and move on. | Talk to your crush. It will be much easier to ask them out if you know each other, and they will be much more likely to say "yes." Start by striking up a simple conversation. Just casually say "hey," and introduce yourself. If you're in class together, ask about the homework assignment or ask your crush for help understanding the material. If you are in a club together, strike up a conversation about the theme of the club. Ask your crush about themselves. Ask how their day is going. Ask if they're excited about anything this weekend. It's easy! Befriend your crush. You don't need to be best friends, and you don't need to tell each other everything. However, friendship involves a certain amount of trust, and it will make you more of a known quantity in your crush's eyes. Try walking to class with your crush, or hanging out in a group setting. If you are a good fit for each other, they might even develop a crush on you! Be honest and authentic! Don't try to make your crush think that you are someone you're not. Misleading this person is neither the best nor the most sustainable way to get them to go out with you. If you lie, it will come out eventually. If you try to act "cool" or imitate someone that you think is "cool," you might just make your crush uncomfortable. Don't bother with illusions. If you are being true to yourself and doing the things that you really want to do, you will put more passion into those things. Many people find passion attractive. Be as direct as possible. If you want your crush's number, ask for their number – don't look it up elsewhere or ask someone else. If you want to know what your crush did this weekend, don't stalk them on Facebook – just ask. Following your crush around or putting them on a pedestal is no way to start a healthy relationship. Do it in person. If absolutely necessary, ask out your crush over the phone, or over a video call – but try not to pop the question over text. It can be much easier to communicate with people over text or instant messaging, especially people you like, but you may find that asking out a crush face-to-face is much more romantic. If casual and noncommittal is what you're looking for, then feel free to go the text route – but don't expect your crush to be impressed. Try to make it natural. Find a time when neither you nor your crush has anywhere else to be. They shouldn't be stressed or in a rush. If possible, pick a place where you're both comfortable, and where you would normally hang out or run into each other. Try to create as smooth and easy a moment as possible. Get your crush alone. This conversation will probably be much easier for both of you if you don't ask them out in front of a bunch of people. Many people have trouble talking about their feelings one-on-one, let alone when the spotlight is on them. If you don't normally find yourself alone with your crush, you'll need to create that space. It is much easier to get someone alone if you're friends, or at least on casual speaking terms. Ask them to take a walk with you: home from school, or between classes, or around the block. Ask your crush to step outside with you for a second. You can say "Can I talk to you alone for a minute?" or "Want to walk to class with me?" Especially don't ask someone out in front of their friends! Your crush might be embarrassed, or they might not want to talk about this in front of a bunch of people. You might be rejected just because your crush feels uncomfortable. Try making small talk first. Better yet, ask your crush out while you're already hanging out one-on-one. You don't have to jump straight into the big question. It might help you set the mood if you ask your crush about their day, crack some jokes, and listen to what they have to say. You should both feel comfortable and at ease. Wait for the right moment. Even the best-laid plans run into obstacles. Perhaps you tried to walk your crush home after school, but another couple of mutual friends decided to tag along. Be patient. You can always ask your crush out tomorrow, but it can be hard to take back an awkward moment that happened when you rushed things. Look for a time when everything seems right. Be bold! It can be really hard to admit your feelings to someone that you like a lot. You might be nervously sweating, shaking, terrified – but you will probably feel much better once you get it over with. Ask yourself whether you will regret it if you never ask this person out. If you'll regret it, do it. Think of it like jumping into cold water. You can spend all day staring at the water, feeling it with your toes, and thinking about how cold it will be. On the other hand, you can push your mind aside and jump in – at which point all you have to worry about is swimming, adjusting, or getting out. If you can't bring yourself to do it, set yourself an incentive. Say, "I need to ask [my crush] out before Friday, or else I can't go to the party on Friday night." Give yourself a reason to cut through your hesitation and get it over with. Be direct and honest. Try to cut through the games and just tell your crush how you feel. This might be scary, but you also may find that this makes your task a lot simpler. Say, "Hey, I want to be clear. I like you a lot, and I want to spend more time with you. What do you think?" Ask your crush to do something specific. Don't ask them vaguely "out." Don't ask them to be your boyfriend or girlfriend if you haven't even been on a date. Suggest something fun and cheap that you'll both enjoy: a movie, a hike, a show, or a school event. If you ask this person to go somewhere with you alone, they will probably assume that it's a date – but you don't need to try to ask them to be your partner yet. If there is a school dance coming up, ask your crush to go as your date. This can be a great opportunity to show someone how you feel. Keep in mind that unless you explicitly agree upon it, one date to date a dance does not necessarily mean that the two of you are "going out." Take it slow. Ask your crush out on one date, and let that date be exactly what it is. If you have already been going on dates with this person, and you want to ask them to date you exclusively, then you're looking at a different conversation. If the person is just a crush, you may want to keep the pressure off and take it slow. Respect the "no. " If you ask out your crush, and they turn you down, you need to let that answer stand. It is one thing to be persistent because you really like someone; it is another thing to stalk someone, to pester them, and to make them uncomfortable. There are other fish in the sea. Be a considerate human being! You have to be direct and bold. Just get your courage hype yourself up to ask them.When you finally feel you can do it just go for it. | Talk to your crush. Befriend your crush. Be honest and authentic! Be as direct as possible. Do it in person. Try to make it natural. Get your crush alone. Try making small talk first. Wait for the right moment. Be bold! Be direct and honest. Ask your crush to do something specific. Take it slow. Respect the "no. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome | How to Diagnose Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, look for common symptoms, like tingling or numbness in your hand, fingers, or wrist, as well as pain and swelling. Also, keep in mind that you're at a higher risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome if you're over the age of 30 and you have a job that requires the frequent use of your hands. If you think you might have carpal tunnel syndrome, or if your symptoms are becoming worse, talk to your doctor so they can diagnose you and help you come up with a treatment plan. | Assess your risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. Assessing your risk factors can put you in a better position to understand the symptoms, to recognize the condition and to better treat it. Assess if you have one or more of the following risk factors: Gender and age: women tend to develop carpal tunnel syndrome more than men and it is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60. Occupation: having a job that requires a lot of use of your hands, such as factory or assembly line work, puts you at a greater risk for the syndrome. Underlying conditions: those with metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, obesity, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, or diabetes have a greater chance at developing the condition. Lifestyle factors: smoking, high salt intake, sedentary lifestyle may increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome Recognize the symptoms. If you notice any of the following five symptoms in your wrist, hand, or arm, you might be developing or already suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome: Tingling in the hand, fingers or wrist. Numbness in the hand, fingers or wrist. Swelling in the wrist. Pain in the hand, fingers or wrist. Weakness of the hand. Keep track of your symptoms. Keeping track of your symptoms can put you in a better position to diagnose and treat the condition, should you have it. Your doctor can also diagnose the condition better if he/she has a more detailed history of the condition. Symptoms generally show up gradually. Symptoms often first appear during the night. As the condition worsens, you'll start to feel the symptoms during the day. Symptoms that do not go away with time (unlike in the case of a temporary injury) and gradually become worse as time moves forward. Try the Phalen's Test. This is an easy test that can be used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. There are several ways to test this. Try the following: Sit at a table and place your elbows on the table. Let your wrist fall to maximal flexion to increase the pressure in the carpal tunnel. Hold this position for at least one minute. Another way to do the test is to place the backs of both hands together in front of you, pointing fingers down (like an opposite prayer position). Any pain and tingling of hands, fingers and/or wrist and numbness in the fingers, specifically, at the height of thumb, forefinger, and a part of the middle finger, are positive results. Try the other carpal tunnel tests. Several tests for diagnosing carpal tunnel have been described but the specificity of these tests is questionable. You may still try them: The Tinel's sign is done by tapping the wrist and carpal tunnel with your fingers or a tendon hammer. If it causes tingling in the fingers, it is believed to be a positive test. The Tourniquet test is based on temporarily increasing the carpal tunnel pressure by applying a blood pressure cuff to the upper arm or forearm. Inflate the cuff between systolic and diastolic pressure to obstruct venous return from the arm and increasing blood volume in the hand. If this causes symptoms, the test is positive. However, don't perform this test unless you are comfortable using a blood pressure cuff correctly. The hand elevation test is done by elevating the hands above the head for two minutes. If this causes symptoms, then the test is positive. The Durkan's carpal compression test relies upon direct pressure applied over the carpal tunnel to increase the pressure. Press the carpal tunnel with your thumb or ask a friend to do this. If this causes symptoms, the test is positive. Ask yourself if you should see a doctor. If the symptoms become worse or don't go away, the pain is unbearable, or you're having a hard time keeping up at work, consult your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose and treat the symptoms appropriately and exclude any serious, underlying conditions. Tell your symptoms to your doctor. Speaking with your healthcare provider means letting them know more about the symptoms that you're experiencing as well as the condition history. Remember, your doctor can diagnose the condition better if you're detailed and do not leave any symptoms out. Be aware that your doctor may refer you to a specialist in neurology, surgery, orthopedics, or rheumatology, if needed for diagnosis or treatment. Get a physical examination. Your physician will want to assess your wrist and hand. They will press on points to find out if there is any pain or numbness in the area. They will also check for swelling, sensation, and weakness. If the pain is intense, additional tests may be needed to rule out other health conditions. A pre-assessment where they look over the area visually is required to give indication and direction for further tests. Your doctor may also perform Phalen's test or other carpal tunnel tests in the office. Get a blood test. Blood samples may be requested to rule out additional medical issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis, a thyroid issue, or other underlying medical problems. By ruling out these problems, your physician can better diagnose the problem. Once blood tests rule out other medical problems, additional imaging tests may be needed. Ask for an imaging test. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, may be requested by the physician or you can request them yourself. By having these imaging scans performed, you can be in a better position to diagnose the problem and treat the symptoms. X-ray is usually used only to aid in the diagnosis or rule out other causes of pain (such as fractures and arthritis). Your doctor may use ultrasound to visualize the structure of the median nerve in your hand. Get an electromyogram. An electromyogram is a test during which multiple fine needles are inserted into the muscles to measure electrical discharges. This test can determine if there is muscle damage and it can rule out other conditions. A mild painkiller can be administered prior to the test to reduce pain. Ask for a nerve conduction study. This medical conductivity test is used to detect how the nervous system is functioning and can determine whether or not you have carpal tunnel syndrome. During the test, two electrodes are placed on your hand and wrist and a small shock is passed through the median nerve to detect if electrical impulses are slowed in the carpal tunnel. The results can indicate how much damage has occurred to your nerves. | Assess your risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome. Recognize the symptoms. Keep track of your symptoms. Try the Phalen's Test. Try the other carpal tunnel tests. Ask yourself if you should see a doctor. Tell your symptoms to your doctor. Get a physical examination. Get a blood test. Ask for an imaging test. Get an electromyogram. Ask for a nerve conduction study. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Positioning-Statement | How to Write a Positioning Statement | To write a positioning statement, find the target audience for the product or service you are trying to support. Then, find a simple, clear way to tell that audience why your product is different from and better than what your competitors are offering. While you're writing, try to avoid making unreasonable claims, and try to provide as much evidence for you claims as possible. | Treat your positioning statement like an internal tool for your company. The positioning statement should encapsulate the primary value of the product or service for the consumer. All your product and marketing decisions for your company brand should align and support your positioning statement. It will act like a roadmap for your company's marketing team and serve as a guidepost for all your marketing plans. Identify the target market for the product in the positioning statement. Your positioning statement should also identify the target market for the product and how you are going to market the product to that target market. Every product has a “value proposition”, which means how much the product is worth to its intended consumer. Your positioning statement should be able to communicate the value proposition of the product and provide a strategy for marketing the product based on its value proposition. Go for a simple, memorable, and specific position statement. Your positioning statement should be written for the average reader and be easy to understand and remember. It should also be written specifically for your target market and make claims that are within reason. Your brand or company should be able to deliver on the promises and commitments made in the position statement. As well, a good position statement will demonstrate how your company will differentiate from other companies and competitors. Your company should be able to “own” its position in the market with this new product, while still being consistent with its existing branding and marketing plan. A good position statement will also leave room for your brand or company to grow into its position in the marketplace. The position statement shouldn't be a closed statement, and should be looking to the future growth of your company, as well as any adjustments or changes that may be made moving forward. Define your ideal customer, or your target market. Ask yourself what types of businesses or consumers you want to reach and what their interests are. Consider how your ideal customer or your target market are influenced and how they make their decisions. Try to be as specific as possible. For example, if you are marketing a new baby product you may target middle-upper class expectant mothers. If you are marketing a protein supplement for healthy weight gain, you may target men ages 24-40. Note the unique value your company offers. What makes your company or brand stand apart from the other competitors? Think about the services your company offers that you are most proud of or confident in, and how this provides a certain value for your customers. For example, you may be able to provide the lowest prices for a new baby product, or the highest quality protein supplements in the market. Show your company’s value to the customer. Once you've identified your target audience, or customer, as well as your unique value, you need to then provide evidence to back up your claims. You need to get your customer to believe in your company's ability to prove its value and follow through on its marketing promises. For example, you may note that your company eliminates costly overhead by only selling the new baby product online. Or you may note that you have a unique partnership with producers to sell only the highest quality protein supplements. It's important to only claim as much as you can prove or follow through on. Don't make exaggerated or unreasonable value claims, such as, “we will match any other price you find online”, if your company or brand is not willing to actually commit to this claim and follow through on it. Use a standard template to create your position statement. Most position statements follow the same template: For [insert Target Market], the [insert Brand] is the [insert Point of Differentiation] among all[insert Frame of Reference] because [insert Reason to Believe]. The point of differentiation (POD) should describe how your brand or new product will help your customers in ways that distinguish you from your competitors. The frame of reference (FOR) is the category or segment in the market where your company competes with other companies. The reason to believe should be a compelling phrase that gives your customer a reason to believe in your claims. For example, Amazon's position statement is: For World Wide Web users who enjoy books, Amazon.com is a retail bookseller that provides instant access to over 1.1 million books. Note that Amazon identifies its target market, places its brand up front, inserts the market it is operating in, and notes how it will follow through on its claim. Another example is Volvo's position statement: For upscale American families, Volvo is the family automobile that offers maximum safety. This is a less specific position statement than the Amazon statement, but it still communicates Volvo's brand. Volvo notes its target market, inserts its operating market, and includes how the brand will make consumers believe it's claim. Create your brand or company position statement. Look at the position statement examples, as well as the template and create several possible position statements for your company. Say you are trying to market a new baby toy. Your target market may be middle to upper class expectant mothers, you are marketing for the baby toys sector, and you feel your product is unique because it is sold exclusively online at a low price and offers educational value as well as recreational play for mother and child. Your initial position statement may be long and detailed. For example: For middle to upper class expectant mothers, BabaTots is a baby toy that offers fun and engaging play for mother and child, at an affordable price point and only available online. You may then streamline your first try so the statement is concise and clear. For example: For middle to upper class expectant mothers, BabaTots is an interactive baby toy that provides educational value and recreational play for mother and child at an affordable price point. | Treat your positioning statement like an internal tool for your company. Identify the target market for the product in the positioning statement. Go for a simple, memorable, and specific position statement. Define your ideal customer, or your target market. Note the unique value your company offers. Show your company’s value to the customer. Use a standard template to create your position statement. Create your brand or company position statement. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Practice | How to Practice | To practice something effectively, start by breaking things down into smaller actions. For example, if you're practicing a lay-up in basketball, master how to dribble at speed before working on jumping towards the hoop without stopping. Additionally, make a schedule and set aside enough time each day to practice your skill, talent, or hobby. If you play an instrument, for example, set aside 1 hour every day for practice. However, make sure to take a 5 minute break every 20 to 30 minutes to avoid burning out. | Have a goal in mind. Think about what you want to get out of practicing -- do you want to be the next great trumpet player or do you simply want a better serve for your next tennis match? Knowing your goals helps you home in on what you need to practice the most. Be specific with your goals. Sports: Do you want to make a new team? Set a personal record? Hit more free-throws? Music: Do you want to increase your vocal range? Get a recording contract? Play all of the notes in "Flight of the Bumblebees?" Intellectual: Do you want to get straight A's next semester? Write your first novel? Get into medical school? Focus on weak areas, not skills you already have mastered. While it feels good to practice things you are good at, the point of training is to improve on skills you don't have. Spend your time working on things you are bad at or you will never get any better at your chosen activity. Sports: Work on your opposite foot, learn a new move or technique, or try new position. Music: Develop scales and chords you don't know well, play at a different tempo then usual, or learn a song in a genre you don't normally play. Intellectual: Take a class in a different subject then normal, write essays on topics that require research, and push beyond the minimum for projects and assignments. Practice deliberately. While you can certainly practice guitar scales while watching TV, if you are not paying close attention to yourself you will pick up bad habits and learn slowly. You want to practice deliberately, not mindlessly, to make the most of your time. After you complete a task, think about how it went: Where did you make a mistake? What worked well? How can you improve next time? Sports: Don't focus on the final score in practice, focus on your technique. Are you getting stronger? Did you connect more passes than normal? Were you in the proper position to help your team? Music: Focus on playing everything perfectly, without bum or missed notes. Even if you have to slow down, focus on getting everything right and note where you make mistakes Intellectual: Always check your work, and find out where you made a mistake if you get the wrong answer. Break down complex actions into smaller parts. If you are trying to practice fixing a bicycles, for example, don't practice on the whole thing at once. Practicing changing tires one day, making sure you have the skill down, then work on fixing the brakes. This is the time for "drills:" specific, small actions that you can repeat over and over again like playing scales, shooting free-throws or changing flats. Sports: If you are struggling to make a lay-up in basketball, stop and practice each step separately: dribbling at speed, jumping towards the hoop without stopping, and placing the basketball. Music: Don't try to tackle difficult songs all at once. Stop and practice 2-3 seconds at a time. Once you get those few seconds down, move on to the next few seconds. Intellectual: Don't approach a test trying to learn everything at once. Do easy practice problems first, then add more complex ideas, like starting with binomials before moving on to polynomials. Learn from your mistakes. Do not worry about making mistakes -- this is the time for them. Exploring, experimenting, and noting the things that went wrong will expand you knowledge of your field and leads to new discoveries. When you make a mistake simply take note of it and think about how you can fix it next time. If you make the same mistake repeatedly, slow down and try to diagnose the problem. Work on fixing the mistake until you solve it to avoid learning bad habits. Sports: Watching filmed copies of the game and talking to coaches will help you quickly diagnose problems and find ways to fix them. Music: When possible, record yourself playing. As you play it back, listen in for mistakes that you might have missed before. Intellectual: Whenever you do not understand why got a problem wrong or got a bad grade, ask someone to explain it to you so you don't make the same mistake twice. Practice how you play. To have the best performance when it matters, whether at a show, in the office, or on the field, you need to develop good habits when you practice. This means paying attention to the little things now so that you don't have to focus on them when you need to perform. Think about your posture, surroundings, and equipment when you practice. Sports: Wear the proper equipment (shoes, clothes, pads, etc.) when you practice so you are used to them when you get in a game. Music: Avoid things like slouching or laying down when you practice -- if you wouldn't do it on stage, don't do it at home. Intellectual: Playing music or watching TV while you study, write, or do research distracts you from learning effectively. Find time to practice every day. To make the most of your practice you need to be working on your skill every day. Study after study has shown that consistently practicing a skill is far more useful than trying to practice for 4-5 hours once or twice a week. Even 15-20 minutes of practice 7 days a week cab be more effective than 3 hours once a week. Sports: If you can't practice one day, try to get some exercise (run, bike, swim, etc.) in if you can. Music: At the very least, run through your scales and 2-3 practice songs to keep practicing your speed and technique. Intellectual: Make flashcards and review them daily when you do not have time to study. Make a practice schedule. You want to make practicing a habit as natural as brushing your teeth. Choose a time to practice and stick to it every day. After 2-3 weeks, you brain will adapt to this schedule and prepare itself for "practice-time." Think of practicing like working-out: it is much easier to stay in shape if you have a set time to go to the gym. Sports: Schedule practices 3-5 days a week, using extra days for exercise. Set aside one day a week for rest and recovery. Music: Practice your instrument daily, aiming to work at least 1 hour each day. Intellectual: It is much easier to learn something when you study each day as opposed to all at once the night before a test. Make a habit of practicing writing or studying daily, even if it is only for a short while. Plan out your practice sessions in advance. If you're learning an instrument, for example, you might set aside 20 minutes to practice scales, 20 minutes to practice chords and 20 minutes to learn a new song. Having a plan for your practice makes you more likely to stick to your routine and to visualize how you will improve. Sports: Warm up for 15 minutes, work on skill drills (passing, shooting, etc.) for 20-30 minutes, play scrimmages or game-like situations for 20-30 minutes, then cool down with stretching for 10-15 minutes. Music: Warm up for 10 minutes with scales, then practice your songs, chords, or new techniques. End with a review of old songs you need to know or have fun practicing. Intellectual: Start with the most difficult subject first, then easier subjects later on. Practice in short "bursts" with periods of rest. Working for 4-5 hours straight can lead to boredom or burn-out, and if you start losing concentration you will practice ineffectively. Sports psychologists suggest taking a break every hour for 10-15 minutes to relax and catch your breath, but the same principle holds true for any type of practicing (music, academics, etc.). Sports: Exercise for an hour, then take 5-10 minutes off to rehydrate, stretch, and relax before returning to exercise. Limit your workouts to no more than 5 hours a day. Music: For younger kids, try practicing for 20-30 minutes at a time, allowing them to relax in between to avoid burning out. Intellectual: Study for at least an hour, then take a break. Go for a short walk, stretch, or listen to music for a few minutes to refresh your brain and body. Practice interrelated skills when you have downtime. You don't always have to be practicing to "practice." The more you think about your activity the better you will be when you sit down to actually practice. Sports: Watch game tape or professional athletes, stretch, and think or read about strategy. Music: Work on reading music, especially any new songs you need to learn. Listen to other musicians playing your songs if possible. Intellectual: Always have a notepad and pen available to jot down any ideas as they come, and read from a variety of fields for inspiration. | Have a goal in mind. Focus on weak areas, not skills you already have mastered. Practice deliberately. Break down complex actions into smaller parts. Learn from your mistakes. Practice how you play. Find time to practice every day. Make a practice schedule. Plan out your practice sessions in advance. Practice in short "bursts" with periods of rest. Practice interrelated skills when you have downtime. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-a-Garage-Door-Spring | How to Adjust a Garage Door Spring | To adjust your garage door's side-mounted springs, first, open your door fully and secure it in place with a c-clamp below the bottom roller. Once your garage door is secured, remove the spring hook from the track hanger, which will allow you to move the hook and adjust the spring's tension. If you need to increase the spring tension, hook the spring onto a lower hole on the track hanger. To decrease tension, move the hook to a higher hole. After adjusting your spring, unclamp the door and lower it to test the spring. If it is still not closing correctly, secure the door again and keep adjusting the spring until your door fully closes. | Recognize side-mounted extension springs. There are two kinds of springs your garage door might use: side-mounted extension springs or torsion springs. Before you can adjust the spring on your garage door, you must determine what kind of springs your door has. Side-mounted springs are easier to adjust, while torsion springs are more dangerous to meddle with, so you would be better off calling a professional if you have these. Side-mounted extension springs run above and parallel to the door track, and they'll have an attached pulley and cable. The cable, which holds the spring, attaches to hooks in the track hanger assembly. There will be two springs: one above each track on either side of the garage door. Recognize torsion springs. Torsion springs are mounted above the door and will run along a metal shaft that's parallel with the top of the door. This type of mechanism is usually used for doors that are over 10 feet wide. Lighter and smaller doors may only have a single torsion spring, while larger and heavier doors may have two springs, with one located on either side of the central plate. Understand the problem. Improper spring tension can cause many problems with how your garage door opens and closes. The problem you're having will help you figure out how you need to adjust the spring to fix the door. Doors that need spring adjustments may: Be difficult to open or close Open or close too quickly Not close fully or properly Close unevenly and leave a gap. Determine your solution. Depending on your problem, you will either need to increase or decrease the spring tension on the door. You will need to: Decrease the tension if your door isn't closing fully, is difficult to close, or opens too quickly. Increase the tension if the door is difficult to open or closes too quickly. Adjust the tension on one side (where the gap is) if your door is closing evenly. Assemble your tools. There are some basic tools and safety equipment you'll need for this job. Your safety equipment includes gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat. Your other tools are a sturdy ladder, a C-clamp, an adjustable wrench, and a marker or masking tape. If you are going to be adjusting torsion springs, you will also need two winding bars or solid steel rods. The rods or bars should be 18 to 24 inches (45.7 to 61 cm) in length. Solid steel bars can be purchased at hardware stores. You will need to measure the diameter of the holes in the winding cone (the collar that secures the spring to the metal shaft) to determine what size bar or rod to use. Most cones have a hole diameter of 1/2 inch. Do not attempt to use any sort of tool as a substitute for the winding bars or steel rods. Open your garage door fully. Before you can work, you need to release the tension on the springs. Open the door until it hits the stop bolt and can't go any farther. For an automatic door: Open the door, unplug the opener, and disconnect the door from the opener by pulling the emergency release cord down and back until the spring locks in the open position. You will then be able to open the door fully and release the tension on the springs. Secure the door in place. Place a C-clamp below the bottom roller, or use two locking pliers (one on each track under the bottom rollers). This will ensure the door doesn't fall while you are working. Remove the spring hook. The spring will be attached to the track hanger by a large hook that's kept in place with a nut. Once there's no more tension on the spring, remove it from the track hanger. Use the adjustable wrench to remove the nut on the back side of the bracket. You'll now be able to move the hook to a lower or higher hole to decrease or increase the tension. Adjust the tension. To make sure you achieve the right tension, adjust the spring by one hole at a time. Adjust both springs equally , one at a time, if your door was balanced. Once you've moved the hook to its new location, replace the nut on the back and use the wrench to tighten the hook into place. To decrease tension and fix a door that isn't closing fully, is difficult to close, or opens too quickly, hook the spring onto a lower hole on the track hanger. This reduces the length of the spring and the tension on it. To increase tension and fix a door that is difficult to open or closes too quickly, hook the spring onto a higher hole on the track hanger. This stretches the spring and increases the tension on it. To adjust tension on one side and correct a door that wasn't closing evenly, adjust the spring only on the side where the gap was. Decrease the tension on that side by hooking the spring onto a lower hole on the track hanger. Test your door for functionality and balance. After adjusting your spring(s) by one hole, unclamp the door and test the springs by lowering the door to see how it feels. Make another single-hole adjustment if your door is still closing too quickly, slowly, or unevenly (with gaps). Repeat steps one to five until your door is closing properly and evenly, or until your gap is gone. Adjust the cable to make minor tension adjustments. The cable inside the spring will also be attached to a hook or the track, and you can adjust this by tightening or loosening the knot or the clamp attaching it and tweaking the length of the cable. Shorten the cable to slightly increase the tension, or lengthen it to slightly decrease the tension. Your cable may be attached to the track by an S-hook, and if that's the case, move the hook to a higher hole to increase tension slightly or to a lower hole to decrease tension slightly. Test the door. Determine if your door is opening and closing the way you would like, and ensure it's balanced (closes evenly and without gaps). Continue making minor adjustments with the cable and testing the door until it's correct. When you have finished with your adjustments, be sure to remove anything that was securing the door in place, pull on the emergency cord to release the spring and reattach the door to the opener, and plug in your automatic door opener. Close the garage door. Unplug the opener if you have an automatic garage door. Note that because the garage door will be down, this will mean: The springs will be under tension, which increases the risk of injury. Call a professional if you don't feel confident dealing with a spring under this much tension. You should have sufficient lighting in the garage to work comfortably. You will need an alternate way out if anything should happen. All your tools need to be inside the garage with you when you begin. Secure the door. Place a C-clamp or a pair of locking pliers on the track of the garage door just above the bottom roller. This will prevent the door from popping open when you're adjusting the tension. Locate the winding cone. From the stationary center plate, use your eye to follow the spring out to where it ends. At the end, there will be a winding cone keeping it in place. The cone will have four holes evenly spaced around it, plus two set screws that are used to lock the spring in place on the center shaft. To alter the tension on the spring, you will be adjusting the winding cone by inserting the winding bars into the holes and rotating the cone in one direction or the other. Loosen the set screws. Insert the winding cone or solid steel rod into the bottom hole on the winding collar. Hold the cone in place with the bar and loosen the screws. Check the shaft to see if there are any flattened or depressed areas where the screws are meant to be set. If so, make sure you replace the screws in these same flats when you are finished with your adjustment to ensure they hold more securely. Prepare to adjust the tension. Insert the bars into two successive holes in the winding cone. Position yourself to the side of the bars so that your head and body are not in the way if the spring breaks. Always be ready to move quickly. Adjust the tension. Make sure the bars are fully inserted, and manually rotate the cone in 1/4 increments. To determine a 1/4 turn, rotate the winding bars 90 degrees. To increase tension for a door that's difficult to open or closes too quickly, wind the cone up (in the same direction as the garage door cable goes through the pulley). To decrease tension for a door that isn't closing fully, is difficult to close, or opens too quickly, wind the cone down (in the opposite direction from how the garage door cable passes through the pulley). Unless you know exactly how much you need to adjust your door, go through all the steps and test the door. Repeat as necessary, working in 1/4 turns, until you achieve the proper tension. Stretch the spring. Keep the bottom-most winding bar in place and remove the second bar. Measure out 1/4 inch from the end of the winding cone (away from the center) and make a mark with a marker or piece of masking tape. With the bar still in the bottom hole, pull slightly up (toward the ceiling) on the bar and toward the center plate. As you do this: Continue holding the bar up and over and tap on it with the second bar. Tap it just below the winding cone. Tap it away from the center plate and toward the mark on the shaft. Tap the bar until you have stretched the spring to meet the mark on the shaft. Tighten the set screws. Once you've stretched the spring out 1/4 inch, hold it in place with the one bar and lock it in place on the shaft by tightening the set screws. Make sure you replace the screws into their flats if there were any on the shaft. Repeat on the other side. Some torsion spring mechanisms have two springs (one on either side of the center plate), and if this is the case, repeat steps four to eight on the other spring. Torsion springs must be adjusted equally to ensure balance. Test your door. Remove any clamps or pliers that are securing the door and test the door to see if you have adjusted the tension enough. If not, repeat steps four to ten until you have found the right tension to correct the problem you were having. Once your adjustments have been made, plug your opener back in if you have an automatic garage door. Lubricate the springs. You should lubricate all springs, hinges, bearings, and metal rollers twice a year with a lithium- or silicone-based spray. Don't use WD-40. | Recognize side-mounted extension springs. Recognize torsion springs. Understand the problem. Determine your solution. Assemble your tools. Open your garage door fully. Secure the door in place. Remove the spring hook. Adjust the tension. Test your door for functionality and balance. Adjust the cable to make minor tension adjustments. Test the door. Close the garage door. Secure the door. Locate the winding cone. Loosen the set screws. Prepare to adjust the tension. Adjust the tension. Stretch the spring. Tighten the set screws. Repeat on the other side. Test your door. Lubricate the springs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rice-and-Peas | How to Make Rice and Peas | If you want to make rice and peas, start by draining the liquid from the kidney beans into a measuring cup. Next, combine the coconut milk, water, and liquid from the beans. To begin frying, heat the canola oil in a pan before adding the onions and garlic. After you've fried them until they're translucent, pour the liquid into the pan. Add the beans and thyme to the mixture, bring it to a boil, then add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the rice to the pot and cook the mixture on high for 2 minutes. Turn the heat down and cook until the liquid is absorbed. | Open the kidney beans and drain the liquid. Open a 19 ounce (538 g) can of kidney beans, and drain the liquid from the beans into a measuring cup. Leave the beans in the can, and set aside. To drain the liquid from the beans, you can hold the top of the can that you've removed across the opening so only the liquid falls out when you tip it over or place a small wire strainer over the opening as you pour. Use a measuring cup that is at least 4 cups (946 ml) in size, so it can hold all of the liquid that you'll need for the recipe. You can use dried kidney beans for the rice and peas recipe, but you must soak them overnight in water before using them. You'll also need to add more water to the coconut milk so you have 4 cups (946 ml) of liquid when you're cooking the rice. Combine the bean liquid with the coconut milk and water. Add 1 14-ounce (414 ml) can of coconut milk to the liquid from the beans. Next, add approximately 1 to 1 ½ cups (236 to 355 ml) of water to the bean liquid and coconut milk in the measuring cup. You want to have a total of 4 cups (946 ml) of liquid, so add as much water as necessary. You can substitute coconut cream for the coconut milk if you want the finished dish to have a richer, creamier taste. Heat the oil in a pot until shimmering. In a large pot, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil. Turn the burner to medium, and allow the oil to heat until hot or it starts to shimmer. It usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. You can substitute canola oil for the vegetable oil if you prefer. If you aren't concerned about making a vegetarian dish, you can substitute bacon drippings for the oil to give the dish a smoky, rich flavor. Add the garlic and onion, and cook until translucent. When the oil is hot, stir 2 garlic cloves that have been chopped and 1 small onion that's been chopped into the pan. Let the garlic and onion cook on medium heat until they become translucent, which should take approximately 3 minutes. You can substitute 2 scallion stalks that have been chopped for the onions if you prefer. Combine the liquid, beans, and thyme with the garlic and onion. Once the garlic and onion have cooked for a few minutes, add the liquid mixture, the beans, and 1 teaspoon (5 g) of dried thyme to the pot. Stir the ingredients to ensure that they're well mixed. You can incorporate additional spices and seasonings to the dish to suit your tastes. For example, some recipes call for ginger, while others make use of allspice. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. When the garlic, onion, liquid, beans, and thyme are combined, mix in 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons (8.5 to 11 g) of salt according to your taste and 1 teaspoon (5 g) of black pepper. Raise the heat to medium, and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the rice, and boil for another couple of minutes. After the pot reaches a boil, stir in 2 cups (400 g) of white rice that's been rinsed and drained. Turn the heat up to high, and let the mixture boil for another 2 minutes. Long grain is traditionally used in the dish, but you can use medium or short grain rice if you prefer. Lower the heat, and wait for the liquid to be absorbed. Once you've allowed the rice mixture to boil for a couple of minutes, turn the heat to low and place a lid on the pot. Allow the mixture to cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, which typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes. If you don't have a lid for your pot, you can place a baking sheet across the top or fold a piece of foil over it. Fluff with the mixture with a fork and let stand. When the rice and bean mixture has cooked long enough that the liquid has been absorbed, use a fork to fluff the rice. Next, remove the pot from the heat, place the lid back on top, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Taste the dish, and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Transfer the rice and bean mixture to a bowl, and serve alongside your favorite main course. | Open the kidney beans and drain the liquid. Combine the bean liquid with the coconut milk and water. Heat the oil in a pot until shimmering. Add the garlic and onion, and cook until translucent. Combine the liquid, beans, and thyme with the garlic and onion. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Add the rice, and boil for another couple of minutes. Lower the heat, and wait for the liquid to be absorbed. Fluff with the mixture with a fork and let stand. Season with salt and pepper and serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Smoking-and-Drinking-at-the-Same-Time | How to Stop Smoking and Drinking at the Same Time | It can be tough to stop smoking and drinking, but with the right game plan and support, you can do it! Try to avoid bars and other places where you might be tempted to smoke and drink. Hang around with friends and family who don't drink or smoke while you get sober. Consider starting a new hobby to help distract yourself and meet new people. When you get stressed, try some deep breathing, listening to relaxing music, or going for a walk to clear your head. If it feels like too much to cope with on your own, join a local support group or find a therapist to help you through it. | Write down how alcohol and tobacco affect you. Having a written record of the negative effects of alcohol and tobacco will serve as a constant reminder of why you have chosen to quit. Keep it in a place you can reference it easily. Reflect on any decreased physical or mental health as a result of tobacco and alcohol. Have you gained weight or decreased fitness as a result of using? Do you become angry without alcohol, or anxious without tobacco? Many people choose to quit addictions because they feel sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, and engaging the addiction is more draining than the positive effects of the substance. Consider how tobacco and alcohol interfere with your relationships and social life. Think of financial costs alcohol and tobacco cost you. Find your triggers. Use a notebook to record the times throughout the day you smoke or drink alcohol. Record what feelings or situations preceded using alcohol and tobacco. Avoid situations that may trigger you in the future. A trigger could be getting into an argument with your family or something not going well at work. Because alcohol and nicotine are highly correlated substances, one can trigger the other. For example, if you begin drinking, you may want to have a cigarette. Set goals. Be clear on whether you want to stop altogether or slowly taper your use. While some may want to quit for social or health reasons, others may want to quit due to medical reasons or because they have an addiction. Reflect on your reasons and then choose your goals. If you are an alcoholic, it is best to cut alcohol out altogether and not taper it down. People who smoke have a much harder time quitting alcohol and also tend to relapse more than people who do not smoke. Set goals that include concurrently quitting both nicotine and alcohol together. Write down a date for each goal to solidify the commitment. Get rid of all addictive substances in the house. Throw away all the cigarettes and pour alcoholic drinks down the sink.. Ask the other members of your household to support you in keeping your home free of alcohol and tobacco products, so that you can avoid temptation on a daily basis. Trash anything that reminds you of smoking or drinking. Don't hold onto your favorite lighter, your flask, or your shot glasses. A big lifestyle change like this is best maintained if you avoid seeing constant reminders of your old habits. Avoid places where people smoke or drink. Being near places where smoking and drinking are encouraged can be dangerous when you are trying to quit. Avoid bars and other places where alcohol and tobacco are likely to be used. Sit in the nonsmoking sections of restaurants and choose non-smoking hotel rooms Take a break from people who regularly drink/smoke. Surrounding yourself with people that engage in behaviors you are trying to avoid can be tempting. Explain to them that you are removing the substances from your life and will no longer engage in activities that revolve around drinking or smoking. Create distance from people who will not support you in your desire to be free from alcohol and tobacco. Avoid high risk situations. High risk situations can include feeling lonely, tired, angry, and hungry. These situations can leave you feeling vulnerable and more prone to use alcohol or tobacco. Be aware of when you feel you may be approaching any of these situations and learn to prevent them from starting. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat throughout the day, and don't isolate yourself socially to avoid these high risk situations. If you feel anger coming on, remind yourself to relax and let it pass without depending on alcohol and cigarettes. Replace using alcohol and tobacco with more positive options. Remember that using alcohol and tobacco provides positive reinforcement because they help you cope with stress and tension. Try to pinpoint what positive aspects you experience as a result of using alcohol and tobacco, and brainstorm different outlets to obtain the same release. Coping can include relaxation and deep breathing, talking to a friend, or taking a walk. Join an exercise program. Exercise often helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, and it gives you something to do when you get a craving. Exercise also helps reduce daily stress. Consider going for a bike ride, doing yoga, walking the dog, or jumping rope. Enjoy a new hobby. Adding a new hobby can help you focus your energy positively and add a sense of meaning to your life. Try something new that looks fun and interesting. New hobbies can include surfing, knitting, writing, or learning to play the guitar. Distract yourself. If you get a craving or experience minor withdrawal, use distraction until the urge passes. Distract your mind and your body. If you get a craving, chew on gum, talk a walk, open a window, or begin a new activity. Find ways to relax. Relaxation is key to recovery. Mounting tension can lead to relapse. If you don't feel like you have time to relax, think about the time you spend engaging with alcohol and tobacco, and replace it with relaxation. Activities such as taking a walk, reading, and meditation can be effective ways to relax. Allow yourself some other treats. Everyone needs some vices in life - just make them healthier ones overall. Indulge in a little ice-cream every now and then, or buy some fizzy drinks with lots of carbonation. While staying healthy is important, give yourself a little leeway so that you don't feel denied all the indulgences that you used to enjoy. Stay focused. The better you cope with cravings the lesser your chance of relapsing. People who quit smoking and drinking at the same time tend to experience less severe withdrawal and face lower relapse risk. Observe withdrawal symptoms. When ceasing alcohol or tobacco, the body may experience withdrawal without continued use. Withdrawal symptoms from tobacco and alcohol can include: anxiety, depression, fatigue, headache, nausea, shaking, stomach cramps, and elevated heart rate. Monitor withdrawal. While tobacco withdrawal can be unpleasant on both body and emotions, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. Severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms varies by how much you drink, for how long, and your condition of health. Some symptoms can start within hours after drinking, peak within days, and improve within the week. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to symptoms which causes severe mental and neurological problems. This may include body tremors, agitation, restlessness, fear, hallucinations and seizures. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms. If you are a long-term and heavy drinker, consider a medically supervised detox. Seek medication intervention. While no prescription medication exists to concurrently treat alcohol and nicotine together, interventions exist to treat alcohol dependence and nicotine addiction. Prescription medication can be used to treat alcohol dependence, including use of naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications can help with withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Choose a method for nicotine withdrawal. While some people quit "cold turkey", others choose to taper off nicotine exposure in order to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Many options are available for nicotine replacement such as gum, a patch, nasal sprays and prescription medications (such as bupropion) while your body adjusts to lower levels of nicotine. Find a therapist. It's hard to beat addiction on your own, and a therapist can be a consistent source of accountability and support. Working with a therapist can include discussing emotional triggers, finding coping strategies, preventing relapse, and digging deeper to understand the emotional causes of addiction. Staying consistent with therapy is important, especially for addressing relapse prevention. Addiction can coexist or contribute to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Together with therapy, prescription medications may treat concurrent psychiatric disorders that contribute to addiction. Obtain a medical evaluation. A medical evaluation can help pinpoint how cigarettes and alcohol have affected your body. Work with a medical professional to help improve your bodily health. They can also offer prescription medication to lower nicotine dependence. Both alcohol and nicotine can seriously harm your body. Be honest with your medical doctor and request tests to assess the health of your liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs. Seek inpatient treatment. If you fear you cannot quit on your own, consider a recovery facility. An intensive treatment facility can help you address the physical and emotional challenges of addiction and quitting in a supervised and supportive setting. A program can help you decide how to detox and will monitor your physical and emotional state as you come down from alcohol and nicotine. Treatment programs include intense medical and psychological supervision. Treatment often includes intense individual and group therapy that targets mental health conditions. Medication may be prescribed to treat and monitor psychiatric disorders while in treatment. Enlist the help of supportive friends and relatives. You're more likely to stop drinking and smoking if you seek support from those around you. Ask them to support you by not drinking and smoking around you. Find accountability. If you have other friends who are looking to quit drinking and smoking too, make a pact for healthier choices. Check in with each other daily and hold each other accountable for your choices. Find local support groups. Reach out to smoke-free groups, such as smoke-free Alcoholics Anonymous and other support groups, like Nicotine Anonymous. Talking about your efforts in a supportive environment with people who share similar experiences can make all the difference in your attempts to quit. Live in a sober living community. If you are concerned about living with people who may trigger your alcohol or nicotine use, consider finding a sober house that bans alcohol and nicotine. All individuals living in a sober house agree to live sober and create an accountable community for each other. | Write down how alcohol and tobacco affect you. Find your triggers. Set goals. Get rid of all addictive substances in the house. Trash anything that reminds you of smoking or drinking. Avoid places where people smoke or drink. Take a break from people who regularly drink/smoke. Avoid high risk situations. Replace using alcohol and tobacco with more positive options. Join an exercise program. Enjoy a new hobby. Distract yourself. Find ways to relax. Allow yourself some other treats. Stay focused. Observe withdrawal symptoms. Monitor withdrawal. Seek medication intervention. Find a therapist. Obtain a medical evaluation. Seek inpatient treatment. Enlist the help of supportive friends and relatives. Find accountability. Find local support groups. Live in a sober living community. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Edition-of-a-Book | How to Tell the Edition of a Book | To tell the edition of a book, look at the bottom of the copyright page. You should see “First Edition” followed by a year. If there are no other editions listed, the book you have is the first edition. However, if there are other editions listed, your book will be the most recent one. If the edition isn't listed on the copyright page, look on the website that sells the book to find out. You could also look on the dust jacket to see if there's a 5-digit code. If so, this indicates it's a special book club edition. | Look for text that states the edition of the book. Sometimes, the publisher will clearly write which edition of the book you have on the bottom of the copyright page. Look for the phrase “First Edition” followed by the year. If you're lucky, the copyright page will list the years each edition was released. If the publisher of the book has changed since it was first released, the edition number is reset. This means there could technically be two or more first editions of the same book. A “true” first edition of a book is the first time the text was published in the first printing run of the book. Check the year the book was copyrighted versus when it was published. Find the phrase “Text copyright” at the top of the page. If the copyright year and the year of publication is the same, it is likely that you have a first edition of the book. If they are different, you will know you have a later edition of the book. The dates may differ on a first edition if the copyright was acquired at a different time than the publishing. If edits have been made to the text of the book, there may be multiple years listed under the copyright date. Always use the most recent year as your basis of judgement. Use the number line to determine the printing. The number line near the bottom of the page doesn't necessarily determine the edition, but it tells you how many times the book has been printed. If there is a 1 still present in the number line, it is the first print of the book from the publisher. As more runs are printed, the lowest number in the line will determine what printing you have. The numbers may be in numerical order or they may be in no discernible order. Always look for the lowest number. Sometimes, the printing year is also included in the line, denoted by the last 2 digits of the year. For example, the number line may read 1 2 3 4 5 00 99 98 97 96. This book would then be the 1st print in 1996. Research the differences between editions of the book. Usually, the edition will only change if the content inside of the book has changed. If there's a line added or removed from the dust jacket or a new passage is put in, it could signal the book is an updated edition. Many websites will list what the differences are between the editions. For non-fiction books, new information or studies may be added in newer editions to keep the information current and clear. Check the dust jacket to see if your book is a “Book Club Edition. ” Book club editions are books produced specifically for book-of-the-month clubs or similar services. Inside the dust jacket, instead of a price, it will either read ''Book Club Edition'' or have a 5-digit code for identification. Book club editions may leave the area that normally has a barcode blank as well. Determine if the ISBN is for a limited edition. The International Standard Book Number, or ISBN, is a unique 10 or 13 digit number to notate an edition or variation of a book. While a limited edition copy of a book is usually noted on the cover or copyright page, you can check the ISBN listed above the barcode. Search the ISBN online or compare it to the ones listed on the copyright page. The same book can have multiple ISBNs depending on if it's released in hardcover, paperback, or a limited edition style. | Look for text that states the edition of the book. Check the year the book was copyrighted versus when it was published. Use the number line to determine the printing. Research the differences between editions of the book. Check the dust jacket to see if your book is a “Book Club Edition. Determine if the ISBN is for a limited edition. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Glass-Blocks | How to Install Glass Blocks | Glass blocks are a functional and decorative addition to your home. Before installing them, measure the length and height and calculate the area of the space you want to put your blocks in. This way, you'll know how many blocks you'll need for your project. Purchase the right number of glass blocks and an installation kit. The kit will come with PVC bases to rest the blocks in. Cut them down to the size of your space and screw them into place. Then, mix the mortar, spread it out, and press each block down. Work side to side until you complete each row. When you're done, wash off any excess mortar with warm water and a sponge. | Find the area of the designated wall or window in square inches. The size of your project depends on the installation area. Use a tape measure and take an accurate measurement of the length and height of the work area. Then calculate the area of the space. Since glass blocks are measured in inches, convert your measurements to inches first. If you're filling a window that's 4 feet (1.2 m) by 6 feet (1.8 m), convert each side to inches first: 48 inches (120 cm) by 72 inches (180 cm) is 3,456 square inches (22,300 cm ). If you're building a free-standing block wall, then it won't have a defined frame in place. In this case, measure the height and length that you want the wall to be and mark these spots on the floor and wall. If you're installing these blocks on a wall to make a window, make sure the wall can support the weight first. These blocks are much heavier than a normal window, so the wall needs to be strong enough. Ask a contractor to assess your wall strength if you aren't sure. Calculate how many blocks you need for the project. After taking your measurements, figure out how many materials you need for the project. The average glass block is 8 in (20 cm) by 8 in (20 cm) by 4 in (10 cm). Since glass blocks can only be installed 1-across, calculate the area of each block to get 64 sq in (410 cm ). Then divide 64 into the area measurement you took of the installation area. If you're filling a window that's 4 feet (1.2 m) by 6 feet (1.8 m), convert each side to inches first. 48 inches (120 cm) by 72 inches (180 cm) is 3,456 square inches (22,300 cm ). 64 divided into 3,456 is 54, so you need 54 blocks for the project. The area of the blocks may not evenly divide into the work area. In this case, round down, since you can't cut glass blocks. If you received a calculation of 35.6 blocks, for example, use 35 blocks. Buy the correct number of glass blocks and an installation kit. After calculating how many blocks you need for the job, purchase that amount. Also get an installation kit that comes with the correct mortar or glue, spacers for the blocks, and landing strips. These kits are available at hardware stores or online. Different installation kits may come with different materials. Speak with a store employee and tell them what job you're planning. Use their advice to pick the correct installation kit. If you can't find complete installation kits, most of the materials are available separately. Get mortar designed for glass blocks, spacers, and PVC base strips along with the glass blocks. Cut PVC landing strips to the length and height of your glass block wall. Glass block installation kits come with PVC bases to rest the blocks in. Take one and measure it to the length of the wall, then cut it. Do the same with a PVC strip for the height of the glass block wall. If the glass blocks will be filling a square space, then cut 4 landing strips, 2 for the length and 2 for the height. If the blocks are free-standing, then cut 2, 1 for the base and 1 for the height. If you're installing the blocks outdoors or in a wall, professionals recommend using wood for your base instead. Use a 1 in (2.5 cm) by 6 in (15 cm) board and cut it to the length of the wall. Then screw it down to it provides a stable base. Some landing strip kits have perforations measured to the length of standard blocks. Snap along these lines if your kits are designed this way. Screw the support strips to the wall and floor. Lay out the base strip where you want to start the block installation. Make sure it's straight. Then drill screws through the marked spots on the strip. Repeat the process for the wall supports. The markings are usually every 1 foot (0.30 m), but follow the guide marks on your kit. Some installation kits have screw plugs that go into the floor and wall before you drill the screws. Always follow the instructions provided on your installation kit. Mix the mortar to bond the blocks together. Your installation kit may come with a bonding material. Otherwise, buy a mortar designed for use with glass blocks from a hardware store. Measure out the amount of water that the mortar instructs you to use and pour it into a bucket. Then add the mortar and mix it with a shovel in a circular motion. Mix for 5-10 minutes, until the mortar becomes a thick paste. The mortar packaging should indicate how many blocks the package will cover. You may need to buy more than 1 pack, depending on the size of the job. If you have an electric mixer, this will make the job much faster. For some installations, like a shower, professionals recommend using caulk instead of mortar. Always check with the instructions provided on the product you're using. Spread a 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) layer of mortar in the base corner of the installation. Always start in the corner when you're installing glass blocks. Scoop some mortar with a trowel and spread it on the floor and wall of the corner. If the installation area has 2 base corners, then you can start in either one. Start the installation right after mixing the mortar so it doesn't harden before you're done. Place a corner spacer into the mortar. Installation kits come with spacers to place between the blocks. Take a corner spacer and press it into the mortar at the corner. Make sure it touches the floor and wall directly, rather than floating on the mortar. Press the first block into the corner. Start by rubbing a thin layer of mortar on the side and bottom edges of the block that will contact the mortar. Then press it down into the corner so it rests on top of the spacer. Scrape away the mortar that bleeds out when you push the block down. Place 2 spacers 8 inches (20 cm) apart from the first block. These spacers go in between each block and remain there permanently encased in the mortar. Take the first one and press it into the corner of the first block. Then lay a second one 8 inches (20 cm) away. If the blocks you're using are a different size, distance the spacers the length of the block instead. If the spacers still show after you press the blocks together, touch up the area with a bit more mortar to cover them. Alternatively, you could seal the mortar with caulk when it's cured. This will cover any spacers or other imperfections. Spread mortar between the 2 spacers. Scoop out some more mortar and spread it ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) thick until you reach the second spacer. If the end spacer moves while you're spreading the mortar, place it back into position. Then spread mortar onto the side of the first block. Press the second block into position. Spread mortar on the side and bottom edges of the block. Then press it down between the 2 spacers. Push it against the first block so the mortar binds them together. Don't press so hard that the blocks are closer than ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) apart. Maintain that separation between all the blocks in this job. If you're using glue or caulk to bond the blocks instead of mortar, then place a plastic strip between each block with glue on each side. These strips should come with an installation kit that uses glue. Continue working down the line until you complete the first row. Follow the same procedure to lay each block. Place the spacers down, spread mortar on the floor and block, then press the block down so it's ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) from the base and previous block. Work until the first layer of blocks is complete. Remember to scrape away excess mortar that comes out from between the blocks. It's okay to have some leftover on the blocks, but a large glob of excess mortar will be difficult to clean later on. Attach a reinforcing strip across the top of the blocks. Once the first row is complete, reinforce the blocks before starting the second row. Installation kits come with reinforcing strips that go in between rows. Take the strip and screw it to the wall on one side. Then stretch it across the blocks, making sure it touches each one. Then screw it to the wall on the opposite side. The strips may be pre-cut, or you may have to cut them to the correct size. Cut them to the length of the wall plus 6 inches (15 cm) on each side to allow room for the screws. If the glass blacks are free-standing and aren't enclosed by a wall on both sides, then extend the reinforcing strip until the end of the last block in the row. Some installation kits have different types of reinforcing strips that don't screw to the wall. Instead, you'd spread glue or mortar on the strip and press it onto the blocks. Follow the directions provided for the correct reinforcement method. Build row-by-row until you complete the installation. Repeat the same process for each row. Place spacers down, spread the mortar, and press each block down. When you complete a row, reinforce it with a reinforcing strip. Continue the process until you've install all the blocks. Let the mortar set for 2-3 hours before washing the blocks. Even though you scraped away excess mortar, there is almost certainly some leftover on the blocks. The washing process removes all of these imperfections, but not until the mortar has set. Give it 2-3 hours before you start washing. This set time only makes the mortar strong enough for scrubbing. The mortar won't reach it's full strength until it's set for several weeks. This job may take several hours, meaning that the first blocks you laid are dry enough for cleaning as soon as you complete installing the blocks. Scrub the blocks with a wet sponge. Dip a sponge in a bucket of plain, warm water and scrub any spots on the blocks that have mortar on them. Thin layers of mortar should come off easily with water and light scrubbing. Dip the sponge back into the bucket periodically to wash off excess mortar. Only use plain water at this point. The mortar is not dry enough to handle cleaning from solvents or other chemicals. Run a dry cloth over the blocks after cleaning them. This wipes up any moisture and removes any remaining mortar remnants. Work in a circular motion and cover both sides of the block surface. Let the mortar cure for 14-21 days. Once the job is complete, leave the mortar to dry. Don't do any additional cleaning or maintenance until the mortar has fully cured. Avoid doing any construction near the blocks, or the vibrations could knock them out of place. If the blocks are outside, cover them with plastic to prevent rain from getting on them. Different mortar may have different set times. Always check the instructions on the product you use for the specific dry time. Maintain your glass blocks by cleaning them once a week. After the mortar dries completely, start cleaning the glass blocks once a week. Make a solution of warm water and mild soap. Dip a fine cloth or sponge into the water and scrub the blocks in a circular motion. Then use a squeegee to wipe the water off. Remember to clean both sides of the installation. | Find the area of the designated wall or window in square inches. Calculate how many blocks you need for the project. Buy the correct number of glass blocks and an installation kit. Cut PVC landing strips to the length and height of your glass block wall. Screw the support strips to the wall and floor. Mix the mortar to bond the blocks together. Spread a 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) layer of mortar in the base corner of the installation. Place a corner spacer into the mortar. Press the first block into the corner. Place 2 spacers 8 inches (20 cm) apart from the first block. Spread mortar between the 2 spacers. Press the second block into position. Continue working down the line until you complete the first row. Attach a reinforcing strip across the top of the blocks. Build row-by-row until you complete the installation. Let the mortar set for 2-3 hours before washing the blocks. Scrub the blocks with a wet sponge. Run a dry cloth over the blocks after cleaning them. Let the mortar cure for 14-21 days. Maintain your glass blocks by cleaning them once a week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Idiyappam | How to Make Idiyappam | To make idiyappam, start by mixing water and rice flour to create the dough. Knead the dough until it's soft, add ghee, and let it sit for 10-12 minutes. Next, grease your idiyappam equipment to keep the dough from sticking while it cooks. To press the dough, divide it into 4 parts and run it through the idiyappam press one part at a time until you have a noodle patty in each mold. Finally, place the mold inside the steamer and steam the noodles for 7 to 9 minutes before serving them hot. | Roast the rice flour. Place a large pan over medium heat, then drop in the cup of rice flour. Spread out the rice flour so that it's in an even layer on the pan. Keep checking on the rice flour and take it out of the pan when it's hot to the touch. Heat 1 ¼ cups of water. Pour 1 ¼ cups of water in a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and heat until the water begins to boil. The water doesn't have to come to a full boil, as long as it begins to bubble. Pour the hot water into a bowl with the rice flour. Place one cup of rice flour into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add in a pinch of salt, then take the heated water off the stovetop and pour it into the bowl of rice flour. Mix the flour and water. Use a spoon to stir together the rice flour and the hot water. Don't use your hands yet, as the water will be very hot. Keep stirring until the flour and water mixture is almost too thick to stir. Knead the dough. Once you have done as much mixing as you can with the spoon, the mixture should be cool enough to handle. Use clean hands to start to knead the rice flour dough for a minute or so on a counter top until the dough is smooth and soft. Add ghee to the dough. Add a tablespoon of ghee to the dough when the dough is almost fully mixed together. Use your hands to knead the ghee into the dough until it is incorporated and the dough is uniform. Ghee is a clarified butter that adds flavor to the dough and helps to bind it together. Cover the dough for 10-12 minutes. When the dough has become uniform, stop kneading it and cover it immediately with a damp, clean cloth either in the bowl or on the countertop for 10 to 12 minutes. Grease the idiyappam equipment. Before you start pressing the dough, you need to grease your idiyappam equipment so that the dough doesn't get stuck during pressing or cooking. Rub ghee on the idli mould, which is the small tray with cup-like insets in which you will place each idiyappam to steam. Idli molds are usually used to make idli, which are South Indian savory lentil cakes, but they can also be used to form the shape of the idiyappam. Grease the cylindrical compartment inside the idiyappam press with ghee. Also rub ghee on the disc attachment of the idiyappam press. Consult the package of your press if you're not sure how to take out the disc attachment. Place idli mold in a steamer and heat. Heat about an inch of water in the bottom of a steamer. When the water is hot or almost boiling, place the idli mould in the steamer to warm it. Divide the dough into four parts. Uncover the dough and separate it into four equal sized parts. Roll each quarter of dough in a slightly cylindrical shape, roughly the shape of a potato. Try not to over-handle the dough. Take the idli mold out of the steamer. After the idli mold has warmed, take it out of the steamer. Use tongs if the mold is too hot to touch. Then place the idli mold on the countertop next to the idiyappam press. Press one dough ball using the idiyappam press. After you have separated each quarter of dough, place one quarter of dough into the cylindrical container of the idiyappam press. Then use the presser attachment to press the dough inside. The dough will be pressed through the disc with the small holes to create thin, noodle-like shapes. Make sure to press the dough above the idli mold so that the noodles fall into one inset of the mold. Press the rest of the dough. After you press the first quarter of dough, press the rest of the dough with the idiyappam presser. Make sure that you are pressing above the idli mold so that the noodles formed by each quarter of dough fall into a compartment of the mold. When you have finished, you should have a separate noodle patty in each compartment of the idli mold. Place the idli mold inside the steamer. After you have finished pressing the idiyappam, place the mold with the idiyappam patties inside the steamer, then cover the top of the steamer. Steam for 7-9 minutes. Keep the idli mold inside the steamer and steam for 7-9 minutes. Steaming cooks the noodles and gives them the right texture. Make sure not to over-steam, as this will made the noodles limp. Remove the idiyappam from the steamer. After 7-9 minutes remove the idli mold from the steamer. Try a corner of one idiyappam; if the noodles are still tough, steam them for another minute. Serve while hot. Take the idiyappam out of the idli mold and place them on a plate. Serve while hot alongside your favorite curry or side dishes. Many enjoy pouring the curry or sauces over the idiyappam to enjoy the two dishes together! | Roast the rice flour. Heat 1 ¼ cups of water. Pour the hot water into a bowl with the rice flour. Mix the flour and water. Knead the dough. Add ghee to the dough. Cover the dough for 10-12 minutes. Grease the idiyappam equipment. Place idli mold in a steamer and heat. Divide the dough into four parts. Take the idli mold out of the steamer. Press one dough ball using the idiyappam press. Press the rest of the dough. Place the idli mold inside the steamer. Steam for 7-9 minutes. Remove the idiyappam from the steamer. Serve while hot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Value-of-a-Stamp | How to Find the Value of a Stamp | The easiest way to determine the value of a stamp is to judge the design's centering and the neatness of the stamp's perforations. See if the colors are still vibrant, which increases the stamp's value, and whether a cancellation mark interferes with the overall look, which decreases it. Use a reference book to determine your stamp's age and, most importantly, its initial print run--your stamp is more valuable if there were fewer stamps printed in the original run. | Judge the centering of the design. The more centered the stamp is inside the white perforation border, the better. You want the stamp to have an overall balanced, neat look. Turn the stamp over and look at the gum. Stamp gum is the glue that sticks the stamp onto paper. You'll want the gum to be as perfect as possible, with no skips or heavy creases. Check for a stamp hinge. A stamp hinge is a small, transparent piece of folded paper coated in mild adhesive, sometimes glued on the back of a stamp and used to attach it to an album page. A stamp hinge will make the stamp-less valuable, even after it's been removed. If your stamp has a stamp hinge attached, call a stamp dealer or expert before attempting to pull it off on your own, as you could damage the stamp further. Look at the neatness of the perforations. Perforations are the small holes punched along the edges of a stamp that help you peel it away from the sheet. Some stamps will have more perforations or larger circles, but what matters most is that they have full teeth and clean holes. Look for a cancellation mark. If a stamp has been used, it will be stamped with a cancellation mark over the design. The heavier the cancellation mark, the lower the value of your stamp; you want to make sure it doesn't blot or cover the stamp's design. Evaluate the stamp’s coloring. You want your stamp's design to be bright and vibrant. Fading color can be caused by things like sunlight or artificial light, dirt, pollution, or skin oils. Determine the stamp grade. Based on the centering of the stamp design and the heaviness of the cancellation mark, you'll be able to get an idea of the stamp grade. There are a few possibilities for grade: poor, average, fine, very fine, and superb (mint condition). Essentially, the worse the centering of the design and the heavier the cancellation mark on the stamp, the closer to a “poor” grade it will receive. Superb grades are quite rare, since the stamp must be perfect in all aspects. Leave the stamp on its envelope if it’s still attached. You don't want to risk damaging the stamp by pulling it off or cutting it away. Sometimes an old, used stamp on an envelope with a special cancellation will have a higher value than the stamp would have unused and unattached. Ask an expert at a stamp show or get a professional appraisal to see if the stamp should be removed. Figure out the age of the stamp. Easier said than done! You may be able to determine the age based on clues in the design. Look for historical events or figures, or try to pick out words on the stamp. Exact years are not typically printed on stamps, so it can be quite difficult figure out exactly how old your stamp is. Head to an expert stamp dealer if you need extra help. The older the stamp is, the more valuable it will be--so it's worth the extra effort! Stamps printed within the last 70 years, even those in mint condition, probably won't be valued any higher than they were originally. Determine the stamp’s country of origin. As with the stamp's age, look for historical figures or events on the stamp, or words--knowing the language can help you narrow down the country. A picture of Queen Victoria, for example, is probably from 19th-early 20th century Great Britain, while a picture of the Hoover Dam may be mid-century American. Identify the stamp with a reference book. Depending on your stamp, it might be easier to identify it before you try to determine the age and country of origin. After you've looked over the stamp's physical condition, you'll know enough about it to be able to find it in a reference book. American stamp collectors often use the Scott Specialized Catalogue (now available in an e-book format as well), while British philatelists tend to use the Stanley Gibbons catalogue. Check out your local library to see what options you have. You can try looking at online resources and catalogues as well, but do so with a grain of salt. They may not be as accredited or accurate as reference books. Determine the rarity of the stamp. The stamp's rarity will depend on its age and quantity in its initial print run. The rarer the stamp, the higher the value; some stamp collectors even say that rarity is the single most important factor in determining stamp value, more than condition or age. Check in reference books or with a professional dealer to figure out the initial print run of your stamp. An old stamp won't necessarily be rare and valuable. The 1861 1-cent Benjamin Franklin stamps, for example, aren't very valuable because about 150 million of them were produced. Keep an eye out for error stamps. Though in general you want your stamp to be as perfect as possible, error stamps are an exception. These rare stamps have an error in the design rather than the centering, perforations, etc. Error stamps are extremely valuable because of their scarcity; there may only be 50 or 100 of them in existence. Valuable stamp errors include design errors, such as a map showing the wrong border; an omission error, such as Thatcher Ferry bridge stamps in which the bridge itself was missing in the design; or an inversion, like the American Inverted Jenny stamps, which printed a biplane upside down. Consult a stamp reference book or online resource to determine value. Now that you've identified the stamp and any flaws in its condition, head back to your stamp reference book to begin to understand its value. Look for special “price guides” to postage stamps, the newer the better. Stamp price guides may not be completely accurate, but you'll start to get a rough idea of how much your stamp could be worth. Head to stamp shows. These stamp conventions take place all over the world, and provide a place for philatelists to buy, sell, and value their stamps. Stamp dealers often list shows on their websites, and you can check out sites for the American Philatelic Society (APS) or the American Stamp Dealers Association (ASDA) as well to find a show near you. Bring along your stamp and ask for a few different opinions. Have a stamp expert appraise the stamp. In the US, you'll want to look for a dealer who's a member of the APS or the ASDA. Flip open your phonebook to the “Stamps for Collectors” section or search online to find a dealer in your area and call them up to ask what the cost will be for an appraisal. It shouldn't take long, and this will give you the most accurate estimate of your stamp's value. To find a dealer in other countries, search online. Organizations like the APS, despite being an American group, often list dealers (as well as shows) in other countries as well, such as Canada and Great Britain. | Judge the centering of the design. Turn the stamp over and look at the gum. Check for a stamp hinge. Look at the neatness of the perforations. Look for a cancellation mark. Evaluate the stamp’s coloring. Determine the stamp grade. Leave the stamp on its envelope if it’s still attached. Figure out the age of the stamp. Determine the stamp’s country of origin. Identify the stamp with a reference book. Determine the rarity of the stamp. Keep an eye out for error stamps. Consult a stamp reference book or online resource to determine value. Head to stamp shows. Have a stamp expert appraise the stamp. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-an-Indian-Head-Massage | How to Do an Indian Head Massage | If you want to give someone an Indian head massage, start by sitting them in a chair and standing behind them with your hands on their shoulders. Begin the massage by gently squeezing and rubbing their shoulder muscles while using your thumbs to work the muscles on the sides of the spine. From there, move your thumbs in circles up the neck to their hairline. Once you're at the hairline, use one hand to hold their forehead in place while gliding your other hand up the back of their neck. As you do this, slowly tilt their head forward then backward. Finally, move your hands to their scalp and rub all over their head with your fingertips, working your way from the browline to the back of the head. | Make preparations. Find a quiet place away from any distractions. Make sure the room is a comfortable temperature. Put on some soft music Light some candles to prepare the room. Have the recipient take a seat and get comfortable. Explain what you will be doing, and tell them to notify you of any discomfort or pain. Stand behind, placing your hands lightly on their shoulders as you both take several deep breaths. Massage the shoulders. Begin easing away fatigue and tensions with an upper back, shoulders, arms, and neck massage. Squeeze the trapezius muscle (at the base of the neck) gently, starting close to the neck. Work your way outward to the shoulder. Repeat this three times, allowing the pressure to increase with each pass. Work in towards the spine. Bring your hands back up next to the neck with the thumbs extended, and make small circles with the thumbs on either side of the backbone just below the collar line. Massage the tops of the shoulders. Place your forearms at the sides of the neck and roll them outwards toward the shoulder by rotating at the wrists. After rotating, lift your forearms and move them a couple of inches away from the neck and repeat. When you reach the shoulder, come back to center and repeat this process two more times. Work up to the base of the skull. Continue with the circles up the back of the neck until you reach the hairline. Lower your hands back down and repeat two more times. Massage the neck. Step to one side of your volunteer, and place one hand at the base of the recipient's neck, and your front hand gently on their forehead to keep their head from falling forward. With the rear hand, open your thumb and glide your hand up the back of the neck. Don't put pressure directly on the vertebrae. Once you reach the hairline, remain there for a moment with light pressure on the back of the head. Lower your rear hand and repeat from the base of the neck. You can even add some circling to the upward stroke if there seems to be a lot of tension present. Repeat this about five times. When your rear hand reaches the hairline for the last time, let it remain there. Slowly allow the head to tilt forward without strain or effort. Keep your hand at the recipient's hairline. Move the head back. Gently lift the head back to vertical and continue backwards, again without forcing, simply allowing the head to move within its own range of motion. Repeat this 3 times, forward and backward. Massage the head. Step back behind the recipient and loosen his or her hair if it is restrained. Bring your hands, with fingers spread, to the sides of the head, fingers pointing up. Use a light pressure and slowly move the hands up with a shampooing-like motion, trying to keep the heel of the hands in contact with the scalp as well as the fingers. Once you reach the top of the head, allow the fingers to rise off while maintaining a gentle traction from the heels of the hands. Now lower your hands and move them around to a different area of the head. Repeat four or five times, covering the entire scalp. Rub the scalp. Bring one hand to the volunteer's forehead for stability as you place the heel of the other hand in contact with back of the head. Begin rubbing the scalp by moving your rear hand vigorously back and forth. Continue rubbing as much of the scalp as you can reach, and then switch hands and repeat on the other side. Briskly rub the scalp all over with just the fingertips of both hands. Continue this for about a minute. Stroke your fingers through your recipient's hair from the top of the forehead back. Let the final strokes draw their head back slightly and then lay the fingers over the forehead and draw the fingers down and along the brow line to each temple, making small circles over the temples. Repeat this process three times. Finish up. With smooth strokes beginning at the forehead, slowly work your way to the back of the head. Do this for about a minute, allowing the pressure to become lighter towards the end, until finally your hands float off the head. Know the benefits. The therapeutic benefits of the Indian head massage are comprehensive, suggesting that you make it a part of your overall health routines. They include: Relief from pain and stiffness in the muscles of the face, neck, upper back, and shoulders. Increased mobility of the neck joints. Relief from tension and hangover headaches, eye strain, TMJ, and nasal congestion Renewed energy. Reduction of depression, anxiety, and other stress-related issues Higher levels of creativity, clarity, and concentration, and better memory. A sense of tranquility, calmness, and positive well-being. Sound, restful sleep that leaves you refreshed. Deeper, calmer respiratory system. Stronger immune system. Improved skin tone, health, and colour. Healthy hair and scalp. Increased self-esteem and self-worth with greater self-awareness Balanced chakras. | Make preparations. Have the recipient take a seat and get comfortable. Massage the shoulders. Work in towards the spine. Massage the tops of the shoulders. Work up to the base of the skull. Massage the neck. Slowly allow the head to tilt forward without strain or effort. Move the head back. Massage the head. Rub the scalp. Briskly rub the scalp all over with just the fingertips of both hands. Stroke your fingers through your recipient's hair from the top of the forehead back. Finish up. Know the benefits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Black-Garlic | How to Make Black Garlic | To make black garlic, start by buying as many heads of garlic as you need. Then, wash the garlic with a damp paper towel. Once you've cleaned the garlic, place it on a paper towel on top of a rack in your rice cooker to avoid contamination. If you don't have a rice cooker, use a slow cooker instead. Before you close the cooker, place a paper towel over the garlic heads so their fully covered. After you've sealed the cooker, turn it onto the keep warm setting, and let the garlic age for 10 days. When 10 days have passed, check the garlic to see if it's black and dry, which means it's ready to use. | Purchase unpeeled garlic. Buy as many heads of garlic as you'd like to make. Try to buy solo garlic, which is a single, large clove of garlic, instead of several cloves separated by papery skin. Although you can use standard garlic, it may be easier to use the black garlic if it's a single clove. Some grocery stores may call solo garlic "pearl garlic." Discard garlic that's cracked or has already started to sprout from the top because these will be bitter. Wipe the outside of the garlic with a damp paper towel. Because you're not going to peel the garlic before it ages, ensure that it's clean and free from dirt. Dip a paper towel in water and wring out most of the liquid. Then gently brush the outside of each garlic head to remove the dirt. Discard any heads of garlic that feel mushy or are rotting. Place a small rack and paper towel in the bottom of a rice cooker. Set a rice cooker on the counter and put a small rack in the bottom of the cooker. You can use a bamboo rack or mat. Then place a paper towel on the rack. Your rice cooker needs to have a lid that seals shut and a Keep Warm setting. If you don't have a rice cooker like this, use a slow cooker on the low setting. Put the garlic on the paper towel. Arrange the cleaned heads of garlic on the paper towel in the rice cooker. You can put as many heads of garlic in as you like since they don't need to be in a single layer. Because it takes so long to age black garlic, it's a good idea to make a large batch. Lay a paper towel on the garlic and close the rice cooker. Lay 1 or 2 paper towels over the heads of garlic so they're covered with the paper. Then close the lid of the rice cooker and press down firmly so it's secure. Heat the garlic on the Keep Warm setting for 10 days. Turn the rice cooker on to the Keep Warm setting, not the rice cook setting. Leave the garlic to warm for 10 full days. To keep track of the days, consider sticking a note on the cooker with the final day listed. Keep in mind that making black garlic in the rice cooker will permanently make the cooker smell like garlic. Some rice cookers have an Extended Keep Warm function. If yours does, use this or you'll need to repeatedly turn the machine back on. Read your manufacturer's instructions to determine the safest way to leave the machine on for 10 days. Remove the garlic heads once they're black and dry. Open the rice cooker to check the garlic. Peel a head of garlic to see if it's completely black. Squeeze the garlic so you can tell if it's dry. Turn off the rice cooker and take out the garlic once the heads are firm to the touch and black. If the heads of garlic are still moist and a little squishy, leave them in the rice cooker on the Keep Warm setting for up to 4 more days. Store the black garlic in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Once the black garlic is cool, put the unpeeled heads into an airtight container. Place the container in the pantry and use the black garlic within 6 months. Avoid refrigerating the black garlic because this will introduce moisture that could cause the garlic to spoil. Blend the black garlic with oil to make a spreadable paste. Peel a few heads of the black garlic and put the garlic into a mortar. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of olive oil over the garlic and pound it with the pestle until you get a smooth paste. Blend in more olive oil if you'd like a thinner consistency. To use the paste, spread it on crostini, whisk it into salad dressing, or smear it on chicken before you roast it. Dehydrate the black garlic and grind it to make a seasoning powder. Peel several heads of garlic and place the cloves on the rack of a dehydrator. Dehydrate the black garlic at 140 °F (60 °C) for 24 to 36 hours or until they're completely dry and they feel light. Then grind them in a food processor until you have a fine powder. Add black garlic powder to marinades, spice rubs for beef, or pasta sauce. Slice the black garlic to scatter over salad or pasta. If you'd like to add a burst of black garlic's savory-sweet flavor, slice the peeled black garlic as thinly as you can. Scatter a few slices over your favorite cooked pasta or tossed salad. The black garlic makes a striking garnish, especially if it's on a pale pasta, such as fettuccine alfredo. | Purchase unpeeled garlic. Wipe the outside of the garlic with a damp paper towel. Place a small rack and paper towel in the bottom of a rice cooker. Put the garlic on the paper towel. Lay a paper towel on the garlic and close the rice cooker. Heat the garlic on the Keep Warm setting for 10 days. Remove the garlic heads once they're black and dry. Store the black garlic in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Blend the black garlic with oil to make a spreadable paste. Dehydrate the black garlic and grind it to make a seasoning powder. Slice the black garlic to scatter over salad or pasta. |
https://www.wikihow.mom/Introduce-Chicken-to-Babies | How to Introduce Chicken to Babies | To prepare the chicken, put 18 ounces of cubed, boneless, skinless chicken into a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F. Puree the cooked chicken and broth until it has a soup-like consistency. | Choose organic, free-range, skinless chicken if possible. Chickens that are allowed to roam freely are generally healthier than those confined to cages. A chicken labeled as “organic” means that the animal is fed organic feed and is raised without added antibiotics or hormones. You can offer either white meat, dark meat, or both to your baby. White meat has less fat, but dark meat is juicier. You may want to blend a little bit of both meats together. Your child could choke on chicken bones, so it's important not to offer them meat on the bone. If you don't buy skinless chicken, you should remove the skin as it contains fat that your child does not need in their diet. Cut the chicken into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Using a sharp knife and a cutting board, cut 18 ounces (510 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs into 1 inch (2.5 cm) strips. Then, cut the strips into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Put the chicken and 1 cup (240 ml) of low-sodium chicken broth into a saucepan. A medium saucepan works well for this recipe. It's important to use low-sodium chicken broth so that your baby doesn't receive unnecessary amounts of salt in their diet. Read the ingredients list to be sure there are no unnecessary items in the broth. You could use chicken stock instead of broth, if desired. Both homemade or store-bought stock or broth are fine. Do not add salt to the chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Turn the burner to medium heat and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Turn the heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the mixture to simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. It should reach a temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer. Let the mixture cool for at least 10 minutes. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, turn off the burner and remove the pan from heat. Allow the mixture to cool down for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to your blender or food processor. Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor. Carefully transfer the cooked chicken and broth to either a blender or food processor. Puree the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and even. Add more chicken broth, if desired. If the mixture seems too lumpy or thick, add ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of additional chicken chicken broth to the blender or food processor and blend the mixture again. Store the mixture in the fridge for 3 days if you aren’t feeding your baby immediately. The chicken puree is ready to feed your baby at this point. If you prefer to store it, transfer the puree to an airtight container. The pureed chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3 days. Freeze the mixture for up to 60 days. If you make a large batch of chicken, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container, first. Label the mixture with the date and be sure to use it up within 2 months. Move the container to your refrigerator and allow it to thaw for 24 hours before feeding it to your baby. Start feeding your baby solids after 4-6 months. Usually, babies are ready to try solids after 4-6 months. Make sure your baby has doubled their birth weight before moving from breast milk or formula to solids. If your baby can hold their head up and sit in a highchair, you can introduce solids like pureed chicken to them. Introduce chicken as your baby’s first solid or after other foods. It's up to you what you want your baby to eat first. Some parents choose to start with grains, fruits, or veggies, while other parents begin with meat. Feel free to make whatever decision feels right for your family, and don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you want a professional opinion. If you've already introduced your baby to other solids, you can try giving your baby chicken that's cut up into small, soft pieces so they can pick them up and feed themselves. You can purchase pureed chicken in a jar as an alternative to preparing it yourself, if desired. Don’t introduce another new food for 4 days. It's important not to introduce more than 1 new food at a time, so you can pinpoint allergies in the case of a negative reaction. If you plan to introduce chicken to your baby, don't offer any other new foods for at least 4 days. Your baby can still eat other foods that you have previously introduced to them during this time. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, a rash, flushed skin, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. If your child shows signs of allergic reaction, seek medical care immediately. An allergic reaction could be caused by ingredients in the broth, not necessarily the chicken. Speak to your child's pediatrician for help identifying the allergy. Secure your baby in a highchair and wash their hands before feeding them. To keep your baby safe while eating, you should put them in a highchair and secure the straps. You may want to put a bib on your baby to prevent their clothes from getting dirty. Wash your baby's hands before feeding them. Feed the baby up to 2–4 tablespoons (30–59 ml) per sitting twice a day. Dip a spoon into the puree and offer it to your baby. Aim to feed your baby 2–4 tablespoons (30–59 ml) of the puree in 1 sitting. They can also eat another 2–4 tablespoons (30–59 ml) of another solid in the same day. The rest of their diet should be made up of breast milk or formula. As your baby grows, they will need more frequent and larger meals. At 6-8 months, they can eat 4 servings of 2–4 tablespoons (30–59 ml) per day. At 8-10 months, they can eat 6 servings of 2–4 tablespoons (30–59 ml) per day. After 10 months, your child may be ready for small pieces of fruit, veggies, and meat instead of purees. Just because your baby can have 4-6 servings doesn't mean they should all be composed of meat! Aim to feed your baby 1 serving of fruit, 2 servings of veggies, and 1 serving of meat every day. Don’t give up if your baby doesn’t seem to like chicken at first. If your baby refuses to eat the puree, spits it out, or otherwise signals they don't like it, it doesn't mean they never will. Simply wait a few days and try again. If your baby still refuses to eat the chicken, mix a little bit of the puree with their favorite pureed vegetable. Chicken pairs well with peas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and carrots. You can create these combos when making the purees, or make them separately and combine them later. | Choose organic, free-range, skinless chicken if possible. Cut the chicken into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Put the chicken and 1 cup (240 ml) of low-sodium chicken broth into a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Let the mixture cool for at least 10 minutes. Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor. Add more chicken broth, if desired. Store the mixture in the fridge for 3 days if you aren’t feeding your baby immediately. Freeze the mixture for up to 60 days. Start feeding your baby solids after 4-6 months. Introduce chicken as your baby’s first solid or after other foods. Don’t introduce another new food for 4 days. Secure your baby in a highchair and wash their hands before feeding them. Feed the baby up to 2–4 tablespoons (30–59 ml) per sitting twice a day. Don’t give up if your baby doesn’t seem to like chicken at first. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Crickets-to-Reptiles | How to Feed Crickets to Reptiles | To feed crickets to a reptile, start by dusting them in calcium powder to give your pet some extra nutrition. Next, place a few crickets inside your reptile's enclosure and count how many it eats after 15 to 30 minutes. Use this information to know how many crickets to offer the next time since you only want to add as many crickets as your reptile can eat. Once it's done eating, make sure to remove any leftover crickets so they don't bite your reptile. | Buy crickets. The first step in feeding your reptile crickets will be to gather the crickets. You can buy crickets on-line or from a local pet store, raise them yourself, or capture them from outdoors. Whichever way you choose, make sure you have enough crickets to feed your particular reptile enough and maintain a good level of nutrition. You will want to buy house crickets (Acheta domestica) for your reptile. Don't buy too many crickets at once as they may die before your reptile gets a chance to eat them all. You will likely want to have some kind of storage container for your crickets. A plastic bin with cardboard tubes for the crickets to hide in can work fine. Make sure the crickets are the right size. An important part of offering crickets to your reptile is selecting crickets that are a safe size. Exactly how large the crickets you choose are will depend on how large your reptile is. Larger reptiles will enjoy larger crickets. However, smaller reptiles may be injured by larger crickets or may not eat them at all. Make sure the crickets you are offering are an appropriate size for your reptile. Your reptile should be able to easily fit a cricket in their mouth. Crickets larger than your reptiles mouth should likely be avoid. If a cricket is larger than the distance between the reptile's eyes, it's too big. Dust the crickets. In order to provide the best nutrition for your reptile, you will want to dust the crickets in a coating of calcium powder. This will allow your reptile to get even more nutrition and ensure that they are strong and healthy, reducing the chances of illness or injury occurring. Always make sure to coat the crickets in calcium powder when feeding your reptile. This powder can be bought at most pet stores or online. You can put the powder in a simple plastic container. A tall plastic pitcher can work well. Shake some crickets into the container. Lightly shake the container to coat the crickets in the powder. The crickets should be coated completely in the calcium powder and can then be fed to your reptile. It's a good idea to find a powder that contains both calcium and vitamin D3. Introduce the crickets. Once you've dusted the crickets and selected which ones are an appropriate size for your reptile, you can begin introducing them to your reptile's enclosure. If you already know how much your reptile generally eats, add only that amount of crickets to the cage. If you are unsure of how many to add, try adding only a few at a time and waiting to see if your reptile eats them all, before adding more. Don't dump an uncounted amount of crickets into the reptile's enclosure. You can try adding them one at a time by picking them up with tweezers and placing them in the enclosure. Watch how many crickets your reptile eats. Once you've added the crickets to your reptile's environment, keep an eye on how many your reptile eats. It's important that you only feed them the amount they are able to eat in one meal. Count how many crickets you placed in the cage and compare it to how many crickets are left untouched after a half hour of fifteen minutes. Next time, add only the amount of crickets your reptile can eat in one meal. Give your reptile a maximum of one-half of an hour to eat all the crickets you've added. Remove extra crickets. Crickets are omnivorous and will attempt to bite and eat your reptile if they are left in the enclosure for too long. Save your reptile needless stress and pain by removing any uneaten crickets at night. Adjust how many crickets you feed them next time based on how many extra were leftover. Never leave leftover crickets in the reptile's enclosure. If your reptile is not hungry, it will not eat the crickets. Leaving extra crickets in the enclosure will only cause your reptile problems. Crickets can also carry diseases or parasites and will also create waste in your reptiles enclosure. Maintain the right cage temperature. Reptile's metabolism is based on how warm their environment is kept. Warmer environments will increase activity levels, metabolic rates, and will allow your reptile the energy to hunt and eat healthy amounts of food. Always watch the enclosure's temperature to ensure that your reptile is able to eat and properly digest their food. Your reptile will have varying temperatures that it enjoys depending on what type it is. Generally, the temperature will be lowered at night and your reptile won't want to eat during that time. Make sure they eat enough during the warmer hours of the day. Provide housing for your crickets. You will need a few spaces for your crickets to live, reproduce, and grow in. Making sure that they have everything they need will help ensure that the crickets are healthy and are able to reproduce, eventually providing nutritious food for your reptile. Try to build your cricket houses with some of the following features in mind: You will likely want three houses. One for normal living, one for breeding, and one for the crickets who are soon to be fed to your reptile. These can be simple plastic or glass containers. Make sure the lid is screened and not airtight. The housing container should have things like cardboard tubes for your crickets to hide and live in. The breeding container will have the same tubes but should have moist dirt on the floor, encouraging your crickets to lay eggs. The feeding container will be set up the same way as you have built your housing container. Check out this guide for more detail about cricket housing. Purchase or gather your crickets. If you want to raise your own crickets, you will need to obtain enough crickets to start a colony. These starter crickets will breed and produce a substantial amount of hatching crickets, growing the size of your colony and providing plenty of food for your reptile. Keep some of the following tips in mind when starting your cricket colony: These crickets will likely be labeled as “breeding stock”. You will need around 15-20 large crickets to start your colony. This colony should produce around 100 hatchlings. Provide warmth. Your crickets will need to stay warm in order to maintain health and keep reproducing. You can provide warmth by using an incandescent bulb during the day. Use a thermometer to check the temperature, keeping it at a level that is best for your crickets. A 40 watt incandescent bulb will provide enough warmth for a 10 gallon tank. Use the light for around 16 hours a day. Keep the temperature between 75° to 85°F Gut-load the crickets. Although the goal is to provide proper nutrition to your reptile, properly caring for your crickets is just as important. Well-fed crickets will be loaded with all the vitamins, minerals, and other elements that your reptile needs in their own diet. Gut-loading your crickets is a simple and effective way to make sure that your reptile is receiving the most nutrition they can get. Feed your crickets pesticide free, leafy greens. Fruits are also a great meal for your crickets to eat. Manage cricket reproduction. To successfully breed your crickets, you will need to move them back and forth from the breeding container and the housing container. This will ensure that the numbers of crickets are being kept at an optimal level and you won't run too low or have too many crickets. Keep the following tips in mind when managing your crickets and their housing: You will want a few pairs of males and females in your breeding container. Females have a long tube that comes out of their abdomen. This is used to deposit eggs. Males will not have this tube. Eggs should appear within four to seven days. Return the adult crickets to the housing container to keep the eggs safe and allow them to hatch. Wait for the hatchlings to appear. After you notice eggs in the breeding enclosure, it's time to wait for them to hatch. However, you will have to care for both the eggs and the hatchlings while they are growing. Keep these points in mind when caring for your cricket hatchlings: Keep the eggs moist to allow them to properly hatch. Once hatched, give the crickets water by providing a damp sponge. A water bowl will cause the hatchlings to drown. In four to six weeks, the hatchlings will be fully grown and can return to the colony. | Buy crickets. Make sure the crickets are the right size. Dust the crickets. Introduce the crickets. Watch how many crickets your reptile eats. Remove extra crickets. Maintain the right cage temperature. Provide housing for your crickets. Purchase or gather your crickets. Provide warmth. Gut-load the crickets. Manage cricket reproduction. Wait for the hatchlings to appear. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Shed | How to Build a Shed | To construct the floor of your shed, install deck piers and fasten support beams lengthwise. Nail horizontal floor joists and plywood sheets on top. Build the walls and rafters out of wood beams, and make sure to build the back wall slightly shorter to create a slant. Then, cover with plywood. | Get a building permit if you need one. Depending on the local building codes in your area, you might need to obtain a building permit before erecting your own shed. Call your local building office or permit office and ask what you need to do. If you need a building permit, get it before you start your shed so you don't risk having to tear down your hard work. There will likely be a small fee for the building permit. If you don't get a permit, you might have to tear down the entire shed and start over, even if you follow the other local building codes. Level the ground (if necessary) and install deck piers along a grid to support the shed. The piers will allow you to string support beams beneath the floor of the shed. In the example design, the piers are spaced 6 feet (1.8 m) apart in one direction and 4 feet (1.2 m) apart in the other for a total grid area of 12 x 8 feet. This is convenient because once you lay supports along this grid, it will take exactly three standard 4- by 8-foot plywood sheets to cover it. You may prefer to build your shed on a concrete slab to protect it from water that might seep up from the ground. If so, lay your concrete slab before you start building the base of the shed. String support beams lengthwise across the deck piers. This will support your floor joists, which run in the opposite direction. The easiest way to attach the beams to the piers is with metal straps, which have built-in nail holes. In the example design, the beams are 12-foot-long 4x6”s. Attach joists to the support beams and separate them with blocking. First, you will need to attach a rim joist along the outer edge of each outermost support beam; each of these will need to be the same length as the beam underneath. Then, you will need to install a series of floor joists across the entire length of the support beams; these will need to be the same length as the distance between the two rim joints so that they'll fit between them. In the example design, the floor joists are all separated by 14.5-inch gaps except for the outermost two, which are 13 ⁄ 4 inches (34.9 cm) from their immediate neighbors; this is to allow a standard piece of plywood to line up with the outermost edge of the outermost joist but only cover half of an interior joist, allowing its neighbor to cover the other half so that both can be supported properly. To keep the floor joists from moving, install a piece of blocking between each pair of floor joists along the center support beam. Nail plywood sheeting to the joists to form the shed floor. If necessary, use H-clips in addition to nailing the sheets into place; these fit between two pieces of plywood and lock them together for additional structural strength. In the example design, two standard sheets of 4- by 8-foot plywood are used whole and a third is sawn in half and used to fill in the 4-foot difference on either end. Because of the spacing of the piers, support beams, and joists, no additional cuts or adjustments are necessary. Note that the pieces of plywood are intentionally misaligned so that the floor doesn't have a single seam running across the whole thing, which would be a significant structural weakness. Your shed floor may also be screwed down with 3-inch deck screws. Build the framework for all four walls. To account for the fact that the front and back walls are different from each other (due to the doorframe in the front) and the side walls must both be sloped (to prevent rain from collecting on the roof), each of these will have to be tackled somewhat differently. It's easiest to construct the back first, the front second, and the two sides last, as shown in the numbered image below. See How to Frame a Wall for more information before you read the instructions below. Build the framework for the back wall. Make the top and bottom beams (a.k.a. the plates) the same length as the length of the floor which they sit. To keep your measurements simple, make the spacing between the vertical studs identical to the spacing between your floor joists. Note that the back wall should be lower than the front wall so that the roof slopes and directs rain away from the door. Build the framework for the front wall. The front wall should be the same as the back wall except taller and with a door frame so that you can hang a door in the shed when you're done. Build the framework for the side walls. The bottom plate of each side wall should be the same length as the distance between the bottom plates of the front and back wall (so that the side walls will fit between them). The standard spacing between vertical wall studs in the US is 16 inches (40.6 cm) (from center to center, not from edge to edge); since this stud spacing doesn't perfectly divide into the total length of the side walls in the example design, the two outermost studs make up for this discrepancy by being slightly closer to their neighbors. Most importantly, the top plate is angled so that the roof will be sloped, which makes the height of each vertical stud slightly different. If you're not sure how to calculate the necessary height of each vertical stud in advance, make the two outermost vertical studs first, lay them the correct distance apart, cut a top plate that spans this distance, and then cut each remaining vertical stud individually based on the distance between the top and bottom plates at that exact location. Assemble the four wall structures. Wall structures are usually nailed to the underlying support from the bottom up. However, if this is not possible with the design you've chosen, simply nail them downwards through the plywood and joists or toenail them into place by driving the nails downwards and at an angle. Note that you will probably need other people to help you hold the wall structures up until they can be attached to one another. Build rafters across the roof and separate them with blocking. These should overhang the walls of your shed for increased weather protection. Again, your measurements will be greatly simplified if you space the rafters the same way that you spaced your floor joists. When you're done, attach pieces of blocking between each pair of rafters along the top plates. Nail plywood sheeting to the rafters to form the roof. If you have added overhang, the plywood layout you used to cover the floor will have to be amended. Cover the walls. You can use siding, textured plywood, or anything else that gives the shed a more finished look. Add tar paper to the roof. Start from the lower end of the roof slope and work your way upwards, making sure that each new level of paper overlaps the one below it to keep rain from seeping into the cracks. You can also use shingles or other roofing material if desired. | Get a building permit if you need one. Level the ground (if necessary) and install deck piers along a grid to support the shed. String support beams lengthwise across the deck piers. Attach joists to the support beams and separate them with blocking. Nail plywood sheeting to the joists to form the shed floor. Build the framework for all four walls. Build rafters across the roof and separate them with blocking. Nail plywood sheeting to the rafters to form the roof. Cover the walls. Add tar paper to the roof. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Wood-Crafts | How to Paint Wood Crafts | Before you paint a wood craft, sand it with 140-180 grit sandpaper, wipe away the dust, and apply a coat of primer to seal the wood. When the primer is dry, use a foam brush or wide paint brush to apply as many coats of acrylic paint as you like, making sure to let it dry in between coats. Once you're happy with the base color, add designs and details using one color at a time and dipping your brush into water frequently, since acrylic paint dries quickly. Finally, finish your piece with 1-2 coats of sealer. | Sand the surface of the object with 140 to 180-grit sandpaper. You can do this with a sanding sponge or with a piece of sandpaper; a sanding sponge will work the best on curved surfaces, however. Also, make sure that you are sanding with the grain of the wood, not across it. Some wooden pieces from craft stores come pre-sanded. If the surface area is completely smooth, skip this step. Wipe the dust away with a tack cloth. A tack cloth is a special, sticky cloth intended for this purpose. You may find it alongside the sandpaper in the craft store or in the hardware store. If you can't find a tack cloth anywhere, try a damp cloth instead. It would be a good idea to do this, even if you didn't sand your piece; items bought from stores are sometimes dusty, which can prevent the primer and paint from sticking. Apply a coat of primer. You can use the brush-on kind or the spray-on kind. This will seal the wood surface, and help it take the paint better. It will also help the paint show up better, especially if you are using a light color. Prime the front and sides first, let them dry, then prime the back. Allow the primer to dry before moving on. For an even smoother finish, you can sand the first coat of primer, wipe it clean, then apply more primer over it. Do this a few more times until there no ridges remain. Pour a dollop of acrylic paint onto a palette. Choose a color for the background, then pour out a small amount onto a palette. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so don't pour out your other colors just yet. You can use the cheap, craft-grade acrylic paint that comes in bottles, or you can use the more-expensive artist's grade that comes in tubes. If you are using the artist's grade, dilute it with a few drops of water until it has the consistency of cream first. You can use small dishes, plastic lids, and paper plates as palettes. Apply a coat of paint over your piece. Use a foam brush or a wide, flat paintbrush to apply the paint. Let the paint dry, then apply a second coat, if needed. Let this second coat dry as well. Do the front and sides first, let them dry to the touch, then do the back. Look for brushes made from taklon, katakana, or sable. Avoid camel hair brushes or stiff, bristle brushes. Don't overload the brush with paint. The paint should come no more than halfway up the bristles. Let the paint dry, then add a second coat, if needed. How long this takes depends on the brand that you are using. Most types of acrylic paint will dry in about 20 minutes, however. If the paint is too thin, add another coat of paint, and let it dry as well. Take this time to clean your brush(s) with water. Do not let the paint dry on the brushes. Add your designs and details. You can use stencils or trace designs onto the wooden piece. You can also free-hand the designs as well. Apply the base color first, let it dry, then add the details. For example, if you wanted to paint a smiley face, you'd paint the yellow circle first, let it dry, then add the smile and eyes. Dip the brush in water often to keep the paint wet, even if you are using one color. If you are working with multiple colors, keep a cup of water nearby. Rinse the brush with water before switching to a new color. Let the paint dry completely. Refer to the label on you tube of paint for exact drying times. Just because something feels dry to the touch does not mean that it is ready to handle or take on sealer. Every brand will be different, but you can expect this to take about 24 hours. Apply 1 to 2 coats of sealer. Sealers come in many different finishes, including matte, glossy, and satin; choose one that you like the best. Apply a thin coat of spray-on or brush-on sealer, then let it dry. Apply a second coat, if needed, and let that one dry too. If you are using the brush-on kind, apply it using a wide, foam brush. If you are using a spray-on varnish, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area. Skip the priming if you want to paint a design over bare wood. Instead, consider painting over the entire piece using a wood stain or a sealer. Wait for the stain or sealer to dry, then paint your designs onto the wood. Be sure to seal everything after the paint dries. Add designs using stencils. Buy or make a stencil, then place it over the wood. Paint over the stencil using decoupage glue; this will seal the wood and prevent the paint from leaking under the stencil. Let the decoupage dry, then paint over the stencil. Peel the stencil away while the paint is still damp. Seal the wood using a spray-on or brush-on sealer. You can make stencils using contact paper or self-adhesive vinyl. You can use this method over bare, unsealed wood. Use graphite paper to trace designs, then fill them in. Place a sheet of graphite paper over your piece of wood, graphite-side-down. Draw your design, then lift the paper away. Go over the outline using a thin, painted brush, then fill the design in using a flat brush. This method works best over painted wood. You can do it over bare wood, but the paint may not stick as well. If you don't know how to draw, print the design out on tracing paper first, then place the tracing paper on top of the graphite paper. If you are working over a dark-colored surface, make some chalk graphite paper instead: cover the back of a piece of paper with chalk, place it chalk-side-down onto the wood, then trace your design. Create a tinted stain to show off the wood grain. Apply a thin layer of acrylic paint using a dry paintbrush. Dip a wet cloth in a small amount of paint, then rub it over the wood. This will help blend strokes together without covering up the wood grain. The cloth should be wet, but not dripping. Alternatively, you can paint over the entire piece using watered down acrylics or watercolor paints. Make a DIY chalkboard. Paint the surface of the wood with 2 to 3 coats of chalkboard paint. Let the paint dry, then paint designs using normal paint onto it, if desired. Allow the chalkboard paint dry and cure completely. Cover the board with chalk, then wipe the chalk off. Keep the designs on the edges of the wooden piece so that you can use the surface as a chalkboard. You do not need to prime a DIY chalkboard, but sanding it would not be a bad idea. | Sand the surface of the object with 140 to 180-grit sandpaper. Wipe the dust away with a tack cloth. Apply a coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry before moving on. Pour a dollop of acrylic paint onto a palette. Apply a coat of paint over your piece. Let the paint dry, then add a second coat, if needed. Add your designs and details. Let the paint dry completely. Apply 1 to 2 coats of sealer. Skip the priming if you want to paint a design over bare wood. Add designs using stencils. Use graphite paper to trace designs, then fill them in. Create a tinted stain to show off the wood grain. Make a DIY chalkboard. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Walk-a-Colicking-Horse | How to Walk a Colicking Horse | To walk a colicking horse, call your vet as soon as you notice symptoms, like biting at its sides or pawing, since some causes of colic can be very serious. If your horse is lying down and appears relatively comfortable, consider not walking it until your vet comes, since walking does not always help colic. Instead, remove its food until the cause of the colicking has been determined, while making sure it has access to clean water. In case you decide that walking your horse may help, put it on a lead and walk it over the pasture for 10 to 20 minutes. When your vet arrives, let them examine your horse and follow their advice about what to do to treat its problem. | Call your veterinarian. The first thing you should do when you notice your horse is colicking is call your veterinarian. This is because there are many potential reasons your horse could be colicking, some of which are very serious. You might have years of experience with horses, but a colicking horse is something that needs to be examined by a trained veterinarian. Your veterinarian may give you instructions on what to do, they may come to your horse's location, or they may ask you to bring the horse to the vet's stable to be looked at. Signs that your horse may be colicking include pawing, biting at its sides, watching/looking at its flank, frequently getting up and down, and sweating. Horses can colic at any age. Just because your horse has never colicked doesn't mean it never will. You should be prepared for it at any stage of horse ownership. Understand that walking a horse may not help. One of the potential causes of colic is called impaction. This is when some food gets stuck somewhere in the large intestine, which halts the normal digestive process causing pain. This is very similar to constipation in humans. The logic behind walking a colicking horse assumes that walking them will help get the digestive process flowing again. Walking the horse also helps to release any gas along the digestive tract and you may hear your horse frequently passing gas while you walk it. This is a good sign that your horse is moving things along and that the intestines are in fact still moving. However, since “colic” simply refers to abdominal pain, walking a colicking horse may not be the best solution. Understand that many veterinarians have said that walking a horse to help with colic is a myth, and while it may not hurt them to walk, it is definitely not a solution all on its own. If you want to walk your horse while you wait for the veterinarian to arrive, then go ahead and do so. On the other hand, if your horse seems to be lying rather comfortably, some veterinarians will say that it is best to leave them be. Use your best judgment, if walking seems to distract the horse from their pain, then it may be helpful. Put the horse on a lead. In order to walk your horse, you'll need to put a lead on. If your horse is laying down, put the lead on and then use it to help the horse understand that you want it to get up. In some cases, a horse that is in pain may be aggressive or thrash around. Don't try to approach the horse if this is the case. Your personal safety should be considered above all else, never put yourself in a situation where you could get kicked or hurt by a horse that is thrashing around. If your horse is in a lot of pain, they may ignore your attempts to get them up. Don't force the matter, and let the horse be. Walk the horse quietly for awhile. You can walk the horse around the pasture or open space that you have for ten to twenty minutes. You don't need to do anything more than simply keep the horse moving. Limit the walking to twenty minutes, as walking the horse for a long time will only exhaust an already stressed horse. After you are done walking the horse for ten to twenty minutes, put the horse in a quiet dark area, preferably a stall, where you can observe how it reacts. Ideally, the horse will stand quietly and may circle the stall some. In other instances, the horse will lay back down, begin to roll, and resume colic signs which shows the horse is still very uncomfortable and the problem may be more serious. Some people recommend trying to get the horse into a trot. You can try this if you want to, but this may be even more painful for the horse because of all the jostling that occurs when a horse trots. If it makes you feel better, you can talk to your horse while you are walking. Keep your voice low and use gentle tones. This may help both you and the horse relax a bit. Use a stethoscope to listen to the horse’s stomach. One way to get an idea of what is going on inside your horse's stomach is to listen with a stethoscope, if you have one. If your horse's stomach is functioning normally, you should hear gurgling noises that indicate that food is being digested and passing through the digestive system normally. If your horse is giving you a reason to think they are colicking, then you should contact your veterinarian whether or not you hear stomach sounds. If you hear stomach sounds and your horse is in pain anyways, then there may be something else going on. If you don't have a stethoscope, you may be able to press your ear against the horse's belly and see what you can hear. The correct area to listen to the abdomen is high up on the flank just below the hip bone or on the bottom of the belly just in front of the stifle. It is best to have your veterinarian show you how to listen to your horse's gut when it is healthy so you can become comfortable with what “normal” gut sounds are. Be aware that rolling will not twist the horse’s intestine. Another common belief of many horse owners is that you should never allow a colicking horse to roll. The reasoning behind this belief is that if a colicking horse rolls, their intestines might get twisted, which is very dangerous for the horse. However, this is actually false. A horse that is rolling because of colic is simply trying to make itself more comfortable. If they have a twisted intestine, then this has happened before they rolled, not as a result of it. A twisted intestine may occur in horses because of their anatomy and is a very serious matter. A horse with a twisted intestine will require immediate surgical intervention. You should only allow your horse to roll if it is safe to do so, such as in a large grassy paddock or field. There should be nothing that the horse can cut itself on, get its leg caught in, or otherwise hurt itself. Allowing a horse to roll in a stall is not a good idea because it could get stuck in a corner and get hurt while trying to right itself. Remove the horse’s feed. Though it is unlikely that a colicking horse will eat anything anyway, you should remove the feed until well after the horse's colic has passed and the cause of the colic has been determined. You should, however, make sure that your horse has access to clean water. If your horse drinks, that is fine, but try to make sure they aren't drinking a lot of water all at once. If your horse tries to eat grass while you are walking it don't allow it. If the intestine is impacted you don't want to add to the blockage. However, it is important to let your vet know that the horse is interested in eating when they look at the horse. Be aware that colic is a general term. In horses, the term colic doesn't necessarily refer to a specific ailment; instead, it refers to pain in the abdomen. This is why it is important to contact a veterinarian. Unless you know the cause of the pain, you won't be able to help the horse. Some reasons a horse may colic are not particularly serious in that they are typically not life-threatening, but some causes can be very dangerous for your horse. Understand the types of colic. There are many reasons that a horse might colic. Sometimes the cause for colic will not be a big deal, but other times the cause may be very serious, and the horse may require surgery. This is why it is very important to treat all cases of colic as serious until you can have the cause determined by a veterinarian. Impaction colic occurs when horses become dehydrated and ingested food is not lubricated enough to pass smoothly and becomes lodged, usually in the large intestine. The food builds up behind that causing pain and discomfort. This is one of the most common causes for colic, and typically be treated fairly easily with IV fluids, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxers. However, be aware that this type of colic can also indicate more serious problems. Gas colic occurs when gas builds up inside the intestinal tract causing the intestine to stretch, which then causes pain. Though it is not clear exactly why this occurs in some horses, it can usually be treated easily. Displacement, volvulus, torsion (also sometimes simply called a twisted gut) all refer to a case of colic in which some part of the digestive system has moved abnormally. In most cases, this cause requires surgery as soon as possible. If this treatment is not received the horse will often have to be put down. The early symptoms of this cause look similar to a less severe case of colic and demonstrate why it is extremely important to have a veterinarian take a look regardless of what you think the cause might be. When the small or large intestines become inflamed it is referred to enteritis or colitis, respectively. The inflammation may be caused by an infection. This is another serious case of colic and should be treated by a veterinarian. Gastric distension occurs when a horse eats more than they should. It is important to understand that horses have relatively small stomachs. This is because, in their natural habitat, they would eat slowly throughout the day, rather than eat big meals. If a horse gets into something such as grain or pellets and gorges on it, this can cause their stomach to swell, which causes pain. Horses are not able to vomit, so this is a very serious problem. In some cases, the stomach may rupture (and is called gastric rupture). If this occurs the horse will die. Sometimes the reason a horse colics cannot be determined. In these cases, you and your veterinarian will likely monitor the situation carefully to treat the horse based on the symptoms that occur. Know what symptoms to look for. Because colic can occur seemingly out of nowhere, it is important to always be looking for signs that your horse may have colic. Learn the symptoms to check for, and keep an eye out for them every time you go out to care for your horse. The symptoms to look for include: Lying down. It is, of course, not unusual for a horse to lay down, but some horses lay down less than others. If you notice your horse lying down more than usual combined with sweating or looking stressed, there may be a problem. Relatedly, if your horse is lying down and then getting back up often, there may be a problem. They may be trying to make themselves more comfortable. Standing in a stretched out position. If your horse is having stomach pain, they may stand with their front and back legs stretched out to try and make their stomach feel better. Rolling. As with most of the symptoms, your horse may roll around on the ground to try and make themselves feel more comfortable. However, horses also roll simply because it feels good so rolling in and of itself does not necessarily indicate a problem. If your horse rolls and gets back up to shake off the dirt this is a good indicator that your horse was just having a good roll and is fine. If it gets up and does not shake and beings to paw or look around to lay down again and roll this is a sign something isn't right. If your horse is in pain they may kick at their abdomen or try to bite their abdomen. A horse that is in pain may also paw the ground in frustration, or they may repeatedly curl the lips. Keep fresh, clean water available at all times. Horses who don't have continual access to water are more likely to colic. Thus, you should keep a bucket of fresh water available to them at all times. Horses cannot digest large quantities of water all at once, so they will likely take small drinks of water throughout the day. Horses will drink anywhere from 5–10 gallons (18.9–37.9 L) of water a day depending on how much hay they are eating. During the colder months, add hot water once or twice a day to help keep the water from freezing. Horses are also more likely to drink the water if it is a bit warm (between 45 F and 65 F) when it is cold outside. There are water heaters available that go inside the bucket which makes sure that potable water is available all the time during the winter. Allow your horse plenty of time in a pasture. Horses that have daily access to a pasture are less likely to colic. This could be because horses in a pasture have access to fresh sources of food. Additionally, when horses are in a pasture they are more likely to graze slowly, which makes it easier for their digestive system to handle. In addition to that, you should limit the amount of grain and pellets your horse eats. Be conscientious about how much grain/pellets you are feeding as these tend to increase the risk of colic. Allowing your horse plenty of time in pasture also allows them time to graze and roam in a normal fashion. Your horse's movements throughout the day will naturally promote gut motility and make it less likely that your horse will colic. Observe your horse carefully after a change. Animals are very sensitive when it comes to changes. Thus, you should observe your horse carefully in the weeks that follow a change in their feed, their housing, any other animals that are around them, weather, etc. Your horse may be more likely to colic during these times. When changing a horse's feed do not change it all at once. It is best to slowly introduce the new feed in with the old feed. For example, start out by mixing 1/4 of the new feed in with 3/4 of the old feed for the first seven days of feeding. After that, continue to increase the amount of new feed gradually to help prevent colic. Treat colic before it begins. One of the reasons a horse might colic is if they manage to eat more grain than they should. Something like this might occur if, for example, a horse finds a way into the grain barrel without the owner noticing. If a horse eats too much grain, they are likely to colic, and they will also be at greater risk for a painful disease called laminitis. Thus, it if you suspect your horse has overeaten, you should contact your vet as they may want to take action that could prevent colic. If your horse has eaten a large amount of grain your horse could potentially die so you should not take this situation lightly. To prevent this possibility, it is best to make sure there is no possibility that your horse could get into a grain barrel. One way to do this is to use barrels with sealable lids or to keep the grain in a locked room that the horse couldn't possibly access. Be observant of your horse’s behavior. As a horse owner, it is important to be very observant of your horse's behavior. Besides colic, there is a host of potential illnesses and diseases that could affect your horse, so it is important to be vigilant in your horse's care. Keep an eye on all of your horse's habits so that you will be more likely to notice when something is not right with them. For example, take a look at how much water they drink on a daily basis, how often they defecate and how much, how quickly they eat, how active they are, how they behave with other horses, etc. Horses are complex animals so any change in their normal behavior might be an indication that something is wrong. Knowing your horse's behavior is key as some horses can be very stoic while others are very exaggerated in demonstrating their pain. Over time you may be able to tell if your horse is often over reacting in how they manifest pain which is an important thing for the vet to know as they try to assess the horse's condition. Likewise, horses that are very stoic will mask their pain, which means they may not get treatment until it is too late. Keep your horse wormed. Another common cause of colic is intestinal worms that can severely disrupt your horse's digestive process. If you aren't sure how to worm your horse, ask your veterinarian to show you how to do it so that you can do it on your own at home. The dosage will be based on your horse's weight, so have your horse's weight checked to make sure you are giving the right amount. Typically, a horse should be wormed every six to eight weeks; however, your veterinarian may suggest a different schedule depending on the results of your horse's fecal egg count test. Where you live and the kind of lifestyle your horse leads will also affect how the horse is dewormed, possibly as little as two to four times a year. Have your horse’s teeth floated. Horse's teeth are different from human teeth because they “erupt,” which basically just means that in a sense, they grow, albeit very slowly. As they erupt, they also tend to get worn down as the horse eats, which is good. The problem is that the teeth can wear unevenly, which can make it difficult for a horse to chew their food properly. Food that is not chewed well is more likely to get caught up in their stomach, resulting in colic; thus, it is important to make sure that your horse's teeth are floated when they start to get uneven. Floating a horse's teeth means that they are ground down so that they sit evenly on top of each other. There are differing ideas about how often a horse's teeth should be floated. Some say every 6 months, some say once per year, while others say that a horse's teeth should only be floated when necessary. Talk to your veterinarian about the subject, and they will be able to give you their own opinions on the topic. | Call your veterinarian. Understand that walking a horse may not help. Put the horse on a lead. Walk the horse quietly for awhile. Use a stethoscope to listen to the horse’s stomach. Be aware that rolling will not twist the horse’s intestine. Remove the horse’s feed. Be aware that colic is a general term. Understand the types of colic. Know what symptoms to look for. Keep fresh, clean water available at all times. Allow your horse plenty of time in a pasture. Observe your horse carefully after a change. Treat colic before it begins. Be observant of your horse’s behavior. Keep your horse wormed. Have your horse’s teeth floated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Decals | How to Make Decals | To make decals, start by drawing images in Photoshop, scanning images into your computer, or picking images from the internet. You can then use Photoshop or GIMP to adjust colors, shapes, or sizes as you create a decal sheet. Try printing your decal sheet on plain white paper to be sure you've got everything the way you want it. When you're happy with your design, print the decal sheet on white vinyl paper. Then, laminate the sheet with a cold press laminator to keep your designs from fading. Finally, cut out your decals and stick them everywhere! | Gather your materials. You will need plain paper, contact paper, brown packing paper or newsprint, a felt tip marker and scissors. Making decals from contact paper is more inexpensive than using a computer and requires fewer materials. This method is better for simpler designs which don't require a detailed rendering. Sketch out the design on plain paper. You can also work on it using photo editing software. For wall decals, create a sketch of the room where you plan to put the design. Make sure it's somewhat to scale and includes furniture. If you are using software like Photoshop, scan in a picture of the room and add the design to the photo digitally. Figure out how much contact paper you will need. Do this based on your drawing and the scale of the room or item where you are putting it. Contact paper is available in various roll sizes and colors from online stores and home improvement stores. Make sure you buy enough for your project and allocate for mistakes and waste. If you are working on a large area, it's a good idea to buy in bulk to save money. Draw out the design on inexpensive paper to scale. Paper like brown packing paper or newsprint will work best for this mock-up. Tape the design to the walls to make sure you are happy with the scale and shape. Pay special attention to corners, making sure that the shape looks good in the location and that its at the correct angle. Make adjustments as needed until you are satisfied with the look. Remove the paper from the wall. This is what you will use to trace the image onto contact paper. Make sure your design from newsprint doesn't become torn or damaged by the tape that temporarily holds it onto the wall. Double check your design to make sure it looks correct. Make any adjustments as necessary. Spread out the contact paper on a flat surface. The back of the paper should be facing up. Use weights in the corners if it's a large piece that slips. Place the paper design on top of the contact paper. Trace the design onto the back of the contact paper with a felt tip marker. Cut out your design carefully with sharp scissors. If your design is detailed with lots of negative space, it might be easier to use an X-acto knife. If using an X-acto knife, be sure to use a mat underneath to avoid scratching your work surface. X-acto knives are very sharp and can slip from your hand easily. Be careful! Children should be supervised while doing this step. Transfer the contact paper to the wall. Do this by starting at the bottom of your design, working upwards. Peel off the backing paper as you go. Go slowly to avoid wrinkles and bubbles in your design as you press it onto the wall. Press firmly to make sure the sticky surface of the contact paper adheres to the wall. Gather your materials. You will need a computer or graphics tablet, scanner, photo editing software, a printer, vinyl sheet paper, laminate sheets, a laminator, scissors and/or an X-acto knife. You don't necessarily need to use a graphics tablet, but editing images can be simpler on these devices as you use your finger or a stylus to make changes rather than a mouse. An optional thing to use is a Pantone color guide. This can standardize colors. You can use this color guide to select a color and then use the Pantone color settings on your photo editing software to get the right color when you print your design. Scan the image you want to produce into your computer. If you are skilled at digital design, another option is to draw the image in Photoshop or another graphic design or photo editing software program. Make sure you scan in the highest quality possible to make sure your image does not get distorted. It is recommended that you scan your decal into your computer at 600dpi resolution and no lower than 300dpi resolution. You can also obtain images on the internet to edit or use. Edit the decal using computer software. You can use popular software such as Photoshop or GIMP to do this. Make adjustments as needed to colors and shapes. Resize the image so that it fits the space you want to cover. Insert the white vinyl paper into the printer. Make sure it's facing the right way since printing on the wrong side may make the paper unusable. If you aren't sure whether the paper should be placed face down or face up, use a plain white piece of paper to test. Make a mark on one side, and then print to see which side is printed. Make a decal sheet. This way you can fit as many decals onto one sheet of paper as possible. Make sure the designs don't overlap as you'll need to cut these out later. This is a good way to prevent wasting vinyl paper, as it can be costly. You can create these using photo-editing software. Print your decal sheet. Make sure you print this on the white vinyl paper. Print out the decal sheet on plain white paper. Check the color, brightness and contrast to make sure the printed version has the results you want. Sometimes colors and shapes don't look the same on screen vs. on paper, so it is a good idea to do this step to check your design. Make any adjustments to your design and print it again to double check it. Hold the mock-up next to the wall or object you intend to put the decal on to make sure it looks correct. Print your decal sheet onto the vinyl paper. Make sure it's facing the right way since printing on the wrong side may make the paper unusable. If you aren't sure whether the paper should be placed face down or face up, use a plain white piece of paper to test. Make a mark on one side, and then print to see which side is printed. If the printer ink won't stick to the vinyl paper, you have printed on the wrong side of the paper. Laminate the page with a cold press laminator. Follow the instructions for the laminator to feed the image correctly. The laminator will protect the design and keep the colors from fading. Press the laminate sheet down onto the decal sheet, sticky side down. The backing sheet from the laminate should be folded back several inches. Feed the laminate sheet through the cold press laminator. As you do this the backing sheet from the laminate will separate. Trim the excess laminate from your decal sheet before sending it through the laminator for best results. Cut out the decal and apply it to your object. You can do this using sharp scissors. Cut the decals out carefully, making sure to stay close to the outline of the decal. You can trim any excess decal after it was been applied with an X-acto knife. Peel off the backing from the vinyl sheet and stick the decal to your object. | Gather your materials. Sketch out the design on plain paper. Figure out how much contact paper you will need. Draw out the design on inexpensive paper to scale. Remove the paper from the wall. Spread out the contact paper on a flat surface. Cut out your design carefully with sharp scissors. Transfer the contact paper to the wall. Gather your materials. Scan the image you want to produce into your computer. Edit the decal using computer software. Insert the white vinyl paper into the printer. Make a decal sheet. Print out the decal sheet on plain white paper. Print your decal sheet onto the vinyl paper. Laminate the page with a cold press laminator. Cut out the decal and apply it to your object. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-Guitar-Strings | How to Choose Guitar Strings | To choose guitar strings, go for medium to heavy gauge strings for an acoustic guitar with a large sound chamber. If you tend to play rhythm guitar or strum a lot, heavy gauge strings will also be best. However, if you're more into soloing on an electric guitar or finger picking on an acoustic, opt for lighter gauge strings, which are easier on your fingers. Also, you can change the material to create a different sound, like by using steel strings if you want a softer, folk sound. | Determine whether you have a classical, acoustic, or electric guitar. Classical guitars use nylon strings while acoustics and electric guitars typically use metal strings. The gauge sizes for strings differ depending on what kind of guitar you have and getting the wrong type of strings can damage the guitar's bridge and neck. Figure out what kind of guitar you own and then look for strings made specifically for it. Metal strings will be hard and feel cold, while nylon strings will be soft and feel like plastic. Nylon strings are often easier on the hands than metal strings. Choose strings that match your budget and skill level. If you're a beginner and just starting off, don't waste your money on expensive strings. You'll need to learn the basics of how to play the guitar before string choice makes much of a difference. Heavier strings will be harsher on your fingertips and are often harder to push down, while lighter strings will be easier to play but will break more often. Play with different string types. The only way to know what kind of strings you prefer is by using them. Play your guitar with different kinds of strings and take note of how it changes the feeling and sound of your guitar. Choose strings that best enhance your style of play. Get heavier strings for larger bodied acoustic guitars. Heavier strings will typically sound better on larger body guitars, while lighter strings sound better on smaller instruments. If your guitar's body is big, medium to heavy gauge strings will sound better in its larger sound chamber. Medium acoustic string gauge sizes include.013.017.026.035.045 and.056. Heavy acoustic string gauges include.014.018.027.039.049 and.059. Get lighter gauge strings for a finger picking. Lighter gauge strings will be much easier on your fingers and sound better when you're finger picking. If you are doing heavy strumming or play rhythm, consider getting heavy gauge strings instead, so that they don't break as easily. Lighter gauge strings include sizes.012.016.025.032.042 and.054. Get heavier strings for more bass. If you want the sound of your guitar to have more bass, choose heavier gauge strings. Alternatively, lighter strings will accentuate the treble in the guitar and are best for subtle strumming and picking techniques. Choose a material to change the tone. Acoustic guitar strings typically come in bronze, brass, and steel. Bronze strings have a clear, bright tone, but tend to rust more easily than other materials. Brass strings will have a more metallic sound while steel strings can create a more delicate tone and is commonly used among folk guitarists. Choose a material that lends itself to your style of play. Choose lighter gauge strings for soloing. Lighter strings will be easier to bend and provide less resistance, which makes it easier to solo on an electric guitar. Select lighter gauge strings if you solo frequently. Light electric guitar strings include gauges.010.013.017.026.036 and.046. Select heavier strings if you play rhythm. If you're a rhythm guitarist, you should get medium-heavy gauge strings. Heavy gauge strings are also good for bass-heavy music like heavy metal or hardcore and sound great in drop-D tuning. Medium strings include sizes.011.015.018.026.036 and.050. Heavy gauge strings include sizes.012.016.020.032.042 and.054. Decide on whether you want roundwound or flatwound strings. Roundwound strings have a ridged texture and can create a longer sustain. They also make more sound as you slide your hand up and down the neck of the guitar. On the contrary, flatwound strings are flat to the touch and lend themselves well to jazz and blues music. Halfwound strings are the happy medium and possess the texture of round wound strings with less attack. Select the material you want your strings made of. There are several different materials that electric strings can be made of and include nickel, stainless steel, chrome, and polymer. Each material gives the electric guitar slight tonal changes. Stainless steel will give the guitar a crisp, bright tone while nickel strings will give the guitar a warmer sound. Chrome strings will make the guitar sound warmer and is often chosen by jazz and blues guitarists. Get coated strings for durability. Polymer-coated strings have less sustain than other strings but are more durable and corrosion resistant. They will also prevent dirt and oil buildup from destroying your strings over time. If you have a bigger budget for strings and don't want to replace them frequently, consider buying coated strings. Purchase low tension nylon strings for easier fretting. If you're having trouble achieving a clear sound on your classical guitar, you may want to put low tension strings on it. They are easier to push down and are best for beginners. Get high tension strings for a louder sound. If you don't have issues with fretting, you may want to get high tension strings for to give your guitar more projection. These strings are harder to hold down but are better for rhythm players. Select the right material for your nylon strings. Nylon strings are made of clear nylon, rectified nylon, and carbon fiber. Clear nylon strings have a clean and crisp sound, while rectified nylon strings have a more mellow sound and tone to them. Carbon fiber strings give a brighter edge to the guitar than both nylon variations do. | Determine whether you have a classical, acoustic, or electric guitar. Choose strings that match your budget and skill level. Play with different string types. Get heavier strings for larger bodied acoustic guitars. Get lighter gauge strings for a finger picking. Get heavier strings for more bass. Choose a material to change the tone. Choose lighter gauge strings for soloing. Select heavier strings if you play rhythm. Decide on whether you want roundwound or flatwound strings. Select the material you want your strings made of. Get coated strings for durability. Purchase low tension nylon strings for easier fretting. Get high tension strings for a louder sound. Select the right material for your nylon strings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cleanse-the-Liver | How to Cleanse the Liver | To cleanse your liver, start by drinking the right liquids. Minimize your intake of alcohol and caffeine, both of which deposit toxins in your liver. Instead, drink at least 2 quarts of water every day to flush out those toxins, and add lemon to your water once a day to promote healthy liver function. Green tea, fruit smoothies, and pure fruit juice will also help cleanse your liver. | Minimize alcohol and caffeine intake. Alcohol and caffeine are two of the biggest culprits that deposit toxins in your liver and keep it from functioning properly. Cleanse your liver by reducing your intake of alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Recent research however indicates that decaffeinated coffee may help lower elevated liver enzyme levels. Replace these beverages with non-alcoholic beverages to allow your liver to regenerate, flush itself clean and function properly. Read on to find out what liquids are good for the liver. Drink lots of water. Regular water and lemon water will both work for a liver cleanse. Detoxify your liver and flush toxins out by drinking at least 2 quarts of water every day. Drinking lots of water will keep you hydrated, which naturally encourages cell regeneration. It will also allow the liver to filter out more toxins and residue, letting it work faster and increasing your energy level. Add lemon to your diet. Drink lemon juice in water or tea once a day. Lemon juice stimulates the liver's bile production to help push toxins out. It also prevents the buildup of gallstones and promotes digestion and liver function in the movement of gastric juices. Drink green tea. Green tea is rich in catechins, a type of plant antioxidant that boosts liver function and helps reduce fat storage in the liver. Drink natural fruit smoothies. Fruits like strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries all enhance the health of the liver. These fruits have organic acids that lower sugar blood levels, and will help you to burn fat, decreasing your chances of fatty liver diseases. Make your own juice fast. Fasting is a sure-fire ways to cleanse the liver. Most fasts involve eating only fruits and vegetables, or drinking only fruit and veggie juices, for a certain period of time. There are many different cleanses out there--you have to pick one that is right for your body. You should consider consulting a nutritionist or doctor before you embark upon a fast. Avoid foods that will do damage to your liver. Foods that are processed and contain lots of preservatives, fats and cholesterol can cause the liver to become congested and clogged with fat residue. Clean out your liver by avoiding processed or fatty foods to allow the liver to unblock itself and regenerate cells. Avoid fast food. In particular, try to avoid deep fried food or preserved meat (such as sausage, bacon, corned beef, etc.) Avoid bad fats. Fatty red meat, deep fried food, and processed fats should all be avoided, as they can clog up your liver. Processed fats include margarine, shortening, and hydrogenated oils. Avoid artificial sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. It is best to go the natural route when cleansing your liver. Steer clear of processed oils, like margarine, canola, soybean, rapeseed, and peanut oil. Eat your vegetables. Certain vegetables contain nutrients like beta carotene that stimulate liver cells and protect the liver from toxins. Dark, leafy greens like spinach encourage cell growth and stimulate the liver, while beets protect bile ducts in the liver from toxin damage. Aim for 5 servings of vegetables daily and include those that contain liver-aiding nutrients. Greens that promote liver health include dandelion greens, bitter gourd, arugula, mustard greens, chicory and spinach. Eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Up your garlic intake. Garlic has sulfur-containing compounds that activate liver enzymes that work to flush out any toxins that might be in your system. Garlic also contains allicin and selenium, two nutrients that protect the liver from damages caused by toxins. These two nutrients also aid in the detoxification process. If you can't stand the taste of garlic because you simply don't like it (or you're a vampire) you can purchase garlic supplements at your local health store. Eat grapefruit. Grapefruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which promote a healthy liver cleanse. Grapefruit boosts detoxification enzymes in the liver and has a flavonoid compound known as naringenin which causes the liver to burn fat rather than store it. Be careful however, because large amounts of grapefruit can inhibit a liver enzyme called cytochrome P450, which can affect the way certain foods and drugs are broken down in the body. Eat avocados twice a week. Avocados are delicious and have glutathione-producing compounds. These compounds help to prevent the liver from toxic overload. Eat walnuts. Walnuts have high levels of l-arginine (an amino acid) glutathione, and omega-3 fatty acids which help to cleanse the liver of disease-causing ammonia. Extracts of their shells are used in many liver-cleansing formulas. Use an herbal supplement. Natural herbs like burdock and dandelion root are all said to help rid the body of toxins while protecting liver cells and promoting healthy liver function. All can be found in capsule or tablet form and dandelion root also comes in some herbal teas. Adding these supplements to your daily diet may help cleanse your liver and regulate its function. Use Soya Lecithin. Soya Lecithin granules contain phospholipids which help protect the liver. Soya Lecithin granules are available in most health food stores. Increase your magnesium intake. Magnesium promotes bile production, which in turn promotes the cleansing of the liver. You can take magnesium supplements to increase your liver health. Another way to get your magnesium is by dissolving a tablespoon of Epsom salt in warm water and drinking this mixture once or twice a month. Epsom salt contains a high amount of magnesium. Add turmeric to your diet. Turmeric boosts the liver's ability to produce bile, a key part of the liver-cleansing process. It has also been known to help regenerate damaged liver cells. Start taking milk thistle supplements. Milk thistle promotes the growth and health of liver cells. Milk thistle contains silymarins, which are antioxidants that fight oxidation, a process that damages liver cells. It also enhances protein synthesis in the liver. De-stress your life. Stressful situations release hormones and endorphins in the bloodstream, which, in turn, deposit toxins in the liver and slow it down. Eliminate stress in any areas of your life that you can. Consider anti-stress activities like yoga and meditation. Use natural house cleaning products. When you expose yourself to chemicals, your liver has to work overtime to keep you healthy. Reduce the number of chemicals you are exposed to by using cleaning products made from natural ingredients. Also helps to use organic and natural products for you own personal hygiene. Consider using an air purifier in your home. The more toxins in the air, the more toxins your liver has to remove from your body. Air purifiers are particularly good investments if you live in the city or near a highway, as cars deposit many toxins into the air. Exercise as much as possible. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy body weight, which in turn lowers your risk of fatty liver disease. Exercise also improves the function of liver enzymes. However, excessive weight training is connected with elevated liver enzymes, which is why you should stop exercising 48 hours prior to a liver function test. | Minimize alcohol and caffeine intake. Drink lots of water. Add lemon to your diet. Drink green tea. Drink natural fruit smoothies. Make your own juice fast. Avoid foods that will do damage to your liver. Eat your vegetables. Up your garlic intake. Eat grapefruit. Eat avocados twice a week. Eat walnuts. Use an herbal supplement. Use Soya Lecithin. Increase your magnesium intake. Add turmeric to your diet. Start taking milk thistle supplements. De-stress your life. Use natural house cleaning products. Consider using an air purifier in your home. Exercise as much as possible. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Permanent-Marker-from-Furniture | How to Remove Permanent Marker from Furniture | To get permanent marker off a piece of furniture, try using some toothpaste. First, squeeze out enough toothpaste to cover the stained area. Then, rub the toothpaste into the stain in a circular motion with a damp rag. If the permanent marker doesn't disappear with the toothpaste, get a fresh rag, apply more toothpaste, and repeat the process. Alternatively, you can remove the stain with vinegar and dish soap. Get started by combining 2 cups of water with 1 tablespoon each of vinegar and dish soap. Next, dampen a rag with the mixture and wipe the stain until it comes off. | Use a solid white toothpaste. The brand doesn't matter but avoid gel toothpastes or a combination as these don't tend to work as well. This same process can work with baking soda in place of toothpaste. Or better yet, use toothpaste that contains baking soda! Squeeze out a generous dollop. Use enough toothpaste to ensure the stained area will be completely covered when the toothpaste is spread around. Don't be stingy. Use a damp rag or paper towel. You don't need to soak the rag. Just run it under warm water then wring it out until it is just barely wet. Rub the toothpaste into the entire stain using a circular motion. As the toothpaste disappears, the permanent marker should as well. If the marker doesn't completely disappear after the first attempt, repeat the process with a new damp cloth and another dab of toothpaste. Rinse out your rag. Then wipe any remaining toothpaste from the surface until clear. Mix vinegar and dish soap. Add two cups of cold water to one tablespoon of vinegar and one tablespoon of dish soap. You can also use rubbing alcohol or similar products. Hairspray and sunscreen will work because they usually have alcohol in them. Check the ingredients to be sure. You can also try hand sanitizer, WD-40, or lemon juice. Get to the stain as quickly as possible. Attacking the stain before it has a chance to dry and set in will increase your chances at removing it completely. Dampen a rag or cotton ball. Don't just dump a puddle of alcohol onto the stain. Instead, dab some onto a rag and apply it to the stain that way. Blot around the stain first. Especially when you're working with fabrics, soaking the area around the stain Dab, don’t scrub! Rubbing the stain back and forth can push it deeper into the fabric. Use a firm dabbing motion, pressing the rag into the stain and lifting it up directly without rubbing it back and forth. Repeat as needed. If the stain remains, dampen a clean cloth with more rubbing alcohol and dab the stain again. Then rinse with a clean, damp sponge or cloth. Once the stain is gone and the upholstery has been rinsed, let it air dry. Consult your local hardware store. Hardware stores should have a stock of commercial carpet cleaners. You can ask one of the employees for a recommendation, but most cleaners will list what they work best for on the bottle. Lift Off #3 is an example but you can get any number of products. Be sure to read the label of any product before you buy. Commercial products often contain chemicals that can cause damage if used on the wrong surface. Check the labels to make sure it is appropriate for the specific surface you need to clean. Try a Magic Eraser. You can get these at places like Target or Walgreens. They work great, even on bamboo items! Use furniture oil if the sheen gets rubbed off. Other products such as Goo Gone or Bon Ami can remove permanent marker stains and are available at most hardware stores. | Use a solid white toothpaste. Squeeze out a generous dollop. Use a damp rag or paper towel. Rub the toothpaste into the entire stain using a circular motion. Rinse out your rag. Mix vinegar and dish soap. You can also use rubbing alcohol or similar products. Get to the stain as quickly as possible. Dampen a rag or cotton ball. Blot around the stain first. Dab, don’t scrub! Repeat as needed. Consult your local hardware store. Be sure to read the label of any product before you buy. Try a Magic Eraser. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Chocolate-Milkshake | How to Make a Chocolate Milkshake | To make a chocolate milkshake, set the ice cream out on the counter for about 10 minutes to soften. Add 2 scoops of the ice cream to a blender, and add 1/4 to 1 cup of milk. If you're using vanilla ice cream or want an extra chocolate milkshake, add 2 to 4 tablespoons of chocolate syrup. Then, blend the ingredients in short pulses for 15-20 seconds until the shake is smooth with no clumps. Serve the chocolate shake in a chilled glass with whipped cream and a straw, and enjoy! | Stick a tall glass in the freezer (optional). Whether you're using a tall glass or a classic metal cup, popping it in the freezer for a few minutes will keep your milkshake frosty as you sip it. There's no need to stand around – get started on the milkshake while you wait. Let the ice cream soften. Using ice cream straight from the freezer can make your milkshake taste dilute, thin, or icy. You'll have much better results if you leave the ice cream out on the counter for about ten minutes, until it's soft and just beginning to melt around the edges. On a hot day, put the ice cream in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes instead. Heating the ice cream too fast can ruin the texture. This gentle method is best. Skip this step if using frozen yogurt. Combine ingredients. Add two large scoops of the softened ice cream or frozen yogurt to a blender or milkshake maker. Use a large stainless steel bowl instead if you don't have a blender. Add ¼ cup (60 mL) milk for a thick milkshake, or up to a full cup (240 mL) if you prefer a thinner drink. Whole milk makes a richer shake, while low fat or skim milk is a healthier option. For an extremely rich milkshake, also blend in 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) heavy whipping cream. Crushed ice will dilute your milkshake's flavor. Use extra milk instead to thin the shake, and pop the milkshake in the freezer for a few minutes if it's too runny. Add chocolate if necessary. If you used vanilla ice cream, or you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, add one of these ingredients: 2 tablespoons (30 mL) chocolate syrup, blended for another 10–30 seconds. Use up to 4 tablespoons (60 mL) if using vanilla ice cream. Melt a few squares of chocolate or a handful of chocolate chips in a double boiler, or zap in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time, stirring in between zaps. If using this as your only chocolate ingredient, use approximately ¼ cup (60 mL) of chocolate. 2 tablespoons (30 mL) cocoa powder will add flavor to an already-chocolatey shake, but may not be strong enough to use as the only chocolate ingredient. Blend or whisk together. This is easiest with a blender, milkshake maker, or stick blender, on a low setting. If you don't have one of these, burn off some calories in advance with a sturdy whisk. Semi-frozen ice cream is easiest to blend with a series of short pulses, or with a sturdy fork instead of a whisk. If it still won't blend, mash it against the sides with a rubber spatula or flat spoon and try again. Serve in a cold glass. Taste before you pour it into the glass, so you have the option to blend in more milk (thinner) or more ice cream (thickener). Optionally, top with a dollop of whipping cream, and/or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or check out the wilder variations below. Serve with a spoon or thick straw. Make a Mexican chocolate milkshake. For a spicier, more complex flavor, use Mexican chocolate ice cream from a Latin market, melt a few squares of Mexican chocolate and blend it into the shake, or use the ordinary recipe with the following added ingredients: ⅛ tsp (1 pinch) ground cinnamon ⅛ tsp (1 pinch) ground chiles ⅛ tsp (1 drop) vanilla extract Add espresso powder for heightened flavor. Even if you aren't a coffee fan, a pinch of espresso powder will make the shake earthier and toastier. For a stronger mocha blast, blend in 2–3 teaspoons (10–15 mL) of the espresso powder instead. This pairs well with ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) almond extract. Mix in fruit. Freeze a banana, a couple strawberries, or a handful of raspberries. Slice the frozen fruit into small chunks, then blend for a few seconds to mix the flavors together. Add chunky sweets. Enter special dessert territory with these solid ingredients. For best results, add after the shake is blended. Leave them on top of the shake or pulse for a few seconds to mix slightly without compromising the texture. Here are a few ideas: Roughly crush one or two chocolate cookie or a small brownie into several pieces. Add toasted marshmallows, or even an entire small s'more. Purchase or make miniature donuts. Keep them mostly dry by placing them around a large straw. Add a splash of liquor. A bit of bourbon, Bailey's, Kahlua, or your favorite liqueur adds a whole new dimension of indulgence. Blend in one shot (3 tablespoons / 45 mL) or to taste. You may wish to replace some of the milk to avoid thinning the milkshake. Finished. | Stick a tall glass in the freezer (optional). Let the ice cream soften. Combine ingredients. Add chocolate if necessary. Blend or whisk together. Serve in a cold glass. Make a Mexican chocolate milkshake. Add espresso powder for heightened flavor. Mix in fruit. Add chunky sweets. Add a splash of liquor. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Protractor | How to Use a Protractor | You can use a protractor to measure and draw angles. To measure angles with a protractor, first place the center point along the bottom edge of the protractor over the vertex of the angle you're measuring. Line up the bottom edge of the protractor with one leg of the angle. Follow the other leg of the angle up to the protractor's arc to see what number it intersects with and find the degree of the angle. If the angle is facing to the right, use the bottom row of numbers on the protractor. If the angle is facing left, use the top row of numbers. To draw an angle with a protractor, first place the center point along the bottom edge of the protractor where you want the vertex of the angle to be. Draw a small dot in the hole on the protractor to mark the vertex. Then, line the bottom edge of the protractor up with the vertex and draw a straight line along it. Now, find the hash mark on the protractor that corresponds with the angle you want to draw, and draw a small dot outside of it. Rotate the protractor and line the bottom edge up between the vertex and the small dot. Finally, use the bottom edge of the protractor as a straight edge to draw a line between the two points. | Approximate the measure of your angle. Angles can be classified in three ways: acute, obtuse, and right. Acute angles are narrow (less than 90 degrees), obtuse angles are wide (greater than 90 degrees), and right angles are exactly 90 degrees (two lines perpendicular to each other). You can easily identify by eye, the category of angle you are trying to measure. Doing this step first helps you identify which scale to use on the protractor. At a glance, we can tell this angle is acute because it is less than 90 degrees. Place the origin over the center point, or vertex, of the angle you want to measure. The small hole in the middle of the base of the protractor is the origin. Align the vertex of the angle with the center of the cross in the origin. Rotate the protractor to align one leg of the angle with the baseline. Maintain the vertex of the angle in the origin and gently rotate the protractor so that one of the legs of the angle falls on the baseline of the protractor. The baseline is parallel to the edge, but is not the flat edge of the protractor. It is aligned with the center of the origin and the line projects to the start of the scale on either side. Follow the opposite leg of the angle up to the measurements on the protractor's arc. If the line does not pass through the protractor's arc, extend the angle's line until it does. Alternatively, you can align the edge of a piece of paper with the angle's leg to pass beyond the edge of the protractor, continuing the line of the angle. The number the line passes through is the angle's measurement in degrees. In the above example, the angle measure is 30 degrees. We know to use the smaller scale because we determined that our angle was less than 90 degrees in the first step. If the angle was obtuse, we would use the scale that indicated an angle larger than 90 degrees. Initially, the measurement scale may seem confusing. Most protractors have two opposing ruler grids, one on the inner side of the arc and one on the outer. This makes the tool handy for measuring angles originating from either direction. Draw a straight line. The line is your reference line and the first leg of your angle. It will be used to determine the position at which you draw the second leg of the angle. It's generally easiest to draw the straight line in a horizontal position on the paper. You can use the flat edge of your protractor to draw this line. The length of the line doesn't matter. Place the origin of the protractor at one end of the line. This point will be your angle's vertex. Mark the paper where the vertex is placed. You don't have to place the point at the edge of the line. It can be placed anywhere on the line, but is easier just to use the end of the line. Find the degree of the angle you wish to draw on the protractor's appropriate scale. Align your reference line with the protractor's baseline and mark the paper at the degree of measurement. If you are drawing an acute angle (less than 90 degrees), use the scale with the smaller numbers. For obtuse angles (greater than 90 degrees), use the scale with larger numbers. Remember, the baseline is parallel to the edge, but is not the flat edge of the protractor. It is aligned with the center of the origin and the line projects to the start of the scale on either side. In the above example, the angle is 40 degrees. Draw the second leg to complete the angle. Using a ruler, the flat edge of your protractor or another straight edge, connect the vertex with the marked degree, drawing the second leg. This second leg completes your angle. To verify you've drawn the angle accurately, use the protractor to measure it. | Approximate the measure of your angle. Place the origin over the center point, or vertex, of the angle you want to measure. Rotate the protractor to align one leg of the angle with the baseline. Follow the opposite leg of the angle up to the measurements on the protractor's arc. Draw a straight line. Place the origin of the protractor at one end of the line. Find the degree of the angle you wish to draw on the protractor's appropriate scale. Draw the second leg to complete the angle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Hand-Stretches-for-Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome | How to Do Hand Stretches for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | To do hand stretches to help with your carpal tunnel syndrome, try squeezing a tennis ball or stress ball in the palm of your hand for 5 seconds at a time, which can help improve your wrist mobility and alleviate pain. If you don't have a ball, you can still do the stretch by making a fist with your hand instead. Alternatively, try pressing your palms together in front of your chest and slowly lowering them down to your stomach. Once you feel a stretch, hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds and then release. You can also stretch your hand by relaxing your arms at your sides and spreading out your fingers. Hold your fingers like the that for 5 seconds, then release. | Do the prayer stretch. Stretches alone will not resolve an issue you have with carpal tunnel, but combined with effective treatments, they can help you to relieve moderate symptoms. The prayer stretch can help you to increase blood-flow to the median nerve. Try the prayer stretch for early relief of carpal tunnel pain, and to reduce sensations of numbness and tingling. Begin with your palms pressed together in front of your chest, below your chin. Slowly lower your hands (still pressed together) downwards, keeping them close to the stomach. When you feel a moderate stretch, hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat two to four times. The stretch should cause no pain. If you feel an increase in pain or numbness and tingling in your hands, then stop the exercise and see your doctor or physical therapist. Stretch the wrist flexor. Stretching your wrist flexor might help. Start by extending one arm forward, parallel to the floor with the palm facing the ceiling. With the other hand, bend the fingers down towards the floor. When a stretch is felt, hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Switch arms and repeat two to four times. If it is not possible for you to straighten your arm out, then you can also do this stretch with your elbow slightly bent. Stretch the wrist extensor. Extend one arm forward, parallel to the floor with your palm facing the floor. With the other hand, bend your fingers down towards the floor. When a stretch is felt, hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Switch arms and repeat two to four times. If it is not possible for you to straighten your arm out, then you can also do this stretch with your elbow slightly bent. Do wrist circles. Wrist circles can help you to decrease tension in the fingers and flexor tendons. Clench your fists then release the index and middle fingers, pointing them straight. With the two fingers draw five circles in a clockwise direction, then another five circles in a counterclockwise direction. Alternate hands, but repeat three times with each hand. Squeeze a ball in the palm of your hand. Squeeze a tennis ball or something similar to help you to increase mobility of the entire wrist. Using a pressure or stress ball can help alleviate carpal tunnel pain as well as provide stress relief. Gently squeeze the ball for five seconds and then release. Then switch to your other hand, and continue alternating. If you don't have something to squeeze, make a fist and hold it for five seconds. Release, and then repeat five times. Switch to the other hand and repeat. If a tennis ball is too difficult to squeeze, then try squeezing a soft stress ball or even some clay. Do weighted wrist curls. You can help strengthen your wrists and potentially release tension by performing some weighted wrist curls. Take a light weight, a can of food is good to start with, and hold it in one hand. Hang your hand over the edge of a surface, such as a bench, table or your lap. Your palm should be facing down. Make sure that your forearm is supported. Then slowly curl your wrist up, hold it for a moment and then slowly bring it back down. Repeat this for 10 repetitions. Then turn your arm over so your palm is facing the sky, and do ten more repetitions. You can also use a resistance band in a similar manner. Place your forearm on a surface, such as a bench, table, or your lap, but allow your hand to hang over the edge of the surface. Then, place the other end of the resistance band on the floor and secure it under your foot. Then, complete the curls. You can adjust the 'tension' on the elastic band by increasing or decreasing the length of the band. Fan out your fingers. If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel, exercise alone are not likely to significantly relieve symptoms, and they don't replace other treatments. You may find that stretches help to lessen pain and tension to some degree if your symptoms are not too severe. You can extend and clench all your fingers to loosen ligaments in your wrist. Loosening your ligaments can help relieve tension within your carpal tunnel. With your arms relaxed at your sides, stretch out your fingers far apart. Hold this stretch for five seconds. Relax your hands and fingers, and then repeat the stretch. Repeat this exercise four times. Extend and clench your fingers. Standing, extend both arms forward with palms facing downwards, parallel to the floor. Extend fingers upwards as if making a "stop" sign, and hold for five seconds. Relax your fingers downwards so they are once again parallel to the floor. Squeeze your fingers into a tight fist and hold for five seconds. Unclench your fist. Then bend the wrists down towards the floor for another five seconds. Straighten both wrists and relax the fingers. Repeat this exercise 10 times, and then hang your arms loosely at your side and shake them out a little. Do a thumbs-up stretch. Close all your fingers, keeping the thumb out and pointed up. Create some resistance with your hand and wrist to keep your thumb from moving. Then grab your thumb with your free hand, and gently pull it back. Hold it under tension for around five seconds. Release and repeat five to 10 times for each hand. Stretch your thumb under your hand. Another way to stretch your thumb starts with you holding your hand out flat in front of you. Fan out your fingers and ensure that your palm is facing the floor. Bend your thumb under your palm and try to touch the base of your smallest finger. Count to five, then release. Repeat for 10 times with each hand. Use rubber bands for a resistance exercise. Resist rubber bands to build strength in your flexor tendons. Place small rubber bands over all five fingers, then try to flex your fingers open to work the flexor tendons at your carpal tunnel. You can double the band to reduce its size and add more resistance, to strengthen weakened hand muscles. You can also place the rubber band around the thumb and the index fingers only, or any two fingers you want to train. Expand them, then relax. Do each movement for one minute, or until you feel fatigued. Do not push yourself too hard. Instead, try to gradually build up your endurance. If you feel an increase in pain or numbness and tingling, stop the exercise and see your doctor or physical therapist. Pull one arm behind your back. You can ease tension in your neck and shoulder by stretching one arm (bent at a 90 degree angle) behind your back. Slightly twist your head in the opposite direction till you feel a stretch at your shoulder. If you are bending your right arm, turn your head to the left. You will feel a stretch over your right shoulder. Count to five then relax. Repeat three times then switch to the other arm. This may prevent the triggering of some of the carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Stretch your neck gently. You can gently stretch out and ease tension in your neck, if you have some tightness connected to carpal tunnel or repetitive strain injuries. Start by sitting upright, and then placing your right hand on to the top of your left shoulder. Hold your right shoulder down and slowly dip your head forward, and slightly to the right. Hold the stretch for five seconds, and only apply a light amount of pressure. Release slowly, and then repeat this stretch on the other side. Do a shoulder shrug stretch. Start by standing up, with your arms relaxed by your side. Then raise your shoulder in a shrugging motion. Squeeze your shoulders back, and then stretch and pull them down. Hold it for a moment and then push your shoulders forward. This should give you a good and comprehensive stretch for your shoulders. The whole movement should take you around seven seconds to run through. Stretch your hands and elbows against a wall. You can perform this stretch to help you to strengthen your arm muscles between the wrist and inner elbow. This can help create mobility and support through your wrist. Facing a wall, raise your arm until it is parallel to the floor and then place your palm against the wall with your fingers pointing up. If you can't feel the stretch, lean gently into the wall. Then count to 30 and release. Repeat this three times with each arm. For a deeper stretch, turn your palm so your fingers point to the ground. | Do the prayer stretch. Stretch the wrist flexor. Stretch the wrist extensor. Do wrist circles. Squeeze a ball in the palm of your hand. Do weighted wrist curls. Fan out your fingers. Extend and clench your fingers. Do a thumbs-up stretch. Stretch your thumb under your hand. Use rubber bands for a resistance exercise. Pull one arm behind your back. Stretch your neck gently. Do a shoulder shrug stretch. Stretch your hands and elbows against a wall. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Ubuntu-Linux | How to Install Ubuntu Linux | To install Ubuntu Linux on a Windows computer, you'll need to create an installation key by downloading the Ubuntu installation file and burning it to a USB drive, after which point you can reboot your computer into the BIOS and select the USB drive to boot from it. You'll then follow the Ubuntu installation instructions. To add Ubuntu to a Mac, you'll use the Ubuntu installation file and your Mac's Bootcamp utility. | Make sure that your computer can run Linux. Your computer must meet the following system requirements: 2 GHz dual core processor 2 gigabytes of RAM (system memory) 25 gigabytes of hard drive space A DVD drive or USB port on your computer Find a blank DVD disc or a flash drive. To install Ubuntu Linux on your computer, you'll first need to create an installer by placing the Ubuntu ISO file on a disc or flash drive. If you use a DVD, a standard 4.5GB disc will be plenty. If you choose to use a flash drive, make sure it is at least 2GB. Download the Ubuntu Linux ISO file. To do so: Go to https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop Scroll down and click Download to the right of your preferred version, the latest LTS release is 18.10. Scroll down and click the Not now, take me to the download link. Wait for the download to start or click the download now link. Burn the ISO file onto a DVD. You can also use a flash drive, but you'll need to format it for either FAT32 (Windows) or MS-DOS (FAT) (Mac) and then use UNetBootin or Rufus (recommended) to make the flash drive recognizable by your computer's operating system. Partition your computer's hard drive. Creating a partition sections off a determined part of your hard drive, allowing that part to function as a separate hard drive. This is what you'll install Linux onto, so your partition will need to be at least five gigabytes in size. The Ubuntu support page recommends at least 25 gigabytes of free space. Make sure that your installer is inserted. Your DVD or flash drive should be inserted into or attached to your computer. Once you're certain that the installer is connected and you've performed the rest of the steps in this section, you can proceed to installing Ubuntu Linux on your Windows or Mac computer. Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Click Power . This power logo is in the bottom-left corner of the window. A pop-up menu will appear. Click Restart. It's in the Power pop-up menu. Doing so will restart your computer (hold "Shift" key when clicking to disable safe boot). Wait for the Linux installation window to appear. Once your computer finishes restarting and you're back at the desktop, you should see the installation window appear. This will usually happen within a few minutes. Depending on your security settings, you may need to log into your computer before the desktop appears. If you're using a USB flash drive and the Linux installation window doesn't appear, restart your computer and open the BIOS , then find the "Boot Order" section, select the USB drive option (usually Removable Devices ) with the arrow keys, and press the + button to move the USB flash drive to the top. Select a language, then click Continue. Click the language that you want to use for Ubuntu, then click Continue in the bottom-right corner. Click Install Ubuntu. It's on the right side of the window. Check both boxes on the "Preparing to install Ubuntu" page. Check the "Download updates while installing Ubuntu" box and the "Install third-party software for graphics..." box. Click Continue. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Check the "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" box. This option is at the top of the window. Click Install Now. It's in the bottom-right corner. Click Continue when prompted. Doing so will begin the Ubuntu installation process. Select a region, then click Continue. Click a time zone block on the world map to select a region. Select a keyboard layout, then click Continue. To do this, click a language on the left side of the window, then click a version of the language (e.g., US ) on the right side. Enter your user information. Fill out the following fields: Your name - Your first and last name. Your computer's name - The name that you want your computer to use. Make sure that this isn't too complicated. Pick a username - Type in a username that you'd like to use for your Ubuntu profile. Choose a password - Enter a password. This is what you'll use to sign into your computer. Confirm your password - Re-enter the password. Select a login option. Check either "Log in automatically" or "Require my password to log in" in the middle of the page. Click Continue. Click Restart Now when prompted. Doing so will bring up a screen on which you can select your preferred operating system (e.g., Ubuntu or Windows). Select Ubuntu and press ↵ Enter. This will boot your computer into Ubuntu Linux rather than opening Windows again. You now have Linux installed on your Windows computer. Open the Apple menu . Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. Click Restart…. It's near the bottom of the drop-down menu. Click Restart Now when prompted. Doing so will prompt your Mac to begin restarting. Immediately hold down the ⌥ Option key. Do this right after clicking Restart Now. You'll need to continue doing this until instructed otherwise. If you're booting from a DVD, don't do this. Instead, skip to the "Wait for the Linux installer window to appear" step. Release the ⌥ Option key when the boot manager window appears. Once you see a window with different hard drive options appear, you can release the ⌥ Option key. Select your flash drive's name and press ⏎ Return. Use the arrow keys to select it. Doing so will start your computer from the flash drive. Wait for the Linux installer window to appear. If you're booting from a DVD, this may take a few minutes. Select Install Ubuntu and press ⏎ Return. This will open the Ubuntu installer program. Select a language, then click Continue. Click the language that you want to use for Ubuntu, then click Continue in the bottom-right corner. Click Install Ubuntu. It's on the right side of the window. Check both boxes on the "Preparing to install Ubuntu" page. Check the "Download updates while installing Ubuntu" box and the "Install third-party software for graphics..." box. Click Continue. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Check the "Install Ubuntu alongside Mac" box. You'll find this at the top of the window. Click Install Now. It's in the bottom-right corner. Click Continue when prompted. Doing so will begin the Ubuntu installation process. Select a region, then click Continue. Click a time zone block on the world map to select a region. Select a keyboard layout, then click Continue. To do this, click a language on the left side of the window, then click a version of the language (e.g., US ) on the right side. Enter your user information. Fill out the following fields: Your name - Your first and last name. Your computer's name - The name that you want your computer to use. Make sure that this isn't too complicated. Pick a username - Type in a username that you'd like to use for your Ubuntu profile. Choose a password - Enter a password. This is what you'll use to sign into your computer. Confirm your password - Re-enter the password. Select a login option. Check either "Log in automatically" or "Require my password to log in" in the middle of the page. Click Continue. Click Restart Now when prompted. Doing so will bring up a screen on which you can select your preferred operating system (e.g., Ubuntu or Windows). Select Ubuntu and press ↵ Enter. Only do this if prompted. Your computer will boot into Ubuntu rather than MacOS, signifying that you have successfully installed Ubuntu Linux on your Mac. | Make sure that your computer can run Linux. Find a blank DVD disc or a flash drive. Download the Ubuntu Linux ISO file. Burn the ISO file onto a DVD. Partition your computer's hard drive. Make sure that your installer is inserted. Open Start . Click Power . Click Restart. Wait for the Linux installation window to appear. Select a language, then click Continue. Click Install Ubuntu. Check both boxes on the "Preparing to install Ubuntu" page. Click Continue. Check the "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" box. Click Install Now. Click Continue when prompted. Select a region, then click Continue. Select a keyboard layout, then click Continue. Enter your user information. Select a login option. Click Continue. Click Restart Now when prompted. Select Ubuntu and press ↵ Enter. Open the Apple menu . Click Restart…. Click Restart Now when prompted. Immediately hold down the ⌥ Option key. Release the ⌥ Option key when the boot manager window appears. Select your flash drive's name and press ⏎ Return. Wait for the Linux installer window to appear. Select Install Ubuntu and press ⏎ Return. Select a language, then click Continue. Click Install Ubuntu. Check both boxes on the "Preparing to install Ubuntu" page. Click Continue. Check the "Install Ubuntu alongside Mac" box. Click Install Now. Click Continue when prompted. Select a region, then click Continue. Select a keyboard layout, then click Continue. Enter your user information. Select a login option. Click Continue. Click Restart Now when prompted. Select Ubuntu and press ↵ Enter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Chartreux-Cat | How to Take Care of a Chartreux Cat | To take care of your Chartreux cat, comb its coat twice a week so you can keep its wooly texture looking healthy. Since Chartreux cats can develop gingivitis, gently brush your cat's teeth often using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste that's safe for cats. This breed of cat is also known to have a sensitive stomach, so make sure to feed your cat a meat-based diet with cat food that has no less than 40% protein. In addition to looking after its health, you can take care of your Chartreux cat by giving it lots of love and attention since it's a very affectionate breed. | Comb the cat’s coat often. Because of the wooly texture of this breed's coat, you should comb their coat and not brush it. Comb the coat twice each week. This helps remove dead hair and keep the coat looking healthy. You can also comb your fingers through their coats daily. A few times each year, this breed will shed their coats. During the shedding phases, make sure to comb them daily to remove hair. Trim your cat’s nails. To trim the nails, make your cat comfortable. Avoid cutting the quick. Hold the cat in your lap. Wrap your dominant hand around the cat's upper body to keep them still. Hold one paw with your free hand and carefully press on the paw. The claws should come out. Use your hand not holding the claw to trim the nails. This helps keep them properly groomed and reduces any potential problems with long nails. Clean your cat's ears. Clean your cat's ears often to remove any dirt and buildup. Some cats will clean their own ears, but you should check the ears to make sure they are clean. If the ear is clean, it will be pink and odorless. A dirty ear will be darker, have visible dirt, and may have an unpleasant odor. To clean your cat's ears, use a damp cotton ball and rub the inside of the ear gently to remove the dirt or debris. Clean your cat’s teeth. Chartreux cats can develop gingivitis. You can prevent this by brushing your cat's teeth often. Use a safe cat toothpaste and toothbrush with soft bristles. Get the cat used to the toothpaste first. Let your cat taste the toothpaste by placing a small amount on your finger and letting them lick it. When your cat gets accustomed to the toothpaste, rub your finger along their gums. After they are used to that, gently rub a toothbrush with toothpaste along the cat's gums. Slowly work the bristles along the teeth in tiny circles. Keep doing this until the cat lets you brush all of their teeth. Don't use human toothpaste on a cat. The fluoride is poisonous. Feed your cat quality food. Chartreux cats can have sensitive stomachs. Very rich food can make them sick, as can major diet changes. Feed your cat a meat-based diet. Read the label of the cat food to check the ingredient list. Look for meat to be in the top two or three ingredients. Avoid foods that contain less than 40% protein. You need to monitor the weight of your Chartreux. They can become overweight, especially when they are older. If you notice they are getting larger or heavier, put them on the scale. You also will get a weight whenever you take your cat to the doctor. If your cat starts gaining a few pounds, cut back on their food. Take your cat to the vet. Chartreux cats are generally healthy cats. With proper care, they will live into the teens. To ensure their health and well-being, take your cat to get the vet for regular checkups. They should go to the vet at least once each year. Your cat should get vaccines that fight against common feline diseases. After the initial shot, they will need boosters each year. Monitor your cat’s kidneys. This breed has a genetic predisposition to kidney problems. They can develop stones in their urinary tract. They also can develop polycystic kidney disease. Take your cat to the vet if you notice any symptoms of kidney problems. Symptoms of kidney problems include frequent urination, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Have your cat fixed. Consider having your cat spayed or neutered as soon as you get them. This can be done around five to six months. Spaying or neutering can help reduce behaviors like urine spraying or urine marking. Spaying your Chartreux can also reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Spend time with your cat. Chartreux cats are very affectionate cats. They will crawl into your lap as soon as you sit down. They also will follow you around the house. They love attention and want to be around you all the time. You can spend time with your cat by playing or relaxing around the house. Play with your cat. The Chartreux will sit around with you all day, so make sure they get enough exercise. They love to jump and climb. They will chase balls and laser points, and they can be very acrobatic when playing with dangling toys. This breed is very smart, so buy toys that will challenge their brain. Puzzle toys go over well with this breed. You can also try teaching your Chartreux tricks. For example, you can teach your Chartreux how to fetch toys, like a ball, or to come when called. Provide many places to climb. Chartreux cats love to climb. They will climb onto cabinets, bookshelves, and other high places in your home. Because of this, make sure to set up many different places for them to climb. Consider cat trees or cat shelves. Setting up a cat shelf under a windowsill is a good idea for this breed. They love sleeping near windows. Make sure your shelves are secure so the cat does not get injured or fall. Teach children to treat the Chartreux gently. The Chartreux is a great cat for families. They have a very mild disposition that makes them good with smaller children. However, when children interact with them, they should treat the Chartreux gently. This means the children shouldn't pet the cat too hard or hold the Chartreux too tightly. Cats can bite or scratch if they are annoyed. Keep the Chartreux out of cabinets. This breed is very clever and quick to learn. They are considered escape artists and can figure out how to open cabinets. You may want to use a locking mechanism on your cabinets. You can buy pet or baby guards that help keep cabinet doors closed. Take the cat along with you when you travel. This breed is very adaptable and calm. Due to this mild personality, Chartreux cats are great companions when traveling. They do well in RVs or even as companions for long-distance truckers. If you travel, consider taking your cat with you. They are calm if left alone, but they love to go with their people. Keep the cat’s routine similar. The best way to keep the Chartreux happy is to keep their routine the same each day. They like to play for a short time in between napping and eating. Keeping things similar for the Chartreux each day will keep them happy and unstressed. They like to play the same games over and over. If you travel with your cat, try to keep their routine as similar as it is at home. | Comb the cat’s coat often. Trim your cat’s nails. Clean your cat's ears. Clean your cat’s teeth. Feed your cat quality food. Take your cat to the vet. Monitor your cat’s kidneys. Have your cat fixed. Spend time with your cat. Play with your cat. Provide many places to climb. Teach children to treat the Chartreux gently. Keep the Chartreux out of cabinets. Take the cat along with you when you travel. Keep the cat’s routine similar. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-an-Interview | How to Cite an Interview | To cite an interview in a Works Cited section using MLA format, type the interviewee's last name, a comma, the first name, and place a period at the end. Next, type the interview title in quotation marks, followed by a period. Then, insert the date of the interview, add a comma, type the abbreviation "pp," and type the page range where the interview appears. Finally, place a period after the last page number. | List the name of the person interviewed first. In your Works Cited entry, type the interviewee's last name first, followed by a comma, then their first name. Place a period at the end of the person's first name. Example: Spears, Britney. Provide a title or description of the interview. For a published interview that has a title, type the title in quotation marks. Use title case, capitalizing all nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs. Place a period at the end of the title, inside the closing quotation marks. If the interview doesn't have a title, describe it as an interview and identify the interviewer. Place a period at the end of your description. Titled interview example: Amis, Kingsley. "Mimic and Moralist." Untitled interview example: Gaitskill, Mary. Interview by Charles Bock. If you interviewed the person yourself, use the descriptive phrase "Personal interview." You don't have to include your name. For example: Spears, Britney. Personal interview. Include publication information, if available. If the interview was published in a book, magazine, or journal, type the name of the larger work in italics following the title or description. Place a comma after the name of the larger work. Include volume and issue numbers, if available, separated by commas. If the interview was published online, type the name of the website in italics, also followed by a comma. Print example: Gaitskill, Mary. Interview by Charles Bock. Mississippi Review , vol. 27, no. 3, Online example: Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed , Note the date of the interview. If a date is provided, list it as the next item in your Works Cited entry. Express the date in day-month-year format. Place a period after the date if it is the last item in your entry. If you are adding page numbers or a date, place a comma after the date. Personal interview example: Spears, Britney. Personal Interview. 27 July 2018. Online published interview example: Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed , 27 Apr. 2009, Close with page numbers or a URL. For interviews published in print, type the abbreviation "pp." followed by the page range where the interview appears. Place a period after the last page number. If the interview was published online, copy the direct URL or permalink for the interview, without the "http://" part of the address. Place a period at the end of the URL. Then type the word "Accessed" followed by the date you last visited the page in day-month-year format. Place a period at the end of the date. Print example: Gaitskill, Mary. Interview by Charles Bock. Mississippi Review , vol. 27, no. 3, 1999, pp. 129-50. Online example: Zinkievich, Craig. Interview by Gareth Von Kallenbach. Skewed & Reviewed , 27 Apr. 2009, www.arcgames.com/en/games/star-trek-online/news/detail/1056940-skewed-%2526-reviewed-interviews-craig. Accessed 27 July 2018. Use the last name of the person interviewed for in-text citations. MLA requires parenthetical citations following any quote or paraphrase of the source. Since the person interviewed is listed first in your Works Cited entry, use their last name. If the source has page numbers, include the page number where the material quoted or paraphrased appears. Otherwise, just use the person's name. Place a period after the closing parentheses. Example: (Gaitskill 140). If you mention the person's name in your text, you only need the page number in the parenthetical citation. For example: "In her interview, Mary Gaitskill asserted that literature doesn't have to be polite, and should challenge the reader (140)." No parenthetical citation is necessary if you identify the source in the text of your paper unless you need to add a page number. For example: "Craig Zinkievich provided details about the Star Trek game in his online interview with Gareth Von Kallenbach." Cite a personal interview in text only. In a parenthetical citation after a quote or paraphrase from the interview, identify the name of the person interviewed by their first initial and last name. Place a comma after the name, then the words "personal communication." Add another comma, then type the date of the interview in month-day-year format. Place a period outside the closing parentheses. Example: (B. Spears, personal communication, July 27, 2018). With APA style, citations are only included in your reference list if they point the reader to "recoverable data." A published interview would be published data because your readers could look it up and read it themselves. However, if you conducted an interview yourself, readers have no way to access it. Match the format to the type of source for published interviews. If the interview is published, whether in print or online, the citation format is the same as it would be for any other article or video published that way. Generally, start your citation with the author, followed by the date of publication in parentheses. After the date, type the title of the interview in sentence-case, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. Close with a URL or publication information. Magazine example: Schultz, S. (2018, April 9). Talking turkey with a lion tamer. Time, 139 , 38-41. Blog post example: Sanders, S. (2018). Interview with Britney Spears [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://sandersss.wordpress.com/2018/07/27/interview-with-britney-spears Video example: Sanders, S. [Sandersss]. (2018, July 27). Interview with Britney Spears [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqSTXuJeTks Publish personal interviews to make the data recoverable. Post a transcript of the interview on a blog or other website. If you have a video or audio recording, post that on a blog or using a video platform such as YouTube. This allows your readers to access the interview and review your source material for themselves. Once you publish the interview, create an entry in your reference list that reflects the type of source. Use the regular author-date format for in-text citations. Cite personal interviews using in-text footnotes only. Start the footnote with the name of the person interviewed. Type their first and last name, followed by a comma. If the person is unknown, provide a description of their significance in parentheses following their name. Identify the source as an interview, and give the name of the interviewer (or "author," if you conducted the interview yourself). Follow this information with a comma, then provide other information, such as the date of the interview. End your footnote with a period. Live interview example: Nick Kringle (retired department store Santa), interview with author, November 14, 2018. Written interview example: Maria Melina (former nun), email message to author, October 2, 2018. Begin a bibliographic entry with the name of the person interviewed. List the last name of the person interviewed, then a comma, then their first name. Place a period after the person's name. Example: Waits, Tom. If the person is not commonly known, include identifying information after their name in parentheses. Place a period after the closing parentheses. For example: Rodriguez, Carrie (acoustic guitarist). Include the name of the interviewer. After the name of the person interviewed, type the words "Interview by" and then the name of the person who conducted the interview, with their first name followed by their last name. Place a period after their last name. Example: Waits, Tom. Interview by Terry Gross. Provide publication information for the interview. If the interview itself has a title, type that in quotation marks. Place a period at the end of the title, inside the closing quotation marks. Then type the name of the publication in italics. In the case of a broadcast interview, use the name of the show. Place a period, then type the name of the station. Add another period, then type the date the interview aired or was published in month-day-year format. Place a period after the date. Example: Waits, Tom. Interview by Terry Gross. "Tom Waits: The Fresh Air Interview: NPR." Fresh Air from WHYY. National Public Radio. October 31, 2011. Include a direct URL to the interview, if available. If a transcript, video, or audio recording of the video is available online, add the full direct URL or permalink to the end of your bibliography entry. Place a period at the end of the URL. Example: Waits, Tom. Interview by Terry Gross. "Tom Waits: The Fresh Air Interview: NPR." Fresh Air from WHYY. National Public Radio. October 31, 2011. http://www.npr.org/2011/10/31/141657227/tom-waits-the-fresh-air-interview. Alter the format for in-text footnotes to published interviews. The in-text footnote includes the same information as the bibliography entry. However, elements are separated with commas instead of with periods. Additionally, type the name of the interviewed person in first name-last name format. Example: Tom Waits, interview by Terry Gross, "Tom Waits: The Fresh Air Interview: NPR," National Public Radio, October 31, 2011, http://www.npr.org/2011/10/31/141657227/tom-waits-the-fresh-air-interview. | List the name of the person interviewed first. Provide a title or description of the interview. Include publication information, if available. Note the date of the interview. Close with page numbers or a URL. Use the last name of the person interviewed for in-text citations. Cite a personal interview in text only. Match the format to the type of source for published interviews. Publish personal interviews to make the data recoverable. Cite personal interviews using in-text footnotes only. Begin a bibliographic entry with the name of the person interviewed. Include the name of the interviewer. Provide publication information for the interview. Include a direct URL to the interview, if available. Alter the format for in-text footnotes to published interviews. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/House-Lovebirds | How to House Lovebirds | To comfortably house a pair of lovebirds, keep them in a cage that's at least 32 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 20 inches high. However, since lovebirds love to fly back and forth, you should give them the largest cage that you have room for. To prevent your lovebirds from escaping, pick a cage with bars no greater than 3/8 of an inch apart, and make sure the door latches securely. You'll also need a cage cover to help your birds sleep well at night. | Choose an 18”x18”x18” (45x45x45 cm) wire cage for one bird. If you have a pair of lovebirds, then pick a wire cage that is at least 32 inches wide, 20 inches long, and 20 inches high (81x50x50 cm). In general, any medium to large-sized flight cage will work for one to two lovebirds. Try to pick a cage that has horizontal bars in addition to vertical bars. The horizontal bars will allow your bird to climb the cage, an activity lovebirds enjoy. Because lovebirds are active birds that like to fly back and forth, the bigger the cage the better. Pick a cage with bars no greater than 3/8 inches (.953 cm) apart. If the bars are wider than this, then your lovebirds will try to escape through them. Attempting to escape through the bars can cause them to get stuck in them, or actually escape, which you do not want. Make sure the cage doors have locks. Lovebirds are creative, intelligent birds, which means they can learn to open unsecured doors. To prevent your lovebirds from escaping, choose a cage that comes with locks on entry and feeder doors. Pick a cage with removable trays. Trays at the bottom of the cage catch debris, like food and feces. Choose a cage with a removable tray to simplify the cleaning of your lovebirds' cage. This way, you only need to slide out the tray to clean it instead of having to remove everything from inside the cage. Line the tray with the appropriate substrate or habitat paper to further simplify the cleaning process. Purchase a cage cover. Cage covers are great for helping your lovebirds feel safe and secure during the night. They also block out light and other noises that might disturb your birds while they sleep. Just make sure to choose a cover that is especially designed for birds. Do not use towels or other bedding material to cover the cage. Your bird's claws may get stuck in these types of covers, or they may pick at the cover and choke on the fibers. Place the cage in a family room. Lovebirds like to feel like they are a part of the family. Place your lovebird's cage in the living room, den, or another room where you and your family members spend a lot of time. The only exception is the kitchen. Smoke and cooking fumes from the kitchen can aggravate your bird's respiratory system, or even suffocate it. Even the fumes from non-stick or Teflon pans can be toxic to birds. Keep birds in a well-ventilated area away from these fumes. Position the cage against the wall. A wall on one side of the cage will provide a sense of security for your lovebird(s). If all of the cage's walls are exposed, your lovebird will also feel exposed, causing it to feel anxious or threatened. A wall will also allow your bird to face away from the family when it wants some privacy, or does not feel like interacting with the family. Avoid placing the cage in drafty areas. Try not to place the cage directly under or next to an air conditioning vent. Cold air constantly blowing on your bird may cause it to develop a cold, especially if your bird is wet after a bath. Additionally, place the cage on top of a table or shelf instead of on the floor to avoid air drafts. If the temperature is too cold or hot for you, it is probably not comfortable for a bird either. Avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause your bird's cage to overheat. Temperatures higher than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.7 degrees Celsius) can dehydrate your bird, leading to heatstroke and possibly death. Wherever you place the cage, just make sure there are intervals of sunshine and shade. While a little indirect sunlight is good for the bird, do not place the cage in direct sunlight, as the bird may overheat. Keep the cage in a well-lit area away from windows. Provide at least three perches. If you have a pair of lovebirds, then you may want to provide four or more perches. All of the perches should be at least four inches long and half of an inch in diameter (10x1.3 cm). Additionally, provide a variety of perches made from different materials, like natural branch, wood dowel, cement, and therapeutic perches. Swinging perches are also a great choice. Do not use sandpaper-covered perches, or plastic perches. Perches provide exercise and help prevent arthritis. Supply the cage with three bowls. One bowl should be for water, one for pellets/seeds, and one for fresh foods like vegetables and fruits. To avoid contaminating the food and water bowls with feces, do not place them underneath the perches. Instead, place them in a clean area away from the perches. Additionally, if you are not using a misting bottle to bathe your birds, make sure to provide a flat earthenware dish for bathing instead. Provide a variety of toys. Make sure to purchase toys that are bird-friendly and sized appropriately for your birds. Your birds should have at least three toys at one time. Rotate the toys so your birds will not get bored. Also, periodically check the toys to make sure they are not broken or damaged. If you find any broken or damaged toys, make sure to remove and replace them. Some great examples of toys are food puzzles, as well as wooden, shiny, rope, plastic, and foraging toys.You can also hide food in balled up paper or cardboard boxes to encourage foraging behavior. Avoid giving your birds toys with small parts that can be chewed off and ingested, or toys that have long strings/cords/threads that your birds can become entangled in. Metal chains and bells are also hazardous for birds. Hang a nest box. Because lovebirds like special resting places, nest boxes are a great way to fulfill this necessity. Provide a nest box for each bird. Also place the boxes up high and at the same level to discourage competition and fighting. | Choose an 18”x18”x18” (45x45x45 cm) wire cage for one bird. Pick a cage with bars no greater than 3/8 inches (.953 cm) apart. Make sure the cage doors have locks. Pick a cage with removable trays. Purchase a cage cover. Place the cage in a family room. Position the cage against the wall. Avoid placing the cage in drafty areas. Avoid placing the cage in direct sunlight. Provide at least three perches. Supply the cage with three bowls. Provide a variety of toys. Hang a nest box. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pillow | How to Make a Pillow | To make a pillow, first cut your fabric into two squares or rectangles that are ½ an inch bigger than you want your pillow to be. Then put the pieces together, print sides facing, and use a sewing machine or hand sew three of the edges together. Next, turn the pillow right side out, fold in the edges that aren't sewn yet, and press them flat with a hot iron. Finally, stuff your pillow and, using the crease from where you ironed as a guide, sew the opening shut. | Choose your fabric. Almost any fabric can work, but consider the purpose of the pillow you want. If you are going to be using it rest on at night, pick a fabric that feels good against your face. If your pillow will be decorative, pick a fabric that matches your other furniture. Soft cotton with a high thread count works well for pillows you'll be sleeping on. Brocade and other home decor fabrics work well for decorative pillows. Cut the fabric into two squares or rectangles of equal size. Add ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) to each side to allow for seam allowances. How big you cut the pieces depends on what size pillow you want. If you will be stuffing your pillow with a pillow form, cut the fabric the same size and shape a the pillow form; this will give you a nice, full pillow. If the fabric is prone to fraying, serge or zigzag stitch the edges after you cut it. Place the two fabric pieces together right-side-in. If you need to, secure three of the edges with sewing pins; leave the other edge un-pinned so that you can turn the pillow right-side-out later. Sew three of the edges together. Use a matching thread color, a straight stitch, and a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance. Remove the pins a you sew, and leave the fourth edge un-sewn. You can do this either by hand or with a sewing machine. If you are using a sewing machine, backstitch at the start and end of your sewing so that your stitching doesn't come undone. Turn the pillow right-side-out. If you used very thick fabric for the pillow, you might want to cut the corners off first; this will help reduce bulk. After you turn the pillow right-side-out, use your fingers to help push the corners out further so that they are nice and sharp. Fold the raw edges in and press them flat. Go to the open edge of the pillow. Fold the raw edge in by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). Press them flat with a hot iron; this will make a crease that will serve as a guideline for when you are ready to sew the pillow shut. If you don't have an iron, you can pin each folded edge separately; don't pin them together, however, or you won't be able to stuff the pillow. Stuff the pillow as much as you can, so that it is nice and full. Polyester stuffing is a popular and readily-available pillow filling. You can purchase it in fabric shops and craft stores. If you based your pillow off of an existing pillow form, insert the form now. You can also cut open an old pillow, and use the down or polyester stuffing from it instead. Pin and sew the opening shut. You can do this by hand with a ladder stitch or a blind stitch , or you can topstitch it on the sewing machine instead. Remove the pins when you are done. Keep the stitching tight and small hen hand sewing. Knot the thread securely at the end. Use a ⅛-inch (0.32-centimeter) seam allowance and a matching thread color when machine sewing. Remember to backstitch at the start and end of your sewing. Pick your fabric. You can use jut about any type of fabric you want to make a pillowcase. Some types of fabric work better than others depending on what you ill be using the pillow for, however. For example, a soft cotton with a high thread count will work best for a sleeping pillow. Brocade and home decor fabric would work better for decorative throw pillows. Cut a piece of fabric that is the same size as your pillow form. Measure the pillow insert first, then cut a piece of fabric according to that measurement. This will make the front of your pillow. You will be making the pillowcase a little smaller than the pillow form itself. This will give you a nice, full pillow. Cut two smaller pieces of fabric for the back of the pillow. Each piece needs to be the same width as the pillow, but only half the height, plus an additional 5 inches (12.7 centimeters). This will create an overlap while accounting for hems and seam allowances. Alternatively, you can make the pieces the same width and two-thirds of the height. The back piece can be the same color and pattern as your front piece, or they can be different. Hem one of the long edges on each of the back pieces. Turn one of the back pieces so that the wrong side is facing you. Fold the long, top edge down twice by ½-inch (1.27 centimeters). Press it flat once more, then topstitch it as close as possible to the inside folded edge. Repeat this step for the other back piece. Pin the back pieces to the front piece, hemmed edges overlapping. Set the front piece down first, right-side-up. Place one of the back pieces on top, right-side-down, then add the second back piece, right-side-down. Make sure that the raw edges of the back pieces match up with the raw edges of the front piece. Make sure that the hemmed edge of the back pieces are overlapping along the middle of the front piece. Sew along all four edges. Use a ½-inch (1.27-centimeter) seam allowance and a matching thread color. Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing, and remove the pins as you sew. Do not leave a gap for turning. You will be turning the pillow through the opening created by the overlapping back pieces. Finish the inside of the pillowcase, if needed. If you used thick or bulky fabric, snip off the corners as close to the stitching as you can. If your fabric is prone to fraying, serge or zigzag stitch the raw edges. Turn the pillowcase right-side-out. Pull apart the to hemmed edges in the middle of the pillow. Reach into the pillow and grab it by the corners. Pull the corners through the opening. Use your fingers to push the corners out further, if needed. Insert your pillow form. The back pieces of the pillow will overlap across the back of the pillow form, keeping it inside. There is no need to add buttons, snaps, or zippers! Get some non-fraying fabric, such as fleece or flannel. You will be cutting two pieces of fabric, one for the front of the pillow, and one for the back. You can use the same color and pattern for each piece, or you can use coordinating ones. Make sure that you use the same type of fabric, however! Cut the fabric into two identical squares or rectangles. Each piece needs to be 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) wider and 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) longer than you want the final pillow to be. Your fringe will be 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) long. If you want a longer fringe, cut the fabric larger. Cut a 3-inch (7.62-centimeter) square out of each corner. Lay the two fabric pieces on top of each other, with the wrong sides facing in. Cut a 3-inch (7.62-centimeter) square out of each corner. Make sure that you are cutting through both layers of fabric. If you cut your fabric larger for a longer fringe, cut the squares the same size you want the fringe to be. Cut a fringe into each of the four edges. Each tassel needs to be 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) deep and ¼ to 1 inch (0.64 to 2.54 centimeters) wide. Again, make sure that you are cutting through both layers of fabric, otherwise the fringes won't match up. Tie the top tassels to the matching bottom tassels. Use a tight, double knot or a square knot. Tie together three of the edges, and only half of the fourth edge. You won't be turning the pillowcase inside out, but you will be stuffing it! Add your stuffing. A polyester stuffing will work the best, but you can use a pillow form as well. Stuff the pillow until it is nice and full, making sure to fill out the corners. You can buy polyester stuffing at a fabric store or craft store. Finish tying the pillow. Poke the stuffing into the pillow as you tie the last few tassels together. For extra security, tie the corners together in a double-knot. | Choose your fabric. Cut the fabric into two squares or rectangles of equal size. Place the two fabric pieces together right-side-in. Sew three of the edges together. Turn the pillow right-side-out. Fold the raw edges in and press them flat. Stuff the pillow as much as you can, so that it is nice and full. Pin and sew the opening shut. Pick your fabric. Cut a piece of fabric that is the same size as your pillow form. Cut two smaller pieces of fabric for the back of the pillow. Hem one of the long edges on each of the back pieces. Pin the back pieces to the front piece, hemmed edges overlapping. Sew along all four edges. Finish the inside of the pillowcase, if needed. Turn the pillowcase right-side-out. Insert your pillow form. Get some non-fraying fabric, such as fleece or flannel. Cut the fabric into two identical squares or rectangles. Cut a 3-inch (7.62-centimeter) square out of each corner. Cut a fringe into each of the four edges. Tie the top tassels to the matching bottom tassels. Add your stuffing. Finish tying the pillow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Mango-Salsa | How to Make Mango Salsa | To make mango salsa, first wash and finely chop the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and cilantro. Next, cut a mango into thirds lengthwise. Cut a grid pattern into each of the mango slices so that each cube is 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. When you're finished cutting the grid, turn the mango slice inside-out and cut the flesh where it meets the skin. Then, chop up the chili peppers, but make sure to remove the stem and all of the seeds. Stir together all the ingredients in a bowl and squeeze a lime over the bowl. Once you've completed your salsa, serve it with tortilla chips. | Select the fruit and vegetables. The tomatoes and mango should both be fully ripe and soft to the touch, but not squishy and bruised. Check near the mango's stem for a small amount of syrup and a mango scent; these are both signs of ripeness. While any varieties of these fruits and vegetables will work, these are the ideal options if available at your local grocery or farmer's market: Mango: Try to find a non-stringy variety such as Haden and Kent. Tomatoes: Use a small variety such as Roma. Large varieties will make your salsa soggy. Onion: A sweet onion variety such as Vidalia makes a sweet salsa, while red onion adds more kick. Lime or lemon: Lime is preferred, but any variety will do. Bottled lime juice has less punch, but may be a much cheaper alternative in many areas. Chili pepper: If you enjoy spicy salsa, use habanero, cayenne, or Thai chili to provide great contrast with the sweet mango. Otherwise, select a jalapeño or other relatively mild pepper. Rinse and chop most of the produce. Rinse all the fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Peel the onion and garlic, then finely chop them, the tomatoes, and the cilantro leaves. Discard the cilantro stems. If your chopped tomatoes are extra wet, drain them in a colander while you chop the other ingredients. Chop the mango. The easiest way to cut a mango into thick cubes is to cut it into thirds lengthwise. Set aside the middle third, which contains the pit. Score a grid pattern at ¼ to ½ inch (6–12 mm) intervals into the flesh of each end piece, cutting all the way to the skin. Turn the end piece inside out so the cubes of flesh stick outward, then sever them at the base over a bowl. Depending on how much flesh there is on your middle section, you can cut cubes off it one by one, or set it aside as a snack-reward for your hard efforts making salsa. Chop the chili pepper. Wear gloves to prevent irritation of your skin, and make sure not to touch your face while chopping. Slice the pepper lengthwise in half. Scrape out and discard the seeds and stem. Mince ½ the pepper, or the entire pepper if you enjoy spicy salsa. If using chili powder instead, add it a teaspoon (5 mL) at a time, according to taste. Combine all ingredients. Gently stir all the fruits and vegetables together in the serving bowl. Cut a lime into quarters and squeeze each quarter over the salsa. Add a generous pinch or two of salt and stir. Taste the salsa before you put away the ingredients. Feel free to add more salt, lime, coriander, chili or any other ingredient you feel the salsa needs. If the salsa is too sour, mix in a teaspoon (5 mL) of brown sugar, taste again, then add add another teaspoonful of brown sugar if it's still not sweet enough. Taste again, and keeping adding sugar a teaspoonful at a time until you achieve the flavor you want. If the salsa is floating in its own juices, pour out half the juice or more – but save it for adding to soups or other recipes. Serve with tortilla chips. Unsalted, unflavored chips are best, since the salsa has plenty of flavor on its own. Refrigerate it before serving to enhance the flavor and chill the dish. Leftovers will last for up to three days in the refrigerator. Add more fruit for a sweeter recipe. Make a refreshing summer appetizer halfway between salsa and fruit salad, by chopping and adding half a sweet apple and half a pear instead of the onion and garlic. This pairs well with a handful of chopped mint instead of cilantro. 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) crushed pineapple can be added to this recipe or to the basic recipe for a more tropical, acidic flavor. Mix in other vegetables or nuts. Your favorite fresh vegetables make your salsa distinctive in color and flavor. Options include bell pepper (any color), avocado, cucumber, or walnuts. Mince finely and combine with the basic ingredients. Leave the avocado out until just before serving, to avoid browning. Try other spices. Instead of the typical Mexican blend of chile pepper, cilantro, and garlic, try one of these substitutions for a more unique take on the salsa: Fry a small handful of fennel seeds in a tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil, until browned. Add the chopped mango and chile pepper along with ½ teaspoon each (2.5 mL) of cumin, coriander, and ginger powder. Cook until the oil separates, then combine with the other fruits and vegetables or serve plain. Or try 1 teaspoon (5 mL) white vinegar, 3 teaspoons (15 mL) olive oil, and a brief grind of white pepper. | Select the fruit and vegetables. Rinse and chop most of the produce. Chop the mango. Chop the chili pepper. Combine all ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips. Add more fruit for a sweeter recipe. Mix in other vegetables or nuts. Try other spices. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Stressed-and-Overly-Emotional-Parents | How to Deal with Stressed and Overly Emotional Parents | If your parents are stressed and overly emotional, try to avoid engaging with them by leaving the house or hanging out in your room when they're upset. If you can't leave, at least try to ignore them since getting involved might stress you out more, which isn't fair to you. Then, when your parents have calmed down, talk to them and explain that their behavior has been taking a toll on you. Just remember to stay calm as you explain yourself to help prevent your parents from getting stressed or emotional again. | Manage the situation. If your parents are being overly emotional or stressed, it is generally easier to manage the situation instead of engage in it. If you need to get something specific from them or talk to them about something specific, try to be direct with your questions or within your discussion. If you avoid responding in an emotional way, your parents may be more likely to respond in a similar fashion. Even if they don't, you will be less likely to gain stress from the interaction if you just attempt to manage them instead of engaging in their emotional, stressed behavior. For example, if your parents are raising their voices at you, don't raise yours back. Calmly try to continue the conversation without making it worse. Remove yourself from the situation. If your parents are too stressed and you can't handle it, remove yourself from the conversation or situation, if possible. If your parents are stressing you out, go to your room or another room of the house. Don't do it in a disrespectful way, but try to remove yourself from the situation so you don't make it worse or become stressed yourself because of their overly emotional behavior. If you are in a situation where you can't get away from them, try to remove yourself from the conversation. This can be done by telling them that you don't want to talk, respectfully telling them that you are removing yourself from the conversation, or simply ignoring any stressed or emotional behavior they exhibit in your presence. Help the situation. If you see what is causing the stress or emotional behavior in your parents lives, try to help with it if you can. There may be some situations where you can't help, such as personal issues with their relationship or their relationships with others, or in some cases money troubles, but there are other situations where you can help. Even removing just a little of the pressure can help deescalate the situation to where your parents may calm down. For example, if you see that a messy house is making your parents stress out, try picking up around the house or washing the dishes. Or if you are old enough to get a job, find a job and start buying some of your own things or giving your parents a little bit of money to help with things. Talk to them about it. If your parents are too stressed and emotional for your to deal with, talk to them about it. Have concrete examples of how they have acted that has stressed you out or been too emotional. Don't blame or accuse them of horrible behavior, just explain to them that they have been overly emotional and stressed lately and that it is interfering with your life. Most parents may not even see how they have been acting or know how it is effecting you. Make sure you do this calmly. Even if your parents fight back with harsh words or can't see what they've been doing, make sure you stay calm. You can only do so much in these situations. Once you've told them, it is up to them to change it. If it still doesn't change over time, try having the conversation again with additional examples of their actions. Support the parents. Parents today have a lot to stress about. Raising children while juggling all the other demands of life in today's economy and culture can most certainly take its toll. Parents can get overwhelmed and, as a caretaker of their child, you provide assistance to them and their stress as well. Youth work is all about teamwork, and helping support parents essentially is helping support their child. It can be very helpful for parents to have someone they trust and who has real knowledge about their child just listen to them talk. Sometimes the best thing you can do to help stressed out parents is to provide a safe space for them to get their emotions off their chest and to give them the support they need. Pay attention to the parents. There some methods you can employ, other than simple support, that will help you actively listen to parents when they talk to you. Whether you are on the phone or in person, plant your feet firmly on the ground and remain present. Keep your breathing calm and focused, lean in to the conversation, and truly be there for the parent. Stay as grounded as possible in your interactions with them so you can stay as focused as possible on their conversation. In order to create a safe space, you have to be safe person who is paying attention and taking their concerns seriously. Be present for them. The parents will notice if you are really engaged in what they are saying. If you are really engaged, then you can handle their need to purge their emotions and stresses. Take notes. Another active listening technique is to take notes. If you are not on the phone, ask the parent if they mind if you take notes. Explain that you just want to make sure you are fully absorbing what they are saying so that you can work with the rest of your team to help find solutions to their concerns and help take some of the burden off of them. This will let them know that you truly care about their concerns and their child as well. Make reflective statements. Sometimes when parents are overly emotional, it can be difficult for them to stay focused. Use statements like that start with things like, "What I am hearing you say is," or, "I can hear from your voice how stressed you are." These statements will let them know you acknowledge their stress. You can also use validating statements such as, "That must be really difficult" to help the parents truly understand you are listening and taking their stress, emotions, and concerns seriously. Let them know you are here to help. Sometimes people are uncomfortable when they get stressed. The parents may also find it challenging for them to feel so emotional and want to avoid seeking help. Assure the parents that you are there to help, you are there for their child, and you are there for them. Let them know it is part of your job to offer support and ask them if there is anything you can do to make them feel more comfortable talking and expressing themselves. Legitimize the parent's worries and concerns. Don't offer advice, minimize the parents stress and emotions, or suggest any kind of quick fix. The first step is to listen, and let the parent say what they need to say, beginning to end. Try to avoid interrupting them while they are describing their issues to you. Remember, they are the parents, and respect that their experience with their child may be different than your experience as a teacher or caregiver. By withholding judgment and solutions, you can learn more about the family dynamics, other aspects of the child in question, and behaviors that may not present at school or day care. By using your listening time to also gather information about the child, the parents, and family dynamics, you will have a better arsenal of ideas of what can be done to help the parents and child. Comfort the parents. While you are listening, after you reflect to the parent how upset and stressed they sound, encourage them to try to breathe and relax. This will help to dissolve the situation and put the parents at ease. By reinforcing that they are not alone and you are actively listening, you can help de-escalate the parent's emotional state so that you can better help them. Reassure the parents. Sound, logical advice and planning is great, but when you feel stressed and overwhelmed, most of the time you want to be heard and feel validated. After this, you can think more rationally about the issues that you are dealing with. Keep this in mind while you are dealing with stressed out parents. Giving them your attention as well as validation and reassurance can go a long way in lowering the emotional intensity so that solutions can eventually be discussed. Keep reassuring the parents that you value their worries and opinions. Ask reflective questions. Reflective questions are questions that start with why, what, who, or when. Try to avoid questions that are black and white or just yes or no. Reflective questions validate the experience the parents are having. It also makes it easier for you as the listener to gather as much information about what is going on with the parent and begin to think about possible solutions. Reflective questions also allow the parent to explore their own feelings and why they are stressed. Sometimes talking through a stressful time with someone the parent feels is a professional can really help the parent feel supported. Try questions such as "What can I do to help with this situation?" or "What exactly do you think is causing this issue for your child?" These require long, in depth responses that the parents can answer. These questions will also help you figure out the exact problem and figure out what to do to fix it. Validate the parent’s situation. Holding back all judgment, focus on the fact that the feelings the parents are having are very real for them. Make statements that validate their emotions. Validate how difficult it is to be a parent in general as well. Validating the parent and their emotions can also help calm the parent down. If you feel like someone is listening to you and understanding you, it helps you feel less defensive and more open to talking about options and solutions. Tell them something like, "I understand your frustration with this situation," or, "I can see the stress and upset that this event has caused you." Empathize with the parent's feelings. Allow yourself to feel what the parent is feeling and try to put yourself in their shoes. Humans have a unique ability to empathize with others, and if you are working in childcare or youth work, you most likely are familiar with how much empathy can mean to another person. The parents that are stressed, emotional, and reaching out for help need your empathy too. Remember that youth work is really family work, and by empathizing with what the parent is going through, you are not only supporting the parent, but you can also empathize better with the child and their home situation. Even though you are not at the solution stage yet, by truly empathizing with the parent, you can begin to form questions of your own about what you would do in that situation, which will help you create an action plan. Keep those questions in the back of your mind and stay focused on listening, validating, and empathizing with the parent. Assure that you are here to help. When parents get overly stressed, it can be really helpful for them to know they are not alone, and that other adults are here to support them. You are in a professional position and represent someone who they feel they should be able to trust with their children. Make it very clear that they are not alone and that you are listening. This will help validate their feelings and show that you empathize with them so that you can be supportive. Tell them that this is a part of your job that you are ready and willing to do. Assure the parents with phrases such as "I am here to help you with every concern you have," or, "I understand your frustration and I am here to help you until you are satisfied with the result." Suggest breathing exercises to help destress the parents. If you have listened attentively, presently, validated, and empathized but the parent you are dealing with is getting more upset and escalating in their emotions, gently suggest that you both engage in deep breathing. Even if you are on the phone with a parent, ask them to place a hand on their belly and breathe deeply into it. Express to them that you are doing deep breathing too in order to help dissipate the emotion and stress. Also tell them that you want to be calm and centered enough to help them. Do not rush this step. Allow plenty of time for the parents to vent and speak, but also realize when it's time to calm down and start being productive. Be conscious of your time and energy as well. If thinking about solutions is not appropriate because the parent is just too emotional, try to set up another meeting or phone call when you can talk again. Ask for guidance from the parents. If you are not sure how best to help the parents, ask them what the best way is for you to help them. Give them the power and control, which may also help ease their stress levels while you are talking to them. Ask what they need from you in this moment to best serve them, their distress, and their child. This can help them focus, feel nurtured, and also feel heard and as though they have a voice. Address the problems separately. Start helping the parents one step at a time. Knowing that there is help on the way and that you are on their team can help the parent feel secure and supported. Depending on what the concerns are, try to address each of the stressors individually and cohesively. For example, if their child is acting out at home, address what can be done from your side as the caregiver or teacher, and what the parent can do at home to complement the actions you are taking when the child is in your care. Ask for a list of concerns. Ask the parents to create a log of the issues and concerns that they are having and how the child is involved. Ask the parents to try to notice times, events, situations, and people that are causing the stress and emotions. This way, you can get a better idea of what types of services and interventions will best fit what is going on with the family. This exercise can also help you to notice similar events with the child when the parent is not around. Give support to the family. If the parents are stressed because of housing, economic, or financial concerns, use the resources you have in your community or place of work to help support the family through this time. Give the parents as many options as you can about services, welfare programs, and school programs for families struggling with poverty. This may not offer an immediate solution, but it can help decrease their stress in the long run. Offer outside solutions from the problems. If there are clear instances of family loss, abuse, substance abuse in the household, divorce, or other stressors that are directly related to the current issues, be proactive in finding programs and counseling that will benefit the child. Contact the school counselor for suggestions, or ask your supervisor for referrals for counseling. Most urban communities have free programs for children who have been victims of abuse. As a youth worker, you should have access to resources for when family situations such as trauma arise. Assure the parent that you are on their side and will make every effort to find the resources to get their child the help they need. Involve the parent and listen to their perspective. By developing a team-like environment, not only will the parent benefit by feeling involved and empowered, the child will also benefit by having multiple perspectives and strategies at home as well. Ask the parent directly how you can help. Keeping the parents involved will help them feel less powerless, and in turn this will help reduce the feelings of stress and lower the emotionality. Present yourself as a part of their team, and as a someone who wants to support them and cares deeply about the wellbeing of their child. Suggest self care for the parent's stress. As anyone will tell you, parenting is the toughest job you can have. Sometimes, when parents are stressed and over-emotional, it can be helpful if you encourage them to take some time and space to care for themselves. By doing this, you are again showing support, showing that you are listening, and helping ease their stress by giving them permission to focus on themselves. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to suggest different things. For example, if there has been a loss in the family, encourage the parent to seek counseling. Offer to connect them with free services, or ask the parent to contact their insurance company to find a therapist that can help them. The parent may be beyond their capability to fully handle what is going on in their family, and seeking the help of a professional may be the best thing for them and for their child. Encourage the parent to take time for themselves. Parents often forget to take care of themselves. Even if this means an hour alone in a hot bath with no interruptions, encourage the parent to find ways to relax. You don't have to be explicit with your suggestions, but be sincere that you feel they deserve some pampering. Using your empathy, reaffirm that their stress and emotions are valid, and they must take care of themselves so that they can also take care of their child. Ask the parents what they need. It might help you to ask the parents what they think they may need to get through their stressful emotions. See if there is anything you can do to help, such as suggesting parenting classes or books. Depending on what is stressing the child, perhaps a support group would be helpful and you can help them find it. For example, if the parents have an autistic child and are stretched beyond their limits, a support group for parents with autistic children might be a great way for them to relieve feelings of isolation and connect with other parents with similar stressors. Emphasize the need for emotional stability. Impress upon the parents how important their emotional state is for the well being of not only themselves, but also their child. Sometimes parents can lose themselves in the daily stress of work and child rearing, and it can be helpful to hear that their emotional health is important and valid. Tell the parent that they matter, their feelings matter, and even though you care for their child as your job, part of caring for that child is caring for the entire family. Be a pillar of support and validation for stressed parents. In the long run, better emotional health in the parents make for better emotional health for the child. As a youth worker, your job is to promote arenas for healthy children. Be kind, listen, validate, and empathize when parents get stressed. | Manage the situation. Remove yourself from the situation. Help the situation. Talk to them about it. Support the parents. Pay attention to the parents. Take notes. Make reflective statements. Let them know you are here to help. Legitimize the parent's worries and concerns. Comfort the parents. Reassure the parents. Ask reflective questions. Validate the parent’s situation. Empathize with the parent's feelings. Assure that you are here to help. Suggest breathing exercises to help destress the parents. Ask for guidance from the parents. Address the problems separately. Ask for a list of concerns. Give support to the family. Offer outside solutions from the problems. Ask the parent directly how you can help. Suggest self care for the parent's stress. Encourage the parent to take time for themselves. Ask the parents what they need. Emphasize the need for emotional stability. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pack-for-a-Weekend-Trip | How to Pack for a Weekend Trip | To pack for a weekend trip, bring as many changes of clothing as you'll need for each day, and consider bringing an extra outfit in case you need it. Remember to take into account the weather where you'll be going, as well as the types of events you'll be attending. For instance, if you're going sight-seeing, you'd want to pack walking shoes, or you would probably need a bathing suit if you're going to a place with a pool. Then, pack all of the toiletry items that you need on a daily basis, along with essentials like your phone charger and ID. | Make a list. Lists are awesome. Obviously, you know where you are going, how long you'll be gone, and which activities you expect to fill your weekend. As you go on with your day (before you pack), write down all the essentials you need or go through it in your head. [Your welcome-bye!] Write down all of the things that you will need: clothing, toiletries, electronics, money, identification. When you can't think of anything else, read over the list. Consider which items are nonessential, which items require accessories (e.g. phone and phone charger, contacts and contact case, toothbrush and toothpaste), and what, if anything, you may have forgotten. Consider how much luggage you will need. If you will only be gone for a weekend, you should be able to fit everything you need into a backpack or a small carry-on suitcase. Put your books, electronics, and immediate necessities into a small backpack for easy access. Pack clothing and other space-intensive items into a light bag or suitcase. Choose your luggage before you pack so that the available space can help you with the decision process. Bring one or two bags, depending on your means of transportation. If you are flying, you might try to fit everything into one carry-on to avoid checked luggage fees; however, you may as well bring a few extra things if you are taking a road trip and you have plenty of space in your car. Consider where you are going and how you plan to spend your money. If you think you'll buy clothes and other items, save space! Keep a collapsible bag or day-pack in the front pocket of your suitcase. If your bag is too heavy, you can put some stuff into the extra bag. This is also a good place to put any souvenirs that you pick up. Consider which electronics you will need. Are you traveling to a place with cell service? Will you actually spend any time on your computer if you bring it? Do you want to listen to music on the way there? Do you need a camera? Make sure to bring chargers and extra batteries. If you will be doing a lot of driving, consider bringing a car charger. If you're going abroad and you don't want to pay roaming charges on your phone, you may be able to leave it on airplane mode but connect to the local WiFi. This way, you'll be able to access email and Internet if needed. Bring identification, travel information, and emergency contact information. Consider which information you will need to facilitate a smooth, safe trip. Make sure that you have this information written down or accessible from your phone. If you won't have access to the Internet, make sure to print out physical copies of permits, contact information, and directions. Consider the following documents and information: Your passport, if you're leaving the country. A photo ID. The name, phone number, and address of the hotel or home you're staying in. Emergency contact info for anyone at home. Be organized about your packing. You want to make sure you know where everything is so you aren't scrambling to look for it later. For example: put all your clothes together in one spot of your bag, suitcase or whatever you're bringing to pack your items in. Make sure to put anything small, or that could get loose in your bag, into a small pocket or bag. Start with the basics. Set out only the items that you're sure you'll need, then build out from there. Bring as many changes of clothing as you will need, and consider bringing one extra outfit if you can fit it. Determine the number of outfits you will need for each day, not the number of outfits you want to have. If you are going to the beach and a bar one day, you will need an outfit for the beach, an outfit for the bar, and a set of pajamas. Add one additional outfit to your list in case of an emergency. For example, say your clothes get drenched from rain but the day isn't over yet. If you pack an additional outfit, you will have a backup without needing to take away from your other outfits. Check the weather. Plan your clothing around the climate of your vacation spot. Check websites or the television to see what the weather will be like in that area before you go. If you are entering a warm or tropical clime, you can pack lighter, and if you are going to be hiking in the Arctic Tundra you're going to need to layer things which means lots more clothes. You don't want to pack the completely wrong clothes and be miserable during what is supposed to be a fun weekend. If it is going to be cold, pack articles of clothing such as sweatshirts, pants, hats, etc. Make sure you pack enough. It is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. If it is supposed to be warm, pack shorts and t-shirts, but bring a few cold-weather items just in case. Meteorologists will not be able to give you a perfect weather forecast, so it is best to come prepared. Who knows? It just might happen to drizzle while you are on your little adventure for the weekend. Pack versatile items. The key to packing for a short vacation is to pack versatile items that you can mix and match depending on where the weekend takes you. If you already have a set itinerary, great – but remember that weather can be unpredictable, and that you may change your mind about what you want to do. Try to bring clothing that you can wear for multiple days in a row. For instance, consider bringing just one pair of jeans that you can pair with several different shirts. Recognize which articles can be worn two days in a row. Jeans and pajamas usually can, but underwear should not. Consider your color palette while picking your outfits. If you have the same colors, then you won't have to bring as many things to match. Bring the right shoes. Consider the activities that you'll be doing, and plan accordingly. Try to limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. Bring one pair of shoes for walking, and one pair for another activity: flip-flops for the beach, heels or dress shoes for a night on the town, slippers for relaxing. Place shoes that you are not wearing on traveling days in plastic grocery bags or some other small bag. The shoes can either be added to your bag if there is room or be transported separately. If you are going to be doing things outside (hiking, biking, running), you should come prepared with sneakers so that you can enjoy your weekend without having uncomfortable feet. If you are going somewhere fancy, you probably won't want to wear sneakers while everyone else is wearing their dress shoes. Lay out your clothing before you pack your suitcase. Visualize how certain items will go together, and consider how many options you are giving yourself. Organize the items by outfit, color, or clothing type. Bring extra underwear. Always pack extra underwear in case you are surprised by your menstrual cycle, end up partaking in a sweaty activity, etc. Roll your clothing instead of folding. This will help you save space, and it may keep things wrinkle-free. Fold pants in half and then roll them from the top to the bottom. Fold shirts into thirds and then roll them from the top to the bottom. In this way, you can fit your whole list into a carry-on-sized suitcase, and you won't have to pay those pesky extra fees for checked baggage. Put wrinkle-prone items on top. If wrinkle-prone clothing gets stuck beneath the weight of your other items, it will be more likely to come out of your bag creased. Consider what you need. Take inventory of all of the toiletry items (i.e. toothbrush, hairbrush, contact solution, etc.) that you use on a regular basis. Pack toiletries into one single bag of your choice. Ziploc bags work. Place the toiletries into the largest bag you are taking first: you can leave behind bulkier clothing if they don't fit, but you can't leave behind toiletries. Medicated face wipes. They're good at clearing your skin and taking off your makeup, and they take so much less space than your face wash probably would (and you won't have to turn it over to the TSA!). Tip: Sometimes buying the refill packages, as long as they're resealable, is easier than a whole tub–especially to pack. Bring a toothbrush. You can pack it in a toothbrush case, a plastic bag, or wrapped in a cloth. Bring a mini tube of toothpaste, depending on where you're staying. If you're going to a friend's house for the weekend, chances are s/he isn't going to be mad if you borrow his/her fluoride. However, if you're going to a remote cabin somewhere, it's good to take your own! Find travel-sized versions of toiletries. You can buy travel-sized bottles of many products in pharmacies, grocery stores, and dollar stores. Consider buying 3-ounce travel bottles that you can reuse from trip to trip. You can mini-bottle your home toiletries, take exactly the amount that you will need, then wash out the bottles afterward to reuse on your next trip. In the US, TSA will not let you bring more than three ounces of any liquid onto a commercial flight. Plan accordingly. Try bringing samples instead of fully-packaged products. This can work for prescription creams and lotions, as well as luxuries like perfume. You don't want to risk bringing and losing an entire tube of your doctor-ordered creams and lotions, but you still want to keep your pores clear. Make a trip to your dermatologist before you leave for your trip, and see if she can give you any samples to bring on your travels. Plan around your hairstyle. If you have a hairstyle that won't keep up with water or sweat, bring hair styling tools in the case that your style is destroyed. Bring travel-sized hair spray. You'll probably want to stick with your natural texture to save time (who wants to waste time with a flat or curling iron when you have sights to see?), but spray can give you a quick burst of shine and polish without a ton of effort. Bring deodorant! If you want to bring perfume, try to find a sample so you don't risk all of your favorite scent spilling in your bag. Consider bringing moisturizer. Travelling can dry out your skin, especially if you're going by plane. As with other toiletries, try to find a travel-sized version of your moisturizer. Consider whether you will need makeup. Bring it if you think you'll need it, but don't bring too much. If you will be going out on the town, meeting people, and taking a lot of photos, then you may want to consider bringing makeup. If your moisturizer is tinted, you can substitute it for foundation. If not, try using a stick foundation that can double as a spot concealer (and that you won't have to put in the TSA bin). You could also bring a powder compact so you don't look shiny in your Facebook pictures, mascara, and your favorite lip gloss. If you must have eyeshadow, try to find a versatile palette in a small compact that you can fit in your bag. | Make a list. Consider how much luggage you will need. Consider which electronics you will need. Bring identification, travel information, and emergency contact information. Be organized about your packing. Start with the basics. Check the weather. Pack versatile items. Bring the right shoes. Lay out your clothing before you pack your suitcase. Bring extra underwear. Roll your clothing instead of folding. Consider what you need. Pack toiletries into one single bag of your choice. Medicated face wipes. Bring a toothbrush. Find travel-sized versions of toiletries. Plan around your hairstyle. Bring deodorant! Consider bringing moisturizer. Consider whether you will need makeup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Pets-from-Lead-Poisoning | How to Protect Pets from Lead Poisoning | To protect pets from lead poisoning, keep objects that can cause lead poisoning when chewed or swallowed, such as batteries, bullets, and golf balls, off the floor and away from low surfaces. Since drinking contaminated water is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning in pets, give your pet bottled water if the water in your area has been contaminated. You can also fix any peeling paint so your pet doesn't chew on it, or repaint old paint that could contain lead with a lead-free paint so your pet doesn't get sick licking it. If you're concerned your pet may have lead poisoning, you can check for common symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, increased thirst, and lethargy, and get it tested at the vet. | Keep objects that increase lead poisoning away from pets. Many different objects can cause lead poisoning if the pet chews or swallows them. Become aware of what objects are dangers and try to keep these objects off the floor or low surfaces. Objects that cause lead poisoning include: Lead weights, like fishing sinker or curtain weights Batteries Bullets Golf balls Ceramic glazes on pottery or porcelain Putty or caulk Electronic equipment Wine cork covers prior to 1996 Cheap jewelry Foil made with lead Door grease Provide your pets with bottled water. If your area has contaminated water, you should give your pets bottled water until the issue is resolved. Drinking water is one of the most common ways that pets end up with lead poisoning. Keep up with your local news to hear of any problems with lead contamination in your area. Get your pets tested. If you suspect lead poisoning, get your pets tested. You may want to get your pets tested if your children have been diagnosed with lead poisoning because there is sometimes a correlation between children and pets being poisoned. Take your pet to the vet if you have any concerns. A negative test is better than chancing your pet's health. Replace paint with a lead-free variety. Paint is another common way that pets can get lead poisoning. If your house has lead-based paint, your pet can get lead poisoning through licking or eating paint. The pet may also chew on woodwork or parts of the house that contain lead from old paint. You should fix any peeling paint so your pet cannot eat it. Repaint your house if your paint is old and could possible contain lead. Keep an eye on your pets when remodeling your house. Lead poisoning is pretty rare in pets, but remodeling your house can increase the chances significantly. This is due to any old paint or lead in the walls or floors. For example, if you sand a wall with lead-based paint, then you can release toxic lead particles into the air.Plumbing and other building materials, such as caulk and putty, can also cause lead poisoning. When you remodel your house, watch your pets at all times when they are in the rooms you are remodeling to make sure they are not ingesting anything. If possible, keep them out of the parts of the house you are remodeling. Make sure to sweep up any lead dust or wash it away with soap and water. Pets can get lead particles of lead paint on their paws and lick it off, which could lead to poisoning. Protect pets from bare soil areas near main roads. Lead, a toxic substance, is released from vehicle emissions and can settle onto bare soil patches nearby. Watch your dog carefully in parks near highways and big roads to make sure it isn't playing in the soil too much. Lead can get also into the soil from building projects, renovations, exterior paint deterioration, or gasoline leaks from old vehicles when lead was still in gasoline. Look for digestive problems. A common symptom of lead poisoning is problems with digestion and the digestive tract. Your pet may experience a stomach ache, constipation followed by diarrhea, or vomiting. Your pet may also show a decreased appetite or an increased thirst. The pet may also have an increased need to urinate. Check for neurological symptoms. When the lead poisoning gets more serious, the pet can exhibit neurological symptoms. These may include muscle spasms or tremors, lack of coordination, and even seizures. The dog may also appear weak or walk around in circles or with an unsteady gait. The pet may also experience deafness or blindness. Your pet may also start chomping their jaws. Notice any changes in behavior. Lead poisoning may also cause your pet to act differently than normal. The pet may act lethargic or depressed. The pet may start to be anxious or suddenly become aggressive. Your pet may become weak and uninterested in things they used to. They may also experience shortness of breath. | Keep objects that increase lead poisoning away from pets. Provide your pets with bottled water. Get your pets tested. Replace paint with a lead-free variety. Keep an eye on your pets when remodeling your house. Protect pets from bare soil areas near main roads. Look for digestive problems. Check for neurological symptoms. Notice any changes in behavior. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Dirt-Out-of-Your-Eye | How to Get Dirt Out of Your Eye | To get dirt out of your eye, stretch your upper eyelid over your lower lid and blink repeatedly to allow the lower lashes to sweep the dirt away. For stubborn dirt, close your eyes gently and tap your lid with a tissue to increase tear production. If all else fails, wash your eye with water or a sterile eye wash solution. Place either liquid in a cup that you can then pour over your eye. You can also place your eye under a gentle, steady stream of water from the faucet. | Blink your eyes. You may be able to dislodge the dirt in your eye with very little effort. Once you notice the dirt in your eye, blink your eyes several times. The blinking reflex in the eye allows the lashes and lids to move tears around and remove bacteria and debris out of the eye. If simple blinking does not help, stretch your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid and then blink your eye repeatedly. This allows the lashes on the lower lid to sweep the dirt out of your eye. Wash your hands. If blinking doesn't get the dirt out, you need to intervene. Before touching your eye, however, you need to wash your hands. Washing hands before handling your eyes is important to reduce any possible contamination from bacteria, germs, or additional irritants. You don't want to remove any dirt from your eye only to infect it with something worse. This is important because your eyes are vulnerable to infections. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water. Dry them on a clean towel. Pat away excess tears. When you have dirt in your eye, you will likely have an increase in tear production. If you do, close your eyelids gently and dab your eye with a tissue. The increased tear production will help flush out the dirt. Allow your eyes to water and the tears to wash them clean. Do not rub your eyes. Use the tissue to gently blot up the overflow as it washes out of your eye. Inspect your eye. Pull your lower eyelid down and slowly look around, looking for anything lodged in your eyelid. Do the same with your upper eyelid, looking for anything lodged on your eyeball. If you want to examine underneath your eyelid, place a cotton swab right above the upper eyelid and flip the lid over with the cotton swab. This will allow you look for any dirt lodged in the eyelid itself. If you are having a hard time finding the dirt, have a friend or family member do the inspection for you. Remove the dirt. If the dirt is on your eyelid or easily accessible area of your eye, you may be able to remove it with a cotton swab. If you can see the area of your eye or eyelid where the dirt is, take a clean cotton swab and dab it on the dirt. It should attach to the end of the swab after you dab it a few times. Do not jab your eye with the swab or swipe the swab too harshly against the dirt. This could embed the dirt in your eyelid. If the dirt doesn't come off when you dab it, try another method. Rinse your eyes. If the dirt hasn't come out with blinking or with a cotton swab, rinse your eyes to get the dirt out. To wash the dirt out of your eye, use an over-the-counter sterile eye wash or pour clean water over your eye using a cup. Keep up a continuous stream over your eye while holding your lids open for 15 minutes. Even after the dirt comes out, keep rinsing to help cleanse any additional debris from your eye. You can also apply gentle pressure with a stream of water from the faucet to wash debris from your eye, using your fingers to hold your lids open. Look for eyewash that has neutral pH of 7.0. Keep the water between 60°F (15.6°C) and 100°F (37.8°C) to keep your eye comfortable. If you have an eye bath, which is available at most pharmacies, use this to rinse your eyes. Seek medical attention. Seek emergency medical treatment right away if your attempts have failed to get the dirt or other debris out of your eye. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following: You cannot remove the dirt from your eye The dirt is embedded inside your eye You experience blurred or otherwise abnormal vision Pain, redness, or discomfort continues after the dirt has been removed from the eye Blood in the eye, lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headache Expect discomfort. You should expect some minor discomfort after you get the dirt out. It's common to feel a scratchiness or discomfort in your eye, even after you have removed the offending dirt. This is part of the natural healing process and it can take up to 24 hours to recover. Protect your eye afterward. Take precautionary measures to protect your eye during the recovery process. During this time, your eye is extra sensitive. Protecting your eye includes: Protecting eyes from ultraviolet light or bright light by wearing sunglasses Avoiding the use of prescription contact lenses until your eye care professional has given the OK Avoiding hand contact with the eye area and washing your hands before touching the eye area Alerting and informing your eye care professional if new symptom arise or if pain becomes unbearable If you continue to feel scratchiness or discomfort in your eye for more than a day after removing the dirt, consult a physician Seek help. If your eye gets worse, you're going to need to see a specialist. Some after effects can be expected, but the effects should not last more than 24 hours. The continued discomfort and irritation could be a sign of a larger problem or an infection. Symptoms to look for are: Blurred or double vision Continual or increased pain Blood covering part of the iris Sensitivity to light Signs of infection Nausea or vomiting Headaches or lightheadedness Dizziness or loss of consciousness Avoid making the problem worse. There are some actions that you should avoid when dealing with your eyes. These things can cause severe eye injury or pain. These actions include: Removing any piece of metal, large or small, that has lodged itself in the eye Putting any pressure on the eye itself in an effort to dislodge the dirt Using tweezers, toothpicks, or other hard object to get the dirt out | Blink your eyes. Wash your hands. Pat away excess tears. Inspect your eye. Remove the dirt. Rinse your eyes. Seek medical attention. Expect discomfort. Protect your eye afterward. Seek help. Avoid making the problem worse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Donate-Your-Coronavirus-Stockpile | How to Donate Your Coronavirus Stockpile | Since most people have never experienced a pandemic before and don't know what to expect, it's understandable if you ended up buying more supplies than you actually needed. The good news is that you can donate your extra stuff to someone who needs it. For instance, if you have way too many masks or bottles of disinfectant, contact your local hospital and find out if they can use them. You can also donate supplies such as canned food or personal hygiene items to a food bank, nursing home, or homeless shelter in your area. Help vulnerable people in your community by calling up your neighbors and finding out if you have anything they need. | Donate your PPE to a local hospital or clinic. PPE, or personal protective equipment, like N95 medical grade face masks, latex or nitrile gloves, gowns, booties, and goggles can all be donated to your local hospital or a clinic. Most healthcare facilities are in need of equipment like this, but you should call them just to double-check. Give disinfectants and cleaning supplies to your local hospital. Wipes, bleach spray, and hand sanitizer all protect hospital staff from getting infected with the virus. If you have any extras, you can give them to your local hospital or clinic so they can clean the rooms in between patients. Remember to keep some cleaning supplies for yourself to clean your own home. Donate any homemade masks to hospitals that will accept them. If you have made your own fabric face masks out of 2 layers of fine weave fabric, you may be able to give them to a hospital or clinic nearby. Some hospitals aren't accepting homemade masks, so double check before you bring them in. There are a few different patterns online that teach you how to make medical-grade face masks. Make sure it covers your mouth and nose and is made of machine washable fabric. Ask a volunteer to pick up your donations if you cannot take them. If you have a large amount of items to donate or you can't leave the house, contact GetUsPPE to have a volunteer come to your home and pick them up. You can fill out a form online detailing where you live and what you have. Fill out a PPE donation form by visiting https://getusppe.org/give/. Drop off nonperishable food items at a food bank. Canned goods, jars of food, rice, dried herbs, and nut butters are all great items to donate to your local food bank. Make sure all of the food is unspoiled and that you haven't opened it yet before you donate it. Provide retirement and nursing homes with cleaning sprays. Many retirement and nursing homes need more basic cleaning products, like bleach, multi-surface cleaners, and wipes. Check in with your local retirement home to see if they are accepting donations. Many retirement and nursing homes are limiting contact with outside visitors. If they are accepting donations, you will most likely have to leave them outside the door for someone to come pick up. Give personal hygiene items and clothes to shelters near you. Items like hand sanitizer, toilet paper, hand soap, baby wipes, and tissues are all desperately needed at shelters. Socks, hats, and other basic clothing items are also helpful for people who do not have access to them. Check to see if a shelter near you is open before you donate your items. Homeless people with underlying conditions are especially at risk for coronavirus since they cannot self-isolate. Personal hygiene items can help them stay virus-free. Call your neighbors to see if they are in need of anything you have. Try calling your neighbors to see if they need any type of food or hygiene items, especially if they are elderly or have weakened immune systems. If they haven't been able to leave the house, they may need basic food or hygiene items. You can drop off the items at their door to avoid any social contact. Avoid going to your neighbor's house unless you can maintain a social distance of 6 feet (1.8 m) away. Try posting on your neighborhood's Facebook or Nextdoor page to see if your neighbors need anything. Volunteer at Meals on Wheels to bring food to elderly people. Many elderly people cannot leave their homes during this time. If you have extra time and access to a vehicle, consider volunteering to drop off meals and food items to those in need. You can sign up to volunteer at Meals on Wheels by visiting https://meals-on-wheels.com/volunteer/sign-up-to-volunteer/. Give blood to the Red Cross. There is always a need for blood donation, and with more people staying inside, donation numbers are low. Find a donation center near you to spend less than 1 hour donating your blood to patients in need. Find a donation center near you by visiting https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive?mod=article_inline. Send cards and flowers to people in nursing homes. Since the elderly are more at risk, nursing and retirement homes are becoming more and more isolated. Many are accepting cards, flowers, and small gifts so their residents can feel more connected to the outside world. Put together a small care package of uplifting items to send into a nursing home near you. Donate money to nonprofit organizations. There are many nonprofits who are focusing on the outbreak of the coronavirus. Try to find ones that focus on providing water, sanitation, and hygiene products to those in need. Lutheran World Relief, Heart to Heart International, and Doctors Without Borders are a few charity organizations you could donate to. | Donate your PPE to a local hospital or clinic. Give disinfectants and cleaning supplies to your local hospital. Donate any homemade masks to hospitals that will accept them. Ask a volunteer to pick up your donations if you cannot take them. Drop off nonperishable food items at a food bank. Provide retirement and nursing homes with cleaning sprays. Give personal hygiene items and clothes to shelters near you. Call your neighbors to see if they are in need of anything you have. Volunteer at Meals on Wheels to bring food to elderly people. Give blood to the Red Cross. Send cards and flowers to people in nursing homes. Donate money to nonprofit organizations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Black-Hair-to-Light-Brown-Without-Bleach | How to Dye Black Hair to Light Brown Without Bleach | If you want to avoid using bleach, you can still dye your black hair to light brown with special products. Look for brown hair dye that's designed for dark hair. It should say something like “Lightening dye” or “fade-out” on the packaging. All you need to do is apply the dye to your hair, leave it in for as long as the box suggests, then rinse it out. To keep your dyed hair looking bright, use shampoo and conditioner designed for colored hair. | Purchase brown hair dye that is designed for dark hair. Most hair dyes are designed to darken your hair, however, a few types are specifically made to lighten dark hair. Check the package for words like "lightening dye," "fade-out" or "lightens dark hair" when you pick out your dye. Take a look at the before and after pictures to double check that you've chosen the right type of dye. If you have warm-toned skin, use an ash brown or a cool dark brown. If you have a cooler skin colour, try a lighter brown or a redder brown. This will help to compliment your skin. For a more natural option, try using a henna dye on your hair instead. Most henna dyes will give your hair a red-brown hue, but won't turn your hair light brown. If you're going for a specific look, or if you have particularly dry hair, it might be worth visiting a hairdresser to get your hair dyed. Similarly, if you've dyed your hair black, it's best to visit a salon because putting dye on top of dye may not produce the light brown color you want. Wash your hair with shampoo 24 hours before you dye it. This allows the natural oils in your hair to build up which makes it easier for the dye to attach to your hair. The colour will look more even and last longer if it binds well to your hair. If you have dry or frizzy hair, wash your hair 48 hours before you dye it instead. Avoid using conditioner before you dye your hair as it closes your cuticle, making it harder for the dye to penetrate your hair. Protect your skin and clothing from the dye. Wear an old shirt that you don't mind getting dye on. The dyeing process is fairly messy so your shirt is likely to get stained. Place an old towel or scarf around your neck to protect it from the dye and wear disposable gloves to stop the dye from staining your fingers. Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your ears and hairline to stop them going brown from the dye. If you don't have an old shirt, wrap an old towel around your shoulders instead. If you dye your hair often, it's helpful to get a hairdressers cape, which will protect your skin and clothes from the dye. Dye is almost impossible to remove from fabric, so choose your clothing wisely! Dye will eventually fade off skin and nails after a couple of washes, so don't worry too much if it does get on you. Brush your hair. Use a comb or a hairbrush to remove any knots from your hair. This will make it easier to apply the hair dye and will help the colour to spread evenly across the strands. If necessary, use a detangling spray to help remove the knots. You can usually find a detangling spray or cream at a local pharmacy or hairdresser. Mix the dye with the developer in the supplied container. In the dye box, there will be sachets or bottles containing hair dye and developer. Follow the directions in the box to combine the packets into the mixing bottle. Combine the packets over a sink so that any spills can easily be cleaned up. Check that the lid is firmly on the mixing bottle and then shake the bottle for 5 seconds. If no mixing bottle is provided, combine the dye ingredients in a disposable plastic bowl instead. Separate your hair into 2 sections. Run your hand down the middle of the back of your scalp and secure each section of hair with a hair tie or clip. You should find it much easier to achieve a quality finish if you are only concentrating on one half of your hair at a time. If you have very thick hair, divide each section of hair in half again so that you have 4 sections in total. It can be helpful to use a comb to separate your hair if it's especially thick or tangled. Unclip one section of hair and grab a .5 in (1.3 cm) strand. Dying small sections of hair will make it easier to ensure that the hair is thoroughly saturated with dye, which will help your dyed hair to look even and natural. Work in these small.5 in (1.3 cm) sections to ensure you get dye on every part of your hair. After you've applied the dye to your hair, it can help to push your hair into a tight bun and move it around a little to make sure the dye gets on every strand. Paint the dye onto your hair until all the strands are completely saturated. Dip the brush into the dye and use it to paint the strands of hair. Start at the top of each strand and work your way to the bottom. Try to evenly saturate each strand of hair with dye as this will help the colour to look even. If your hair is thick, you will need to lift up the top strands of hair in order to reach the hair at the nape of your neck. Use a hair clip to attach these to the top of your head. Ask a friend to help you or use a mirror. Most dye boxes will come with a brush. If your box of dye didn't come with a brush, purchase one from a beauty store or pharmacy. Alternatively, use an applicator bottle and your gloved hand to apply the dye directly to your hair. It generally takes about 1 hour to cover all of your hair with dye. If you have very thick or long hair, it might take even longer, so plan accordingly! Set an alarm to remind yourself when to wash out the dye. Follow the time instructions on the back of the box as each dye will have a different soaking time. Don't leave the dye in for longer than the directed time as this can damage your hair. Similarly, don't rinse the dye out early as this can leave the colour in your hair looking patchy. Place a shower cap over your head to stop the dye dripping onto your clothes or carpet. You should keep most standard, store-bought dyes in for about 45 minutes. Some dyes will require more or less time, though, so double check before you set your timer. Rinse the excess dye out of your hair in the shower. Take off your shower cap and hop into the shower. Allow the pressure of the water to rinse any excess dye from your hair. Don't be alarmed if you see colour going down the drain, that's just the excess dye coming off of your hair! Keep rinsing your hair until the water runs clear. Rinse your hair with warm or room temperature water to preserve the color. Condition your hair with the conditioner provided in the dye box. Open the packet of conditioner and apply it to the ends of your hair. This will help to soften your hair and clarify the colour of the dye. Leave the conditioner in for 2 minutes before rinsing it out. If your box of dye doesn't come with a conditioner, use a sulphate-free conditioner instead. Wait 24 hours before shampooing your hair. This will help to stop the colour from fading. Remove any dye from your skin using makeup remover. Dip a cotton pad into makeup remover and rub it over the areas that have been stained by the dye. Rub the area vigorously until the dye is gone. If the dye doesn't come off with makeup remover, don't worry too much as it will fade over the next few days. Use a “coloured hair” shampoo and conditioner to keep your dyed hair looking bright. Look for words like “dye-friendly”, “colour-safe” and “coloured hair” on the bottles. These products will help to stop the dye from fading when you wash your hair. Rinse your hair in cold water after you have shampooed and conditioned it. This will help to keep the moisture in your hair and keep the colour looking bright. | Purchase brown hair dye that is designed for dark hair. Wash your hair with shampoo 24 hours before you dye it. Protect your skin and clothing from the dye. Brush your hair. Mix the dye with the developer in the supplied container. Separate your hair into 2 sections. Unclip one section of hair and grab a .5 in (1.3 cm) strand. Paint the dye onto your hair until all the strands are completely saturated. Set an alarm to remind yourself when to wash out the dye. Rinse the excess dye out of your hair in the shower. Condition your hair with the conditioner provided in the dye box. Remove any dye from your skin using makeup remover. Use a “coloured hair” shampoo and conditioner to keep your dyed hair looking bright. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-the-Humanitarian-Crisis-in-Yemen | How to Help the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen | The best way to make a difference in the Yemen humanitarian crisis is to donate money to aid organizations. Look for one that works towards a cause close to you, like fighting hunger or providing medical aid in Yemen, or donate to a more general organization like the Red Cross. To volunteer on the ground in Yemen, sign up to be a UN volunteer or search at Relief Web for more opportunities. | Give money to food organizations to fight hunger in Yemen. Over 17 million Yemenis are food insecure, which means that they don't have a reliable supply of food. Nearly all of the country's food must be shipped in, which means that organizations against hunger are in major need of funds to keep the country from starving. Rather than donating food directly, which can be costly to fly in, help fight hunger by donating money to food organizations. You can help the people of Yemen get access to food and clean water by donating to most humanitarian aid organizations. To help an organization that fights hunger in particular, donate to Action Against Hunger. Use this link: https://www.actionagainsthunger.org/donate-now Give money to medical aid organizations. Damaged sewage systems from the war have caused a major outbreak of cholera, an infection caused by contaminated water. Young children are especially vulnerable, and particularly if they're malnourished, as over 460,000 Yemeni children are. Cholera is easily treatable, but the extent of the outbreak and difficulty of transportation in Yemen has made it hard for doctors to treat the over 60,000 cases there. Donations to medical aid groups can help doctors get to those in need and have the proper supplies to treat them. Use this link to donate to Doctors Without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/onetime.cfm Help children in Yemen by giving to UNICEF and Save the Children. Children are particularly susceptible to hunger, malnutrition, illness, and other health concerns in Yemen. To help get these children food, water, and shelter, donate to organizations dedicated to aiding children in developing countries, including: Save the Children. To learn more about this organization and to donate, use this link: https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9353079/k.CD67/Donate_to_the_Child_Hunger_and_Famine_Relief_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=8rKLIXMGIpI4E&b=9353079&en=4dKxGFMfG3JGJPMiG2KDILOsHnJKLLOsFdJGLTOsF7JDJROxFrE UNICEF, which is run by the United Nations. You can donate here: https://www.unicefusa.org/help/donate Give to general aid organizations to contribute to all areas. Many organizations have pledged to help Yemenis in need in many different ways, including providing food, medical aid, education, economic empowerment, and civil management. By donating to these humanitarian organizations, you can help the crisis in Yemen in many different ways. Some of these organizations include: Mercy Corps. You can donate here: https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/urgent-families-facing-famine The Red Cross. Use this link to donate: https://www.icrc.org/en/donate International Rescue Committee. Donate here: https://help.rescue.org/donate/yemen-crisis?initialms=ws_modl_yemen_es_170823&ms=ws_modl_yemen_es_170823#webform-component-donation Oxfam International. Donate here: https://www.oxfamamerica.org/donate/see-me/ CARE.org. Use this link to donate: http://www.care.org/impact/stories/yemen-nearly-16-million-need-humanitarian-assistance Volunteer if you have useful skills, like language or medicine. Whatever organization you sign up to volunteer with, you'll be more likely to be placed in Yemen if you show that you have sought-after skills. Some of these skills could include: Fluency in Arabic Medical skills, particularly if you've worked as a doctor or nurse Basic first aid Experience in disaster relief Experience in diplomacy Sign up to be a United Nations Volunteer in Yemen. The UN has about 7,000 volunteers that work on the ground in countries in need. The selection process is rigorous and it's not guaranteed that you'll be placed in Yemen, but by signing up to volunteer, you can place yourself in the best possible position to help on the ground. Make sure to highlight any relevant skills, such as a medical or diplomatic background. You can sign up to be a UN volunteer here: https://www.unv.org/ Check for paid and volunteer jobs at Relief Web. Humanitarian and disaster relief organizations post paid and non-paid opportunities all over the globe on this website. Narrow your search down to Yemen to see what kinds of jobs are available for your skill set. Use this link to see opportunities in Yemen: https://reliefweb.int/jobs?region=255#content Volunteer to work with the UN online. If you can't travel to Yemen to volunteer, you can still make a difference right from your home. There are opportunities available for writing and editing, translation, administration, tech development and more. Search specifically for positions that will allow you to help the crisis in Yemen. Look for opportunities and sign up with this link: https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en | Give money to food organizations to fight hunger in Yemen. Give money to medical aid organizations. Help children in Yemen by giving to UNICEF and Save the Children. Give to general aid organizations to contribute to all areas. Volunteer if you have useful skills, like language or medicine. Sign up to be a United Nations Volunteer in Yemen. Check for paid and volunteer jobs at Relief Web. Volunteer to work with the UN online. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Awake-Without-Caffeine | How to Stay Awake Without Caffeine | To stay awake without caffeine, step outside for a walk if possible, or open a window to allow some fresh air in, which will signal your brain to wake up. Lowering the temperature will also make you feel more alert, so turn down the thermostat if it's cold out, or turn on a fan or air conditioning if it's hot. If you're hungry and you want to stay awake, try eating foods rich in protein and healthy fats, like salmon, which will slowly release energy into your body, but avoid sugary foods that can make you crash later, like like candy. | Get outside. Walk outside in the fresh air and sunlight. While any change in environment is likely to help sleepiness, physically moving outdoors will usually be the best choice. If you are able, move your work outside for a little while. If you cannot go outside, try opening a window for fresh air, or at least sitting near a window with curtains or blinds drawn back to let in natural sunlight. Even if it is dark out, going outside is more likely to wake you up than staying indoors. The combination of fresh air, exercise, and changing the environment are all signals to your brain to wake up. Turn on the lights. Though natural light is the best, any increase in light can be a shot to your senses and give you a “wake up” surge. Bright light signals to the brain to awaken. If you are unable to access natural light, blue light that is present in LED screens has also showed benefits to wakefulness. Many people find florescent lights draining, especially low-quality or "industrial" type of lighting. It is still better than no light, or dim light, but other lighting types (LED, incandescent, halogen) may be better. Take a break from screen time. Although the light in screens can keep you awake, your TV or computer can lead to both visual and mental fatigue. In addition, these electronic devices are typically done while sitting for long periods. This in turn leads to a groggy, logy, restless feeling. Try stretching your vision by looking at things close up and then far away, alternating very quickly. Also try looking at far-away objects, whether it is gazing at the city skyline, seeing if there is snow on the mountains, or checking for boats on the ocean. Turn up the music. Pumping up the volume on your favorite jams and singing along will help you feel more awake. You may need to use headphones if you are in an office setting or if there are other people around. Be sure to select songs that are upbeat and peppy. Get a bonus energy surge by dancing along with the music. Turn the temperature down. Colder rooms are more likely to make you feel alert. Working in an environment that is hot and stuffy can make you feel like you need to nap. Turn down the thermostat and open a window if it is cool outside. If it is a hot day, try turning on a fan and the air conditioning if applicable. Drink water. Staying naturally hydrated with water will help you feel more alert. The act of drinking water interrupts other work, which gives you a “mini break,” and hydration helps your body function smoothly, which helps you feel awake. Increase your protein and healthy fat consumption. Foods that are high in protein and healthy fats provide sustained energy that releases slowly into your body. These foods do not lead to a blood sugar or energy “crash” like sugary or caffeinated food and drink. These foods also help make you feel full longer, which may help you avoid snacking on sugary foods. Avoid sugar. Sugar, like caffeine, often leads to highs and lows in energy. Consuming sugar can lead to a “sugar buzz” with temporarily increased energy followed by a crash, where the sugar has worn off and you are left feeling exhausted. Eat breakfast. While this may not help an immediate need for energy, if you have a chronic problem with feeling tired, a healthy breakfast every morning will help you feel more energetic. It gets your metabolism functioning smoothly and kickstarts your energy for the day. Choose healthy foods which give long-lasting energy, such as yogurt, eggs, protein smoothies, a bowl of high-fiber cereal, fruit salad, oatmeal, and so on. Avoid high-sugar foods, such as sugary cereals and pastries. These will give you a crash later. Be careful of insubstantial meals. There is nothing wrong with eating a slice of melon or a breakfast smoothie. However, if you find at 10:30 you are overwhelmed by fatigue, that is a signal that either you need a more hearty breakfast, or a healthy snack at this time. Move around. If you are sitting down and working, try to stand up every 5-10 minutes. Do a few jumping jacks or a dance to your favorite song if you need a burst of energy to jump-start your productivity. Going for a short walk down the hall (or, better yet, outside) also helps. Go to the gym. If you consistently feel sleepy in the middle of the day or just after lunch, try getting in a midday workout. Exercise, though it expends energy, also boosts energy. Hit the gym during your lunch hour. Go for a brisk walk outside. Walk around the building. Walk some flights of stairs to the fourth-floor office and back. Take some laps around the field house at your high school. Pop by your boss's office instead of sending a message. Find an office workout routine if you cannot leave work to exercise. This may include push-ups, chair sits, lunges, and sit-ups. Just remember to close the blinds to your office window! Do yoga or other stretching. Yoga, while calming, is also rejuvenating. Doing a few yoga poses that promote energy when you feel tired can give your body an energy boost. Here are a few poses to try: Camel pose: while on your knees, arch your back so that your heart and your chest are open forward. With your feet flexed and your toes grounded, reach back and hold your ankles with your hands, and let your head fall back to stretch your neck. Warrior Two: do a deep lunge, with the forward knee straight above the ankle and the foot facing the wall in front of you. The back leg should be extended with the leg straight and the foot sideways, perpendicular to the forward foot. Extend both arms out in the directions of your legs and look forward, over your extended arm and forward foot. Be sure to alternate sides. Chair pose: stand with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Then sink down into a squat, as though you were going to sit in a chair. Be sure to keep your back completely flat. Raise both arms up over your head, shoulder-width apart, palms facing each other but not touching and fingers spread. Hold for several seconds, then stand up. Rest and repeat several times. Take a power nap, if allowed. Ward off extreme fatigue by taking a short nap. Evaluate whether this option is appropriate for you based on where you are. This is obviously not an option if you are driving, and it may not be an option if you are at work. The nurse's office at school sometimes encourages a lie-down, with the advantage that you have someone to nudge you awake before your next period. Try to sleep for at least 20 minutes. Try other methods of staying awake to rouse yourself fully after you wake from your nap so you don't feel even more sleepy. Take a shower. Taking a shower is sometimes even better than taking a nap. It can refresh you and make you feel like you are ready for more work. A cold shower may be necessary if you are extremely tired. The temperature changes from taking a warm shower then stepping out into cool air can also help you wake up. Write down notes. If you find yourself feeling tired in a meeting—particularly one that is boring—try taking notes about what people are saying. The active participation of taking notes will help keep you mentally engaged with the ideas, which will keep you more alert. You will remember the information more clearly. It will look like you are paying careful attention. You may find it helpful to look back at your notes later if your mind was wandering during the meeting. Laugh at something comedic. Laughter is the best medicine for many reasons, and staying awake is one of them. Watching a funny video clip or listening to a humorous story and laughing out loud at it will help you be more alert. You can stimulate your thinking by engaging in something funny that interests you. Laughing will offer a break and release from other things you're doing that may be tedious or unpleasant. Socialize with someone. If you have been working by yourself, engaging in a conversation with another person can help wake up your mind. Engaging in conversation and an exchange of ideas will get your mind working. If you can walk over to the other person, you will get a physical boost as well. Talking fast may also help you feel more energetic. Try upping the tempo of your speech while chatting with someone. Sing! The action of singing coordinates body, mind, and soul. It requires mental energy to recall notes and lyrics, requires your body to breathe deeply and evenly, and is a pleasurable experience. Sing on your own, sing with the car stereo, or make up your own song for a real challenge. Find a happy place. Feeling happy makes people feel more energetic, so making yourself feel happy if you're stressed or down will give your day a boost. Keep your favorite photos of loved ones or pets nearby at work to give yourself a happy reminder. Take a mental vacation to your favorite getaway, remembering or imagining the details of what it likes to be there. | Get outside. Turn on the lights. Take a break from screen time. Turn up the music. Turn the temperature down. Drink water. Increase your protein and healthy fat consumption. Avoid sugar. Eat breakfast. Move around. Go to the gym. Do yoga or other stretching. Take a power nap, if allowed. Take a shower. Write down notes. Laugh at something comedic. Socialize with someone. Sing! Find a happy place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Eyelash-Technician | How to Become an Eyelash Technician | To become an eyelash technician, start by researching your state's laws to see if you need a cosmetology, esthetician, or medical license before you can be an eyelash technician. If your state requires it, find a beauty school close to you and complete their cosmetology or esthetician program and get your degree. In addition to getting a degree, you'll need to complete a Level 1 eyelash extension training program to get the most basic certification to do eyelash extensions professionally. Once you are cleared to do eyelash work, head out to salons in your area and ask if they are looking to hire anyone to do eyelash extensions. | Learn your state’s lash technician licensing regulations. Most states require that you have a cosmetology, esthetician, or medical license to be an eyelash technician. States that may NOT require previous licensing for eyelash technicians include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Find out the specific regulations in your state by contacting your state's board of cosmetology, or by contacting an eyelash technician training program. Training programs will advise out-of-state residents to know the regulations of the state in which they plan to work before enrolling. Become a cosmetologist or esthetician if your state requires it. A cosmetologist is licensed to work on hair, skin, and nails. An esthetician is licensed in skin care only. Some states will accept either license prior to getting eyelash technician certification, but some states require the cosmetology license. Contact your state's board of cosmetology and research beauty schools in your area to find the right program for you. Complete an eyelash technician training program. Level I eyelash extension training programs will earn you the most basic certification to do eyelash extensions professionally. Available both in person or online, training programs are typically 1-3 days. Some programs may include your training materials with the cost, such as written guidebooks, lash extensions, adhesive, and application tools, which you can keep for after training. Areas of study in the training program may include allergic reactions, proper sanitation practices, client preparation, lash bonding, and extension application procedures. Work in a salon or boutique. Working out of a location that offers hair, makeup, nail, or other beauty services is the best place to gain experience on clients looking to bulk up their lashes. You will also meet others in the beauty industry who can give you advice about starting out. Some salons may already offer eyelash services- find out if they are looking to hire anyone new. For salons that don't already offer this, ask if they are interested in adding lash extensions to their list of services and bringing you on. Take as many new clients as you can. When starting out, you may make mistakes or work on clients who decide that eyelash extensions aren't for them. Not every client will stay your regular client. Make and distribute business cards for your services at the salon. Some salons offer to make business cards for you at a cost, as it helps their business as well as yours. Others encourage you to have your own cards made with the salon name and contact information on them. Place the cards on the appointment counter with other service cards, and distribute them to friends and acquaintances. Set up your work space. Determine if you want to work from home or open your own salon. If you work out of home, be sure that your space has a clean, professional appearance. If renting a commercial space, consider sharing a space with another independent business owner in the beauty industry (a hair stylist or nail artist) to help with rent and sharing of clients. At your own salon, you would offer any eyelash services (false eyelashes and extensions) while your partner(s) offers their specialty. Or, if you plan to go solo and are licensed in multiple services, you would add eyelash services to your list of offered services, such as hair or makeup. Offer monthly deals or a first-time bargain. Getting new clients hooked on your services can come down to offering very low prices in the beginning. The idea is that people will try lash extensions once because of the affordable price and then decide it's a necessity for them. Then bingo- you have a new regular client! Hand out flyers and business cards. You can put up flyers and leave business cards in neighborhood coffee shops, telephone poles, and art spaces. Chat with the owners of local businesses and say you're trying to build your own business, and ask if they will take some of your cards. Practice on friends. Nothing beats word of mouth. Offer to do your friends' lashes for a low price, and give them a small stack of your business cards. Ask them to give your name anytime they talk to someone looking to get eyelash extensions. | Learn your state’s lash technician licensing regulations. Become a cosmetologist or esthetician if your state requires it. Complete an eyelash technician training program. Work in a salon or boutique. Take as many new clients as you can. Make and distribute business cards for your services at the salon. Set up your work space. Offer monthly deals or a first-time bargain. Hand out flyers and business cards. Practice on friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Donate-Your-Kidney | How to Donate Your Kidney | If you want to donate your kidney, contact a transplant center to start your application. If you're donating to a specific person, you'll need to get a blood test to determine if you and the person are a match. If your blood test checks out, you'll also need to have a health screening to confirm that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery and to do well afterward with only one kidney. Your doctor will likely perform blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, an EKG, and a CT angiogram to check your overall health and look for any abnormalities of your kidneys. You may be disqualified from donating if you have diabetes or liver disease. Before you proceed with the donation, make sure you are aware of the risks of surgery, including bleeding, infection, blood clots, or even death in rare cases. | Decide to whom you will donate. You can choose to donate a kidney directly to someone you know, but only if you are a compatible match. You also have the option of donating to a stranger or participating in a paired exchange donation, which means you will donate your kidney to a stranger on the condition that a compatible stranger also donates a kidney to your loved one. Some kidney transplant centers allow you to be a good samaritan donor, which means you can initiate a chain of donations by donating your kidney to a stranger. When you donate your kidney, the recipient's loved one will donate hers, and so on and so forth. This will probably not directly impact anyone you know personally, but it will help a lot of people. If you don't want to donate your kidney while you are still alive, but you want to help someone after you die, you can register to donate all of your organs or specific organs by signing up on your specific state's registry or indicating your preferences on your driver's license. Contact a transplant center. Once you have decided that you would like to donate a kidney, you must contact a transplant center in order to initiate your application. The transplant center should have a nurse available to answer all of your questions and help you decide if donation is really right for you. If you are donating to a specific person, you must contact the transplant center that has approved them for a transplant. If the person has not yet been approved, you will not be able to proceed with donating your kidney until that happens. If you are not doing a direct donation, you have a choice regarding which facility you work with. Contact multiple facilities and ask questions regarding their success rates, their policies for matching donors and recipients, and the financial assistance they offer in order to choose the right one for you. Consult the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network for a complete list of transplant centers in the United States. Get matched. If you want to donate to a specific person, you will need to undergo blood testing to determine if you are a match. The initial screening involves a simple blood test. You must have a compatible blood type in order to donate your kidney to a specific individual. People who have type A blood can accept blood from donors with type A or type O. People with type B blood can receive blood from people with type B or type O. People with type AB blood can receive blood from someone with any blood type. People with type O blood can only receive blood from a donor with type O blood. The antibodies in your blood must also be compatible with those in the recipient's blood. In general, the more antibodies that recipient has, the more difficult it will be to find a match. Doctors also consider antigen matching. You do not need to be an exact match in order to donate, but research has found that an exact match does increase the success rate of the transplant. If you have passed all of the other tests, doctors will then perform a cross matching test, which may actually be a series of several tests. Doctors will collect cells and serum (blood without the cells in it) from both the donor and the recipient and mix them together to see if the recipient's body is likely to reject the donor's organ. If these tests come back negative, you will be considered a match. Keep in mind that if you are not a match for your loved one, you still have the option of participating in a paired exchange donation program, which will greatly increase the chances that your loved one will receive a kidney in a timely fashion. Have a health screening. In order to donate a kidney, you must be healthy enough to undergo surgery and to do well afterward with only one kidney. You also must have a sufficiently low risk of developing kidney problems in the future. Your doctor will likely perform blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, an EKG, and a CT angiogram to check your overall health and look for any abnormalities of your kidneys. Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and liver disease, may disqualify you from donating your kidney. If you are a smoker, you will be required to quit at least one month before undergoing surgery to have your kidney removed. You may also be disqualified from donating a kidney if you have certain diseases that could be passed on to the recipient, such as HIV or hepatitis. You will also be required to undergo a psychological examination in order to confirm that you are aware of the risks of donating your kidney and are choosing to do it of your own free will. If you have any health conditions, you might require a pre-surgical clearance from your treating doctor in order to be approved for surgery. Know the risks of surgery. Donating a kidney requires that you undergo major surgery, and this is not without risks. Make sure to talk to your doctor about the risks before you agree to undergo surgery, and always ask if you have an increased risk of complications for any reason. Although rare, some risks of surgery include the following: Bleeding Infection Blood clots in the lung (pulmonary embolism) Death Understand the long-term risks. Kidney donors do not usually have shorter lifespans or a diminished quality of life as a result of the surgery. There are, however, some long-term risks to keep in mind. While your body is perfectly capable of functioning normally with only one kidney, you will be at a disadvantage should your remaining kidney fail. If you end up needing a kidney transplant, you will be given preference as a prior donor. Kidney donors may have a somewhat higher chance of developing high blood pressure. Having only one kidney may prevent you from being eligible for certain military, police, and fire fighting jobs. Figure out the finances. Most of the time, your medical expenses will be covered by either the recipient's insurance or by the transplant center if you choose to donate a kidney. Make sure to find out if you will be responsible for any costs. Also, keep in mind that the surgery may have many hidden costs that are not covered. The following expenses are typically not covered, although you may be able to get help with them by contacting a nonprofit agency: Expenses for travel to and from the transplant center Childcare Lost wages during your recovery period Medical expenses related to long-term surgical complications Ask the doctor what kind of surgery you will have. There are two different surgeries your doctor may perform to remove your kidney: an open incision removal and a laparoscopic procedure. The laparoscopic procedure is much less invasive, which means there are fewer risks involved and the recovery time is shorter. A laparoscopic procedure means that instead of making a large incision and the surgeon using their hands to do the surgery inside your body, a very small set of incisions are made and instruments with long handles are inserted into the holes. The surgeon uses the instruments to do the surgery without ever opening up the abdomen. The laparoscopic procedure may not be an option for all patients, depending on their surgical histories and the anatomy of the individual's kidney and whether it can be accessed and removed with the laparoscopic instruments alone. Follow all pre-operative instructions. Your doctor will give you specific instructions that you must follow prior to surgery. Most commonly, you will be restricted from eating and drinking in the hours leading up to your surgery, usually beginning the night before. This is to prevent aspiration of food into your lungs when you are under anesthesia. It is very important to follow these and all other instructions, as they are meant to reduce your risk of surgical complications. Make sure your doctor knows about all of the medications you are taking. You may be required to stop some medications prior to surgery. Be prepared for the recovery period. Depending on the type of surgery and a host of personal factors, recovery typically takes anywhere between one and six weeks. You should expect to experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue while you recover. It's a good idea to have a caretaker available to help you with daily activities, like preparing meals and You may have to spend a few days recovering in the hospital before you are sent home. People who are in good shape tend to recover from surgery faster than people who are out of shape, so you might want to begin an exercise regimen before your surgery. Moving around in the days following your surgery will help you avoid complications, such as blood clots. Get follow-up treatment. Your doctor will probably have you come in for at least one post-surgical check-up. The purpose of this is to make sure you are healing properly, so be sure to go to all scheduled appointments. It is also important to continue getting regular medical checkups throughout your life. Your doctor may want to monitor your kidney function to make sure your remaining kidney is functioning properly. Adhere to post-surgical restrictions. When you are released from the hospital, your doctor will give you a list of activities that you should avoid for certain periods of time. These restrictions are meant to help you heal and to protect you from injury, so it is very important that you follow them. You should not do any heavy lifting in the weeks following your surgery. Your doctor will provide you with specific guidelines. Depending on the type of work you do, you may not be medically cleared to return to work for several weeks. The more strenuous your job, the longer you will be out of work. Women are typically advised not to become pregnant for six months after donating a kidney. Some doctors recommend that kidney donors avoid contact sports like football and wrestling, due to the potential for injury to your remaining kidney. | Decide to whom you will donate. Contact a transplant center. Get matched. Have a health screening. Know the risks of surgery. Understand the long-term risks. Figure out the finances. Ask the doctor what kind of surgery you will have. Follow all pre-operative instructions. Be prepared for the recovery period. Get follow-up treatment. Adhere to post-surgical restrictions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vegetable-Stock | How to Make Vegetable Stock | To make vegetable stock, start by putting chopped onions, carrots, celery, herbs, and spices into a pot with water. Next, bring the pot to a boil over medium high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Then, turn off the heat, scoop out the vegetables, and strain the vegetable stock into a large bowl using a fine mesh strainer. Use the vegetable stock immediately or store it in the refrigerator in airtight containers. | Wash and chop the vegetables. Wash 2 to 3 carrots, 3 to 4 stalks of celery, and get out 1 to 2 onions. Use a sharp knife to carefully chop the vegetables into large chunks. If you'd like to add any extra vegetables (such as leeks, fennel, tomatoes, mushrooms, or parsnips) wash and chop them too. You don't need to peel the vegetables first. If you'd like to make stock using vegetable peelings and scraps, substitute 4 to 6 cups (907 to 1.4 kg) of scraps for the chopped vegetables. Combine the vegetables, seasonings, and water. Put the chopped vegetables into a large stockpot. Add 4 to 5 sprigs of fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 small bunch of parsley, and 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns. Pour in enough water to cover the vegetables by a few inches (5 cm). The less water you use, the stronger the stock will be. More water will give you a lighter stock. Bring the stock to a boil and reduce the temperature. Put the stockpot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high. After a few minutes, the liquid should begin to boil. Immediately turn the heat down to medium-low so the liquid just bubbles gently. Simmer the vegetable stock for about 1 hour. Keep the stock at a simmer and cook it for about 1 hour. Stir the stock occasionally to keep vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Keep the lid off of the pot so some of the water evaporates and concentrates the flavor of the stock. The color of the water should darken a little depending on the vegetables you're using. Strain the vegetable stock. Turn off the heat and use a slotted spoon to scoop out and discard the vegetables. Set a large bowl in the sink and place a fine mesh strainer over the bowl. Hold the stockpot with both hands and slowly pour the stock through the strainer into the bowl in the sink. If you'd like to filter the stock, you can line the bowl with cheese cloth or coffee filters. Use or store the stock. You can immediately use the vegetable stock in recipes or pour the stock into storage containers. You can store the stock in freezer jars or bags or refrigerate stock in airtight containers. Freeze the stock for up to 3 months or refrigerate it for up to one week. If you want to freeze small portions, consider filling an ice cube tray with stock. Transfer the cubes of stock to a freezer bag and use the cubes whenever you need just a few tablespoons (ml) of stock. Preheat the oven and cut the vegetables. Turn the oven on to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Get out 1 large yellow onion and cut it into four pieces. Cut 6 large mushrooms and 2 roma tomatoes in half. You'll also need to roughly chop 1 medium carrot. You can also chop and use leek greens, celery, or seeded red pepper. Spread the vegetables in a roasting pan and add oil. Put the onion quarters, mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots, and 3 large cloves of unpeeled garlic into a roasting pan. The vegetables should be in a single layer so they roast evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of grapeseed or other neutral oil over the vegetables and toss them gently. If you'd like to use any extra vegetables, you can add them to the roasting pan. Roast the vegetables for 45 minutes. Put the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook the vegetables until they soften. You'll need to stir the vegetables every once in a while. The vegetables should look caramelized and golden. If any vegetables begin to darken or char, take them out of the roasting pan. Remove the vegetables and heat the wine in a roasting pan. Take the vegetables out of the oven and transfer them to a large saucepan. Set the vegetables aside while you pour 1 cup (240 ml) of white or red wine into the empty roasting pan and set the pan on the stove. If the pan is large, you may need to put it over two burners. Turn the heat to medium so the wine begins to bubble gently. Stir and scrape up the bits on the bottom of the pan. Combine the wine, vegetables, water, and spices. Once the wine is at a simmer, turn it off and pour it into the saucepan with the vegetables. Pour in 6 cups (1.4 liters) of water and add 2 bay leaves and 6 to 8 whole peppercorns. Heat the vegetable stock for 30 minutes. Put the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Stir the stock occasionally and let it simmer for about 30 minutes with the lid off of the pot. Some of the liquid should evaporate. Strain and store the stock. Turn off the heat and scoop out the vegetables with a slotted spoon. Put a large bowl in the sink and set a fine mesh strainer over the bowl. Slowly pour the vegetable stock through the strainer into the bowl. You can use the stock immediately or pour it into smaller airtight containers or food-storage bags to use for later. You can refrigerate vegetable stock for 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. You can discard the vegetables and spices. | Wash and chop the vegetables. Combine the vegetables, seasonings, and water. Bring the stock to a boil and reduce the temperature. Simmer the vegetable stock for about 1 hour. Strain the vegetable stock. Use or store the stock. Preheat the oven and cut the vegetables. Spread the vegetables in a roasting pan and add oil. Roast the vegetables for 45 minutes. Remove the vegetables and heat the wine in a roasting pan. Combine the wine, vegetables, water, and spices. Heat the vegetable stock for 30 minutes. Strain and store the stock. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Sportscaster | How to Become a Sportscaster | It takes a lot of work to become a sportscaster, but if you are passionate about sports, it could be an exciting and fun career. If you're still in high school, take courses in journalism. Attend as many sporting events as possible, and record yourself calling the games so you can listen to the tape later. After high school, enroll in a college with a 4-year program in journalism, broadcasting, and television production. Stay involved with sports as much as possible, and try to find a sports broadcasting internship or student program for hands-on experience. | Decide what area of sports and broadcasting you want to pursue. Although you may change your mind in the future, or end up working in a different field based on job availability, it will still be valuable to have a clear professional goal for yourself. For example, you can specialize in covering baseball, basketball, soccer, football, or volleyball games. You should also consider if you prefer work in television, radio, or internet-based broadcasting. Take high-school courses in journalism. These courses will have the most practical value to your future as a sportscaster. Journalism courses will prepare you to speak comfortably on radio and television, and will help you develop research and interview skills that are integral to working as a sportscaster. Also take any courses related to television broadcasting. Although journalism is the field most closely related to sportscasting, learning about broadcasting will also help you master the technical aspects of TV sportscasting. Start getting experience as early as possible. Even in high school, you can begin gathering valuable sportscasting experience outside of your journalism classes. This will help you become a more competitive job candidate later in life, and will help you gain confidence. For example: Practice calling games as much as you can. Sit in the stands during any sporting events you can find, and record yourself using a tape recorder or your phone. Look for opportunities to participate in student-run radio broadcasting programs. Contact local radio or television stations and see if they need an intern or assistant. Stay involved in sports. Although journalism classes and sportscasting practice are important, you should also continue playing sports of your choice, and should stay involved in the athletic community. If you're going to work as a sportscaster, you should be passionate about sports—remaining athletically active is the best way to maintain that passion and will give you an understanding of how the games work—which is what you will announce and analyze as a professional sportscaster. Playing one or more sports will also allow you to form contacts and network within an athletic community. Watch as many games as you can and pay special attention to the sportscasting. The best way to develop your own sportscasting abilities is to watch and listen to professional sportscasters. If you have the time, watch and listen to games at both the college and professional levels. Notice things like: How sportscasters speak, including vocal inflections. The kinds of information they include about individual players and entire teams. The ways sportscasters narrate events on the field to form a cohesive, interesting game narrative. Research the schools you’re interested in attending. Pay attention especially to their journalism and sports broadcasting programs. You can choose a school with a strong journalism program or, for example, sports journalism or broadcast journalism programs. Also consider choosing a college or university with journalism-related majors such as communications, mass media, or English. Plan to study journalism, broadcasting, or television production. Sportscaster internships will be most interested in hiring an individual with a four-year degree related to the field of journalism or broadcasting, as these majors ground you in reporting and engaging with media. Study and play sports in some capacity. Even if you're not at college to become a professional athlete, you should still stay involved in sports and the athletic community. You'll receive a deeper understanding of how sports work at a high level, and be able to better analyze games both on and off the field. If there's a sports-related minor—for example, a Sports Studies program—consider pursuing that option. Start a student-run broadcasting program. While many broadcasting programs exist, it may be hard for college students or recent graduates to break into these markets. Start talking to the Media or Radio departments at your university, and see if they allow students to start their own shows. If that is not an option, try starting your own broadcasting platform, such as a YouTube channel or a podcast. Look for a sports broadcast internship opportunity. This is even more important in college than it was in high school, as an internship will allow you to gain practical experience outside of an academic setting and give you time to study the craft of sportscasting. An internship is typically required to gain practical experience. You can obtain an internship on your own or with the help of your academic advisor. Generally, internships are for one quarter or semester (depending on your university) or for a summer. Although internships may pay, they are typically only for college credit. Hone and perfect your broadcasting skills. Broadcasting is a challenging responsibility; it calls for specialized skills that cannot be developed in other fields or lines of work. A job as a sportscaster requires an individual with charisma, who can think on their feet and is capable of both announcing specific plays, while also synthesizing information about players and teams with the overall narrative of a sports game. Build a demo tape with the help of your adviser or a sports broadcast professional. The demo tape should be audio or video clips of work done during your internship or college television broadcasts. Join college and professional journalism and sports broadcast journalism organizations or groups. Joining such an organization will allow you to network with other sports journalists. Some colleges (and even high schools) also record student sportscasting, and then upload the videos to stream from the college's athletics page online. If your college doesn't record and upload student broadcasting, check with someone in Athletics to see if they'll consider recording student sportscasting. Develop your networking skills and acquire connections with sportscasting professionals. Once you have finished your college degree and are beginning to look for work as a professional sportscaster, your network of professional contacts will prove invaluable. These contacts will be able to help you and mentor you through the job-search process, and can introduce you to further references and contacts. Make sure that your references and contacts know you personally; cultivate personal relationships, not just face recognition. Don't hesitate to ask for letters of reference or other forms of personal recommendation for internship programs or jobs. Learn the sportscasting and sports broadcasting industries. Like any professional industry, the sports broadcasting world can be difficult to break into. However, professional contacts will be essential to your own success as an upcoming sportscaster. Network and make contacts however you can. Consider avenues like: Mentoring groups specifically designed to help upcoming sportscasters. Sportscasting school, which will help you hone your craft and meet others with the ambition to become a sportscaster. Working in television fields related to sports broadcasting. Imitating the career paths of successful sports broadcasters. Start in a small market and work your way up. It's very unlikely that you'll land a sportscaster job at a large TV station in a major metropolitan area right out of college. Plan to find a starting job in a smaller market, and use that as an opportunity to improve your network of contacts and your skills as a sportscaster. Find a job inside of a radio or television station. This will provide on-the-job training and let you build up a solid network of professional contacts. Even if you must start out with a low-level job, or one that does not allow you airtime initially, the job will still be valuable as long as it is in the field of sports broadcasting. Closely observe other sportscasters. You can gather a wealth of information from professional sportscasters: interview them, learn from their mannerisms and speech in front of the camera, and learn from them as mentors. Work up from a sports reporter to a sportscaster. Many sportscasters start out providing on-the-field game coverage as sports reporters, and occasionally pick up opportunities for sportscasting work at their TV or radio station. This is a common way to work your way up in the field. | Decide what area of sports and broadcasting you want to pursue. Take high-school courses in journalism. Start getting experience as early as possible. Stay involved in sports. Watch as many games as you can and pay special attention to the sportscasting. Research the schools you’re interested in attending. Plan to study journalism, broadcasting, or television production. Study and play sports in some capacity. Start a student-run broadcasting program. Look for a sports broadcast internship opportunity. Hone and perfect your broadcasting skills. Develop your networking skills and acquire connections with sportscasting professionals. Learn the sportscasting and sports broadcasting industries. Start in a small market and work your way up. Find a job inside of a radio or television station. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Box-Out-in-Basketball | How to Box Out in Basketball | To box out in basketball, position yourself between your opponent and the basket, and look at your opponent's eyes to determine which way they plan to move for the rebound. Then, take 1-2 steps towards the player and extend your arm to touch their torso, but avoid holding or forcibly hitting them. If you extended your right arm, follow up by pivoting your body to the left so you're facing away from your opponent. Next, extend your butt slightly, stretch out your arms behind you to feel where your opponent is going, and slide your feet to either side to prevent them from getting around you. | Ensure a shot has been taken. Often, watching an opponent pass the ball with peripheral vision can be mistaken for a shot, particularly if it is a lob pass across the court. A common, helpful method of determining if a shot has been taken is to listen for your teammates yelling, "shot". If you see a shot taken, yell "shot" yourself so others can hear you. If you move to box out with your back turned, the player you're guarding can easily cut past you to the basket. Single out the person you're guarding if you’re playing man-to-man defense. Boxing out can vary based on what type of defense is being played. In man-to-man defense, find whatever player you were assigned to guard as they are your responsibility. This takes practice and quick thinking, but a good rule of thumb is to box out the closest opponent to the basket. If it is clear that a teammate will not be able to box out their own man, and their man is closer to the basket than your man, you should move to box out the opponent closest to the basket. Box out the closest person to you if you’re playing a zone defense. If you're playing a high position in the zone (closer to the top of the key, past the free throw line) try to select an opponent who is also above the key. If you're playing a low position (closer to the basket) try to find someone near to you in the paint. Trust your team when in a zone defense. All 5 players have to box out for it to work. A rebounding mentality for a zone defense is created by understanding the offense of the opponent and what areas are critical for securing a rebound. A zone defense is predicated on guarding positions on the court so rebounding in such a defense should reflect that same mentality. If you see the ball bounce off off the rim to your direction, don't be tempted to jump after it. You might miss it and then your man can get an offensive rebound. Position yourself between your opponent and the basket as you anticipate the angle at which the missed shot will venture. It is helpful to quickly glance at the opposing player's eyes. Many players will have their eyes up, watching the ball that has been shot, to try to anticipate how it will bounce off of the backboard or rim. Their eyes will often tell you what direction they plan on moving, so you can move to anticipate them. This can give you an advantage as they are not paying immediate attention to you. Step toward the player. You shouldn't have to move much further than a couple of steps because your opponent will be moving toward you and the basket if they are going for a rebound. Extend an arm and make contact with their torso to ensure that you don't lose track of your opponent. When a player of the opposing team takes a shot, you should make contact with your man using your hand or your forearm. Do not grab them or throw your arm with any kind of force, as referees will see this and call a foul. Do a reverse (back) pivot into the player. Turn your body to the opposite side of the arm you extended (if you extended your right arm, rotate your body to the left). Throw your arms behind you, and make a corral. As the ball is flying through the air to the basket, stay positioned with your body towards your man. Spread your feet a foot or so further than shoulder-width, and bend your knees to lower your body. At this point, your momentum should carry you into your opponent. Stay balanced, and extend your butt slightly. Anticipate contact with your glutes and lower back. Get low and use the strength of your base and core to keep the opponent away from the rebound. You should stop your opponent and continue to push them back, not tackle them. Spread your arms to either side of your opponent behind you at the same time you are pushing him back with your base. With your arms on either side, perpendicular to your body and angled backwards, you can tell where your opponent plans to move. You should plan to move in the same direction. This will prevent them from getting around you. Do not hold them in place. Your arms are for telling where the other player is, not for keeping them stationary. With your back to the player, one leg and one arm should be on either side of your opponent's body but not touching them. A band aid will be our example; the sticky part is your arms and legs and the padding is your main frame. You do not want the "sticky part" (arms and legs) to touch your opponent. Instead, the non-sticky part (your main frame, butt and back) will be the contact point that keeps him in place. You are creating a “box” that your opponent is unable to escape. Push backwards with your butt. It may feel a little awkward, but it is the most effective way to get your opponent out of your zone. Walk with him, and make sure he doesn't get around you. If you feel that they are moving in one direction, push them the opposite way to counteract their movement. If you have a proper stance, you can move with them to either side and therefore make it extremely difficult for them to go forward in a rebounding effort. Squat as if you're sitting on a chair. Use your body weight to keep them from getting to the ball. Watch the ball to try to anticipate where it will go if the shot is missed. When you are sure that you have your opponent sufficiently boxed out, it is important to then go in for the rebound yourself. Stopping your opponent's momentum is often enough to keep them from attempting a rebound, and even if he tries to keep going, you will have an advantage of position. The whole effort will have been pointless if you don't attempt a rebound. Slide your feet as needed to prevent the opposing player from getting around you. Watch where the ball goes and jump toward it when it begins to descend. Extend both arms completely to get as much height as possible. When the shot bounces off the basket in your direction, jump to the "high point" (meeting the ball at the highest point of your jump) and grab the basketball for a successful rebound. Keep your opponent pinned. Only go for the rebound if you feel that you have your opponent secured in place. If you think they can get around you, leave the rebound to another teammate and focus on keeping your opponent away from the ball. "Chin the ball". Do this by putting the ball underneath your chin and sticking your elbows out. Bring the ball right under your chin and flare your elbows out. Don't swing your elbows, you don't want to commit a foul or hurt anyone, but bring them out as wide as possible to protect the ball. This makes it harder for the defense to steal the ball from you after you secure the rebound. Hold the ball tightly. When you come down with the rebound, refrain from dribbling for a second or two as many defenders will attempt to hit it out of your hands. Pivot away from the basket to the sideline. Look to throw an outlet pass to a streaking player or a guard located near the sidelines. Look for your point-guard and pass him the ball if he's open. If you are the point-guard look up court for an open teammate close to the basket; otherwise, look to set up your offense. Turn and dribble up the court if you're a guard. If you're a post player, wait and look for an outlet pass to a guard before running up court yourself. Don't get over confident with your ball-handling ability. Make sure all the defenders have cleared before dribbling. | Ensure a shot has been taken. Single out the person you're guarding if you’re playing man-to-man defense. Box out the closest person to you if you’re playing a zone defense. Trust your team when in a zone defense. Position yourself between your opponent and the basket as you anticipate the angle at which the missed shot will venture. Step toward the player. Extend an arm and make contact with their torso to ensure that you don't lose track of your opponent. Do a reverse (back) pivot into the player. Stay balanced, and extend your butt slightly. Spread your arms to either side of your opponent behind you at the same time you are pushing him back with your base. Push backwards with your butt. Watch the ball to try to anticipate where it will go if the shot is missed. Slide your feet as needed to prevent the opposing player from getting around you. Extend both arms completely to get as much height as possible. Keep your opponent pinned. "Chin the ball". Hold the ball tightly. Pivot away from the basket to the sideline. Turn and dribble up the court if you're a guard. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Graphic-Novel | How to Create a Graphic Novel | To create a graphic novel, start by writing a basic plot line and creating memorable characters. Next, draw illustrations in pencil so you can adjust them as you make edits. Then, write the characters' dialogue into the images and make sure that the words tell the reader something interesting about the person speaking. When you've completed the draft, get feedback and edit your graphic novel to make it more enjoyable for the reader. Finally, add ink and color to your illustrations manually or using a computer program like Photoshop. | Create a plot outline. A good graphic novel starts with a strong story that has a central plot. Outline the general events of the novel using a plot diagram with five parts: Exposition: This is the set up for the graphic novel, including the setting, the main character, and the conflict. For example, you may have exposition like: a young alien living in a small town falls in love with a human girl. The inciting incident: This is the event that changes the course of the main character's life. For example, you may have an inciting incident like: the human girl breaks up with her human boyfriend and is looking for a date to the school dance. The rising action: This is where you develop the characters and explore their relationships. For example, you may have rising action like: the alien starts spending time with the girl after school to study for a big exam. The climax: This is the high point of the story, where the main character has to make a major choice or decision. For example, you may have a climax like: the alien decides to ask the girl to the dance during one of their study dates. She says yes and the alien now has to figure out what to do at a dance, on a date. The falling action: This is the point where the main character deals with the results of their decision and is usually packed with action and suspense. For example, you may have falling action like: the alien and the girl go to the dance but everyone else there is hostile towards them. The alien then has to deal with an angry mob of people chasing him and the girl around at the dance. The resolution: This is the point where there reader learns where the main character ends up and whether they succeed or fail in their goal or desire. For example, you may have a resolution like: the girl stands up for the alien and they fly off together on a UFO. Focus on an interesting main character or cast of characters. Create a main character that is memorable and unique. Give your main character specific personality traits and a unique perspective on the world. Avoid cliche characters or characters that a reader may already be familiar with. For example, you may create a main character who is born with a secret superpower and struggles to keep it from others around them. Or perhaps your main character is an alien who is trying to win the heart of a human. You can also focus on a cast of characters to give the graphic novel more scope, such as a family or a group of friends. Explore a setting. Pick a setting that will give the novel depth and make it interesting on a visual level. Go for a setting that is a little surreal so you can include landscapes that are fun for the reader to look at. You can also take a setting you know well and make it a little strange or skewed. For example, you may set the graphic novel on a planet that resembles Earth, but is populated by aliens instead of humans. Or you may add surreal elements to your hometown and make that the setting. Pick a particular drawing style. Make your graphic novel distinct by going for a drawing style that you like and can do well. Maybe you use manga or U.S. comics as drawing inspiration. Or perhaps you challenge yourself to try a new drawing style. Go for a drawing style that feels unique, but also true to your skills and vision as an artist. You should also select a drawing style that is easy for you to do and not too time consuming. Once you draft the novel, you can always go back and tweak the drawing style. Storyboard the novel. Create small squares on blank paper. Then, take a scene in the novel and draw it out, panel by panel. Include text at the bottom of the squares. Think about how you are going to represent the setting and the characters in the scene. You can then try storyboarding several scenes to get a better sense of how the novel will look on the page. You can make the panels all the same size or experiment with panels that are different sizes. Read examples of graphic novels. To get a better sense of the genre, read graphic novels that have been published to great acclaim. You may read graphic novels that use different drawing styles so you can see what you like and respond to. You may read: Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki. Watchmen by Alan Moore. Summer Babe by Adrian Tomine. Introduce the characters and setting to the reader. The first few pages of your graphic novel should tell the reader who and what the novel is going to be about. Open with a scene that shows your main character in action in the setting. Or begin with dialogue and images that tell the reader a bit about the conflict between main character and another character. For example, you may open with a scene where the main character gets ready for school. You could then show the alien habits of the main character and introduce the school as the main setting for the novel. Include conflict between characters. A good story hinges on conflict and tension between your characters. Do not be afraid to put your main character in a tricky or difficult situation. Give your main character a goal and then put obstacles in their way so it is hard for them to achieve their goal. You can also have conflict between your main character and others around them. For example, you may create a conflict between the main character and their boss. You can then show the main character butting heads with their boss, or even beating up their boss with their superpowers. Keep the characters' features consistent throughout the novel. As you start to draw the graphic novel, focus on several key character features and try to create them the same way each time. Maintain consistent features for your characters from panel to panel so the novel feels cohesive. Use pencil to draw the initial panels for the novel so you can adjust them, if needed, to keep them consistent. For example, you may give your main character a distinct hairstyle. You will then need to ensure you draw their hairstyle the same way, or as similar as you can, whenever the character appears in the novel. Make the setting detailed and eye catching. Pull your reader into the story by including interesting details in the setting. Give your setting just as much attention as your characters. Include objects that are particular to the setting you have created. This will help to build the world of the story and keep your reader engaged. For example, if your novel is set in a high school for aliens, you may include details like parking spaces for UFOs, textbooks on “How to Pretend to be Human,” and clocks set to different time zones across the universe. Include dialogue that develops character and furthers the story. The dialogue in your graphic novel should tell the reader more about the character speaking. It should also push the story forward on a plot level. Avoid generic dialogue like “Hello,” or “How are you?” Instead, include dialogue that is particular to your characters. For example, you may give your main character a catchphrase that they tend to say when they are startled or surprised, such as “Yikes!” or “Holy Alien!” Some graphic novels have little to no dialogue. As the creator, you can decide if you'd like to include dialogue for your characters or if you'd prefer to let the visuals do the talking. End with a resolution or realization. Like any good story, your graphic novel should end by resolving or addressing the conflict. Your main character may finally get what they want, but for a price. Or your main character may realize something about another character and feel a sense of resolution that way. Try to bring the story full circle for the reader so they are satisfied with the ending. You may include images that provide a resolution of the conflict. Or you may include a conversation between the main character and another character to help them both realize their mistakes or resolve their misunderstanding. Use a cliffhanger ending if your graphic novel is part of a series. If you are writing the graphic novel as part of a series of novels with the same characters or setting, leave the reader in suspense. You may end with “To be continued…” or an image that lets the reader know there is more to come from the characters and the world you have built in the novel. Show the graphic novel to others. Ask friends, family members, and peers to read your draft. Get them to give you feedback on whether they found the novel interesting and unique. Ask them if they found the visuals engaging and entertaining. Be open to constructive criticism from others, as this will only make your graphic novel stronger. Read the graphic novel aloud. Listen to how the dialogue sounds when read aloud to make sure it sounds natural, rather than stilted or awkward. Notice if your characters have a distinct way of speaking. Check the dialogue helps to move the action of the story forward. Reading the novel aloud can also help you check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Check the flow and plot development. Make sure the novel flows well from scene to scene or section to section. Underline or mark any sections that are awkward or do not not flow well. You should also check that the plot develops clearly in the novel. It should follow your plot outline, with a clear central conflict and a climax. Revise the novel. Take the feedback you received from others, as well as your own thoughts, and do a deep revision of the novel. Be relentless and cut out any content that does not make sense or further the story. Try to make the novel better and more engaging for your reader. Add ink and color to the novel. You may do this manually with ink and colored pens. Coloring can also be done by hand with paint or art markers. Make sure you erase any pencil marks once you have inked and colored the novel. You can also use a computer program like Adobe Photoshop to help speed up the inking and coloring process. | Create a plot outline. Focus on an interesting main character or cast of characters. Explore a setting. Pick a particular drawing style. Storyboard the novel. Read examples of graphic novels. Introduce the characters and setting to the reader. Include conflict between characters. Keep the characters' features consistent throughout the novel. Make the setting detailed and eye catching. Include dialogue that develops character and furthers the story. End with a resolution or realization. Use a cliffhanger ending if your graphic novel is part of a series. Show the graphic novel to others. Read the graphic novel aloud. Check the flow and plot development. Revise the novel. Add ink and color to the novel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Moisturize-Braids | How to Moisturize Braids | To moisturize your braids, use a leave-in conditioner and natural oil. Rub the conditioner into your hair until you can't see it anymore, starting at your scalp and moving down to your tips. After you've applied the leave-in conditioner, rub in a natural oil like coconut or almond. This will help to seal your braids and reduce frizz. Alternatively, use a deep conditioner to moisturize your braids. It's best to use a conditioner with a natural oil, like coconut, jojoba, castor, or almond. Rub this into your hair from scalp to tips. Then, wrap your braids in a shower cap and blow dry your hair through the cap for 20 minutes. Leave your braids to air dry for another 10 minutes, then rinse the conditioner out. Try to moisturize your braids once a week to keep them healthy. | Choose a conditioner. Select a leave-in conditioner, which is more lightweight than a rinse-out conditioner. The goal of conditioner is to add moisture to your hair, make it smoother, and can make your hair look healthier. Find a conditioner that matches your hair needs (dry, color-treated, curly, etc). If you have synthetic braids, choose a conditioner with a protein in it. This can strengthen your natural hair. Gather your moisturizer supplies. You can quickly mix up a lightweight moisturizer using ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Use whatever conditioner you usually use on your hair. This mixture will be easy to spray onto your hair every day. You'll need: A spray bottle A measuring spoon A measuring cup Conditioner Water Glycerin Add conditioner and water to the bottle. Measure ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of conditioner into the spray bottle. Add 3 tablespoons (44 ml) of water and screw the nozzle onto the top. Shake this mixture till the water is completely combined with the moisturizer. The water helps thin the conditioner out so that you can easily spray it onto your braids. If it's too thick to spray through the nozzle, gradually add more water until it reaches the desired consistency. Add glycerin. Unscrew the spray bottle nozzle and add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of 100% pure glycerin to the diluted conditioner. Screw the bottle nozzle back into place and shake the mixture till the glycerin is mixed in. Glycerin is added to reduce frizz in your hair and keep it moisturized. Spray the braids near your face with the homemade moisturizer. Bring the braids from the back of your head to the sides of your face. Use the spray bottle filled with leave-in conditioner, water, and glycerin, and spray the braids nearest to your face. You should mainly be spraying close to your scalp if you have synthetic braids. If you have natural braids, you'll eventually need to spray the entire braid. Rub the moisturizer into your braids. Grab a handful of braids near your scalp using one hand. While loosely gripping the braids, run your hand down the entire length. At the same time, use your other hand to alternate running the moisturizer down the braids. Run your hands through the braids till you can't see the moisturizer anymore. Never rub the moisturizer up through your braids or you'll create frizz and can damage your hair. Spray the middle and ends of your braids. Once you've sprayed near the scalp and top of your braids, spray near the middle of your braids. Run your hands down the length of the braids so that the ends of the braids are completely moisturized. It's especially important to spray the ends of your braids if your braids are natural. Your hair is more likely to split or frizz if it's not moisturized. Moisturize the rest of your braids. Working in chunks, continue to spray and rub down your braids with moisturizer. Remember to get the hard-to-reach braids at the back of your head. Make sure your edges are well-moisturized since these can easily dry out. Moisturizing your edges will make the braids last longer. Seal your braids. Squirt a natural oil (like coconut or almond oil) into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together and loosely grab a section of braids near your scalp. While loosely gripping the braids, run your hand down the entire length. At the same time, use your other hand to alternate running the moisturizer down the braids. Continue to add more oil and work through all of your braids. You shouldn't see any frizz once you've sealed the braids. Moisturize and seal your braids at least once or twice a week. Choose a deep conditioner. Look for conditioner containing a light oil like coconut, jojoba, castor, or almond oil. Select an oil that hasn't been mixed with cheaper oils (like mineral oil). A lighter oil can be easily absorbed by your scalp and your hair. Avoid using a thick or heavy conditioner that will just sit on your hair. Repeated use of a thick conditioner will cause product buildup on your braids. Apply the conditioner. Keep the oil in a squeeze bottle so you can easily squeeze the oil directly onto your scalp. This way, you can easily massage the oil into your scalp and your edges. If you're worried that you'll squirt too much oil onto your braids, you can always squeeze a small amount into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and massage the oil onto your scalp. Or, purchase a bottle with a dropper so you have control over the amount of oil you apply. Remember to rub oil onto the tips of your braids too. Wrap your braids. Put your braids into a protective hairstyle. You can twist your braids into a bun and secure them to the top of your head. If your braids are short, try to tie them back or to the sides of your head. Place a plastic cap completely over your scalp so that your braids are contained. If you don't have a plastic cap, you can also try securing your braids with plastic wrap. This trick will probably work better if your braids are shorter. Let the conditioner dry. Sit under a dryer for about 20 minutes to allow your hair to soak up the oil more effectively. Let the braids air dry for another 10 minutes. To let the oil absorb even more, you can leave your hair in the cap for up to an hour after applying the heat. Avoid heating your hair for more than 30 minutes, since your hair will stop absorbing oil after this point. Rinse out the conditioner and let your braids dry. Take the cap off and let your braids down. Lightly spray your braids and scalp with your daily leave-in conditioner. This will seal in the moisture from your deep conditioning treatment. Rinse your braids and your scalp with clean water. Let your braids completely air dry. Note that wetting your braids will make them heavier, especially if you have long hair or extensions. It's okay to leave a little conditioner in your hair after rinsing. This will just give your braids a little extra moisture. Repeat the treatment every week. In order to keep your hair and braids looking great, do a deep-conditioning treatment once a week. If your hair starts to look greasy, you can cut back to once every other week. | Choose a conditioner. Gather your moisturizer supplies. Add conditioner and water to the bottle. Add glycerin. Spray the braids near your face with the homemade moisturizer. Rub the moisturizer into your braids. Spray the middle and ends of your braids. Moisturize the rest of your braids. Seal your braids. Choose a deep conditioner. Apply the conditioner. Wrap your braids. Let the conditioner dry. Rinse out the conditioner and let your braids dry. Repeat the treatment every week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Costume-Designer | How to Become a Costume Designer | If you want to become a costume designer, volunteer at a local theater or film set. This can help you get valuable hands-on experience, and you may make connections that can help you get a job in the future. Take pictures of the costumes you put together for these productions and use them to build a portfolio that you can show potential employers. Also, depending on the job you want, you'll probably need to earn an associate's degree or higher in costume design, visual art, or a related field. | Observe and analyze costumes in plays and movies. While it would be great to attend plays and watch a lot of TV and movies for your personal enjoyment, having a more critical eye will help you start understanding costume design. Make note of the colors of costumes and the materials they're made out of, and practice recognizing factors that influence these decisions. Time periods and character personalities are just a couple of the different factors that influence costume design. Volunteer at a local theater or film set. Do whatever you can to expose yourself to a costume designing environment. This can mean being an unpaid backstage helper at a local theater or working on a project with the film club at the school you attend. Keep taking these opportunities while also applying for internships and entry level jobs that can potentially get your foot in the door. Get a relevant degree. Each employer has different educational standards, but you'll most likely need at least an associate's degree to have a shot at entry level employment. While getting a costume design degree, you'll learn about drawing, tailoring, fashion history, stage makeup, pattern design, and more. You can also get into costume design with a degree in graphic design, visual art, or fashion design. If you'd like to get a Bachelor's or Master's degree, this will only improve your value and skill set. Put together a portfolio of your work. Having a solid portfolio is essential if you want to start a career in costume design. Potential employers are going to want to see proof of your creativity and design skills. It's best to have your portfolio in more than one format. Consider having both an online version and a photographic version of your portfolio. Expand your artistic abilities. While design itself doesn't require that you be flawless with a sewing machine or phenomenal at drawing, building skills in relevant artistic areas such as these will make it that much easier to properly execute your costume ideas. Practicing these creative skills can also teach you to pay attention to detail and develop a better awareness of the world around you. Develop good research skills. While the overall goal of costume design is to design, you can't do that unless you first develop a thorough understanding of who is wearing the costume and why they're wearing it. Study the characters forwards and backwards before you start the designing process. It's helpful to have specific references to become inspired by and base your vision on. Work on your communication skills. Good communication skills are absolutely vital to efficiently designing and creating costumes. You're the one with the vision, and you're the one who will have to communicate that vision to others clearly and effectively in order to have a strong end product. As a designer, you'll often be in a leadership position where you rely on others' help. Whenever you find yourself in this role, do your best to direct others in a clear, respectful, authoritative fashion. Work with deadlines and budgets. As a costume designer, you'll often be working under pressure. Plays, films, and TV shows all have showtimes and air dates that can't be delayed, as well as money limitations. Take any opportunities to design costumes within a time frame or with a tight budget. When doing your own projects, commit to a date it'll be done by and a maximum amount of money you're allowed to spend on it. This will help you learn this skill before actually having strict budgets and deadlines to adhere to. Develop design skills. As a costume designer, you'll be expected to think creatively and have an eye for detail. Whenever fun or even outlandish ideas come to you, sketch them in a drawing notebook and develop them more over time. Then, start attempting to put your sketches to life one clothing item at a time with a sewing machine. Make connections with important people. While you're a design student, do your best to make and keep in contact with successful people in your field. If you make strong connections with fashion designers, playwrights, and others, you may be able to use them as references later on. Attend any relevant events, including local plays, fashion shows, etc. that you hear about and can network at. Jump at opportunities. One of the very best ways to get a start in costume designing is simply by saying “yes.” Accept any and every small opportunity that comes your way and one of them may eventually lead to a big one. Sell your work independently. Once you've learned all about costume design and have developed a skill set, try selling some of your work. Do prom dress alterations for students at the local high school. Consider designing, making, and selling halloween costumes for people on Etsy. Start out as a costume assistant or wardrobe trainee. It'll take some work in an entry level position to set you up for costume designer jobs. Use your connections, volunteer work, and personal sales to apply for any of these positions that you hear about. Doing this will give you necessary experience and also give you even more networking opportunities. Apply to become a member of the Costume Designers Guild. The Costume Designers Guild was established in 1953 and now has nearly 750 members. The guild prides itself on representing and promoting costume designers, assistant costume designers, and costume illustrators who work at the highest level of expertise. Once you've gotten a few assisting and designing jobs under your belt, fill out an application at: http://costumedesignersguild.com/. | Observe and analyze costumes in plays and movies. Volunteer at a local theater or film set. Get a relevant degree. Put together a portfolio of your work. Expand your artistic abilities. Develop good research skills. Work on your communication skills. Work with deadlines and budgets. Develop design skills. Make connections with important people. Jump at opportunities. Sell your work independently. Start out as a costume assistant or wardrobe trainee. Apply to become a member of the Costume Designers Guild. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Chicken-Afritada | How to Cook Chicken Afritada | To cook chicken afritada on your stovetop, start by marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in the fridge. Next, cook the bacon in olive oil in a Dutch oven until it's brown and crispy and remove it from the pot. Then, fry the chicken in the hot oil until it's browned and transfer it to a plate. Saute the garlic, onions, and tomatoes in the oil and add fish sauce, water, and bay leaves. Finally, let the mixture simmer for 25-45 minutes before adding potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, peas, and bacon and simmering until the veggies get tender. | Marinate the chicken. Combine the soy sauce and black pepper in a large glass dish. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade and cover with plastic wrap. Let soak in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Use a glass or plastic dish. Do not use a metal dish to marinate the chicken. If you do not have a large glass or plastic dish, you could also combine the marinade and chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Try to use a freezer bag or a marinade bag, since either option will be durable enough to hold the heavy chicken without developing leaks. While chicken thighs and drumsticks are preferable for this recipe, you could also use a whole chicken cut into pieces. Keep the skin on and the bones in. Just be aware that white meat can cook faster than dark meat. Heat the bacon and olive oil. Pour the olive oil into a large Dutch oven and add the bacon pieces. Cook the bacon on medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until it becomes brown and crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and transfer them to a plate. Set aside and keep warm. You need to let the bacon render its fat. This will give the dish more flavor. If you do not have bacon or would prefer not to use it, you could double the amount of oil you use, instead, and leave the bacon out entirely. If you do not have a Dutch oven, you could also use a large, heavy stockpot with deep sides. Fry the chicken pieces. Remove the chicken pieces from the soy sauce marinade. Add them to the hot oil and fry for 4 to 8 minutes, or until well-browned on all sides. Let the excess marinade drain from the chicken before you add it to the hot oil. Dispose of the marinade after removing the chicken. Do not attempt to reuse it, since marinades holding raw meat can become tainted with hazardous bacteria. Turn the chicken pieces periodically using tongs to ensure that all sides are evenly browned. Once browned, transfer the chicken to another plate. Set it aside and keep warm. Cook the garlic and onions. Add the chopped garlic and onions to the oil in the Dutch oven. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and both ingredients become more fragrant. Stir the onion and garlic frequently to prevent them from burning. Burnt ingredients, especially garlic, can destroy the flavor of the dish. Both the onions and garlic should look cooked. The garlic will look golden and the onions will become translucent. Add the tomatoes. Mix the chopped tomatoes into the garlic and onion on the stove. Cook the contents of the Dutch oven for another 4 to 5 minutes. The tomatoes will need to soften quite a bit. In this particular recipe, most of the tomato flavor comes from the actual tomatoes. The tomatoes should soften and start breaking down slightly. Stir the contents of the Dutch oven periodically to prevent anything from burning. Scrape the bottom of the pan as you stir to remove the brown bits on the bottom. These will add more flavor to the finished stew. Add the fish sauce, water, and bay leaves. Return the chicken to the Dutch oven and add the fish sauce, water, and bay leaves. Mix well to combine the flavors. If you do not have fish sauce or would prefer not to use it, you could replace it with 1/2 to 1 tsp (2.5 to 5 ml) of salt. Bring the contents of the dish to a boil over medium-high to high heat, stirring frequently. Let simmer. After the dish boils, turn the heat to medium-low and let the liquid simmer until the chicken becomes tender. This could take anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes. Leave the lid off the Dutch oven as the Afritada cooks, and stir the dish periodically. Add the potatoes and carrots. After the chicken is cooked through and tender, add the chopped potatoes and chopped carrots. Cook them in the stew for another 10 minutes. The pieces should be about 1 inch (2.5 thick). If you opt to make them smaller or larger, at least try to keep the vegetable pieces in fairly consistent sizes. Note that larger pieces will likely take longer to cook. Add the bell peppers. Toss the bell pepper into the Dutch oven along with the other ingredients and simmer for another 5 minutes. The peppers should be about the same size as the potatoes and carrots when you add them. Toss in the peas and bacon pieces. Once all of the vegetables are tender, add the peas and bacon pieces. Continue simmering until the peas are tender and the entire dish has been heated through. If using frozen peas, make sure that they have been thawed before adding them to the Afritada. Taste test the liquid if desired. You can add more seasonings of the taste seems off. For instance, if the taste seems bitter, mix in 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of brown sugar. If you want it to be a bit spicier, try mixing in 1 tsp (5 ml) of hot sauce. Serve hot. Chicken Afritada should be spooned into serving dishes and enjoyed while still steaming hot. Roast the potatoes. The potatoes should be roasted before you add them to the dish. To do so, you will need to cook them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Toss them with a drizzle of oil and a dash of salt and pepper before transferring them to a small baking dish. If using large potatoes instead of bite-size potatoes, quarter the potatoes into bite-size pieces before cooking them. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stove. If you do not have a Dutch oven, you could also use a large stainless steel stockpot or pan. Wait a couple of minutes so that the oil has sufficient time to heat up. Season and brown the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on all sides. Add them to the oil in your Dutch oven and brown on all sides. You will need to turn the chicken periodically to brown all sides evenly. When browned, transfer the chicken to a plate. Set aside. While drumsticks and thighs are usually used for chicken Afritada, if you prefer it, you could a whole chicken cut into separate pieces, instead. Keep the bones in and the skin on. Also keep in mind that white meat tends to cook faster than dark meat. Browning the chicken beforehand improves the color and enhances the taste. Sauté the garlic and onions. Add the chopped garlic and onions to the remaining oil in the Dutch oven. Sauté, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until they become tender and fragrant. At this point, you should add the chicken back to the Dutch oven. Add and boil the sauce ingredients. Add the chicken stock, tomato sauce, fish sauce, and bay leaves to the Dutch oven and bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high to high heat. Leave the pan uncovered and stir the contents periodically. Transfer the pan to the oven and finish braising. As soon as the liquid reaches a boil, turn off your stove and transfer the pan and its contents to the oven. Braise the chicken in the oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until all the chicken pieces have cooked through. To prevent the chicken from drying out, use a baster or spoon to baste the chicken with the sauce every 10 minutes or so. Add the potatoes and red bell pepper. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add these ingredients to the contents of the pot and stir them in. Finish cooking as before. If desired, you can also add salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot. The chicken Afritada should be pulled out of the oven and enjoyed while still hot and steaming. | Marinate the chicken. Heat the bacon and olive oil. Fry the chicken pieces. Cook the garlic and onions. Add the tomatoes. Add the fish sauce, water, and bay leaves. Let simmer. Add the potatoes and carrots. Add the bell peppers. Toss in the peas and bacon pieces. Serve hot. Roast the potatoes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Season and brown the chicken. Sauté the garlic and onions. Add and boil the sauce ingredients. Transfer the pan to the oven and finish braising. Add the potatoes and red bell pepper. Serve hot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pick-a-Tubular-Lock | How to Pick a Tubular Lock | Tubular locks can be difficult to pick, but with the right tools and a little practice, you can get it. The easiest way to pick a tubular lock is by using a tubular lock pick. However, you can use a ballpoint pen if you don't have one. You'll need to cut off the end of the pen with scissors, cut 4 vertical notches in the plastic, then slide the pen into the lock's opening. Insert the pen as far as it will go, then, holding the pen in one hand and the lock in the other, shake both from side to side until the pins loosen. After shaking for a bit it should open. | Buy a practice lock to perfect your lockpicking technique. If you're learning to pick tubular locks as part of a hobby and are mainly concerned about technique, purchasing a practice lock may come in handy before buying the real thing. Practice locks show the inside of the lock so you know exactly what you're doing as you pick it. If you're trying to open a specific item and don't particularly care about technique, you don't need to purchase a practice lock. Examine the lock to determine how many pins it has. Tubular locks usually have between 6-8 pins, with 7-8 being most common. How many pins the lock has influences what kind of lock pick you will need, so count and record the number before you purchase a lock pick. Clean your lock before you pick it. Wash dirty locks with soap and warm water to remove dust or debris. If your lock is rusty, try to remove as much as you can before picking it. If your lock is clean, you'll be able to pick it more easily. Slide the pick's needles back and forth. If the picking needles move easily, they will contour well to the interior of the lock and will be useful for picking. Needles that don't move as easily back and forth, however, may be dirty or rusty. Clean your pick and remove any visible rust to eliminate sticking. If you've cleaned your pick and the needles still don't move easily, it may be broken. Invest in a lock pick for the easiest way. Because tubular locks are so complex, they cannot be picked in the same way as other locks. Using a lock pick is the only verified way to open a tubular lock without the key so, if you have time to spare, purchase a pick to open your tubular lock. If you're in a hurry, you may be able to pick your lock with a ballpoint pen, but this method is less guaranteed than using a pick. Cut off the end of a ballpoint pen with scissors. Pick a ballpoint pen with an exterior the same diameter as or slightly smaller than the lock's opening. Remove the ink tube from inside the pen, as you will be using the ballpoint pen's exterior to jimmy open the lock. Cut 4 vertical notches into the back of the pen. The notches should run up and along the sides of the pen. These will keep the pen flexible as they slide into the lock. Slide the pen into the lock's opening. Insert the pen as far as it will go into the lock, using pressure if needed. If the lock seems jammed and will not allow the pen to slide in, try either making the notches longer or cleaning any potential dirt or rust inside the lock. Shake the lock back and forth. Hold the pen in one hand and the lock in the other and shake both from side to side until the pins loosen. If you hit all of the pins, the lock should open. Try shaking it several times—if it doesn't open after repeated attempts, you may need to use a lock pick. Make sure that your pick has the correct amount of needles for your lock. The number of needles should correspond to the pins on your lock. If your lock has 7 pins, for example, you should use a pick with 7 needles. Twist the pick's tightening bolt to loosen it. The tightening bolt should be located on the side of the lock pick. When the bolt feels loose, line the pick up with the lock to make sure that the inner needles are aligned with the lock's pins. Tighten the bolt again after making adjustments when the needles and pins seem to align. Slide the pick into the lock as far as it will go. If your lock feels stuck at any point, remove it from the lock and twist the bolt loose again. You may need to re-adjust the needles before they fit smoothly into the lock. Turn the pick to the right. If your pick's needles are aligned correctly, this should trigger a spring and open the lock. Twist the pick as far to the right as it will go while pressing towards the center of the lock. If the lock still won't open, try re-adjusting the tightening bolt and trying again. | Buy a practice lock to perfect your lockpicking technique. Examine the lock to determine how many pins it has. Clean your lock before you pick it. Slide the pick's needles back and forth. Invest in a lock pick for the easiest way. Cut off the end of a ballpoint pen with scissors. Cut 4 vertical notches into the back of the pen. Slide the pen into the lock's opening. Shake the lock back and forth. Make sure that your pick has the correct amount of needles for your lock. Twist the pick's tightening bolt to loosen it. Slide the pick into the lock as far as it will go. Turn the pick to the right. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Glass-Without-Streaks | How to Clean Glass Without Streaks | It can be tricky to clean glass without getting annoying streaks, but you can do it if you have the right materials. Choose an ammonia or isopropyl alcohol-based cleaner, since these are less likely to leave streaks than other cleaners. If you prefer an all-natural cleaner, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and put them in a spray bottle. Spray the cleaner onto the window or mirror, then make side-to-side strokes with a microfiber cloth or a squeegee to wipe the cleaner away. Avoid using paper towels or linty cloths, since they can leave streaks and fuzz. When you're done, buff away any remaining streaks or wet spots with a dry microfiber cloth. | Select a quality indoor cleaner with ammonia for the glass. There are plenty of glass cleaners available, but some of them are better at preventing streaks than others. If you're planning on using a commercial product, try an ammonia-based cleaner. Ammonia evaporates quickly, so it doesn't leave streaks. Many inexpensive cleaners have tons of soap and should be avoided. If you are unable to find ammonia-based glass cleaners, look for ones with isopropyl alcohol instead. Isopropyl alcohol doesn't have a harsh smell like ammonia does. Both ammonia and isopropyl alcohol are considered environmentally-friendly when they have been diluted in water, like with glass cleaners. Mix together equal parts water and vinegar for an all-natural alternative. You can easily make an effective, environmentally-friendly cleaner from a few household ingredients. One example is to mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar. You could also replace some or all of the vinegar with other ingredients, like isopropyl alcohol or lemon juice. If you don't have vinegar, substitute in an equal amount of isopropyl alcohol or lemon juice instead. If you choose to mix them with vinegar, try combining them in equal amounts. For instance, combine about 1 cup (240 mL) of water with 1 cup (240 mL) of isopropyl alcohol and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of white vinegar. This will make a quick-drying cleaner that doesn't leave streaks. Plain water isn't enough to clean glass without leaving streaks. Mixing in soap doesn't solve the problem, either. Spray the glass very lightly with a cleaning solution. Most commercial glass cleaners come in spray bottles, so, if you made your own cleaner, load it into a spray bottle. Mist the surface of the glass in a consistent coating of the cleaner. Start at the top and move across the glass in a zigzag pattern until you reach the bottom. If you use too much of the cleaner, you will notice it dripping. To avoid streaks, apply cleaning products sparingly. You can always use more later if it is necessary. Scrub the glass from side to side using a microfiber cloth. Start in one corner and work toward the opposite one. When you reach the edge of the glass, move the cloth down a little bit and work back the other way. Continue doing this until you reach the bottom to leave the glass clean and streak-free. Paper towels are one of the biggest culprits of streaks. They also tend to leave lint behind, making them inefficient for glass cleaning. If you're looking for an alternative to a cloth, try using a squeegee. It is a handheld rubber blade made for directing liquid in a way that prevents it from streaking. Buff any remaining stains with a dry microfiber cloth. Step back to take a look at the glass. You may notice a few spots that don't look clean. Get a clean cloth and scrub in a circle. Treat each spot one at a time to remove then. Then, take a step back again to admire the clean, streak-free glass. The remaining glass cleaner used will dry on its own. If you wish to, you can wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, but it isn't necessary. If the glass still looks dirty, spray it with more of the cleaning solution and wipe it down again. You may notice improvements after doing this a couple of times. Eliminate small stains by treating them individually with isopropyl alcohol. Dampen a cotton ball in a little bit of the isopropyl alcohol, then use it to scrub the stains. It's good for treating problems like toothpaste, hair gel, and sticky residue. However, isopropyl dries quickly, so make sure you add enough to the cotton ball. Continue dampening it and scrubbing the stain until you are able to lift it from the glass. For ease of use, get a cotton pad. Cotton pads are often used in skincare, so most retailers with a personal care section stock them. They are a little easier to use for scrubbing than cotton balls. You may need to wash the entire glass with a commercial or homemade glass cleaner afterward to make it look consistent. Select a car glass cleaning product that doesn’t contain ammonia. Car glass is different from the glass in your home. Ammonia-based cleaners will leave streaks and may even stain your vehicle. For this reason, use glass cleaners specifically meant for cars. Read the instructions on the bottle to decide if the cleaner is safe for your vehicle. Shop for cleaners in the car care aisle at your local general store. Another option is to visit an auto parts store or purchase products online. Combine water, isopropyl alcohol, and vinegar to make your own cleaner. Car glass products can be expensive, so save some money by mixing a couple of environmentally-friendly household ingredients together. For a basic cleaner, mix equal amounts of water and isopropyl alcohol. Add some white vinegar for a little extra power. You can change the ingredients or mix them in different amounts if you wish. For example, try mixing about 1 cup (240 mL) of water, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white vinegar, and 1 cup (240 mL) of isopropyl alcohol for a cleaner that is effective on all sorts of debris. Another option is to make a cleaner consisting of 70% water, 15% isopropyl alcohol, and 15% of a glass window cleaner. The window cleaner doesn't have to be specifically for cars since diluting it makes it safer. Spray the cleaner onto exterior glass with a misting bottle. Pour the custom mixture, if you made one, into the bottle. If you're using a store-bought product, it most likely will come in a spray bottle. Starting at the top, cover the glass in a light coating of the cleaner. Work from side to side and top to bottom to avoid streaks. Don't use too much of the cleaning solution or else you will likely end up with streaks. Spray a gentle amount so it doesn't drip down the glass. Wipe the glass clean with a microfiber cloth. Work from top to bottom first. After clearing the entire glass this way, go over it a second time, this time moving from side to side. When you come across dirt or stubborn debris, apply a little pressure while scrubbing it. The glass should look clean and streak-free when you're done. You may need to clean the glass a couple of times to clear it. Switch the cloth out for a clean one as it dirties and apply more of the cleaner as needed. Another option is to use a squeegee. Squeegees are great for reaching across windshields and often have sponges to absorb excess moisture. Dry the glass with a clean cloth after you are done cleaning it. Make sure you're using a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Wipe each window dry, switching to a new cloth as the old one becomes saturated. Go from top to bottom first, then pass over a second time from side to side. When you're done, you won't have any trouble looking through the glass while you're behind the wheel. Wipe the interior glass with a dry cloth and no cleaner. Remove as much debris as possible from the glass before attempting to clean it. The glass has a thin, protective film that could be damaged if you aren't cautious with it. Scrub it clean from top to bottom to eliminate visible dirt and dust. Make sure you're using a clean cloth, not one you used on the exterior glass. Keep a couple of extra towels handy in order to tackle the rest of your vehicle efficiently. Degrease the glass with a cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol. Apply the isopropyl alcohol to a clean microfiber cloth instead of the glass. Make sure the rag isn't dripping at all before using it. Then, go back over the entire glass, wiping it from top to bottom. This will remove any tough debris, including issues like oil from fingerprints. Isopropyl alcohol can also be used on exterior windows and windshields for spot treatment. Since it dries so quickly, it isn't likely to leave streaks behind. Spray cleaner onto a cloth if you’re cleaning interior glass surfaces. The interior side of the glass is a little tricky because of the corners. If you apply too much moisture, it could pool in the window corners and become difficult to remove. Avoid this by dampening a clean cloth and making sure it isn't dripping. Then, wipe the glass top to bottom and side to side. Dry it off the same way when you're done. After cleaning and drying door windows, lower them by about 1 in (2.5 cm) to finish cleaning off the top section. This part isn't visible unless you lower the windows, so it's easy to miss. | Select a quality indoor cleaner with ammonia for the glass. Mix together equal parts water and vinegar for an all-natural alternative. Spray the glass very lightly with a cleaning solution. Scrub the glass from side to side using a microfiber cloth. Buff any remaining stains with a dry microfiber cloth. Eliminate small stains by treating them individually with isopropyl alcohol. Select a car glass cleaning product that doesn’t contain ammonia. Combine water, isopropyl alcohol, and vinegar to make your own cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto exterior glass with a misting bottle. Wipe the glass clean with a microfiber cloth. Dry the glass with a clean cloth after you are done cleaning it. Wipe the interior glass with a dry cloth and no cleaner. Degrease the glass with a cloth dampened in isopropyl alcohol. Spray cleaner onto a cloth if you’re cleaning interior glass surfaces. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Balance-Sheet | How to Write a Balance Sheet | To write a balance sheet for your business, look online for balance sheet templates, or create your own using a spreadsheet program. Then, record your assets, including cash, accounts receivables, and inventory. Next, record your liabilities, which are your company's debts, followed by your equity such as the amount of stocks and retained earnings. Calculate the total for each category and make sure the amounts balance by using the equation Assets = Liabilities + Equity. If the amounts do not balance, go back and check your columns for any errors. | Choose a date for your balance sheet. Businesses are required to report their balance sheets on a certain date or dates each year. As an individual, however, you have much more freedom to choose your own date. Just be sure that the amounts that you gather for your debts and assets are all from the same date. List this date at the top of your balance sheet to remind you and also so that you can refer back to your balance sheet later. For regularity, you may choose to do a balance sheet at the end of the calendar year or twice per year at a set date. This will allow you to follow your net worth growth year-by-year. Assemble your financial information. You will need records of your assets as well as your debt. Make sure you have your latest bank statements, the balance on any loans that you owe, and the current market value of your investments. You will also need to approximate the resale value of any valuable assets that you own, including your home, cars, and any valuable jewelry or household items. In general, list any valuable items that you own for which you could find a buyer and what that buyer might pay for the item. This can be determined by researching recent sales of similar items and noting the sale price. This is called the market value. In some cases, you may need to get a certified appraisal of larger, more valuable assets. Set up your balance sheet. Unlike business balance sheets, which follow a preset formula, a personal balance sheet can follow any type of organization. In general though, it's a good idea to start by organizing your spreadsheet or paper into two rows or columns, one for assets and one for liabilities (debts). You can either do this by hand or use a spreadsheet program on the computer. There are also pre-made templates and editable online files that can be used to create a personal balance sheet. Try searching Google for "personal balance sheet template" and several options will show up. When judging the size of your balance sheet, know that your assets and liabilities will be listed by category and not by individual item. So if you have a large amount of valuable household items, know that these will be combined and listed as one line item on your balance sheet. Generally, a balance sheet should be no longer than one page. List your assets. In the first column or row, list your asset categories and their values. These include both financial assets as well as "hard" assets like cars and valuables. Listing these assets may require other tables in which you can sum the individual assets in each category. For example, if you have more than one car, you would combine the market value of your cars and list this on the balance sheet simply as "cars." The sum of these assets is your total assets. Include the following assets when making your balance sheet: Cash and account values in the bank (including checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit accounts) Investments (including stocks, real estate, mutual funds, college savings accounts) Any money owed to you (like a personal loan to a friend) Resale value of your home(s) Resale value of your vehicle(s) Resale value of personal property (such as jewelry and furniture) List your liabilities. In the second column or row, list your liabilities as well as their value. These refer to any debts that you owe. Specifically, liabilities can include: Student loans Auto loans (what you currently owe) Credit card debt (this includes debt currently incurred even if you plan to pay it off at the end of your statement month) Mortgage balance The balance of any other personal loans Outstanding bill balances (unpaid bills from this month) Taxes due or estimated taxes due next year (for this tax year) Total your assets and liabilities. To get an accurate picture of your net worth, start by totaling your columns or rows at the bottom of the balance sheet to get total assets and total liabilities. At this point, check to see that you haven't omitted anything from either category. Subtract your total liabilities from your total assets. This will give you your net worth. This represents the total value of everything that you actually own. Your net worth will go up as your assets increase and your liabilities decrease. Use your balance sheet to budget your finances and achieve a higher net worth. Keep your balance sheet updated to track your progress towards your financial goals. Try to recalculate at least twice a year. This will help you see the big picture, so to speak. Understand the basics of the balance sheet. First, know that a balance sheet must always balance. That is, in the end, total assets must equal total liabilities plus owner's equity. Put another way, equity must equal the difference between total assets and total liabilities (Assets - Liabilities). Equity serves the same purpose at net worth does in the personal balance sheet. Businesses usually have to produce balance sheets as a part of annual reporting, but may also need one prepared to show potential lenders or investors. Format your balance sheet. In the left column, you will be listing the assets. In the right column you will list your liabilities at the top and equity underneath it. You can also list all the information in one column, with assets, liabilities, and equity in that order from top to bottom. Official business balance sheets all follow the same format. Try searching Google for "balance sheet template" to find a downloadable or printable balance sheet that you can fill out with your financial information. You can also create your own using a spreadsheet program. Additionally, some accounting programs will create balance sheets for your business, if you've chosen to invest in them. Gather your financial information. In order to create your balance sheet, you will need to have the current values of your assets, including account balances, cash balance, inventory value, and the market values of any investments, land, equipment, and other assets. You will also need to gather all of your liability balances, including any salaries owed, loan balances, and amounts owed to suppliers and utility companies. For equity, you will need to include any money contributed by the owners or investors in the company and a measure of retained earnings (profits reinvested in the company). Much of this information can be found in past financial statements and in the business general ledger. Keep in mind that this information will have to all be from the exact same date. For example a balance sheet for December 31st would total all balances through the end of business on that day. Record your assets. Assets are your company's resources. These include cash, accounts receivable, inventory, land, buildings, equipment, and more. These will be recorded at the top of your straight line balance sheet or on the left side of a columned one. A classified balance sheet breaks down assets into the following categories: Current assets. This includes cash (any money in bank accounts), accounts receivable (money owed to you), office supplies, inventory (even incomplete items), securities (stocks and bonds), prepaid expenses (like prepaid rent or utilities), and anything expected to be received or used up within a year. Fixed assets. These assets, also called long-term assets, are the revenue-producing items owned by the company, including land, buildings, machinery, vehicles, furniture, and any other objects that are expected to last longer than a year. You should subtract depreciation from these assets so you have an accurate picture of their worth. This reduces overvaluation of assets. For more information, see how to calculate depreciation on fixed assets. Record your liabilities. Liabilities are your company's debts. These include salaries owed, loan payments, and accounts payable. These will be recorded either under assets or on the right side of the balance sheet, depending on which balance sheet style you are using. They are split into two categories: Current liabilities. These are anything due within the next year, such as accounts payable (to suppliers or other companies), taxes, and payroll. It can also include the portion of long-term debt due within the next year. Long-term liabilities. This includes loans, mortgages, and leases that will be repaid more than one year from the date on the balance sheet. Record your equity. Owner's equity is how much the owners or stockholders have invested in the company. It also includes retained earnings, or net profits that are kept within the company. These will be recorded below liabilities, regardless of which balance sheet format you are using. Total your categories. At the bottom of each major category (assets, liabilities, and equity), sum each line item to get a total. Use the balance sheet equation (Assets=Liabilities + Equity) to check if your amounts balance. If they do not, this means that you've overlooked or incorrectly reported some part of your balance sheet. Go back and check to see if you can locate your mistake. In some cases, you may be unsure what you have contributed or retained to the company. In these cases, just subtract liabilities from assets to get the owner's equity. Analyze your balance sheet. One you have a completed balance sheet, you can analyze it to determine certain important metrics that measure the financial health of your business. Specifically, there are four simple ratios that can be calculated from this information: The current ratio is an approximation of a business's ability to pay its current debts. Find the current ratio by dividing current assets by current liabilities. Values over 1 are considered stronger and those under 1 are considered weak. The quick ratio, or "acid test," determines a company's ability to pay its current liabilities with its most liquid assets. This is found by subtracting a company's inventory from the sum of its cash and cash equivalents and dividing that total by it's total current liabilities. Generally, results between 0.5 and 1 are considered healthy. The debt-worth ratio analyzes a company's dependency on debt. This measure is calculated by dividing owner's equity by total liabilities. In theory, no one result is better or worse here, but a business with a higher debt-worth ratio may be considered over-reliant on debt financing. The fixed-worth ratio determines how much the company has invested its own money in tangible assets. This is calculated by dividing total fixed assets by owner's equity. A low ratio means a smaller investment in fixed assets and thus, less risk in case of business failure and liquidation. | Choose a date for your balance sheet. Assemble your financial information. Set up your balance sheet. List your assets. List your liabilities. Total your assets and liabilities. Subtract your total liabilities from your total assets. Understand the basics of the balance sheet. Format your balance sheet. Gather your financial information. Record your assets. Record your liabilities. Record your equity. Total your categories. Analyze your balance sheet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Present-Yourself-As-an-Educated-Person | How to Present Yourself As an Educated Person | To present yourself as an educated person, greet everyone politely and always use your manners, like saying “please” and “thank you.” Additionally, avoid using slang or cursing, as that comes across as rude or uneducated. In addition to being polite, make sure your clothes are clean and unwrinkled, and keep your posture straight. Once you've started looking and feeling like an educated person, broaden your knowledge. For example, try learning a foreign language, researching a passion, or going to night classes. Since people love discussing current affairs, keep up-to-date with current events so you can jump into any conversations that come up. | Increase your vocabulary. The way in which you speak and words you choose communicate a lot to others in each conversation you have. The vocabulary you use is not only a sign of intelligence in conversation but is also a major component in the measurement of your Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and education level on intelligence and achievement tests. Increasing your vocabulary will help you to improve that perception as well as: Avoid repetition. Express yourself succinctly. Increase your creativity. Illustrate your knowledge. Correct your grammar. There are few ways in which you could do more harm to the perception of your education than to use incorrect grammar, incorrect phrases, or “crutch words” such as “like” or “um.” When you are speaking you'll appear more educated if you enunciate, use proper grammar, complete sentences, and correct phrasing. Some of the more common mistakes include: "Yeah" instead of "Yes" ”For all intensive purposes” instead of “for all intents and purposes” "I could care less" instead of "I couldn't care less" ”Irregardless” instead of “regardless” Should, could, or would “of” instead of should, could, or would “have” Use slang sparingly. It may be difficult to remain conversational in your speech, but you should try to limit your use of slang words or attempt not to use them at all. Be particularly careful of any slang words that may offend someone, including the use of curse words. While the use of curse words does not necessarily indicate someone is uneducated, it does impact the social perception of intelligence, particularly in conversations where you do not know the other people well. Stay humble. No one is capable of knowing everything, and those who are more educated understand that, and rarely claim to be as intelligent as they really are. Be modest and avoid the temptation to “prove” how smart you are. It will often come off to others as boastful and will lower their opinion of you. Be silent. Sometimes, in an effort to sound educated or smart, someone can appear to be "trying too hard." If you have a habit of always trying to interject on every conversation and add your thoughts, try and step back a bit. A key to speaking intelligently includes knowing when to be quiet. Staying silent has the potential to show more intelligence, especially if the alternative is saying something you think is smart. This will also help if you feel you are in a conversation of opposing opinions where the other person is attempting to get you into an argument. Being quiet shows you are not interested in verbal fights or arguments, but rather more educated discussion. Educate yourself. The easiest way to present yourself as an educated person is to, in fact, be educated. Knowledge truly is power in this instance, so try to know at least a little bit about many different topics, if you can. It may take some time to develop your knowledge, and you may not be proficient in everything. Some ways to educate yourself include: Learning a foreign language, or select words in other languages. Try learning how to say “please,” “thank-you,” and “you're welcome” in several different languages. They are easy to slip into conversation. Keep up on news and current events. Follow your favorite news station, paper, or online news aggregate site. Knowing what is currently going on in the world will help you to appear “worldly” and knowledgeable. Research areas of interest. If you'd like to be perceived as intelligent or educated to a particular group of people, research what is of interest to that group. Better yet would be to research areas that you are interested in. Be honest. A misconception of being educated is that an educated person “knows everything” when in reality, educated individuals are always questioning and always learning. In your effort to be perceived as more intelligent, try not to build a false image of yourself or pretend to be something you are not. You will be viewed as more intelligent if you ask questions and are interested in learning new things. If someone asks you a question that you do not know the answer to, it is perfectly acceptable to say, “I don't know, but I would be really interested to find out what the answer is, that's a great question!” If someone else is speaking, you can always add, “That's fascinating! I have to admit I haven't had a great deal of experience with that, can you tell me more about...” Listen carefully. You do not always have to be the one speaking in order to be viewed as educated. It can be conveyed in how you act, as well. Make an effort to listen attentively. This will help you to completely understand what the other person is saying before offering your view or asking questions to further the conversation. A good rule, especially in a conversation with multiple people is to be listening twice as often as you are speaking. A great way to convey your attention (and according to one study, your intelligence) is to make eye contact with the speaker. When offering your view, always leave it open for further intellectual discussion with phrases such as, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but..." or "Do you agree?" When asking questions, try and use words or phrases that show your knowledge of the topic. If someone is speaking about a school or university and you'd like to know if they went there, ask "Is that your alma mater?" or "Did you attend their graduate program for your masters or your doctorate?" Act courteous. Remembering your manners will show respect for others and give you the appearance of being socially educated in the proper ways of conversation. Acting courteous to others will also illustrate the confidence you have in yourself and help you show that to others. Exhibiting confidence through your personality, style, and charisma, is viewed as the trait of a smarter individual. Being courteous includes: Greeting others politely, with a smile. Taking the care to be prompt and on time. Not interrupting others while they are speaking. Saying "hello," "please," "thank you," "sorry," and "excuse me." Limit negative emotions. Try and keep a divide between your emotional reactions, especially strong, negative ones, and your conversation. It is good to be excited and passionate in what you are talking about as it is viewed as an important factor in appearing smart. Getting easily angry, exhibiting outbursts, or becoming combative; however, are not regarded as qualities of the educated individual. Staying in a positive, calm demeanor, shows that you are above having simple arguments and instead prefer intellectual discussion. Surround yourself with intelligent people. Not only are you more likely to be perceived as educated and intelligent, you are more likely to actually become more intelligent due to the probability that you will have more intellectual discussions and be more challenged. Being around educated individuals will help increase your intellectual stimulation, help further your knowledge base, and help further your own education. Be neat in appearance. Impressions are important to conveying a great deal of information including intellect and education. Particularly affecting the perception of education is the amount of exposed skin others can see. The more modest and formal your appearance the more others will focus on what you are saying and thinking, rather than what you are wearing. Wear modest and formal clothes that fit well. Make sure your clothing is ironed and stain-free. Keep your hair neat. Have good hygiene. Remove facial jewelry. Keep your shoes, fingernails, and teeth clean. Remove bad habits. Watch out for bad habits or nervous habits such as nail biting , hair twirling, or chewing on pens. You want to communicate confidence in yourself, your education, and your intelligence. While these habits don't necessarily show a lack of education, they will cause you to be perceived as anxious, nervous, or uncomfortable. If you feel the urge of a bad habit coming on, try to actively refocus your mind on the other person or the conversation. Cultivate cultural habits. There is a cultural component among the educated, that includes music, art, theatre, and cultural experiences. Taking part in these activities will increase your exposure to various topics, spark your creativity, and provide you with conversational material which illustrates your education. Some cultured areas to consider include: Attending theatre performances or the opera. Listening to classical music. Visiting museums and art galleries. Reading books, journals, and the newspaper. Use your middle initial. While this may seem like an odd factor, using your middle initial in your name is largely regarded as an indication of intelligence and education. This appears to be due to the fact that the use of a middle initial often occurs in formal and academic contexts. At events, have your middle initial included on your name tag, or if you like the way it sounds, include it in your introduction, especially if it makes you feel more like the intelligent, educated person that you are! On the other hand, you should be perceptive of what is culturally acceptable. For example, middle initials are rarely used in the UK, and are far more common American English contexts. Therefore, using the middle initial during introductions in the UK may violate the 'stay humble' principle above. | Increase your vocabulary. Correct your grammar. Use slang sparingly. Stay humble. Be silent. Educate yourself. Be honest. Listen carefully. Act courteous. Limit negative emotions. Surround yourself with intelligent people. Be neat in appearance. Remove bad habits. Cultivate cultural habits. Use your middle initial. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Sister | How to Be a Good Sister | The best way to be a good sister is to support your sibling when they need help, even if you're tired or don't want to. If you don't know how you can help, just listen to what they have to say, since everyone loves a good listener! You should also go and do fun things together, whatever it is you like doing, such as going to the movies or playing your favorite video game. If it ever seems like you're about to get in a fight, try and remember to stay calm. | Communicate with your sibling often. Whether you live in the same house or across the country from one another, regular communication is important in enforcing sibling bonds. Stay in touch with your sibling any way that you can. Text or Facetime your sibling once a week if they live far away. Eat meals together if you live nearby. Text them to let them know that you are thinking about them. Send them pictures that they might find funny. Give them a card. Spend time together doing fun activities. When you are together, plan some time just for you and your sibling. You can go out or stay in and just hang out. Do something that you will both enjoy. You can: See a movie together. Play a board game or video game. Play a sport together. Take a walk after dinner. Hang out at the beach. Go out to eat. Cook a meal together at home. Have an arts and crafts night. Find out what is important to them. You and your sibling may have different tastes, hobbies, and habits, but that doesn't mean that you can't still have fun with them. Find out what they enjoy or find important. Ask if you can join them next time they do it. For example, if your sibling plays soccer, ask them when their next game is so that you can cheer them on. If your sibling loves to play video games, ask them to teach you how to play their favorite game. If your sibling is into a certain band, see if they want to see a concert together. Remember birthdays and special occasions. This is an easy and thoughtful way to show that you care. Mark on a calendar any special occasions that are important to your sibling, such as birthdays, weddings, or graduations. Buy a card and a small gift to let them know you are thinking about them. Select a gift that is meaningful for your sibling. For example, if your sibling does ballet, you might get them a ticket to see the local ballet. Gifts don't need to be expensive or elaborate. You can even make your own gift. Help your sibling when they need it. Whether your sibling is struggling with school, work, or personal issues, they can benefit from their sister's love and assistance. If they ask you for help, assist them in any way that you can. Don't wait for your sibling to ask you for help. If they seem like they're struggling, reach out to them. You can say, "Hey, is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?" Sometimes your sibling may not want you to interfere. Respect their decision, but state that you will be there if they change their mind. You can say, “I understand. Just let me know if you ever do want my help.” Compliment them on their best qualities. Don't hold back on noticing your sibling's skills and accomplishments. Let them know when they have made you proud or what you admire about them. If you know your sibling is insecure about something, lift their spirits by admiring them. For example, if your brother is worried about getting into college, you can say, “You've been working so hard! No matter what ends up happening, I know you'll do well.” Congratulate them on them on their accomplishments. For example, if a sibling wins an award, let them know how proud you are. Give them examples of how their good qualities influence and impact you in positive ways. Let them know when they do things that inspire you. For example, if your sibling kept trying at an activity they struggled with, tell them that they inspired you to keep working at something you found difficult and that you admire that quality about them. Appreciate your sibling for what they do for you. When your sibling does a favor for you or if they support you, express gratitude to them. Let them know that you appreciate their presence in your life. For example, you can say, “Thank you so much for always listening when I need to talk. It makes me so happy to know I have a sibling like you.” Listen if your sibling needs to talk. When things happen in life, talking to a sibling can be a big help. You can get your siblings to open up to you by opening up them first. Be willing to share things and to listen to what they want to share. Sometimes, a person just needs someone to listen, not to give advice. Before sharing your wisdom, ask, “do you want my advice?” If they say no, just listen. Let your sibling know that you are listening by occasionally repeating things that they say. For example, you can say, “I see. So your boss overlooked you for the promotion?” Always keep your sibling's secrets. The only exception is where someone is likely to be endangered by keeping a secret. Stand up for your sibling. If your sibling is having a hard time with someone, ask them what you can do to help. They may ask you to talk to the other person or to help them file a complaint. If your sibling asks you to not interfere, you can still provide emotional support by letting them come talk to you. If two siblings are fighting with each other, try to avoid taking sides. Instead, act as mediator to facilitate a win-win situation between them. Establish your boundaries before problems arise. Don't expect your siblings to read your mind. Let them know ahead of time how they can respect your space and your belongings. Tell them in person, or post a sign. For example, if you buy special coffee, you may decide that you don't want other people drinking it. Ask your siblings to get your permission before using your special coffee. You can also ask them to respect your personal space and free time. You might say, "When I come home from school, I need 30 minutes to relax on my own. Please don't bother me during this time." Handle conflict in a calm manner. If a fight does erupt, try to remain calm. Yelling or whining won't help you and your siblings solve the problem. Speak in a level voice, avoid accusing or blaming others, and try to focus on solving the problem. Speak calmly and stick to the facts. If you feel yourself getting heated, ask for time out and go to another room to calm down. If the issue is minor, try to laugh it off, and walk away. Do not bring up past conflicts in a current fight. This will only drag out grudges. Instead, focus on the issue at hand. Avoid teasing siblings on sensitive subjects. Teasing is natural in a family relationship, but you should make sure that you never call out or make fun of an issue that your sibling is sensitive about. For example, if your sister is defensive about the way that she dresses, avoid making fun of her style. Learn to compromise. Sometimes, you may need to compromise to prevent an argument. If you and your sibling's needs or wants conflict with each other, see if you can work out a solution. Remember that compromise is a two-way street. Both of you should give a little. For example, if you both like to have 20 minutes in the bathroom but your sibling needs to use it at the same time as you, cut the time in half for each of you rather than giving up your time. Give your sibling space. Time spent together is great but so is time spent apart. If you crowd your sibling, they may feel suffocated. Instead, respect when your sibling needs time alone and time with friends. Don't touch or use your sibling's stuff without their permission. You may also want to avoid entering their room without their knowledge. Avoid judging your sibling. Your sibling may have a certain lifestyle that you disapprove of, but you should not judge or criticize them for living their own life. No matter how much you may disagree with them, try to respect your sibling's ability to make their own choices. If you know that a subject, such as politics or religion, is going to start a fight, avoid talking about it. If your sibling has a problem that could cause harm to them, such as substance abuse or suicidal thoughts, encourage them to get help. Let your siblings figure out some things for themselves. Making mistakes that are not life-threatening is part of learning and growing up. | Communicate with your sibling often. Spend time together doing fun activities. Find out what is important to them. Remember birthdays and special occasions. Help your sibling when they need it. Compliment them on their best qualities. Appreciate your sibling for what they do for you. Listen if your sibling needs to talk. Stand up for your sibling. Establish your boundaries before problems arise. Handle conflict in a calm manner. Avoid teasing siblings on sensitive subjects. Learn to compromise. Give your sibling space. Avoid judging your sibling. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-a-Schedule-for-Toddlers | How to Set a Schedule for Toddlers | Toddlers can have a short attention span and find it difficult to settle down, so setting a schedule for your child can really help. Set their wake up time for when they usually get up and stick to it every day. Give them about 15 to 30 minutes to wake up and play in their crib before breakfast. After breakfast, schedule a few hours of playtime with a mix of calming but stimulating activities like arts and crafts or listening to music. Schedule lunch for about midday, then let them nap for 1 to 3 hours. In the afternoon, have your toddler do some energetic activities, like playing in the park or playing with other kids, to wear them out before dinner. After they've eaten, help them wind down by reading or watching TV with them. Bedtime can be hard, but if you stick to the routine, they'll get used to going to bed at the same time. | Establish a wake up time. Start your toddler's day by setting a wake up time. Most toddlers get up early in the morning, around 6:30-6:45 am. If your toddler tends to get up later than 6:45 am, do not try to wake them up earlier. Let your toddler decide when they will wake up. You may set aside 15 minutes for your toddler to wake up slowly on their own and play a little in their crib before you get them ready for the day. You may try to wait until 7 am to initiate a start to your toddler's day. You may then allow 30 minutes to dress the toddler and get the toddler to brush their teeth. You may also include a time to wash their face and go to the bathroom. Include a breakfast time. Depending on the needs of your toddler, you may actually schedule breakfast time before they brush their teeth and get dressed, as some toddlers wake up hungry. You can decide to feed your toddler first so they are more cooperative when it comes time to get dressed and brush their teeth. Try to keep their breakfast light and easy to make. Allow for 30 minutes for your toddler to eat their breakfast. You want to keep the breakfast time short so your toddler has time to play in the late morning. Create a late morning routine. Once your toddler is done with breakfast, you should create a late morning routine. Start with 1 hour of play time after breakfast where you read books together or allow your toddler to play with siblings or family members. After 1 hour of playtime, you may schedule another hour of arts and crafts or do another activity together, like listening or dancing to music. Try to include at least 2 different activities in the late morning so your toddler has some variety and is not doing the same activity for the majority of the morning. You should try to include activities that are stimulating but also calming, like doing finger painting or drawing. Mixing in active and relaxing activities throughout your toddler's day can help them get used to pacing themselves. Keep in mind that toddlers have short natural attention spans (their age plus 1, in minutes—meaning a 3-year-old has an attention span of 4 minutes). Try to plan structured activities that fit into this time frame in order to keep your child engaged. Include a lunch time and a nap. You should stick to an afternoon lunch time, ideally at 12 pm. Allow your toddler 30-60 minutes to wash up and eat lunch. After lunch at 12 pm, schedule in a nap. Toddlers between the ages of 1-2 years old need about 11-14 hours of sleep total. Scheduling in a nap after lunch is ideal, as this will ensure your toddler is well rested before dinner but is still tired enough after dinner to go to sleep at night. Depending on the age of your toddler, you may include 2 naps a day, 1 in the late morning and 1 in the early afternoon, after lunch. Once your toddler reaches 18 months old, they will only need 1 nap a day, at 1-3 hours long. Put in a late afternoon routine. After your toddler's nap, you should plan a few activities for the late afternoon. This should include a light afternoon snack and some time outside, if possible. Plan for an activity outdoors like going for a walk to a nearby playground or running around outside in the yard. Doing something physical outdoors in the late afternoon will also allow your toddler to get their energy out before dinner. This could make the preparations for dinner and bedtime much smoother. Make a before dinner plan. You should start getting your toddler ready for dinner about 30 minutes before dinner time. Try to establish a routine of washing their hands and face and changing out of any dirty clothing before dinner time. This will ensure your toddler knows what to expect before they sit down to eat. Have dinner time at the same time every day, usually around 5:30-6pm. You may allow for 1 hour for dinner, especially if your toddler is eating with the rest of the family. Dinner time can be a good way for your toddler to bond with everyone and also learn how to model good table manners by watching others eat. Include a before bed routine. It can be tricky to get your toddler to go to bed. But if you stick to a consistent day schedule and establish a before bed routine, your toddler may be more apt to go to bed. You should try to stick to the same before bed routine and the same bedtime every night. Most toddlers should be in bed by 8 pm to ensure they get enough sleep. Include a brief playtime after dinner and allow your toddler to do something relaxing, like read a book or watch a favorite television show. You can also include a nighttime snack like a warm glass of milk. You may also include time for a warm bath before bed. Your toddler should also get into their pajamas and brush their teeth. The final step in your bedtime routine might be singing a quiet song in bed or reading a bedtime story. You may also allow your toddler to get into bed with a favorite toy or a comfort blanket. Having a security object in bed, such as a toy, can help your toddler fall asleep. View the schedule as a whole. Once you feel you have a complete schedule set for your toddler, you should write it down and view it as a whole. Make sure you include enough daily activities that are active and also calming. You should also make sure you establish set wake times, nap times, and bedtimes for your toddler. Your schedule may look like this: 6:30-6:45 am: Wake up time, with time set aside for playing in the crib/bed 7:30 am: Breakfast 8:00 am: Get dressed, brush teeth, wash face 8:30 am: Play time 10:30 am: Morning snack 11:00 am: Arts and crafts time 11:30 am: Calming activity 12:00 pm: Lunch time 12:30 pm: Nap time 2:30-3:00 pm: Afternoon snack 3:00 pm: Outdoor play time 5:30 pm: Dinner time 6:00-6:30 pm: Brief playtime 7:00 pm: Bath 7:30 pm: Before bed routine 8:00-8:15 pm: Bedtime Create a poster of the schedule. You can reinforce your toddler's schedule by creating a poster or image of the schedule and placing it in their room. This way, your child can look at the schedule every day and know exactly what the plan is. You can also refer to the schedule throughout the day to remind your toddler what they should expect. You may also include photographs of your toddler doing each action, such as a photo of your child at play time or a photo of your child eating at the dinner table. This can serve as visual reinforcement of the schedule. Use a clothespin or other marker to note which part of the schedule you are on, moving the marker throughout the day. This can help ease transitions and let your child know that to expect. A poster of the schedule can also be useful if you have more than one child in your household. Your children may be on different schedules, depending on their ages and needs. Having posters of each schedule, with visual images of each child, can help make it easier for your children to follow their own individual schedules. Be flexible when needed. Though it is important that you maintain a set schedule for your toddler, you should not be too rigid or set about the schedule. You want your toddler to learn consistency and stability but you also want to be sure they can be adaptable in the event of a change. You may introduce small changes to their schedule, like swapping out late morning reading time for a walk outside or having lunch picnic style outside on a nice day. Including small changes can keep your toddler's days fun and interesting. You should still maintain a few non-negotiables in the routine so there is still a level of consistency. You may maintain the same wake up times, eating times, and bedtimes, but vary the activities between these times. Observe how your child adjusts to the schedule and make changes if necessary. For instance, if your child seems sleepy during lunchtime, you may need to move their lunchtime up so they can take an earlier nap. Add variety to the schedule. You should also try to vary up who does what for your toddler throughout the day. Adding variety in terms of who does what role in your toddler's schedule will ensure they do not become too dependent on one person. Maybe alternate nights where your partner or a family member puts your toddler to bed so they do not too dependent on you always being there at bedtime. You may also change up who serves your toddler lunch so other family members are involved in their routine. You may also have a babysitter come by a few times a week to give your toddler dinner and put them to bed so they get used to having people outside the family involved in their routine. Include incentives for your toddler to follow the schedule. You should make sure your toddler's schedule includes enough time for them to have fun, explore, learn, and engage with you on an intimate level. You should also make sure your toddler feels they are benefitting from the schedule in tangible ways. Use the routines in their schedule as incentives so your toddler is more interested in the schedule and follows it willingly. For example, you may make sure there is enough one on one time with your toddler throughout their daily routine so they feel they are benefitting from the schedule. You may also include some of their favorite activities in the play time slots of the schedule so they are excited for their routine. Add more play time with other toddlers. As your toddler gets older and reaches 2 years of age, they should start to play with other toddlers regularly. They may play with other children their age in a group or one on one. You should arrange for play dates during your toddler's play times so they are spending time with other children. You may try to include a variety of activities with other children in your toddler's schedule. Make time for big group activities, small group activities, and one one one play with other children their age. This will ensure they learn the value of friendship, community, and getting along with others. Change one aspect of the schedule at a time. If you decide it is time to change up one aspect of your toddler's schedule, do so gradually and one aspect at a time. Avoid shifting several routines at once as this can confuse your toddler. You may decide to start by shifting one aspect of your toddler's schedule in the evenings, as this will give you time to stay organized and on schedule in the mornings. You may decide to move down your toddler's bedtime as they get older or change dinner times due to a new schedule at school or at work. Stick to the same schedule for at least 2 months. Two months is a good amount of time for your toddler to get used to the schedule. Many toddlers start to maintain the schedule on their own after 2 months and will come to expect certain routines in their day. If a drastic event occurs, such as family emergency, you should use plain language to explain to your toddler that there is going to be a change to the schedule. You may say, “Grandpa is sick so I am going to take care of him. Dad is going to put you to bed tonight.” This will reassure your toddler everything is fine and that the change is not going to disrupt their schedule. You should also try to maintain the same schedule when you are on vacation with your toddler or away from home. Maintain the same nap times and bedtimes can make it easier for your toddler to stay calm during the trip and feel less unsettled by being away from home. | Establish a wake up time. Include a breakfast time. Create a late morning routine. Include a lunch time and a nap. Put in a late afternoon routine. Make a before dinner plan. Include a before bed routine. View the schedule as a whole. Create a poster of the schedule. Be flexible when needed. Add variety to the schedule. Include incentives for your toddler to follow the schedule. Add more play time with other toddlers. Change one aspect of the schedule at a time. Stick to the same schedule for at least 2 months. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Bed-and-Breakfast | How to Start a Bed and Breakfast | To start a bed and breakfast, you'll need to own a home with the right layout and condition for a bed and breakfast, which includes a large kitchen, functional dining room, multiple bedrooms, and bathrooms that are accessible to guests. Also, keep in mind that running a bed and breakfast can be an expensive, full-time commitment, so make sure you have funds and plenty of time available. If you think running a bed and breakfast is right for you, you'll want to consult with an attorney and hire a contractor to help with any updates you need to make to your home. | Know what to expect. It may seem like a B&B is a fun and easy way to make money, but in reality it is a business you will be operating with a large initial investment. Many bed and breakfasts end up closing within two years, either because of a lack of business or the high costs of operating a B&B. Remember that as a B&B owner/operator, you will need to: take care of reservations charge billing accounts manage the business's finances entertain guests keep a clean house interact with local authorities as needed update licenses and permits make/serve breakfast to guests Assess your abilities. If you believe you have the business skills required to open a bed and breakfast, you should also assess your own abilities to operate a business that deals with serving and interacting with customers regularly. Not everyone has a personality or skill set that would work well for running a B&B, so it may be worth thinking honestly about whether or not you are able to. A good B&B owner/operator will need to: be self-motivated resolve tension be impeccably hospitable work long hours with frequent interruptions maintain enthusiasm in tedious situations be able to speak with a friendly and welcoming demeanor, even when you are having a conflict with a guest clean bathrooms and laundry that others have used plan and prepare meals, especially considering the prevalence of food allergies and specialized diets develop promotional materials like brochures, advertisements, and an up-to-date website write a working business plan perform accounting and bookkeeping work while sticking to a budget Evaluate your location and facilities. If you've decided you're ready to open a B&B and are ready to start making all the necessary preparations to start your own business, you'll need to perform an honest evaluation of your location and your facilities. Where you live and the condition and layout of your home could make or break your B&B venture. A successful bed and breakfast will need: to be in a community with a basic demand for bed and breakfast locations to be in an under-saturated market (i.e., not surrounded by existing B&Bs) a functional dining room, bedroom, and bathroom accessible to all guests a working kitchen that is big enough to cook for your maximum number of guests sufficient space for the maximum number of guests you'll have on a given day a bathroom space that can be kept extremely clean and well-ventilated a steady supply of toilet paper, tissues, and soap plenty of clean, brand-new linens Decide on your target market. Every business has a target audience, and B&Bs are no exception. You can decide how you want to market your B&B, and you can advertise it as such on your website or through local lodging lists. You'll also want to customize your decorations/furnishings and amenities to best cater to your target guests. There are five main types of guests to whom you should try to appeal (though remember, it will not be realistic to appeal to every single type of guest): tourists - how many tourists you draw in will probably depend on where you are located. Consider offering free travel maps and brochures to nearby destinations, or find ways to have your B&B business listed as a nearby lodging on local destinations' websites. business travelers - again, this will depend on where you are located. If you are in or near a major metropolitan area, or at least close to a few bigger business offices, you may be able to capitalize on this niche. Consider marketing your B&B as being a close resort near major business destinations. romantic getaways - this type of guest will most likely be had in any location, though being near a traditionally romantic getaway (like out in the country or within driving distance to a romantic restaurant) may give you some advantage. Consider offering some type of romance package, including date night goodies like champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, to couples staying at your B&B for a romantic weekend. college/university visitors - once again, this niche depends on where you live. If you're near one or more colleges/universities, or if you live in or near a popular college town, you may be able to capitalize on parents, college sports fans, and out-of-town visitors. However, this type of market will probably be seasonal, and may not be very stable. locals needing extra lodging - many people having weddings, graduation parties, and family reunions will look for lodging near the party. You can market your B&B to locals by advertising locally as a great place for out-of-town guests to lodge. Consider consulting an attorney. Depending on where you live, opening a B&B may be a relatively easy affair, or a long and difficult process. Laws vary drastically from one city, county, or state to another, and it can be difficult to ensure that your home qualifies for a planned B&B. Some states, like New York, have begun enforcing state-wide rules and regulations on what constitutes a hotel service. Many B&Bs have been deemed "illegal hotels" and were faced with exorbitant fines and fees. Save yourself the headache of future legal problems by consulting an attorney before you begin renovating your home and hosting guests. Decide on how big to operate. The more rooms you have available for lodging, the more money you'll make. However, most states restrict how many rooms you can have. The maximum number of guest rooms typically falls somewhere between four to 10. Some states allow more guest rooms. Indiana, for example, allows up to 14 rooms per B&B. Search online for B&B regulations in your state and county to ensure that your facility is in compliance. In Iowa, the state distinguishes between a B&B home and a B&B inn. A B&B home houses no more than four guest families at any given time, and is cohabited by the owner/host. A B&B inn may host up to nine guest rooms, and must be licensed and inspected as a hotel and a food service establishment. Check to see if your state requires you to register and be inspected/licensed as a hotel, dining establishment, or both. Know your budget. Depending on the size, age, and condition of your home, you may need to put in a substantial amount of money on structural and/or aesthetic renovations. At the very least you will most likely need new beds, bedding, pillows, towels, and other fixtures for the rooms you intend to rent. Even small, low-cost renovations/conversions will require a sizable startup fund. Some experts recommend budgeting $20,000 to $40,000 per guest room for a small property, though conversions/renovations and redecorating may cost up to $50,000 per room in a larger or more dilapidated property. . Hire a reputable contractor If you need to make any conversions, repairs, or renovations to your home, you'll want to hire a reputable contractor. There are four primary types of contractors: a general contractor (manages every part of a project), a specialty contractor (works within a specific niche, like installing cabinets or bathroom fixtures), an architect (who draws up the designs for additions, renovations, and structural changes), and a designer or design/build contractor (who does both designs and installations/repairs). Ask people you know and trust to recommend a reliable and reputable contractor. If you cannot get a recommendation from someone you know, you can look online for past customer reviews. Only choose a contractor who has an established company and comes highly recommended, either by someone you know or by others online. Get a written estimate from multiple contractors before you choose which one you'll hire. Keep that contractor's written estimate in case any major deviations take place during the project. Get a written contract with estimated start and completion dates. Do not pay cash. Use a check or credit/debit card so you can have a record of your payments and the dates they were made. Keep all your paperwork in one place, as well as a record of all correspondences with the contractor you hire. Update your kitchen. Cooking breakfast is a vital part of a B&B, and as such your existing kitchen may not be enough. Remember that you are not just cooking for yourself, and will have to meet safety and sanitation requirements pursuant to your community. You can find out about the specific requirements for your town or county by searching online for business requirements near you. At the very least, you will most likely need: a functional ventilation system a preparation table a heat lamp a utensil rack a fryer a stove and oven a refrigerator and freezer dry storage space, kept off the floor and away from any hazardous chemicals a microwave oven a coffee maker a toaster or toaster oven a dishwasher a sink with a sprayer unit a garbage disposal (optional) Invest in quality beds and fabrics. You'll need to furnish each of your guest rooms with beds and may want to include dressers. You'll also need new bedding, pillows, and towels for each room. Investing in higher-quality bedding and towels may cost more up front, but it could save you money over time, as you'll need to replace them less frequently. Don't forget to take allergies into account when choosing bedding. Some people are allergic to feathers/down, wool, and other materials. Furnish your B&B. In addition to beds in each room, your B&B should offer comfortable furniture in bedrooms as well as common areas. How you furnish the lodge will depend on your budget and your aesthetic tastes, but at a bare minimum you should provide a closet, night stand, reading lamp, dresser, arm chair, and blinds/curtains in each guest room. If you have any common areas in your B&B, you may want to include the following basics: sofa love seat comfortable chairs a writing table/desk and chair lamps end tables books, magazines, and board games a coat rack (placed near entrances) a place for dirty shoes (placed near the front door) Buy guest amenities. Amenities should cover both lodging necessities and finishing touches that give the B&B a sense of comfort. Try putting out a decorative vase full of fresh local flowers, hang plants in the windows, and decorate the rooms with a variety of books and general interest magazines. You should also put an alarm clock in each room (just be sure the last guest didn't accidentally set the alarm to go off on a day that a new guest will be there), and consider offering a complementary wakeup service. Depending on your target demographic, you may want to offer a computer or wifi access to guests, and a printer or fax machine (especially if you will be hosting a lot of traveling business men and women). Decorate your rooms. Once the rooms are renovated and furnished, you'll want to add a personal touch. A room with bare walls will not look very welcoming. However, a room loaded with photographs of your family will also make it difficult for guests to feel like the room is their own. Err on the side of caution and choose tasteful, non-personalized decorations that would feel warm and welcoming in any home. If you live in a rural area and you're appealing to autumn foliage viewers, try decorating your lodging with local wilderness photography. You may also want to adapt your location into your B&B's motif - like hanging birch bark-patterned wallpaper, for example, or mounting deer antlers over the fireplace. Secure the necessary licenses/permits. Where you live will determine the licenses and permits you'll need, as this will vary greatly by city, county, and state. In some places, hotel operators (which may include B&B owners) have to apply, pay fees, and may even have to submit to fingerprinting or a background check with city, county, or state police. In some places, you may need both state and county or city licenses. In other regions, there may not be any state license required, in which case you would simply need to secure a county and/or city license. Contact your city and/or county government to ask about business licensing in your community and how bed and breakfasts are regulated in your area. Decide whether to hire staff. If you and your family believe you can operate your B&B on your own, then you may be able to cut down on costs by not having to hire staff. However, depending on the size of the B&B, the number of customers, or the health condition of you or your family, you may need to hire additional workers. At the very least you'll want to hire an attorney and an accountant to help with your finances. You should also think about the tasks that need to be performed on a daily basis: laundry, cleaning, meal preparation, checking people in/out of their rooms, and restocking guest rooms after they're vacated. If you cannot perform all of those duties on your own, it may be worth hiring some help. Plan your meals. Breakfast is not only a part of the name - it's also factored into the cost of lodging. What kind of breakfast you serve will depend on your culinary abilities, your kitchen space, your budget, and the laws governing food preparation in your region. A simple continental breakfast should include (at minimum): coffee, juice, milk, bagels or muffins, fruit, and yogurt or cereal. A more gourmet meal, like omelets, tofu scrambles, or a quiche, is always a highly-marketable option. However, keep in mind as you plan your meals that some guests have food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Depending on where you live, you may be required by local laws to install new kitchen equipment and cooking fixtures. There may also be additional laws and regulations governing how you store and prepare food, including cleaning and sanitation. Determine what to charge. Setting your room rates is a delicate balance. You want to charge enough that you will make money (or at least break even), but not so much that you will drive away potential guests with a high price tag. When setting your rates, consider the following factors: what kinds of amenities you offer (like private balconies, private fireplaces, or a private hot tub) from one room to the next where you're located, and what local destinations draw tourists to your area what the going rate is for B&Bs in your area what kind of food you serve for breakfast, and any other service-related offerings whether guests will pay upon arrival or departure what forms of payment you will accept Decide on guest rules. One of the biggest things to balance in running a B&B is the separate spheres of your private home and the needs and comforts of guests. You'll have to decide what is permissible and what will be forbidden in your lodging, and you'll need to determine ways of enforcing those rules (like adding on additional fees or bills, for example). Some common guest rules to decide on include, but are not limited to, whether or not guests can: bring pets bring children consume alcohol on premises smoke on premises bring non-guests back to their room play music or watch TV have access to the full house and grounds be restricted to an evening curfew or quiet hours eat breakfast whenever they awake or observe a specific breakfast hour Market your B&B. Before you open, you'll need to start marketing your bed and breakfast. This is an important part of running a business, and you'll need to maintain marketing and advertisements for as long as you maintain your B&B. You'll need an up-to-date website, of course, but that won't be enough in most lodging markets. Marketing your business takes a lot of time and effort, but ultimately is necessary for the success of your bed and breakfast. Know your target audience and market your B&B to those guests. Understand the needs and wants of your guests. Tailor your advertisements to show how you meet those demands. Put up flyers, a press release, and an ad in the phonebook. Send out an e-newsletter and send direct mail to previous guests. Be sure to advertise your business online, though you should still advertise in print as well. Create a social media page for your B&B so that visitors can leave reviews or share your business's information with their friends. Make a rustic-looking sign with your B&B's name and address. Put the sign up at the end of your driveway or near your house to let guests know they've found the B&B they were looking for. Open your doors for business. Once everything is renovated and decorated, you've secured all the necessary permits/licenses, and set a nightly rate for your guest rooms, you're ready to open for business. Create a website so that potential guests can find you online, and register your business with review sites like Yelp. Don't forget to use a registration ledger, and keep all receipts from visiting guests. Many states mandate that B&Bs purchase and maintain an up-to-date guest ledger, and in some states a Code Enforcement Officer or Building Department representative may request this ledger to confirm that your B&B is adhering to local and state laws on the number of guests lodging at your home. | Know what to expect. Assess your abilities. Evaluate your location and facilities. Decide on your target market. Consider consulting an attorney. Decide on how big to operate. Know your budget. . Update your kitchen. Invest in quality beds and fabrics. Furnish your B&B. Buy guest amenities. Decorate your rooms. Secure the necessary licenses/permits. Decide whether to hire staff. Plan your meals. Determine what to charge. Decide on guest rules. Market your B&B. Open your doors for business. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-an-Ear-Piercing-Without-Freaking-Out | How to Get an Ear Piercing Without Freaking Out | Getting an ear piercing may seem scary, but you can stay calm by doing some research and learning some relaxation techniques. Before you get your piercing, look online at the risks and responsibilities that come with having a piercing and find a shop that's approved by the Association of Professional Piercers. This way, you'll be able to mitigate any of the risks that might be scaring you. When you have the piercing done, bring a friend or family member whose hand you can hold or talk with to keep your mind off of the piercing. Focus on breathing deeply, which will physically force your body to calm down, making the stress easier to deal with. | Think about why you want to get your ears pierced. Are you doing it to fit in at school? Do you want to be able to wear that gorgeous pair of earrings you just got for your birthday? Do you just really like the way pierced ears look? Thinking about your motives will help put the piercing itself in perspective, and remind you that the benefits of having your ears pierced will outweigh the pain of actually doing it. Consider the alternatives to pierced ears. Know that you can wear clip-on earrings or use converters to wear pierced earrings, if you want to wear earrings without the pain of the piercing. If you're nervous about getting your ears pierced, seriously consider these options. Try wearing clip on earrings for a few days to see if you like them. You might decide that you don't need to get your ears pierced at all, saving you a lot of stress and pain. Do your research. Investigate the health and safety hazards of piercing your ears. Consider any allergies to different types of metals you might have, as that will affect what earrings you can safely wear. Learn about how to take care of your ears after piercing them, including how long to keep your earrings in and how to clean your ears. Make sure you're comfortable with the risks of piercing your ears, and be confident that you'll be able to take care of them after they're pierced. Knowing about the risks is the first step towards overcoming them. Think about ways to mitigate any risks you learn about, and come up with a plan to keep your ears clean and safe. Choose a safe and reputable place to get your ears pierced. Make an appointment at a shop approved by the Association of Professional Piercers. Consider reviews and ratings, prices, and store hours before making your appointment. If you're worried about your safety, don't go to a shop such as Claire's that uses a piercing gun. The only way to sterilize piercing equipment is through the use of an autoclave, which would ruin a plastic gun. Choose a place that properly sanitizes their equipment, and be sure to use only high-quality jewelry. Understand the legal aspects of the piercing. You'll be asked to sign a waiver. If you're worried about the legal side and about what your rights will be if anything goes wrong, take time to read the waiver through. Ask them about anything that looks confusing, or if you have any questions. Make sure you understand the waiver and are okay with everything it says before signing it. Decide where you want the piercings. When you get your ears pierced, the piercer will mark a dot on each ear. Be absolutely sure it's in the right place. Take the time to look at your ears in the mirror. Consider them from different angles, and get your friend's and the piercer's input. Think about what they will look like with earrings on, and be totally comfortable with the placement of the dots before they make the piercings. Understand how the piercing will work. They will bring you into a cubicle and have you sit down in a chair and they will get their materials out. If any of the materials look intimidating or scary, ask the piercer about them. Make sure you understand what each tool is used for and how it works. You can also ask about their cleaning and sterilization process. Become comfortable with the tools before proceeding. Prepare for life after the piercing. Know that your ears might actively hurt for a little while directly afterwards, but remember that it will stop soon. Ask your piercer for written information about caring for your ears. Make sure you're comfortable with your pierced ears and know how to take care of them. Talk to your piercer. When you go into the piercing studio, let them know you're a little nervous. Have them walk you through the process, explain what they're doing and why, and answer any questions or worries you might have. They might offer you a comfortable chair or a glass of water. Chances are most of the people getting piercings are a little nervous, so they'll know exactly how to make you feel better. Prepare yourself for the piercing. Know that it's probably going to hurt a little, and be ready to deal with it. Bring a friend for moral support, and bring painkillers for afterwards if you think you'll need them. Think about how you best deal with stress and pain. Do you like to squeeze a stress ball? Does gossiping with a friend or playing Angry Birds help take your mind off the pain? Plan ahead and bring anything you think might help you deal with the potentially stressful situation. Hold your friend's hand. When you get nervous, having your friend there to comfort you is invaluable. Squeeze your friend's hand when you need to, and talk to your friend to take your mind off the piercing. Focus on something else to take your mind off the piercing. Read a book or magazine. Gossip with your friend, or get to know your piercer a little. Chat about your weekend plans, what's going on in school, that great movie you just saw -- talk about anything but the piercing. Thinking about other things will help you calm down enough to get through the piercing. Take deep breaths. Focus on your breathing to physically calm down and force yourself to relax. Breathing deeply slows your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure, mimicking the state your body is in when it really is relaxed. Doing breathing exercises, or just focusing on breathing deeply, will help you calm down your body, which will make the stress of the piercing much easier to deal with. Stay positive. Focus on the best part of getting your ears pierced -- think about how you'll look with your new earrings! When it comes to the actual piercing, don't think about the pain or the stress. Instead, tell yourself that you can do it, you will get through it. If you do this enough, you'll find that it becomes true. Friends are great for this. Ask your friend to help you stay positive and to periodically remind you how great having your pierced ears will be. Joke about the piercing. Your friend can help you approach the piercing with a sense of humor. Laughing is a key way to reduce stress and calm you down, so whether you're laughing about the piercing itself or about an unrelated story your friend tells you, it will help you relax. Joking about the piercing will make it seem less daunting, which will help you approach it more calmly and easily. Get the piercing over with quickly. Ask the piercer if they can pierce both of your ears at the same time so that you can get it over with faster. Know that it will be over soon, and the pain will be over. Celebrate your newly pierced ears. Thank the piercer and give your friend a high five. Pay, making sure to tip your piercer, thank him/her again, and leave. Congratulations, you made it! Enjoy your newly pierced ears. | Think about why you want to get your ears pierced. Consider the alternatives to pierced ears. Do your research. Choose a safe and reputable place to get your ears pierced. Understand the legal aspects of the piercing. Decide where you want the piercings. Understand how the piercing will work. Prepare for life after the piercing. Talk to your piercer. Prepare yourself for the piercing. Hold your friend's hand. Focus on something else to take your mind off the piercing. Take deep breaths. Stay positive. Joke about the piercing. Get the piercing over with quickly. Celebrate your newly pierced ears. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex | How to Stop Loving Your Ex | Getting over someone is never easy, but you can stop loving your ex by taking time to process your feelings and make small, positive steps to improve your life. When you first breakup, cut off all communication with your ex so you can focus on yourself and your feelings. Even if it seems overly dramatic, find a private place to cry and scream as much as you need. Avoid obsessing over your ex's positive qualities, since that will only make it harder to move on. Try to remember the things they did that bothered you, which will make you feel better about being apart. Once you've worked through your emotions, push yourself to improve small parts of your life, like academics or fitness. By setting up goals, you'll realize that you have more time to focus on what makes you happy rather than someone who hurt you. | End all communication with this person--at least for now. Some couples are lucky enough to be able to stay friends after a breakup. But if you're still in love with your ex, then you are absolutely not ready for a friendship; at least not yet. Though not communicating with or seeing this person may seem impossible, it will be even more painful for you to try to fake a friendship when what you really want is to get back together. Fight the temptation to try to win this person back by continuing to talk and spend time together. If your ex doesn't love you anymore, then nothing you do or say will make him or her love you again. The best thing you can do for yourself is to keep your ex out of sight and out of mind. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-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 go to the same school, live in the same town, or share the same core group of friends as your ex, it may be difficult to avoid running into him or her on occasion. If you do, be polite and say hello, but try to keep your conversations brief and light-hearted. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-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>"} Don't ignore your feelings. It's great that you've decided it's time to get over your ex, but the worst thing you can do for yourself, especially in the early stages of a breakup, is to ignore whatever feelings you're experiencing. It's perfectly normal, and acceptable, to feel angry, scared, confused, hurt, jealous, or insecure after losing the person you love. But instead of trying to suppress these emotions, acknowledge the fact that they're there and that feeling down is a natural part of life. Acknowledging your emotions can help you sort through them more clearly and more quickly than if you keep them bottled up. If you feel like you need to cry, then cry. If you need to scream, then scream. Do whatever it takes to let your emotions out, even if you feel like you're being overly dramatic or emotional. Keeping your feelings locked up will only cause them to come back and haunt you in the future. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-2Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-2Bullet1.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-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>"} Try not to obsess over his or her positive qualities. When we love people, we tend to idealize them and only focus on their positive qualities. When we reminisce about them, we only remember the good memories and the positive feelings they elicited. There's nothing wrong with remembering your ex fondly, but if you want to stop being in love with him or her, you'll need to dig deep into your memory and try to identify aspects of his or her personality, or of the relationship, that bothered you. Obviously you broke up for a reason, meaning that there was something missing in the relationship. Even if you can't think of one negative quality in this person, the simple fact that you are broken up should be enough. No matter how great this person may be, the fact that they don't want to be with you anymore means that you are not right for each other. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-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>"} Find an emotional outlet. Whether it is talking to a close friend or relative, writing in a journal, or expressing yourself through art, find a healthy outlet to express how you feel. Talking to a friend who has gone through a similarly difficult breakup may help put things in perspective and remind you that you are not alone. Having the freedom to vent to your friends is great, but know your limits. Talking about a breakup only helps up to a certain point; after awhile, it will only fuel your obsession and cause you to overanalyze the situation (not to mention the fact that your friends will probably start to get annoyed). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-4Bullet1.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>"} Stop looking for answers. Lots of people waste hours upon hours trying to figure out what went wrong in the relationship--they often blame themselves for pushing the other person away, leading to feelings of inadequacy and rejection. Sometimes, though, there is no answer for why you broke up other than the fact that you and your ex simply weren't right for each other. Don't have sex with your ex. A night of passionate sex with your ex will only make falling out of love with him or her more difficult. Resist the temptation (however strong it may be) to sleep together, keeping in mind that no matter how great it may be, you will feel infinitely worse about the breakup afterwards. Make some small, positive changes in your life. Trying to get over somebody feels in some ways counterintuitive, because the more you try not to think about them, the harder it seems to get them off of your mind. Improving the circumstances in your life, on however small of a scale, can do wonders for healing your wounds after a breakup and for getting your mind off of the person that broke your heart. Now that you are single, it's time to focus on yourself and think about the aspects of your life that you would like to improve. Are you happy with your career or your performance in school? Are you happy with your body? What about your living situation? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-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>"} The goal is to improve your lifestyle so that it is better now than it was when you were in a relationship. Though it may seem difficult, it is possible. You will have to do some soul searching to figure out where to focus your efforts, though. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-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>"} You don't have to make large, life-altering changes. Even small efforts like redecorating your room can help boost your mood in the long run. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-7Bullet3.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-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>"} Try to appreciate the perks of being single. Everybody wants to find somebody to love and who loves them. Have faith that eventually, you'll find somebody who makes you happy, but until then, appreciate the freedom and excitement that comes with single life. Spend time doing the things that you enjoy doing that perhaps your ex didn't enjoy doing. Make plans to go out with friends and remember to approach every situation with a positive attitude; be open to meeting new people, visiting new places, and creating new memories. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-8Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-8Bullet1.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-8Bullet1.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>"} Give yourself plenty of time. Despite your best efforts, it's going to take some time to get over being in love with your ex. Remember that there is nothing wrong with that, and that sometimes, the best medicine is to just let a little bit of time pass. No matter how horrible you may feel right now, seek comfort in the fact that it will only continue to get easier from this point on. Eventually you'll start to feel normal again, and if you just make the effort, be happier than you ever could have imagined. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-9Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-9Bullet1.jpg\/aid3312760-v4-728px-Stop-Loving-Your-Ex-Step-9Bullet1.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>"} | End all communication with this person--at least for now. Don't ignore your feelings. Try not to obsess over his or her positive qualities. Find an emotional outlet. Stop looking for answers. Don't have sex with your ex. Make some small, positive changes in your life. Try to appreciate the perks of being single. Give yourself plenty of time. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Raise-Miniature-Schnauzers | How to Raise Miniature Schnauzers | To raise a Miniature Schnauzer, make sure to choose a dog food made specially for this breed, since Miniature Schnauzers are prone to stomach problems. Along with a healthy diet, walk your dog at least twice a day for 30 minutes. Additionally, provide mental stimulation for your Miniature Schnauzer by playing games and teaching it tricks so it doesn't get bored. You should also start house training your Schnauzer and teaching it commands as soon as you bring it home, since they're very intelligent and catch on quickly. | Make sure the Miniature Schnauzer is right for you. Research personality traits and compatibility with your circumstances before you get a Miniature Schnauzer. A few trademark characteristics include being physically energetic and mentally active. Miniature Schnauzers also don't like being left alone for long periods of time. You should also consider how much space, exercise, and attention a dog will need. Make sure you can meet his needs. Decide where you want to get your Miniature Schnauzer from. If you're looking for an adult Miniature Schnauzer, you may be able to find one at an animal shelter. You can also ask your vet about any breed specific rescue shelters in your area who might have Miniature Schnauzers in need of homes. If you want to get a puppy, contact a few breeders and ask about upcoming litters. If you're getting a puppy, remember that he'll only be a puppy for a few months, but he'll be a dog for up to 20 years. Find a reputable breeder if you want a puppy. Check to see if the breeder socializes the puppies from an early age, which exposes them to a wide range of sights and sounds. It's also helpful if the breeder rears the pups within the house, so they're used to the hustle and bustle of a home. If the pups are reared in an outdoor kennel, ask about how much contact the pups have with everyday stimuli such as washing machines, vacuums, hairdryers, people and pets. Visit a breeder. On your visit, try not to be put off by the parents barking when you arrive. Miniature Schnauzers are vocal, good guard dogs, which makes them protective of their puppies. (You'll have to teach your Miniature Schnauzer how and when barking is OK.) Make sure you can see the puppies with their mothers. If you can't see her, don't consider buying from the breeder. No matter how good the excuse or reason that she isn't there, walk away. The mother not being available to view is a classic warning sign of a puppy mill pup. Select your Miniature Schnauzer. Personality may be one of the most important factors for you in choosing a dog. If you're getting one from a breeder, listen to the breeder's opinion and don't be blinded by the cuteness of a puppy. Breeders should also have temperament response tests and genetic screening information available. Other important factors to consider when selecting your Miniature Schnauzer include: Coat: Choose from black, salt and pepper (varying shades of gray), black and silver, and white. Sex: Male or female. Consider if there are many dogs of the same sex in your area (you would probably get the opposite so they can be friends, especially with two males). Temperament: Look for a puppy that's not shy or overly brave, and is calm when around several other puppies from a different litter. If the puppy cowers in the corner when you first approach him, he may be afraid and lack confidence. If the puppy approaches you, this shows he's confident. Wait to bring your puppy home. If you have chosen a puppy, you will probably have to wait a few weeks until he is ready to go home at 8 or 9 weeks of age. The ideal time for taking a puppy home is between 10 and 12 weeks. This way, he can get his first round of immunizations. Also, a conscientious breeder will have socialized the puppy to being around new people, strange dogs, and started the dog well on his way to house and kennel training by then. You have a reason to be cautious if breeders are offering you the puppy when it feels as it is too young. Make sure that when you introduce your new pup into your household, there is nothing that can overwhelm it such as loud noises, or anything dangerous that is within reach of it. Feed your dog a healthy diet suitable for this breed. Ask your veterinarian to recommend an appropriate dog food and suggest a suitable daily quantity for your particular Miniature Schnauzer. You'll need to look for a packaged food that's labelled as meeting AAFCO or area appropriate health standards. In the meantime, keep using the diet that your dog has been following and make any changes gradually. If you have a new puppy, ask the breeder to give you 4 to 5 days worth of food that your puppy is used to. You can gradually mix in the food you want your puppy to have, so that your puppy has a smooth transition without stomach trouble. Miniature Schnauzers are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol, which means they are at risk of developing a painful condition called pancreatitis. Episodes of pancreatitis are triggered by high fat foods, so avoid feeding your Miniature Schnauzers on high fat foods such as sausages, burgers or other rich meats. Some same pork is poisonous to this breed too. Shop for dog food that has ingredients you can pronounce. For example, dog food with recognizable ingredients like chicken, beef, fish, and grain would be healthier than dog food with a lot of unknown additives, colors, and dyes. Balance a good diet with plenty of exercise. Since Miniature Schnauzers are known to love their food and gain weight easily, you'll need to make sure he gets plenty of exercise to stay healthy. Your puppy will need to eat 3 to 4 times a day and relieve himself after meals, walks, and every 2 to 3 hours until he goes to sleep tired at the end of the day. This will drop to 1 to 2 times daily and every 4 to 6 hours by the time he's 2 years old. Once he's an adult, you'll need to make sure your Miniature Schnauzer is eating one or two times a day and getting at least two 30 minute walks a day. your puppy. Housetrain Start housetraining your puppy on his first day in your home by showing him the toilet spot and praising him when he uses it successfully. Don't be afraid to try simple "Sit" exercises with even a young puppy. Miniature Schnauzers can start learning basic commands as early as 10 weeks old. They're also very intelligent and should catch on quickly. Don't push your dog to the point that he gets frustrated. Instead, try to have fun and mentally stimulate him while housetraining him. Create a routine with plenty of stimulation. Your Miniature Schnauzer will adapt to a daily routine, but only as long as you meet his biological needs: to eat frequently, relieve himself after each meal, and get enough exercise every single day. For best behavior, walk this breed of dog twice a day for 30 minutes each, adjusting the walks to end before he's exhausted. You should also mentally stimulate him by playing games and incorporating training sessions into the routine. Don't forget to reward your dog with treats. A simple routine might include a morning walk, taking him home, and playing by teaching him to respond to both hand gestures and voice commands. Vaccinate your dog. Your Mini Schnauzer should go to the vet for his full set of vaccinations to protect against infections diseases. Your vet will know what diseases are common in your area and what your dog should be vaccinated against. You may also talk with your vet about implanting an ID microchip under your dog's skin. This is a permanent form of identification that proves you own your dog and makes tracking your dog easier if he's lost. Have your dog desexed. If you don't plan on breeding from your dog, talk with your veterinarian about the benefits of desexing him. Neutering males eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and can prevent aggressive or antisocial behavior. If done before the second season, desexing can protect female dogs against breast cancer and eliminates the possibility of womb infections later in life. Since desexing your dog prevents unwanted puppies, you won't need to care for them, find homes for them, or contribute to the large number of abandoned dogs. | Make sure the Miniature Schnauzer is right for you. Decide where you want to get your Miniature Schnauzer from. Find a reputable breeder if you want a puppy. Visit a breeder. Select your Miniature Schnauzer. Wait to bring your puppy home. Feed your dog a healthy diet suitable for this breed. Balance a good diet with plenty of exercise. your puppy. Create a routine with plenty of stimulation. Vaccinate your dog. Have your dog desexed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Straighten-Your-Back | How to Straighten Your Back | To straighten your back, set alarms on your phone to frequently remind you to sit up straight so you change your habits faster. If you're sitting at a desk, that means you should have your feet flat on the ground, your back straight, and your neck in a neutral position. At night, you can also try to sleep on your side with your hips flexed up about 30°, your knees flexed down, and your neck forward. This will help lengthen your spine and relieve pain. | Know what good posture looks like. The first step to improving your posture is simply knowing what to look for in yourself. Make sure your shoulders are back, your stomach is in, and your chest is out. Stand sideways in a mirror and see if you can draw a straight line from your earlobe down through your shoulder, hip, knee, and ending at the middle of your ankle. Head and neck: Make sure that your head extends straight up from your shoulders. Many people tend to lean their head forward. If your ears line up with the front of your chest, you need to pull your head back. Shoulders, arms, and hands: Your arms and hands should fall on the side of your body. If so, your shoulders are exhibiting good posture. If your arms fall towards the front of your chest, then pull your shoulders back. Hips: Find a happy middle position between rolling your hips far forward or backward. Recognize pain and discomfort. The most obvious sign of bad posture is back, shoulder, and neck pain. Poor posture causes your chest muscles to tighten, which forces your upper back muscles to compensate. This results in weaker back muscles in general, which produces pain and discomfort. Since all of your muscles work together, when one muscle set isn't functioning properly, the others are affected. Not all people with poor posture feel pain or discomfort. Our bodies are fairly capable of adjusting and compensating. See if you have “over-pronated” feet. This is when the arch of your foot is almost completely flat. It is also often called a “fallen arch”. Our feet are the lowest balancing mechanism of our bodies. If you have poor posture, you are forcing your feet to work harder to maintain balance. This causes your feet to gradually “flatten” so as to provide a sturdier foundation. If you improve your posture, your weight should rest nearly entirely on top of your heels, freeing up the remainder of your foot to have an arch. While “fallen arches” are themselves a sign of poor posture, you may also experience pain in your feet, ankle, calf, knee, hip, and lower leg area in general. Evaluate your mood. A study conducted at San Francisco State University asked students to walk down a hall in a slouched position or to stand upright and skip. The slouchers reported increased feelings of depression and general lethargy. While this may seem strange, think about it. Your body language often indicates your mood in general.You sit crouched in a corner with your arms crossed when you are angry or sad. You perk up when you are happy. So why can't your moods tell you something about your body posture? If you've been down in the dumps, consider improving your posture. Remind yourself to stand up straight. Set your phone or computer to alert you to check your posture. Place notes for yourself around your house, car, and office. Sometimes all it takes to keep good posture is constant reminders and reinforcement. You need to reprogram your habits just as much as you need to strengthen your back muscles. Practice Yoga. Yoga is specifically good for improving your posture. Some of the best exercises include: The cobra. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders. Make sure you point your fingers forward. Then, keeping your elbows close to your sides, try to touch your shoulder blades together. Be sure to stabilize your back by tightening your abdominal muscles. Then, slowly lift your chest to the ceiling, making sure to keep your neck long. Use your arms for support, but your back muscles to pull you up. Hold for 10 breaths, then lower yourself. Repeat 3 times. Child's pose : Stand on your knees with your arms above your head. Palms should be facing each other. Then, exhale and slowly move forward. Lower your forehead to the floor and stretch your arms out in front of you, pressing your palms into the floor. Hold, and then return to the starting position. Repeat six times. Mountain Pose. Stand straight with your feet on the ground, heels slightly apart. Be sure your weight is evenly distributed between your two feet. Lift the insides of your ankles so that your feet seem cupped. Then, extend your shoulder blades and try to touch them. Slowly release. Finally, raise your arms to the ceiling and gaze forward. Do other exercises and stretches to improve your posture. These techniques should specifically focus on your abdominal and back muscles as these are the muscles that will help support your spine. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. Pretend you're holding a ball between your shoulder blades.Try to squeeze the ball by bringing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 10 seconds. This will help stretch the front of your shoulders, which will likely be tight from poor posture. Roll your shoulders. Roll one shoulder forwards, upwards, backwards, then back down. Imagine that you are sliding your shoulder blade down your spine. Then, repeat on the other side. This will help settle your shoulders farther back than they usually settle. Stretch your chest. Find a rolled up towel or piece of fabric and stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Grip the fabric so that it is taut and your hands are also shoulder width apart. Inhale and lift your arms to shoulder height. Then, exhale and pull your arms up and back as far as you can. Hold for two inhales and exhales, then lower your arms and repeat. Choose an appropriate bag. Choose a purse, book bag, or backpack that will help evenly distribute weight throughout your back. Choose something that has broad, padded straps that can be positioned on both shoulders. Choose supportive shoes. Consistently wearing high heels or flimsy slip ons will put extra strain on your back. Look for shoes with a supportive sole, square toes, and a less than one inch heel. Larger heels force more of your weight forward, which will encourage you to slouch or to overcorrect, which is equally bad for your back. Learn how to sit at your desk. Your feet should touch the floor, your back should be straight, and your neck should be in a neutral position. This will help alleviate back pain as well as straighten your back. You can also buy ergonomic chairs that will encourage you to sit up straight in order to be comfortable. Adjust your sleeping habits. Consider sleeping on your side, with your hips flexed about 30˚. Bend your knees at about 30˚ as well. Finally, move your neck slightly forward on the pillow to help elongate your spine. If you sleep on your back, consider putting a pillow under your knees and a rolled towel under your back. This will help relieve pressure on the back, alleviating back pain and encouraging back lengthening. If you sleep on your side, consider putting a pillow in between your knees to help keep your hips aligned. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping face down puts unnecessary strain on the spine, and can lead to spinal degradation. It can also lead to chronic neck pain and lower back pain in the future. Practice proper lifting techniques. Lifting and carrying heavy objects incorrectly can lead to serious back pain. If you consistently do lots of heavy lifting, consider wearing a back support belt, which will help you maintain good posture while lifting. In addition, be sure to maintain proper form: Bend at the knees, not the waist. Your leg and stomach muscles are designed to help you carry and lift things, but your back muscles are not. When you go to lift something, be sure to bend completely at the knees instead of bending over to avoid straining your lower back. Keep the objects close to your chest. The closer the object is to your chest, the less work your back will have to do to hold it up. Visit your doctor. If you have a severely curved back or spine and you find it difficult to stand up straight, consider talking to your doctor. You may have scoliosis or a number of other spinal-related issues.Your doctor may ask you to wear a back brace. Only in the most extreme cases will the doctor recommend spinal surgery. There are many other methods of improving back pain. See an egoscue practitioner. Egoscue professionals specialize in posture therapy. He will focus on your symptoms (if any), your posture, your gait, and a range of other issues. He'll teach you how to stretch your back — focusing on your problem areas. He'll then create an exercise and stretching regiment that you can do at home. Most of these exercises will be geared towards increasing your range of motion in your hips and elongating your spine, releasing any tension compacted along your spinal column. If your problem is less severe, consider just working with a personal trainer. Tell your trainer that you want to focus on those muscles that lead to better posture (primarily your lateral muscles). They'll show you sets of general exercises and stretches to improve your posture. Consult a chiropractor. He'll take a series of x-ray images of your back and spine. Afterwards, he'll be able to measure the exact curvature of your spine to indicate if you have a serious issue. Your chiropractor may also be able to examine your individual vertebrae for malformations, slips, or misalignments. Many of these issues can be treated in office, but if your chiropractor discovers a more serious issue, he'll refer to you a specialist. Get regular massages. Stress and constant tension can lead to tight back muscles, and therefore a hunched back. If you lead a stressful life, consider working regular massages into your daily life. Alternatively, sitting in a massage chair regularly will relieve stress, but it won't be able to give you the specialized tension in those areas that require it most like a trained masseuse would be able to do. | Know what good posture looks like. Recognize pain and discomfort. See if you have “over-pronated” feet. Evaluate your mood. Remind yourself to stand up straight. Practice Yoga. Do other exercises and stretches to improve your posture. Choose an appropriate bag. Choose supportive shoes. Learn how to sit at your desk. Adjust your sleeping habits. Practice proper lifting techniques. Visit your doctor. See an egoscue practitioner. Consult a chiropractor. Get regular massages. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Love-Your-Husband | How to Love Your Husband | To strengthen or rekindle your love for your husband, schedule quality time together, which can strengthen your bond and remind you why you married him to begin with. For example, you can go on dates to new restaurants or plan a trip together. As your marriage ages, it's important to keep challenging each other. For example, if your husband has always wanted to write a novel, encourage him to set aside one night a week to write. Don't be afraid to take control and organize a date to impress him and encourage him to make an extra effort in return. | Get some quality time together. You have to really know someone if you're going to truly love them, so make sure that the two of you get some quality time together. This means talking to each other! Talk about things that are important to you. Talk about significant matters (like religion and politics). Talk about your hopes, dreams, and goals for the future. This will help you understand who your husband really is, and let him understand the same of you. Tell your husband that you want some quality time with him and why! This will help him understand why it's important. Try going for a leisurely drive or a walk somewhere, in order to get time to talk together, especially if you feel like you can't talk at home. Appreciate his strengths. Everyone has something that they're good at or something that makes them incredible and unique. Find this aspect of your husband and love him for it. There are lots of good reasons to love a person. Maybe your husband is a good provider. Maybe he's got a great sense of humor. Maybe he's affectionate and loyal. Maybe he's really smart. Driven? Good at this job? Embrace his weaknesses. Your husband is human, not a god, so expect there to be some flaws. We all have them. You too! However, when we love someone... really love them...we embrace those flaws. We love them not despite their weaknesses but because of them. Just like he will love you for who you are, you must love him for who he really is. Maybe your husband is too talkative...but this can be an endearing quality. Maybe he's a bit messy...but he's your messy husband. Make each other better people. This is the whole point of marriage: we work together to get through life and make each other better, more fulfilled people. You should also encourage each other to pursue the things you've always dreamed of and become the people you've always wanted to be. You will always be your husband's biggest advocate and he will always be yours...so cheer each other on! Help him to really shape up and look more impressive, so that he can get that promotion at work. Let him help you work on that bad nail-biting habit! Understand marriage. Marriage isn't some romantic comedy movie. Those always end with the couple getting together. They don't show that marriage is really a lot of hard work. It's about butting heads sometimes and going through really difficult situations. Don't hold out in your heart for some guy that sweeps you off your feet and feeds you strawberries while he sings you a song he wrote. Appreciate that your husband will be the one who comforts you when your mother dies or helps you raise wonderful children. Marriage is a partnership, not an empty bouquet of roses. Give him the chance to wow you. If you close your heart to your husband, you may be missing out on a truly fantastic man that will make you happier than you ever thought. Notice when he does sweet things for you and give him more opportunities to show you just how incredible he is. Let him know that you like it when he's romantic. Maybe all he needs is an invitation! Imagine your future and make it happen. Imagine the future that you and your husband have together. Think about all of the wonderful things that the two of you could share in the future. Then, throw yourself into making those dreams come true. Whether it's saving up money for your child's college fund or making your home into a place you'll both be happy to retire to, this can help you see the bright future for yourself, rather than your current cloud of doubts. Don't expect him to be your whole life. If you want to be a happy, fulfilled person, you need to rely on more than just your husband for your happiness. You're your own person! This means that you need to take things into your own hands in some parts of your life. If you feel unfulfilled, don't be too quick to blame it on your husband. Try pursuing the career you always wanted or going back to school. You can also try picking up a hobby that excites your passions but not his. This will give you a chance to have fun and also give him a break to relax. Start back at square one. When you want to fall back in love with your husband, sometimes the best route is to start back at square one: getting to know each other all over again. We change as we get older and go through different experiences in our lives and sometimes we get too focused on who we or our husband used to be. You need to be in love with each other as you are now! It is very important to remember that it's normal, if you've been together for a long time, for him to have evolved into a different person. People really do change! If you're really right for each other, you'll be willing to love this new person too. Go on a first date again. Introduce yourselves. Talk about the kind of things you would talk about on a first date. Talk about your experiences over the last few years and how you think you've changed. Talk about what you want for the future. And be honest! Go on dates again. When we're on dates, we're putting in the effort all over again. We want that person to love us! We're more romantic and more likely to look at each other with a new pair of eyes. Go on dates again and make it a regular thing. Just make sure you don't make the date itself regular. Don't go to the same place, eat the same foods, or do the same activities. Just like you wouldn't like a new boyfriend to think you're boring, you don't want to create this image in your husband's mind either. Change the routine. You eat the same thing for dinner on different nights of the week. Do the same thing every Saturday afternoon. Before you know it, your whole life runs like clockwork: from when you schedule your book club to when you have sex. That's no way to let romance into your life. It's boring. By breaking away from routine and constantly endeavoring to keep your life exciting, you'll find new things to love about each other and new memories that you can share. Pick up a new hobby together. A new hobby is a great way to get the two of you doing something new and exciting, while also giving you something to bond over and share. When you're excited about something together, it's very effective at creating love and positive feelings. You can try: Geocaching Pottery Learning a new language Curating a wikiHow category! Challenge each other. One of the great things about marriage is that we can work together to become better people. We can help each other achieve our dreams of what we want for ourselves. Sometimes, we forget to provide that for each other though. If you want to reawaken your love for each other, work on challenging each other to be better people and pursue the things you've always wanted. For example, if your husband has been plugging away at a novel for years, help him to set aside one night a week where he can work on writing without interruption. Maybe you both have been wanting to get in shape. Work together to develop a workout routine and motivate each other to stick to it and meet your goals. Put in the effort again. You should both try to put in the same effort through your entire marriage that you put into dating. When we stop acting like the other person is worth the effort, they start to feel like that's what we really think. If you stopped trying to look nice for each other every now and again, it's time to start back up. If you stopped trying to look sexy for each other, turn up the heat. If you stopped trying to woo each other, make your most romantic mix tape ever. Lead by example. If your husband sees you stepping it up, he'll be inclined to do the same. Of course, you can always talk to each other to try to get your husband back up to snuff, but positive change really goes both ways. Be the bigger person and be willing to start the chain. For example, you can get dressed up and ask him out on a date. He'll be so wowed, he'll feel like he has to out-do you and be even more impressive with his date offering next time! Have faith. You need to believe that even when your husband hurts your feelings or does something wrong, it is usually not malicious. People don't usually do hurtful or annoying things for the sake of being annoying or hurtful. They do things because they're not thinking or because they think they're doing the right thing. Try to give him the benefit of the doubt before getting really angry. Have a conversation with your partner so they understand what's upsetting you. Let them know how their actions make you feel, then ask them to change. Know when it's time to quit. That said, your husband might do something hurtful on purpose or might not care about you enough to work on problems. Sometimes, we marry people who aren't who we think they are. You need to recognize when you shouldn't be loving your husband and solving your problems....you should be getting away as fast as you can! If your husband is mainly leaving a negative impact on your life, it's time to hightail it out of there. If your husband is violent with you, you need to seek help. His violence is never your fault and you need to do whatever is necessary to protect yourself and your children. There is no excuse for violence. The same can be said for emotional abuse and verbal abuse. If you husband is constantly insulting you, yelling at you, or making you feel trapped and worthless, you deserve better. If you need advice, call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you're from outside the US, go to http://www.hotpeachpages.net/ to find resources for your area. Constantly communicate. When your husband does something to hurt your feelings, say so. When you feel like he's ignoring your needs, tell him that. If you don't tell your husband that something is wrong, he might never know. But in the mean time, the more you keep those hurt feelings bottled up, the more you're going to grow angry with your husband and maybe even hate him. Address major concerns. If he does something very serious, like cheating on you, you need to sit down with him and talk through the situation. Even if it's something smaller, like continually ignoring his half of the chores, it's important to sit down and lay out what went wrong and how the two of you can work together to make things better in the future. In some cases, like with the cheating, the answer might be that you're not really good for each other and that you might be better people without this marriage. However, sometimes big problems can be worked through. Each situation is different. Stop keeping score. When your husband does something to make you mad, don't add it to the list in your mind. Don't save it to use as ammo later when you do something to make him mad. This isn't productive and it just leads you to cling to negative feelings. It may even make problems seem bigger than they really are. Instead, let small, unimportant problems and deal with bigger problems when they happen. Be an adult. Even if your husband can be petty and childish sometimes, don't stoop to his level. Acting childish and being really hurtful will only lead you to do things that you regret. You'll find, before you know it, that your relationship makes you into a person you don't like and it will escalate the conflicts that you do have with your husband. Don't sling out insults, like calling him an idiot in the middle of an argument. Don't do petty things, like "forgetting" to do the dishes until it's his week to do them. Don't use sex for blackmail. Ever. Really bad idea. Funnel your energy into something productive. When you do have problems with your husband and you're all fired up and angry, find a more productive use of that energy. Instead of yelling at him or exploding, work really hard to team up with him to find a solution. Use that anger to power a real change in your relationship and how you treat each other, turning it into a positive force in your marriage. This way you get release while also solving the problems that you have. | Get some quality time together. Appreciate his strengths. Embrace his weaknesses. Make each other better people. Understand marriage. Give him the chance to wow you. Imagine your future and make it happen. Don't expect him to be your whole life. Start back at square one. Go on dates again. Change the routine. Pick up a new hobby together. Challenge each other. Put in the effort again. Lead by example. Have faith. Know when it's time to quit. Constantly communicate. Address major concerns. Stop keeping score. Be an adult. Funnel your energy into something productive. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detach-from-Dysfunctional-Relatives | How to Detach from Dysfunctional Relatives | Detaching yourself from dysfunctional relatives can be difficult, but with some patience and support, it'll be easier for you to lead a happy and healthy life. You might start by setting some healthy boundaries with your relatives. For instance, if your relatives always ask for money but never pay you back, let them know you're no longer able to lend to them. If setting boundaries isn't enough, try to gradually distance yourself. You might avoid visiting them, talking on the phone, or attending family gatherings. If other family members ask about your decision, keep your response brief and to the point to avoid drama. You could say, “I decided getting some distance was the healthiest option for me.” If you have healthy relationships with any family or friends, reach out to them for support. | Identify toxic relationships. Think about your current family relationships. Identify the ones that are toxic, and distinguish them from the ones that are simply difficult. You may want to work with a mental health professional if you feel comfortable with this. A mental health professional can help you to identify toxic relationships. Abuse, constant negativity, and manipulation are several indications that a relationship is toxic. The line between a difficult relationship and a toxic one can be blurry. Trust your own judgment and keep in mind that some people may try to minimize what you are experiencing. However, if you know someone is abusive, then do not accept other people's excuses for them. Brainstorm solutions. Think about whether you can find ways to deal with dysfunctional family dramas without cutting relatives out of your life. Consider skipping certain family gatherings, standing up to bullies, or ignoring conflicts instead of arguing with your relatives. Finding a simple solution may not always be possible. However, de-escalating negative situations is often less stressful than cutting ties completely. Look into ALANON, which is a group that started as a way to help and support the family members of people with substance abuse. However, this organization has expanded to help people in all sorts of situations. Think carefully about the costs of severing a relationship. Before you detach yourself from a relative, think about how the action may affect the rest of your life, including your other family relationships. Make sure you're prepared to deal with the potential negative consequences of cutting ties. For example, you might choose to cut ties with one sibling who has toxic tendencies and your others sibling may see this as an affront. As a result, you lose two siblings. You will have to weigh the costs of whether the toxic person is worth keeping around to preserve other relationships. Try making a pros and cons list to help you determine if severing the relationship is worth the benefits and costs. Keep it somewhere that you can read over it often. You may also want to ask a friend or family member to help you with making the list because they might think of some things that you would not. Come to terms with the consequences of not cutting ties. Just as breaking away from dysfunctional relatives will cause emotional pain or discord, it might also bring you peace. This is especially true if your relatives tend to muddy your life with their toxic behaviors. For instance, if you have family members who steal, lie, cheat, bully, or abuse drugs and alcohol, they likely cause you more stress than joy. Your mental health and peace of mind will benefit from stepping away from these people. Look over your pros and cons list if you have already made one. If not, then make a pros and cons list to help you understand the costs and benefits if you decide not to cut ties. Read over your list often and ask a friend or family member to help you add to it. Stop trying to change the dysfunctional person. Accept that your relative will never start behaving differently unless they want to. Don't try to talk them into changing or make them understand how you feel. Instead, take a step back and make a conscious decision to prioritize your own well-being instead of theirs for a while. If your relative is self-destructive, understand that you cannot save them from themselves. You may even be inadvertently encouraging their behavior by giving them the attention they want. Do not feel like you have to explain your choices, especially not more than once. Also, do not get pulled into a conversation where you end up defending your choices. Avoid blaming yourself or others for your relative's behavior. Your family member is completely responsible for their own actions, no matter what they might say to the contrary. Don't make excuses for them or let them tell you it's your fault. Passive aggression is a favorite tactic of toxic people. If your family member becomes passive-aggressive with you, recognize it for the manipulative tactic it is, and don't let it get under your skin. It is best not to respond at all, and then vent about it later to a trusted friend or therapist. Create healthy boundaries. Decide which situations and behaviors you're no longer willing to deal with. Let your family members know what they can expect from you and what you need from them. Be firm about your boundaries. Don't back down or apologize for them. Make a list of the behaviors you will not tolerate. Share this list with your family. You might say, "I lent out a great deal of money to Jeff, and he never bothered to pay me back. For this reason, I won't be lending money to family anymore." Asserting your boundaries may take time and practice if you've let other people push you around in the past. If someone tries to convince you to violate a boundary, say something like "We've already discussed this. I'm firm on my decision." If they continue to push, then it is okay to ignore it. Hang up the phone or end the conversation when they start to push against a boundary. Distance yourself. Whether you're planning on severing the relationship or not, create some distance between yourself and your dysfunctional family member. Avoid visiting them, talking to them on the phone, or attending family gatherings where they're present. Notice how you feel when your relative isn't an active part of your life. Distancing yourself can create a sense of guilt, especially if you've been in a codependent relationship with your relative. Don't feel obligated to break your silence before you're ready. Getting some time and space away from your relative can help you gain perspective and decide whether to cut ties for good. Decide what you will say to other family members who ask about your decision to distance yourself. Make sure to keep this brief and firm and don't open it up for discussion. For example, you might say something like, “I decided that getting some distance was the healthiest thing for me, and so far it has been.” Stay in touch with family members you get along with. If you have healthy family relationships, nurture them. Emotional support is especially important when you're having family problems, and often, your other family members will understand what you're going through better than anyone else. Because of their inside perspective on your situation, your other family members may have good advice for how to handle your dysfunctional relatives. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. If you're used to putting other people's needs and feelings first, you might not be in the habit of practicing good self-care. Work on achieving a healthy balance between fulfilling your responsibilities and taking care of your own well-being. Don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Remember that you're just as worthy of care as anyone else. Make your health a priority by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. Set aside some time every day or every week to do something you enjoy. Try appointing an accountability partner who can point out when you start putting other people's needs ahead of your own needs. Feel your emotions. Instead of suppressing your emotions, find healthy ways to acknowledge them and let them out. Try writing in a journal, venting to someone you trust, or going for a long walk. Experiencing your emotions is the only way to work through them. It's common to feel angry after living through a dysfunctional family situation, particularly if your parents were the dysfunctional ones. Keep in mind that loneliness is a common emotion for people who are going through this process, even if you are spending time with supportive friends and family. It can be sad to lose someone who was a significant figure in your life. Just keep in mind that you will begin to feel better as you continue to heal. Spend time with supportive people. You can't choose your family, but you can decide which friends to surround yourself with. Work on developing the positive, mutually beneficial relationships in your life. Seek out the people who make you feel loved and who are there for you when you need them. Get outside help. Distancing yourself from dysfunctional family members can bring up emotions that are hard to deal with alone. If you're struggling to cope, make an appointment with a counselor or therapist. Support groups can also be helpful in dealing with feelings like guilt and anger. | Identify toxic relationships. Brainstorm solutions. Think carefully about the costs of severing a relationship. Come to terms with the consequences of not cutting ties. Stop trying to change the dysfunctional person. Avoid blaming yourself or others for your relative's behavior. Create healthy boundaries. Distance yourself. Stay in touch with family members you get along with. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Feel your emotions. Spend time with supportive people. Get outside help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Rottweiler | How to Train a Rottweiler | To train a Rottweiler not to be aggressive, it's important that you redirect your Rottweiler's attention in a calm manner whenever it starts showing signs of aggression, like growling, staring, snapping, or showing its teeth. Never get upset with your Rottweiler or punish it for acting aggressive, which will only make the problem worse. Instead, slowly and calmly expose your dog to the things that trigger its aggression, which will make it less fearful and aggressive over time. | Learn about the breed. Any person who owns a Rottweiler should have a good basic knowledge about the breed. Not only will this help you train your Rottweiler properly, but also keep it happy and healthy. Well-bred Rottweilers are large and athletic. Male Rottweilers can grow up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 100 – 135 pounds. Female Rottweilers are slightly smaller: up to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 80 – 100 pounds. Rottweilers have a thick, glossy black coat with tan patches on the body. You should brush the coat every few days to keep it glossy and healthy. Rottweilers were originally bred to herd cattle, protect their owners and guard resources. Because of this, they got the name “butcher's dog.” Understand the temperament of Rottweilers. Before you can train your Rottweiler, it's important to learn about the temperament of the breed. While they are loyal and loving, they can also be aggressive. Understanding your Rottweiler will help you successfully train it. Rottweilers are very social animals and bond well with their human family. They don't like to be left alone or isolated. It's not uncommon for them to have separation anxiety Rottweilers need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Long walks and obedience training sessions will stimulate them and help prevent destructive behaviors such as digging, chewing, and whining. Rottweilers are naturally territorial and will be very protective of you. Rottweilers may act dominantly towards other animals and people. Proper training, which includes socialization, will help minimize this behavior. Rottweilers may exhibit aggressive behavior if they are trained that this is acceptable behavior or if they are not trained properly. Rottweilers reach maturity very slowly, usually at the age of two. This can mean they will be hyperactive and mischievous for a longer period than other dogs. They may also chew on articles more frequently until they reach maturity. Make a training plan. Develop a training plan that you can follow consistently. Making a plan will give you a chance to consider your dog's personality and different factors that may affect the process, such as if your Rottweiler is older or a puppy. When developing your training plan, make sure to keep your Rottweiler's personality in mind. If there are certain areas of behavior with which he has difficulty, focus on those. Since training is something you need to do regularly and over time, set short, mid and long term goals. You can develop your plan by setting daily, weekly, and monthly intentions or goals for you Rottweiler. By taking the time, if necessary, to teach your dog lessons, you will ensure that your dog is obedient and understands the lessons you've taught him. For example, you could have the goal one week of socializing your Rottweiler. Make a plan over the course of the week to expose your dog to other dogs and people. Remember to keep the activities short, like a walk to the dog park, followed by a reward if your Rottweiler behaves and then walk or run home. It's important that you can commit ample time over a longer period to training your Rottweiler. Dog training doesn't happen overnight and requires consistency. Consider a professional trainer. If you don't have the time to commit to training your Rottweiler consistently and properly or if your dog is having specific issues, consider hiring a professional trainer. Often, a professional will be able to address an issue that you cannot. Professional trainers will ensure your dog is obedient, but you will still need to use commands consistently and undertake top up training so as to keep it fresh in the dog's mind. If you have an older Rottweiler or even a rescue that has been traumatized, they may have specific behavioral issues that need addressed by someone who understands how to handle these situations. Learn from the trainer what your problems are and the solution, so you can apply this consistently at home. Puppies may also be averse to training and require professional training. You may also want to use a professional to help reinforce your training methods and correct you where you are having difficulties. Consult the local chapter of the American Kennel Club or the AKC's website to find obedience training programs for your Rottweiler. Start training your dog as soon as possible. In order to train your Rottweiler most effectively, you want to start training him as early as possible to establish acceptable behavior. From puppies to older dogs, Rottweilers respond well to training with the proper guidance from early on in your relationship. Start training immediately. No matter how old your Rottweiler is, you will be most successful if you start training him early. You will be most successful if you train your Rottweiler between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 months. If you got your Rottweiler at an older age, it's important to not be discouraged. You can train him as soon as he joins your family. Just know that it may take a little more time, effort, and patience on your part. Remember that Rottweilers are intelligent, obedient, and loyal companions that want to make you happy. Proper communication with your Rottweiler will help you to train him at any age. Understand dominance. When you train your Rottweiler, you want to establish rules that he will follow so that he behaves properly. By understanding that dominance in the relationship with your Rottweiler doesn't mean dominating him, you are more likely to encourage the behaviors you seek. Dominance means establishing rules your Rottweiler will follow by reinforcing them with a firm voice or hand motions that indicate he is a member of a pack that you lead. You can be dominant and firm while being kind and careful with your Rottweiler. For example, the best way to establish this dominance is to take your Rottweiler for a walk on a leash and have him heel beside or behind you. Don't dominate your Rottweiler through verbal or physical aggression. This will will only cause him to fear you and undermine your training plan. Identify and manage aggressive behavior. Rottweilers can exhibit aggressive behavior at any age. Rottweilers can get aggressive with people and other dogs. Identifying aggression and actively managing it with training can help prevent your Rottweiler exhibiting this behavior in the future. A Rottweiler may not show aggression immediately because he is an observer by nature. The signs of aggression may be discreet and your Rottweiler may even seem calm. Ignoring even subtle signs of aggression, such as staring, can lead to later problems. There are different signs of aggression in a Rottweiler including a low growling noise, showing teeth, snapping the jaw, or staring. If you see your Rottweiler quietly staring at something, this is a sign of aggression. Remove him from the situation to calm him down and avoid potential problems. A Rottweiler will exhibit aggression for different reasons such as protecting his territory, as well as being territorial with food or with an owner. A Rottweiler may show aggression towards other dogs, such as growling or barking, because he thinks he is protecting you. Fear is a primary reason of aggression in Rottweilers. It can be a trained behavior. For example, if a man with a beard verbally or physically punished your Rottweiler, this may have traumatized him and he may exhibit aggressive behavior when he sees any man with a beard. Manage aggression by quickly neutralizing the situation in a calm manner. If you get upset with your Rottweiler, you may compound his anxiety and aggression. Manage your Rottweiler's aggression by exposing him to triggers in a controlled environment. This will help reduce his fear and help minimize aggressive behaviors. For example, if your Rottweiler fears men with beards, have him meet a friend or family member who loves dogs and can show your Rottweiler that he doesn't need to be scared of everyone with facial hair. If your Rottweiler if exhibiting aggression towards you, leave the situation and don't confront your dog. Never chastise a Rottweiler for growling. This will inhibit the behavior (growling) but not remove his underlying feelings of tension. Thus the dog may learn to bite without first warning of his intention because he feels inhibited about growling. Socialize your Rottweiler. One important component of training your Rottweiler is exposing him to other dogs and people. This will keep him happy and comfortable in any situation, and less likely to be aggressive. It will also make him more receptive to your training. Rottweilers may act dominantly towards other animals and people and this behavior can be prevented with proper socialization. Help your Rottweiler be comfortable around both dogs and people by exposing him to positive situations with other dogs and individuals. Socialize your Rottweiler by taking him for walks, to play the dog park, and to visit friends. It's also important to invite people to your house so that your Rottweiler is comfortable having people on his territory. Keep every aspect of socialization calm and positive, which will teach your Rottweiler to be calm and confident. Keep training sessions short. Dogs have a very short attention span and a short memory, so keep training sessions short. Combine training sessions with activities such as socialization and mealtimes. Keep training sessions at about 15 minutes. Know that Rottweilers distract easily, so be patient if your dog makes a mistake. Combining training sessions with other activities is a great method to reinforce the lessons you're teaching. For example, if you have your dog at the park, it's a good way to teach him commands such as “come.” Be patient with your Rottweiler. Patience is the most important and hardest part of training a Rottweiler. Remember that your dog wants to please you. If you are calm and happy, your Rottweiler will be calm and happy. You will be most successful at training your Rottweiler if you are patient with him. If you keep the training fun for both you and your Rottweiler, you're more likely to be patient with him. Training for any dog is a lifelong process. Yelling or physical punishment will only counteract your training process, and also may cause your dog to fear you and other people. Use positive reinforcement and avoid physical discipline and yelling. Rewarding your dog for his positive behaviors is an integral part of the training process. Understand that your Rottweiler will make occasional mistakes and that you must avoid physical discipline or yelling at him in these situations. Positive reinforcement trains your dog by rewarding the actions you want him to repeat. Reward your Rottweiler with treats, toys or praise. When you are teaching him a command and he performs it well, immediately give him his reward. Be careful with food rewards so that your Rottweiler doesn't get fat or become unhealthy. Rottweilers are going to make mistakes and you should never use physical discipline during training. If your Rottweiler doesn't perform a command, take a break and then ask him perform it properly. You can reward him after he follows the command to your liking. It is counterproductive to verbally or physically punish your Rottweiler. This will only cause him to be fearful and confused and may even discourage him from learning the command. React to behaviors promptly. Because Rottweilers have short term memories and are distracted easily, it's important to react to your dog's behaviors promptly. You will reinforce your training methods by doing this, and also ensure that your Rottweiler doesn't fear because you disciplined him for a behavior that he can't remember. For example, if your Rottweiler does something you like, such as following a command, it's important to reward him immediately so he understands that this is the type of behavior you like. Don't punish a Rottweiler for going to the bathroom in your home unless you see him do it. He won't remember the behavior. If you do see him go to the bathroom in your home or another inappropriate place, a firm “no” is all that is necessary to teach him this behavior is wrong. Teach your Rottweiler simple commands. In order to complete your Rottweiler's training, teach him simple commands by using positive reinforcement. This will help ensure that you have an obedient and well-behaved Rottweiler. Use short one or two word commands together with hand signals so that your dog understands your command voice and the motion he needs to make. Teach your dog to sit. “Sit” is the first command to teach your Rottweiler because it will make activities like feedings and grooming much easier. Get your dog to focus his attention on your hands so that he is more likely to listen to the command. Say sit and lightly push his behind to get him to sit. Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose and guide her into a sitting position. When her bum hits the floor say “yes” or “good job” and give her the treat. Repeat this process until your dog follows the command. Teach your dog the command “no. ” “No” is an important command to teach your dog so they know when they are doing something wrong. Make sure to use “no” in your disciplining voice and don't overcomplicate it with words your dog won't understand. Your disciplining voice should be firm and lower toned. To teach “no”, place a treat on the floor and when your dog tries to eat it, make a loud noise and remove the treat. If you repeat this, your dog will associate taking the treat with a startling sound and not try the behavior. You can reinforce this lesson by asking him to sit, for example, and following it up with a treat. Only use this command when you catch your dog doing something bad. Move on when he stops or say it again and remove him from the situation. Teach your dog to “stay. ” Once you've taught your Rottweiler to sit, you can teach him the command “stay.” This is one of the more frustrating commands to each and requires a lot of patience. Don't get discouraged with teaching this command. Remembering that Rottweilers are social and want to be with you will help you stay patient with your dog. Call your over to a space where you'd like them to stay. Then move away and say “stay” and toss them a treat. Repeat this over the course of a few days. Make sure to reward him when he follows the command properly. Teach your dog to “come. ” You can teach your Rottweiler the most fun command after they've learned to stay. Your Rottweiler will also love this command because it means that he can be with you, something this loyal and social breed loves. For example, have your family members call your dog from around a room by saying his name and “come!” Encourage your Rottweiler to come by clapping, or making other noises she likes. When she comes to you or your family members, say “good boy” and give him a tasty treat. Then someone else can call him. Make sure to reward him when he follows the command properly. When training, always release your Rottweiler after he's followed the command. This will show him that the "come" command doesn't always mean play times over. House train your Rottweiler. Housebreaking a dog can be one of the most frustrating aspects as an owner, but a very necessary activity. But with consistency, patience, and some positive reinforcement, you can housetrain your Rottweiler with relative ease. Be consistent with taking your Rottweiler outside. Puppies need to be taken out every 20 – 30 minutes during the day and adults should be taken out every hour or two. Take her to an area that you've designated their “potty spot” and with her leash on, say “go potty.” Keep encouraging her until she goes and then give her huge praise and a treat to let her know that she's done a good job. Take your Rottweiler back inside as soon as she's done going to the bathroom so she knows that going outside means she needs to go to the bathroom. Repeat this process every hour or two until your Rottweiler is housebroken. Don't worry if your dog does not go to the bathroom right away or at all. She may not have to go. Just keep repeating the process until she's house trained. Your dog will inevitably make a mess during the housetraining process. When this happens take her outside to the potty spot. Then thoroughly clean up the mess to remove any lingering odor that would draw her back. Do not punish the dog for going to the toilet indoors after the event, as she will link the punishment to you rather than the action. Whatever you do, never yell at or hit your Rottweiler for making a mess, which may make them continue going to the bathroom inside your home. Train your Rottweiler not to bite, bark, or jump on people. In general, obedience training will help ensure that your Rottweiler doesn't bite, bark, or jump on people. Properly socializing your dog and telling them “no” when he's done something he wasn't supposed to will help avoid these behaviors immensely, but there are a couple of other tips you can use, too. You can minimize digging, chewing, whining and many other destructive behaviors through leash walks and by giving dogs chew toys. If your Rottweiler exhibits undesirable behavior such as above, distract him with a squeaky toy to divert his attention. A short "No" is acceptable, immediately before the distraction, so he begins to understand right from wrong. However, be aware that chastisement can be an accidental reward (your attention) so the dog may be more (not less) likely to repeat the behavior in order to get your attention. If they do not stop the behavior, remove them from the situation. | Learn about the breed. Understand the temperament of Rottweilers. Make a training plan. Consider a professional trainer. Start training your dog as soon as possible. Understand dominance. Identify and manage aggressive behavior. Socialize your Rottweiler. Keep training sessions short. Be patient with your Rottweiler. Use positive reinforcement and avoid physical discipline and yelling. React to behaviors promptly. Teach your Rottweiler simple commands. Teach your dog to sit. Teach your dog the command “no. Teach your dog to “stay. Teach your dog to “come. House train your Rottweiler. Train your Rottweiler not to bite, bark, or jump on people. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dispose-of-Antifreeze | How to Dispose of Antifreeze | The right way to dispose of antifreeze depends on whether it's pure or tainted. Tainted antifreeze looks dirty, smells like gas, and has either oil or gas in it, whereas pure antifreeze is a bright green or blue. If your antifreeze is tainted, put it in a safe container and take it to a hazardous waste disposal center. For pure antifreeze, bring it to a recycling facility to be recycled. | Contact recycling centers for antifreeze disposal locations. Check with your local government or visit a community recycling day. They may accept pure antifreeze or direct you where to go. Other good places to check are machine shops and oil change shops. Many of them accept antifreeze for recycling. Wastewater management places may also accept small amounts of antifreeze. Search for facilities by searching your city's website, searching online for mechanics in your area, or calling disposal companies in the area. There may be a small facility usage fee when recycling antifreeze. These fees will be greater at hazardous waste disposal facilities. Identify antifreeze that looks dirty or smells like gas. Even a drop of oil or gas in antifreeze taints it. This tainted antifreeze is considered hazardous and must be shipped to a different facility than normal used antifreeze. Look at it for signs of muddiness. Normal antifreeze is brightly-colored and smells sweet. Damage to a vehicle can cause fluids to mix. If you aren't sure, consider the antifreeze polluted. Place tainted and pure waste antifreeze into separate containers. Store the antifreeze in containers such as old antifreeze bottles. Make sure these containers are well-sealed. Both types of antifreeze must be shipped to different places, so label them to remember which one is which. When flushing antifreeze out of a vehicle, use a different drain pan and funnel than you use for oil and other fluids. Find hazardous waste disposal centers for tainted antifreeze. This antifreeze can't be recycled. Since it is considered hazardous, only a hazardous waste disposal facility will accept it. Ask your local government. Mechanics at repair shops may also be able to tell you where they dispose of their antifreeze. Drive the antifreeze to a recycling facility. You can't ship antifreeze in the mail. You have to bring the container to the facility. A commercial hauler or waste oil service may also do it for you. Once you reach the facility, get a receipt that shows where you delivered the antifreeze. Hiring a commercial hauler for hazardous antifreeze makes the process easier. This is only necessary for shipping large amounts of antifreeze. If you transport it yourself, you will need to provide your own documentation about using the truck. Always consult your government for disposal regulations. Wear protective gloves or masks. When you see an antifreeze spill, ventilate the area as much as you can. Wear a mask to prevent breathing in the sweet odor. Long sleeves and protective gloves can also help avoid skin exposure. Place absorbent material over the spill. An absorbent material, such as kitty litter, sand, or baking soda, can pick up antifreeze. Treat the spill immediately by layering material over it. Cover the absorbent material with paper towels. Paper towels will aid in absorption and protect the material from scattering. Extra layers can be added to ensure no antifreeze escapes. Let the material rest for a few hours. At the very least, wait one hour as the antifreeze is absorbed. Don't wait too long, though. Come back within three hours to make sure the antifreeze hasn't set in as a stain. Wipe up the absorbent material with paper towels. Pick up the absorbent material and leftover antifreeze with some dry paper towels. Wash your hands with soap and water when finished so you don't accidently ingest any fluid. Throw the absorbent material in the trash. The antifreeze-soaked litter and paper towels can go through regular garbage disposal. Seal the bag and keep it away from children and animals. Antifreeze is dangerous to consume, so anyone who touches the material should wash their hands immediately. Cover the area with soap. An average laundry or dish detergent will also help clean your floor. For stains that have begun to set in, try powdered detergent. Pour some soap out over the stain. Let the soap settle for a minute. Scrub the area and rinse with clean water. Spray some water onto the spill to moisten it. Use a nylon brush to scrub in the soap. Finish by flushing the area with water. Dry the wet spot in open air. Keep the spot exposed to air so it can dry. Open any nearby doors or windows. This may take a few hours but helps in removing the smell. When this isn't possible, layer some newspaper over the wet area for at least an hour or sop up the mess with paper towels. | Contact recycling centers for antifreeze disposal locations. Identify antifreeze that looks dirty or smells like gas. Place tainted and pure waste antifreeze into separate containers. Find hazardous waste disposal centers for tainted antifreeze. Drive the antifreeze to a recycling facility. Wear protective gloves or masks. Place absorbent material over the spill. Cover the absorbent material with paper towels. Let the material rest for a few hours. Wipe up the absorbent material with paper towels. Throw the absorbent material in the trash. Cover the area with soap. Scrub the area and rinse with clean water. Dry the wet spot in open air. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Deal-With-Heat-Exhaustion | How to Deal With Heat Exhaustion | To properly deal with heat exhaustion, bring the person to a shady spot or an air-conditioned building as soon as possible, and give them cool water to drink. Apply a cool compress to the back of the person's neck, as well as their wrists, in order to help bring down their body temperature. Loosen or remove their clothing, especially if the person has on anything that's tight-fitting or is wearing multiple layers of clothing. Have them lie quietly with their feet slightly elevated above their heart, and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. | Get to a cool place. Do whatever you can to cool the person suffering from heat exhaustion. If possible, get the person suffering from heat exhaustion to shade or an air conditioned building. If those are not available, get the person suffering from heat exhaustion in front of a fan. Keep the person with heat stroke in a cool environment while they hydrate and allow their body temperature to regulate. This may mean several hours to a full day indoor or in a cool area. Monitor and reduce the internal body temperature. With heat exhaustion, the person's temperature may only be slightly elevated, if at all. However, it is important to monitor the person's temperature since a very high temperature (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit) can indicate heat stroke. To lower the person's temperature, try applying a cool compress to the back of the neck and wrists. Use a towel soaked in cool water or wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and apply it to the skin. Try not to apply ice directly to skin, as the skin may be sunburned and this may cause damage to the tissue. Loosen or remove clothing. If the person suffering is wearing tight-fitting clothing, loosen it, and remove any excess layers. If certain articles of clothing are necessary, loosen them as much as possible to allow airflow through the clothes. Do not remove any clothes that are necessary to protect the person from exposure. Sunburns and blistering will only make heat exhaustion worse. Avoid removing protective layers unless absolutely necessary Lie down. Lay down the person suffering from heat exhaustion and elevate their legs and feet slightly above the level of the heart. If the person reports feeling dizzy or disoriented, decrease the elevation incrementally until they feel comfortable. Use props such as pillows, an ottoman, or towels to help support the legs and feet. Drink water. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are closely linked. Slowly and consistently drink water to replenish their fluids and keep hydrated. Drinking cool water, if available, may help with the overall cooling process. If you suspect salt depletion, which may be recognized by nausea and vomiting, you may want to provide the person with sports drinks to help replenish their salts while keeping them hydrated. Avoid any alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, as this may lead to further dehydration. Wipe the person down with a damp cloth. Soak a cloth or sponge in cool water and rub it over the body, especially the head. Alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with cool water and spray the person suffering with it. Sweat helps the body to cool as it evaporates, and applying moisture to the skin can perform the same function. If there is access to a shower or bathtub, soaking in cool water may also help the overall cooling process. Contact a medical professional. If you even suspect you are dealing with heat stroke, immediately call emergency medical services (911). If the symptoms seem minor, you may want to call the person's general practitioner. However, if symptoms include loss of consciousness, vomiting, or dizziness such that the person cannot stand, emergency services need to be contacted. Let the medical professional with whom you speak know what symptoms the person with heat stroke exhibits, and inform the medical team of what type of treatment is being administered. Ask them, “Is there anything else we need to do to manage the condition until this person can get to you?” If you are on the phone with emergency services and an ambulance is being dispatched to you, stay on the phone until the ambulance arrives, and update the medical professional regarding any changes in condition and actions taken. Call an ambulance for unconsciousness. If the person with heat exhaustion has become unconscious, if they are showing symptoms of heat stroke, or if they have a fever at or above 104° F (40° C), call an ambulance or take measures to get them to a hospital immediately. Administer first aid as necessary, but make it a priority to get the person medical attention as soon as possible. Carefully monitor heartrate and breathing if the person is unconscious. If either stop, it may be necessary to perform CPR. See a doctor. For any individual who suffered from heat exhaustion but did not need emergency care, follow up as soon as possible with a doctor. Go to an urgent care center or make an emergency appointment with a general practitioner to have them look for signs of complications due to heat exhaustion. It is important to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible after recognizing symptoms of heat exhaustion. Do not wait multiple days for an appointment with a general practitioner. If a regular doctor cannot see the person immediately, it is best to go to urgent care. Make a follow up appointment. A person who ended up in the hospital or in urgent care with symptoms of heat exhaustion should make a follow up appointment with their regular doctor a few days after initial medical treatment to ensure that the body has adjusted back to normal. Let the doctor know what symptoms were experienced, and what treatment was administered as first aid, as well as by a medical professional. Ask the doctor, “Is there anything else I need to do to properly treat this issue?” Determine if symptoms are heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two closely related syndromes, and if left untreated one can easily lead to the other. However, the symptoms of each are different, and both require a different set of treatments. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include : Confusion or disorientation Fatigue Heavy sweating Pale or flushed skin Rapid heart beat Headache or dizziness Fainting Look for signs of heat stroke. Before any first aid is administered for heat exhaustion, you should check to see if things have progressed to the level of heat stroke, which requires a different first aid approach. Heat stroke has symptoms including: Red skin Dry skin with no sweating A body temperature of above 104° F (40° C). Evaluate the type of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion may be caused by either water depletion or salt depletion. Look at the symptoms to understand what type of heat exhaustion you are treating and relay this information to a medical professional as soon as possible. Water depletion leads to symptoms such as excessive thirst, muscle weakness, headache, and fainting. Salt depletion leads to symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and heat cramps. | Get to a cool place. Monitor and reduce the internal body temperature. Loosen or remove clothing. Lie down. Drink water. Wipe the person down with a damp cloth. Contact a medical professional. Call an ambulance for unconsciousness. See a doctor. Make a follow up appointment. Determine if symptoms are heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Look for signs of heat stroke. Evaluate the type of heat exhaustion. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Make-Toast | How to Make Toast | To make toast with a toaster, place a slice of bread in the toaster and push down the handle, or select the "toast mode" if you are using a toaster oven. Adjust the dial or lever on the toaster or toaster oven to your desired darkness. Once your bread is done toasting, slowly remove it, taking care not to touch any metal components of the toaster or toaster oven that might burn your fingers. You can also make toast on a stovetop. First, butter both sides of the slice of bread. Then, toast the bread in a pan over medium-high heat. Flip the bread periodically so it toasts evenly on both sides. Once you have made your toast, spread on your favorite toppings. Common toast toppings include butter, avocado, nut butters, olive oil, and jam. | Carefully put your slices of bread into the bread slots of the toaster. Trim off excess bread on the ends if the slices are too big to fit in the slots. Make sure the sides of the toast aren't rubbing against the heat coils. If you cram it in, the ends are going to burn and stink up the kitchen. Make sure the slices aren't too thick or too wide. Choose the setting for the darkness of the toast. Depending on the type and thickness of the bread, and on how brown or crunchy you want it, set the knob higher or lower. If you are unsure, put on a low setting and if necessary after, repeat at a higher setting. Toasters, especially cheap ones, are often unreliable in the "darkness" knob department. Many people complain that even at the highest setting, you need to toast multiple times. It's best to start it light to make sure you don't burn the toast, then increase if you need to toast it a second time. Push down the button to toast the bread. Keep an eye on the toaster to make sure it doesn't burn, then carefully remove the hot toast from the toaster after it pops up when it completes the cycle. Put the slices of bread flat on the oven rack. The best way to evenly toast bread is in a convection oven or toaster oven. You can place the slices of bread on a baking sheet or pan, or you can place them directly on the rack. Move the oven rack to the highest possible position in the oven to make toast. It's most efficient to use a high heat setting for a quick amount of time, preferably the broiler, which will use less energy by moving the toast closer to the heat source. Turn on the broiler of the oven, or set the heat on the toaster oven. The broiler, which heats the top of the oven only, is the quickest way to make toast. The only problem is that it can also burn quickly, so once you've set your desired temperature, you need to watch the bread closely so it doesn't burn. If you have a gas stove, you'll likely have a separate broiler, which you can use to make toast. The only difference is that it'll be in a different location, probably below the main oven compartment, or on top of the range. In most toaster ovens, you can set a timer that will turn off the oven at the appropriate time. It's still a good idea to watch it closely if you don't know your oven well. Use tongs to flip the bread over half-way through the toasting. If you've got your bread on a rack, or you're using a broiler, the side facing up is going to toast, but the side facing down will still be soft. When you see the top start to brown, flip the bread over to toast the other side. Remove the toast from the oven. Again, the broiler can quickly burn the toast, so remove it as soon as it looks nicely crisp and brown. It'll be black in another minute. Put bread flat in a skillet. The best, most even toasting that you can do on the skillet comes from a cast-iron skillet, with no butter or oil to grease it. Just put your bread into the pan dry and let the heat toast the bread. Adding the butter before it's even toasted? Why not. You can fry your toast in a little butter or oil to crisp it up and give it a golden crust. This is sometimes called "Texas toast," and it's delicious. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. When your bread is in, simply heat the skillet and toast it in the pan. The first side will take a bit longer while the pan heats up, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it so you don't burn the bread. Flip the bread over periodically. Using tongs or a turner, flip your bread over when the underside is done and start toasting the other side. You might as well turn them regularly to make sure you're getting an even crunch on both sides of the bread. Heat a grill rack over an open flame. One of the most under-appreciated and completely delicious ways to enjoy a slice of toast is by throwing some bread or buns on the grill and letting the heat and smoke crisp them up. Try this after grilling burgers, or bratwursts to pick up any meat juices left on the rack, or liven up your next campfire breakfast with smoky toast. If you're using a campsite grill rack, try to clean it up first by scraping it with a spatula or a knife. They can be kind of rusty and stuck with gunk. Let it heat some in the fire to cleanse it, and then scrape off any carbon bits left on. Place bread slices or buns directly on the grill rack. You can drizzle a little olive oil onto slices of hearty French bread to get a nice crunch going, or you can just place bread directly onto the rack. Keep a close watch, because it'll toast up very quickly. Leave the lid off the grill. It'll happen too fast to worry about conserving the heat. If you're over a fire-pit, stand close by and watch the toast. It'll be burned by an extra couple of seconds. Turn the bread over frequently. Toast over the grill can burn or even catch fire very quickly, so it's a good idea to keep it rotating from side to side, as you would a marshmallow. If it gets a little scorched, try not to worry too much. It's difficult to get bread truly "toasted" over the fire, but that smoky scorching is a delicious alternative that's just as good. Go super-primitive. The early Romans made toast by laying out slices of bread on hot rocks close to the fire. It doesn't get any more simple than that. Lay out some bread on a rock and howl at the moon on your next camping trip. Try out a "pudgy-pie" maker. The old camp classic is perfect for making toast or grilled sandwiches over an open fire. Basically, a pudgy-pie maker is a metal clamp with long handles that you can use to toast bread over a fire with. Butter or oil both inside surfaces of the metal, then place your slices of bread (plain white bread usually works best) inside the maker and clamp it closed. Hold over the fire for a few minutes on each side and check it periodically to make sure it's not burning. Enjoy hot. Making a grape jelly sandwich in the pudgy-pie maker over an open fire is a camp luxury you owe yourself. Like, now. Try regular sandwich bread. Whether white, wheat, or rye, traditional soft sandwich bread makes excellent toast. It's always pre-sliced and results in a uniform toast that's perfect for making crunchy sandwiches or as a side to breakfast dishes. Soft white breads and other sandwich loaves tend to toast much more quickly than more hearty breads. Watch these kinds of bread closely to make sure they won't burn. Try out a denser loaf. If basic old white toast doesn't do it for you, try working with a denser crusty bread that'll yield a chewier toast with a crispy edge. Head to your local bakery and look for round loaves you can slice yourself and toast up to see what's good. Consider: French loaves or baguettes raisin loaves challah nine-grain or multi-grain breads brown bread Choose pre-sliced bread, if it's available. Because it's difficult to slice bread uniformly, toast is most easily made with pre-sliced bread you can get at the store. Even if you're buying bread at the bakery, you can usually have them machine-slice your loaf before wrapping it up for you. If you can't get bread that's machine-sliced, slice your own bread using a 'bread' knife. Aim for about 3/4 of an inch thick, slices that will be nice and thick but will also fit in the toast slots. Save old or stale bread for toast. If bread becomes too stale to use for sandwiches, don't throw it out. Toast it up! Throwing old bread in the toaster revitalizes it, and might have even been the catalyst for toast in the first place. Toast was likely invented in ancient Egypt, where pyramid-builders were often paid in bread that would remain left outdoors for long periods of time, becoming stale. To make the bread more palatable, it was livened up a bit over open fires, making the first toasted bread. Slice your toast in half, quarters, or leave whole. Traditionally, at old diners, the cooks would slice dry toast (without butter) in half vertically, and would slice buttered toast on the diagonal, so that the waitresses would could differentiate between them quickly and easily. Plus, everybody knows diagonally-cut toast tastes better, right? The club sandwich is cut diagonally twice, while toast sticks--slice in several vertical strips, are commonly served with a soft-boiled egg, to make for easy dipping. Mix it up. Cut your toast however you most like to eat it. Spread a single topping on your toast. When you've got a perfectly-crispy slice of toast straight from the toaster, it makes a great vehicle for toppings. While you can obviously put anything on your toast you like, there are some classics. Common toast-topping options include: butter or margarine peanut butter jelly or jam Nutella eggs, fried or scrambled Make cinnamon-sugar toast. It's hard to think of something more comforting and delicious to eat for a snack than toast with cinnamon and sugar-sweetened butter. To mix up this delicious topping for your toast, thoroughly combine the following ingredients in a small cup or bowl, and spread onto toasted bread: 1/2 tablespoon of butter, soft 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, ground 1 teaspoon granulated sugar Make a toasted cheese. Great for a side to lunch or a snack in and of itself, a toasted cheese or a cheese toast is a simple slice of bread topped with melted cheese. Made traditionally with cheddar, you can use any cheese you like. To make it, the oven is your best bet. Toast the bread on one side and remove from the oven. Top the untested side with slices of your favorite kind of cheese, or a shredded variety. Return the bread to the oven so the bread continues toasting on the top side, melting the cheese at the same time. Remove from the oven when the cheese is bubbly and the toast is brown. Try mushrooms, beans, or chipped beef. While it may sound strange to the uninitiated, savory gravies are often used to top beans in English cuisine, for breakfast or snack. Sautéed mushrooms make an excellent side to steaks or chops, especially when topping a slice of grilled toast. Beans on toast is a staple of the full English breakfast, featuring a basic slice of toast with baked beans on top. Creamed chipped beef on toast is Midwestern cooking at its finest, and a Military staple commonly referred to with a crude bathroom epithet (Hint: something on a shingle). Think of it as a poor man's biscuits and gravy. Take care of business with a Fried Elvis. In his later years, legend has it, the singer favored nothing so much as an enormous white-bread peanut butter, banana, grape jelly, and bacon sandwich, fried up in bacon grease. You think toast is good? Try frying it in bacon grease and topping it with that mess. You're in Fat-Elvis heaven. To make the sandwich: Fry up a few slices of bacon in a skillet, reserving the grease. Remove the bacon and make a peanut butter sandwich on white bread, topping it with the bacon and a generous portion of sliced banana and your favorite jelly. Return the whole sandwich into the skillet with the grease in it, frying it evenly on both sides and heating it throughout. When the bread becomes toasty and golden, it's ready to eat. Be sure to use a napkin. | Carefully put your slices of bread into the bread slots of the toaster. Choose the setting for the darkness of the toast. Push down the button to toast the bread. Put the slices of bread flat on the oven rack. Turn on the broiler of the oven, or set the heat on the toaster oven. Use tongs to flip the bread over half-way through the toasting. Remove the toast from the oven. Put bread flat in a skillet. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Flip the bread over periodically. Heat a grill rack over an open flame. Place bread slices or buns directly on the grill rack. Turn the bread over frequently. Go super-primitive. Try out a "pudgy-pie" maker. Try regular sandwich bread. Try out a denser loaf. Choose pre-sliced bread, if it's available. Save old or stale bread for toast. Slice your toast in half, quarters, or leave whole. Spread a single topping on your toast. Make cinnamon-sugar toast. Make a toasted cheese. Try mushrooms, beans, or chipped beef. Take care of business with a Fried Elvis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Cool | How to Look Cool | If you want to look cool, try choosing classic pieces that will never go out of style, like a white t-shirt, skinny jeans, and a pair of cool shades. Although sometimes it's tempting to wear something flashy, keep in mind that dark, neutral outfits will make you appear more attractive, intelligent, and confident. As you pay more attention to your clothing, you might want to invest some time in curating your own personal style. While you want to wear flattering clothes, you should also wear things that make you feel most like you! For example, try picking something as your signature, like a cute hat or some funky eyeglasses. | Choose classic pieces. Trends pieces are great for the here and now, but investing in classic pieces means that your cool will never go out of style. Make street-chic easily accessible by mixing and matching these timeless basics into your closet: White t-shirt Skinny jeans White button down Trench coat Sunglasses Boots Hats Statement jewelry Wear some cool shades. Shades create a scaffolding effect to your features to add symmetry and attractiveness on your face. It adds an air of mystery because it eliminates a person's ability to see your emotions through the windows of your soul. It's instant glamour and instant edge. Don't feel pressured to find the most expensive shades known to man, there are affordable shades in clothing stores that look equally as cool with half the price tag as bigger sunglasses brands. Accessorize with trendy pieces. Trendy can be cute if done right and cool if you don't take yourself too seriously. Choose small items that make large statements. Get a cool case for your iPhone that has designs on it. Wear stackable rings across each of your fingers. Wear a crossbody bag or an eccentric oversized clutch. Wear oversized earrings. Keep your look simple. Sometimes simple is best and it's our complexities that stop us from achieving the ultimate cool. Avoid flashy prints. Incorporate things that work with the style you're going for and streamline your look to fit that aesthetic. Wear darker colors. There is a correlation between wearing dark clothing and appearing stylish. Wearing black and colors that are dark in hue like it, make you appear attractive, intelligent, and confident. On some days, wear all black to look instantly put together from head-to-toe. For a simple day time look, wear a black leather jacket, a black t-shirt, black jeans, black boots, shades, and a black hat – perfect all black ensemble. Be yourself. It sounds simple enough, but it is so easy to get wrapped up in how-to advice and forget about how cool you are already just for existing. Every person is as unique and offers something different to the world which is a great and beautiful thing. “Cool” isn't so much an aesthetic as it is a vibe, granted there are things that assist that vibe physically, but a lot of the work happens within. While it is okay to find yourself, it's never okay to alter yourself just to fit the mold. Embrace what makes you different because that uniqueness is the key to looking cool. When you feel cool, you look cool. Go against the grain and like what you like, even if it is the road less traveled as far as interests go. If you are into gaming or anime conventions, but people rarely are, do your thing. If you enjoy staying in while others enjoy going out, do you. Don't force yourself to be a part of what everyone else is doing. Instead find ways to be outgoing while being true to your wants and interest. That just makes you cooler and more interesting. Own who you are and appreciate it as individuality. Know that even the best people, as with anything, come with good and bad. There are parts of yourself that you won't like, aspects about your appearance that you wish to change, but instead of punishing yourself for your faults, own them and use them to your advantage. Embracing what makes you unique not only adds to reaffirming your overall sense of self, but it also adds to your confidence. Knowing not only who you are, but carrying intelligence in other areas of life: music, film, academics, sports adds a cool unique flair to your personality. Be positive and kind. Be upbeat and optimistic. Draw people towards you with your sunny personality and award-winning smile. When you feel good about yourself, it usually bursts out of you and touches others around you, and the more positive and confident you are, the more like-minded individuals you'll find in your circle. Attracting those personalities naturally round out your cool vibe. Find a personal style. Choose a style icon whose look you connect with most and use them as style muse inspiration. Personal style aesthetics range from hipster to chic to glam to athletic, etc., and there are many combinations that stem from that. Is it the eclectic glam stylings of Rihanna or the effortlessly suave look of David Beckham? Make a board or collage that allows you to keep track of your inspirations. Write down outfit ideas you might have in a notebook to bookmark for later. This will allow you to keep track and stay true to your style goals. Clean your closet of anything that doesn't align the new look you're going for. Target items that you've only worn once and/or items you never wear and throw them in the trash. Starting new is often the best way to go when revamping your style. Consider your budget when shopping for new items. Focus on items that will act as staples in your wardrobe, start and invest there, and then build around that. The great thing about style is it does not have to have a huge price tag in order to be considered great style, instead it's how you wear your look that truly sells an outfit. Create a signature. They are important when signing documents, but they are also important when it comes to adding punctuation to a look and elevating it even further. Choose a signature piece that represents you most. This can be done in a multitude of different ways. If you are a hat connoisseur, incorporate hats into all of your looks. Either have a favorite that acts a mainstay, like a wide-brimmed hat, or interchange them depending on the day and outfit. If you are into beauty, have a signature lipstick, a bright red or a deep mauve, or a signature smoky eye with a thick cat eye that everyone knows you by. Be the guy or girl with the best frames and invest in different kinds of eyeglasses. Make nerdy chic work for you. Mix old and new pieces and higher-end and thrifted pieces together to enhance your style while inflecting personality into your style even more. Invest in your shoe game. Are you into sneakers? Are you into heels? A lot can be told about a person by what they decide to wear on their feet. It not only gives cues about your style, but it also gives cues about you. Be on trend and wear shoes in an unexpected way. Pair sneakers or cross trainers with your favorite dress or a suit. Wear a pair of heels with athletic gear like sweat pants and a tank top. Crossover the popular winter shoe over-the-knee boots for a spring time outfit of short shorts and be on trend with the latest lampshading effect. Express yourself through your hair. Hair has its own sense of style as well. Wear it however it feels most comfortable to wear it. It can be a lot of trial and error through different cuts, lengths, colors, and preferred ponytail holder positions – but it's worth the effort. Sometimes it is a stamp on its own and the more freedom you have with the way you style it, the more lasting of a memory you leave on people. Be relaxed in your emotions and sense of self. Uptight is the opposite of cool. It projects fear, worry, concern, while cool is a state of being easy. You might have worries, but it's not in your eyes or in your smile. You are at ease with where you are in life and it's evident by how you navigate through life and your social circle. Be level-headed and present and coolness follows effortlessly. Be self-assured in who you are and what you do. Not needing to require validation from others is essential to looking cool. You can go places and make decisions without considering other people's opinions or allowing them to hold a great weight in their life influences. You seek validation from within yourself and it's obvious in the way you don't need or cling to people even if you are a sociable outgoing person. Walk the walk. Looking cool is about projecting cool. Walk with your shoulders back and head held high with grace and confidence being the goal with how you hold your posture. Shift your center of gravity and poise yourself to walk like a model. Always walk as if someone is taking your picture from a distance. Great posture not only shows others your confidence and cool, but it also works wonders on how you perceive yourself as well. Talk the talk. Speak knowingly on an array of subjects. Have a sense of humor about everything, laugh at your antics, and make jokes about other things. Don't take yourself too seriously. Be open to listening to people and their problems while being responsive and advising in their times of need. Allow people to use you as a confidant. You become more interesting the more you are interested in other people. Be genuine in your interactions with other people Listen actively by being present in the conversation versus thinking of what to say next Be interested and introspective in the questions you ask to get to know people Find commonalities Don't be afraid to offer new insight through your conversation Appreciate your qualities! | Choose classic pieces. Wear some cool shades. Accessorize with trendy pieces. Keep your look simple. Wear darker colors. Be yourself. Own who you are and appreciate it as individuality. Be positive and kind. Find a personal style. Consider your budget when shopping for new items. Create a signature. Invest in your shoe game. Express yourself through your hair. Be relaxed in your emotions and sense of self. Be self-assured in who you are and what you do. Walk the walk. Talk the talk. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Stop-Puppy-Biting | How to Stop Puppy Biting | To stop a puppy from biting, let out a loud "yip" whenever it bites you so it gets startled and stops. If the puppy keeps biting, walk away and ignore it for 10-20 seconds so it learns that biting makes playtime stop. Whenever the puppy stops biting you after you make a loud noise, praise it by giving it a treat or petting it affectionately. Keep in mind that puppies do like to chew on things, so make sure it has plenty of chew toys to redirect its attention to. | Consider how mother dogs and other puppies teach puppies not to bite. If a puppy bites another puppy or its mother too hard, then the bitten pup will give a loud “yip.” This startles the biting puppy and causes him to stop biting. If he continues to bite, then the bitten pup will yelp and run away. Since the puppy doing the biting wants to play he'll learn to stop biting or else play stops. You can use a similar procedure to teach your puppy not to bite you. Let out a loud “yip” if your puppy bites you. If during play, your puppy starts to mouth you and bites or nips, then give a loud, high-pitched “yip.” This should startle your puppy and cause him to stop biting you. Let your hand go limp at the same time that you “yip” and stop playing. If he keeps biting, then walk away from your puppy and only restore attention when he is behaving properly. If he does not stop, then try saying “Too bad!” in a stern voice and walk away from your puppy. Go into another room and ignore your puppy for 10-20 seconds. Doing this will act as a time out and help to teach your puppy that biting too hard makes the play stop. Praise your puppy for good behavior. When your puppy does back off, make sure that you give him lots of praise and start playing again. Keep repeating this process every time your puppy nips or bites and he should become gentler and gentler. Learn about redirection. Another useful training method to use for biting and other undesirable behaviors is redirection. With this training method, the goal is to redirect your puppy's attention away from your hand or body onto something else that he is allowed to bite, such as a chew toy. Keep in mind that puppies are often teething at the same time that they are learning about not biting, so it is important to make sure that your puppy has appropriate chew toys. Doing so will help to alleviate some of the discomfort in his mouth while also teaching him good behavior. Give your puppy a chew toy to redirect his attention away from your hand. If your puppy starts biting your hand, one way to get him to stop is to offer him a chew toy to redirect his attention away from you. Keep a chew toy handy when you are spending time with your puppy to help teach him that it is okay for him to chew on a toy, but not on your hand. Play with your puppy. Another good redirection is to play with your puppy. Try playing tug-of-war with your puppy if he starts biting you. Or if your puppy prefers to play fetch, take your puppy outside and throw his favorite ball or Frisbee for him. Whatever your dog likes to do for play can be used as a redirection from biting. Socialize your puppy. Puppy socialization is important to help your puppy learn normal dog behaviors. Socialization starts from a young age when your puppy is with its mother and other puppies. You take over socialization training after the puppy leaves its littermates and mom (around 8 weeks of age) up until it reaches 12-14 weeks of age. During this time, expose your puppy to other puppies, dogs, and cats, humans (of all shapes, sizes, and sexes) along with different situations such as car ride, parks, and the neighborhood activity. All this socialization serves a purpose related to biting because a well-socialized dog will know how to play with other dogs and will not bite at the first sign of a threat. Discipline your puppy as needed. Do not let your puppy get away with everything when you bring it home. Set clear boundaries such as where the puppy is allowed to be in the house, when it is allowed to eat, and what it can play with. If your puppy violates any boundaries, discipline him right away and be consistent. For example, if the puppy is not allowed to get up on the furniture, tell your puppy “No!” and put him back on the floor right away. Never strike your puppy. This will only instill fear in it and fearful puppies (and dogs) do not make good companions. Instead, discipline your puppy by teaching him what you want and then rewarding positive behavior. To reward your puppy, you can give him a small treat and lots of praise. If your puppy does something bad, then ignore him until the bad behavior stops. Exercise your puppy often. Make sure that your puppy is getting enough exercise and safe play every day. Puppies often bite or nip because they want to play or are bored. Teach your puppy that games like fetch, Frisbee, and tug-of-war are acceptable for playtime. Taking your puppy for a short walk once or twice a day is a good way for both of you to get exercise. Keep it short (less than 15 minutes) as young puppy's bones and joints are still forming and longer walks can harm them. Do NOT take your puppy for jogs or runs until he is over a year old. You should also have at least 15-30 minutes of playtime each day where the puppy can burn off some excess energy. Doing this will help your puppy focus a bit more during training sessions—including not biting—once he has calmed down from a good solid play period. Contact a professional. If you are still having serious problems with puppy biting and none of the at-home methods you've tried seem to be working, consider taking your dog to a certified professional pet behaviorist or to a certified professional dog trainer. Many pet stores offer obedience courses run by trained professionals who can help you teach your puppy not to bite. | Consider how mother dogs and other puppies teach puppies not to bite. Let out a loud “yip” if your puppy bites you. Praise your puppy for good behavior. Learn about redirection. Give your puppy a chew toy to redirect his attention away from your hand. Play with your puppy. Socialize your puppy. Discipline your puppy as needed. Exercise your puppy often. Contact a professional. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cream-Eyeshadow | How to Make Cream Eyeshadow | You can make your perfect shade of cream eyeshadow at home with pigment powder and lotion. Start by putting a little bit of pigment powder in a small resealable jar. You can also use powder eyeshadow if you don't have pigment powder. Add ¼ teaspoon white, unscented lotion to the powder. Then, mix them together, and add more lotion as needed to adjust the consistency. You can also use rubbing alcohol to make cream eyeshadow. First, put some pigment powder or powder eyeshadow in a small jar. Then, pour in a little rubbing alcohol and a couple of drops of vitamin E oil. Stir the mixture until it begins to separate. Then, let it sit for a few minutes. Once the alcohol has floated to the top, use a tissue to soak up the excess liquid and leave the eyeshadow to dry for a few hours. Once it's set, you'll have a nice, creamy eyeshadow. | Find a small jar with a tight fitting lid. The jar needs to be small enough to fit ½ to 1 teaspoon of fluid. You don't want the jar to be so large that your eyeshadow sits in a small heap at the bottom. If the jar is too big, your cream eyeshadow may dry out. Here are some options to give you ideas: Clean contact lens cases Tiny, plastic paint jars (found at an arts and crafts shop) Makeup jars (found online or at a beauty supply shop) Make sure all of your tools and jars are clean. Wash everything with soap and water, then dry it off using a paper towel. If your tools are not clean, you risk contaminating your eyeshadow. Contaminated eyeshadow can lead to serious infections. Scrape the eyeshadow into the jar with a spoon. Try to get about ¼ teaspoon of eyeshadow. You can use all one color, or mix two or more colors together to create a custom shade. You can also use cosmetic pigment powders, which you can find in a beauty shop or online. Alternatively, some spices and other natural products also create beautiful shades. For instance, you can use turmeric to make yellow eyeshadow. Grind the eyeshadow into a fine powder. Use a toothpick or the base of a spoon to do this. Make sure that the powder is very fine and that there are not lumps or chunks. If you leave any lumps or chunks, the eyeshadow will turn out grainy. Add about ¼ teaspoon of white, unscented lotion. Make sure that you are using a lotion that is safe for use around eyes. If you are not sure, check the ingredient label against an eye cream. If you see something there that is not in your eye cream, avoid using it. You can also use Vaseline or lip balm. Stir the two together using a toothpick. There should be no lumps or clumps. The color should be even, with no streaks of color. Adjust the consistency, if needed. If the eyeshadow is too dry, add some more lotion. If the lotion is too creamy, add some more eyeshadow. Make sure all of your tools and jars are clean. If your tools are not clean, you risk contaminating your eyeshadow. This can lead to irritations and infections. Wash everything with soap and water, then dry it off using a paper towel. Add 8 beeswax pastilles and 1 teaspoon of shea butter into a glass measuring cup. This will create the base for your eyeshadow. The measuring cup must be made out of glass, as you will be putting it into the microwave. The spout part will help you pour the fluid into a jar later on. Heat the beeswax and shea butter in the microwave until they are completely melted. After every 10 seconds, take the measuring cup out of the microwave and stir the ingredients. This will help them melt more evenly. Put the cup back into the microwave, and cook it for another 10 seconds. It will take 1 to 1½ minutes for the was and butter to melt completely. Stir in 1 teaspoon of glycerin and ¼ teaspoon of vitamin E oil. You can also use 24 drops of jojoba oil and 12 drops of vitamin E oil instead of the ¼ teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Grind up 2 to 2¼ teaspoons of eyeshadow. Scrape enough eyeshadow into a small dish to fill 2 to 2¼ teaspoons. Grind the eyeshadow into a fine powder using a toothpick or the end of a spoon. Make sure that there are no clumps or chunks, or the eyeshadow will end up lumpy and grainy. You can use all one color, or combine different colors to create a custom shade. Some people find that the eyeshadow darkens once it sets. Consider using a lighter shade. If you can't find an eyeshadow color you like, use 2 to 2¼ teaspoons of cosmetic pigment powder instead. You can buy it online or in a beauty supply shop. Add the eyeshadow into the base mixture, and stir until everything is evenly blended. There should be no lumps, clumps, or chunks; the consistency should be smooth. Also, make sure that the color is even. There should be no streaks or swirls of color. Pour the eyeshadow to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. The jar should be small enough for the eyeshadow to fill it completely (about 5 grams). You don't want the eyeshadow to be sitting at the bottom of the jar in a small lump. If needed, use a spoon to help guide the eyeshadow into the jar. Contact cases and tiny paint jars make great containers. You can also buy makeup jars online and from beauty supply shops. Let the eyeshadow to set. The eyeshadow will be mostly liquid at first, because of the melted beeswax and shea butter. It will take about one day for everything to harden into a creamy consistency. Make sure all of your tools and jars are clean. Wash everything with soap and water. Next, dry everything off with paper towels. If your tools are dirty, you risk contaminating your eyeshadow. This can lead to serious infections. Choose a small jar for your eyeshadow. You can use just about anything, so long as it is small enough and has a tight fitting lid. The jar should be able to hold ½ to 1 teaspoon of fluid. You don't want the jar to be so large that the eyeshadow sits at the bottom in a small lump. Contact cases make great eyeshadow containers. You can also use tiny jars meant for storing paint. You can get them at art supply stores. You can also buy makeup containers online and in beauty supply shops. Scrape some eyeshadow into the jar. You will need enough to fill ¼ teaspoon. You can use all one color. You can also use multiple colors to create your own shade. If you can't find an eye shadow color you like, use cosmetic pigment powder. You can find it online or in beauty supply shops. Grind the eyeshadow into a fine powder. Make sure that there are no clumps or chunks. If there are any, your eyeshadow will be too clumpy at the end. Pour in some rubbing alcohol. Add just enough so that the eyeshadow is suspended in it. If you can, try to use 91% rubbing alcohol. Stir in the vitamin E oil. Keep adding and stirring the oil until you get a nice, creamy texture. You can also use argan, jojoba, or sweet almond oil instead. Stir until the mixture until it begins to separate. It will look lumpy. This is just the excess rubbing alcohol rising to the top. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes. This will give the excess rubbing alcohol enough time to float to the top. The rest of the rubbing alcohol will have bound the oil and eyeshadow together. Use a tissue to soak up the excess alcohol. Fold the tissue into a square and dip a corner into the mixture. Once it soaks up some of the alcohol, rotate the square and dip another corner. Keep doing this until all of the excess alcohol is gone. If needed, use a fresh tissue if your old one gets too dirty. Leave the eyeshadow uncovered for thee to four hours so that it can dry. It may look grainy once it is set, but it will go on smoothly. Once it is set, you can put the lid back on to the jar. | Find a small jar with a tight fitting lid. Make sure all of your tools and jars are clean. Scrape the eyeshadow into the jar with a spoon. Grind the eyeshadow into a fine powder. Add about ¼ teaspoon of white, unscented lotion. Stir the two together using a toothpick. Adjust the consistency, if needed. Make sure all of your tools and jars are clean. Add 8 beeswax pastilles and 1 teaspoon of shea butter into a glass measuring cup. Heat the beeswax and shea butter in the microwave until they are completely melted. Stir in 1 teaspoon of glycerin and ¼ teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Grind up 2 to 2¼ teaspoons of eyeshadow. Add the eyeshadow into the base mixture, and stir until everything is evenly blended. Pour the eyeshadow to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Let the eyeshadow to set. Make sure all of your tools and jars are clean. Choose a small jar for your eyeshadow. Scrape some eyeshadow into the jar. Grind the eyeshadow into a fine powder. Pour in some rubbing alcohol. Stir in the vitamin E oil. Stir until the mixture until it begins to separate. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Use a tissue to soak up the excess alcohol. Leave the eyeshadow uncovered for thee to four hours so that it can dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Braid-Short-Hair | How to Braid Short Hair | To make side braids, start by parting your hair down the center with a comb. Once you've separated your hair, take about 3 inches of hair from the front-right side of your face. Divide the section into 3 equal portions. To braid the 3 portions together, cross the left portion over the middle one so it becomes the new middle portion. Then, cross the right portion over the new middle. Repeat this process, crossing the left and right portions into the middle, until you run out of hair. Tie the braid with a hair elastic, pin it to the side of your head, and tuck it behind your ear. Do the same with the left section of your hair to give you 2 side braids. | Part your hair down the center. Use a comb to draw a part down the center of your hairline. Brush the hair flat on either side of this part. For this style, you'll need to create two standard braids along the front sides of your head. These braids should roughly mirror one another in position, width, and length. This style is good for very short hair, as you can decide to braid only a portion of your short hair if you do not have enough hair to put it all back in a braid. Grab a section of hair on the right. Gather approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) of hair toward the front of your face, working to the right of the part. If you have short bangs that you wish to keep out of the braid, begin the section immediately behind the right end of your bangs. If you have long bangs that you want to include in the braid, split the bangs in half down the center. Include the right half of your bangs in this first section and the left half of your bangs in the second section. Divide the section into three portions. Split the gathered section of hair into three portions. Try to make each portion equal in length and width. Braid the portions together. Braid the three separated portions into a standard braid. Direct the braid so that it points down and toward the back of your ear. Cross the left portion of hair over the middle section. The previous left portion now becomes the new middle portion. Cross the right portion over the new middle portion to complete one full braid. Repeat as many times as needed until the braid reaches your desired length. Tie and pin the braid in place. Tie the end of the braid with a small hair elastic, then use a bobby pin the tack the loose end to the unbraided hair at the side of your head. Repeat on the left. Create an identical braid on the left side of your part by following the same steps used to create the first braid. Separate the section into three portions, then braid those portions down toward the back of your ear. Note that the two braids don't need to be exactly identical, but they should look very similar to one another to maintain enough symmetry. Flaunt your braids. Check your braids in the mirror and redo them if necessary. Once they look the way you want them to look, the style is done and ready to show off. Part your hair along the side. Use a comb to draw your part along either side of your head. Brush the hair on both sides of this part to keep it smooth. To create this look, you'll create a partial French braid that drapes down along one side of your head. As you form the braid, though, you'll leave some hair hanging down from beneath it, creating a “waterfall” effect. This style may be better for individuals with short hair that comes to at least their shoulders or just above their shoulders. Alternatively, if your hair is very short you can try to do a waterfall braid on a section of your hair, not your entire head. Grab a section of hair. Gather approximately 2 inches (5 cm) of hair toward the front of your face. This section of hair should be taken from the wider side of your part. If you have long, sideswept bangs, your first section of hair will mostly consist of your bangs. If not, draw the section from the hair closest to your part and at the front of your face. Create a few braids from this section. Split the section of hair into three equal portions, then braid those portions together into one or two full braids. To form a single braid, cross the left portion of hair over the middle portion, then cross the right portion of hair over the new middle portion (previous left portion). Gather new hair into the braid. Gather a new portion of hair into the braid by drawing it from the top of your head. You'll add this hair to your braid using a traditional French braiding technique. Pick up a section of hair directly next to the topmost section of your braid. The section should be roughly one-third as thick as the overall braid. Draw the new portion together with the current topmost piece, essentially forming one large portion. Create another single braid using this newly joined portion of hair. Pick up a new section from the bottom. Gather a new portion of hair into the braid from beneath. Instead of incorporating it into a standard French braid, however, you'll use this new section as a substitute for an old section. Pick up the second new portion will from directly beneath and behind the braid. Draw together a portion of hair roughly one-third as thick as the overall braid. Drop the current bottom portion of the the braid and allow it to hang loose down the side of your head. Create one new braid using the new bottom portion. Leave the previous bottom portion alone. Repeat to desired length. Continue drawing new hair into the braid using the same technique as before. Braid the hair in this manner until you reach the back of your head. Each new portion of hair taken from above the braid should be woven into the braid with the previous top portion. Each new portion of hair taken from beneath the braid should be woven into the braid instead of the previous bottom portion. Secure the braid. Tie the loose end of the braid off with a small elastic hair band. Allow the loose ends to hang down naturally off the back of your head. Carefully brush the loose hair hanging from beneath your braid to remove any tangles and smooth out any frizz. Sport your new braid. Check your braid in the mirror. If you like the way it looks, the braid is done and ready to show off. If not, unbraid and redo until you have the desired look. Part the hair. Draw your desired part using a comb. This style works with both center and side parts alike. Regardless of which part you choose, brush your hair flat on either side of the part after defining it. For this style, you'll create one French braid on either side of the part and along the lower hairline. Afterward, you'll secure the two braids together, forming the shape of a crown. This style is also known as an “around the world” braid. This style may be best for individuals with short hair that is at least to their shoulders or above their shoulders as it works best with more hair. Pick up three portions of hair. Gather together three sections of hair along one side of your part. These sections should be roughly equal in length and width. Each section should be about 1 inch (5 cm) wide. If you have long bangs, the front section will include hair from your bangs. Braid the sections together. Create one or two full standard braids from your original three sections of hair. A single full braid includes all three sections of hair. Cross the back portion over the middle, turning the previous back portion into the new middle in the process. Complete the braid by crossing the front portion over the new middle, turning the front into the newest middle. Gather new hair into a French braid. Draw two new portions of hair into the current braid. Create one full braid with each new section to begin your French braid. The first new section should come from the top of your head and further back along your part. Combine this new section with the current topmost section of your braid, then create one new braid using the newly combined portion. The second new section should come from in front of your braid and just beneath it. Combine this section into the current bottom section of the braid, then create one new braid using the combined portion. Repeat around the hairline. Continue French braiding down the side of your head. Work around the entire lower hairline, drawing in all of the hair from beneath your braid as you do. Pay special attention to the hair around your ear. This hair will need to be braided tightly to create the most flattering appearance possible. Braid down the loose ends. Once you reach the center back of your head, braid any remaining loose hair on that side into a standard braid. Tie off the end with a small hair elastic. Repeat on the other side. Braid the hair at the other side of your part by following the same steps used for your first braid. Pick up three equal portions of hair along the other side of your part. French braid the hair on the opposite side of your head, leaving no loose-hanging hair in the process. Continue along the lower hairline in this manner. Braid down as much of the loose ends as possible into a standard braid, then secure the end with an elastic hair tie. Tuck in the ends. Crisscross the hanging ends, then tuck them beneath the braids to hide them from view. Depending on how tight your braids are, tucking in the ends can be a difficult challenge. Work carefully to avoid pulling out the braid, and hide the unbraided ends and hair ties as best as possible. Note that you'll probably need to insert a few bobby pins through the tucked ends to help hold them in place. Add volume to the braid. Use your fingers or the handle of a rat-tail comb to carefully pick up and loosen each individual braid. Only pull on each braid enough to give it a little more body. Do not pull hard enough to completely undo the braid. Skip over the sides and focus on the front and back of the braid. Doing so will add volume to the braid without sacrificing an appealing face shape. Adjust and enjoy. Check your halo braid in the mirror and make any desired adjustments. Once you're satisfied with the way it looks, you should be ready to show it off. If the top of your head looks too flat or slick, carefully swipe your hand over the hair, working it back and forth several times. Doing so should gently loosen and volumize the hair there, making it messy and natural without destroying the braid. Use hair oil before you braid. To make styling easier, you should use natural hair oil on your scalp and massage the oil into your hair. Use natural oils like jojoba or coconut and avoid heavy oils like lanolin, petroleum, and mineral oils. These oils will clog up your scalp and attract dirt and dust. You can also use a boar bristle brush to brush the oil into your hair to make it easier to braid. If you have very thick, afro-textured hair, you can skip this step as it can make your hair more frizzy. Braid your hair in sections. It will be easier to work with your hair if you divide it into sections using a rat-tail comb. Divide your hair into two sections and clip each section with a hair clip. You can then focus on one section at a time. You can then decide if you are going to do simple braids where you braid each section into simple braids, creating two side braids or a more elaborate design like a top mohawk with braids. Do side braids. This is an easy option for afro-textured hair as it only requires you to know how to do simple braids. Because afro-textured hair can be very thick and tricky to work with, many people do small side braids in a row rather than two big side braids. Start with one section and do a small braid with 1/4 of the hair on one side. Start the braid just above your ear, at the top of your hairline. Collect hair as you braid, forming a small braid that lies flat against your scalp. Pull the hair so it is taunt but not too hard, as you do not want to damage your hair or your scalp. Once the braid is done, use a bobby pin to secure it. Then, make another small braid above the braid you just created. Make sure the braid starts right at your hair line and is parallel to the first braid. Secure this braid with a bobby pin. Finish with one more small braid above the second braid. It should start at your hair line and move parallel to the second braid. There should now be three braids on one side of your hair, forming diagonal lines. Repeat these steps on the other side of your head. You should now how small braids on either side of your head, framing the rest of your hair. You can then leave the rest of your hair natural or finger curl it using your fingers and hair oil. Try a top mohawk with braids. This option is a more elaborate braided hair style and may require a second set of hands or help from a professional hair dresser who knows how to work with afro-textured hair. If you are experienced with braiding your hair type, you may be able to do this one at home. Divide your hair into four sections and pin each section with a hair clip. Then, unclip the section at the front end of your hair, right above your ear. You will then braid a small section of the hair above your hair moving upward. Pull the hair taunt but not too tight as you braid upward. You want the braids to be as vertical as possible. When you reach the top of your head, pin the braid and then let the rest of your hair sit on your head. Move on to braid the next small section of the front section of your hair. Make the braid vertical and tight, leaving the remaining hair from the braid loose once you reach the top of your head. Repeat these steps, moving from section to section of your hair. The braids should all be vertical and in line with each other. Keep the hair at the end of the braids lose and let it sit on your head. This hair will act as the top mohawk. Once you have finished braiding your hair into vertical braids, you should have a row of 9-10 braids on each side of your head. You can then style the mohawk using hair oil and your fingers for a fun look. | Part your hair down the center. Grab a section of hair on the right. Divide the section into three portions. Braid the portions together. Tie and pin the braid in place. Repeat on the left. Flaunt your braids. Part your hair along the side. Grab a section of hair. Create a few braids from this section. Gather new hair into the braid. Pick up a new section from the bottom. Repeat to desired length. Secure the braid. Sport your new braid. Part the hair. Pick up three portions of hair. Braid the sections together. Gather new hair into a French braid. Repeat around the hairline. Braid down the loose ends. Repeat on the other side. Tuck in the ends. Add volume to the braid. Adjust and enjoy. Use hair oil before you braid. Braid your hair in sections. Do side braids. Try a top mohawk with braids. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Enough-Protein-on-a-Raw-Food-Diet | How to Get Enough Protein on a Raw Food Diet | To get enough protein on a raw food diet, try eating peanuts, pine nuts, and almonds, since they all have a high concentration of protein. Besides nuts, you can incorporate a variety of protein-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet, like avocados, kale, pomegranates, and collard greens. Some people who eat a raw diet are vegan, but if you choose to eat meat, try making raw dishes like sashimi or carpaccio for some extra protein. Just keep in mind that eating raw or undercooked meat can cause health problems. Make sure to talk to your doctor about your health needs and whether or not a raw diet is a good choice for you. | Select a variety of fruit. Many types of fruit contain 4 – 8% protein. This is less than many other high-protein plant sources, but eating a variety of high-protein fruits can boost your protein intake and ensure you get other vital nutrients. The following is a list of the fruit with the highest amount of protein: Avocado, 4 g each Guavas, 1.4 g each Passion Fruit, 5.2 g per cup Pomegranate, 4.7 g each Mulberries, 2 g per cup Blackberries, 2 g per cup Apricots,.5 g each Raspberries, 1.5 g per cup Nectarines, 1.5 g each Oranges, 1.3 g each White Grapefruit, 1 g per 1/2 fruit Peaches, 1.4 g each Cantaloupe, 0.9 g per wedge Strawberries, 1.1 g per cup (sliced) Enjoy some leafy greens. Many vegetables contain protein, but leafy greens in particular pack a punch of this nutrient. Incorporate some leafy greens into each meal of your day to increase the amount of protein in your raw diet. The leafy greens with the highest amount of protein per cup are: Kale, 4 g Collard greens, 2 g Mustard greens, 1.5 g Turnip greens, 1.2 g Cabbage, 1 g Spinach, 0.86 g Swiss chard, 0.7 g Add some bonus veggies. Although leafy greens often have more protein, many other vegetables also have this nutrient. Adding some other vegetables to your leafy greens can help you get a broad range of vital nutrients and boost your protein intake. The vegetables with the highest amount of protein per cup are: Broccoli, 2 g per cup Peas, 4 g (per ½ cup) Asparagus, 2 g (per five spears) Beets, 2 g Carrots, 2 g Cauliflower, 2 g Bell peppers, 1 g Celery, 1 g Cucumber, 1 g Onion, 1 g (per ½ cup) Crunch on nuts and nut butters. There is a reason you often see nuts in things like trail mix and energy bars: they are nutritional powerhouses. The same holds true for raw nut butters. Eat a variety of nuts in addition to your healthy raw diet. The following are the nuts and nut butters highest in protein per ounce: Peanuts, 7 g Pine nuts, 7 g Almonds, 6 g Pistachios, 6 g Mixed nuts, 4 g Enjoy seeds and seed butters. Seeds are another ingredient you might also see in trail mix and energy bars. This is because they're nutritional powerhouses like nuts. You can add seeds and seed butters to any food you like. They're also a nice alternative if you don't like nuts. The following are the seeds are high in protein: Pumpkin seeds, 8.5 g per ounce Flaxseed, 7.5 g per ¼ cup Sunflower seeds, 5.5 g per ounce Chia seeds, 4.7 g per ounce Boost a smoothie with spirulina. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that can increase your daily protein intake. You can add a teaspoon to your favorite smoothie for a boost of protein. One teaspoon of spirulina has 2 g of protein and a tablespoon has 6 g. Throw in a handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale, which won't alter the taste of your smoothie. Try sashimi or ceviche. Although many people who follow a raw diet are vegans, both vegetarians and omnivores also follow the raw food diet. If you are an omnivore, you can enjoy raw fish dishes such as sashimi and ceviche. Both of these are high in protein and can provide a much needed boost to your plant-based protein sources. Choose sashimi, which is usually thinly sliced fish. In most cases, salmon and tuna are the types of fish used. Salmon sashimi has 5.6 g per ounce and white tuna has 7.2 g per ounce. You can also try sashimi made from eel at 6.7 g per ounce or sardine, which has 7 g per ounce. Make ceviche , which is a Latin American dish of raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice. A ¼ cup of ceviche has 13 g of protein. Try carpaccio. Carpaccio is an Italian delicacy that is made of thin slices of raw meat such as beef. A 3 ounce serving of beef carpaccio has 25 g of protein. Keep in mind that eating raw or undercooked meat can cause serious illness or even death. Consider raw dairy products. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products such as yogurt are all very high in protein, but for many raw dieters, they're off limits because the process of pasteurization heats dairy to remove pathogenic bacteria. If you would like to boost your protein, consider trying raw dairy products. Animal milks have 8 g of protein per 8 ounces. Locate local farms and stores that sell raw milk and milk products by using an online sites. A Campaign for Real Milk can also help you find local farms that sell unpasteurized dairy products at http://www.realmilk.com/real-milk-finder/. Raw, unpasteurized milk is illegal in some states. Vary your dairy options by choosing different milks and milk products such as cow, goat, and sheep. Keep in mind that consuming unpasteurized dairy products can expose you to dangerous bacteria including Salmonella , E. coli , and Listeria. All of these can cause serious illness. Pregnant women are strongly discouraged from consuming raw dairy. Speak to your doctor. Before starting any diet, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can advise you if you are healthy enough for the raw diet. Ask your doctor for a referral to a registered dietitian who may can help you create a meal plan to make sure you're getting enough protein on a raw diet. Be honest with your doctor about your plans to be on a raw diet as well as the reasons why. Ask any questions you may have about the diet's safety for your personal health. Figure out how much protein you need. Every individual needs protein to maintain his or her health and wellbeing. It helps you build muscle and make things like hair, blood, connective tissue, and antibodies. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of protein for an individual is 0.8 g per kilogram body weight. Aim to get your personal RDA every day. Calculate how much protein you need by using an online protein calculator, such as this one from United States Department of Agriculture: http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/fnic/interactiveDRI/. Keep in mind that the RDA is for a sedentary adult. Keep your diet varied. For any person, it's important to vary his or her food choices. This ensures you get the broad range of vital nutrients to maintain your health and wellbeing. As someone on a raw food diet, eating a variety of foods is especially important because there are many things you can't eat. Aim to incorporate as many different (naturally) colored foods as you can at each meal. Try having a smoothie for breakfast with an avocado, some fresh berries, a handful of spinach or kale, and some spirulina. You can mix this with either fresh pressed juice or ice. For lunch, have a big mixed salad with foods like watercress, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, some pumpkin seeds and almonds. You can have sashimi for dinner with a cold soup such as gazpacho. If you don't eat meat or dairy, have some peanut butter and a selection of cut fruits and vegetables. | Select a variety of fruit. Enjoy some leafy greens. Add some bonus veggies. Crunch on nuts and nut butters. Enjoy seeds and seed butters. Boost a smoothie with spirulina. Try sashimi or ceviche. Try carpaccio. Consider raw dairy products. Speak to your doctor. Figure out how much protein you need. Keep your diet varied. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Pain-Using-Pressure-Points | How to Relieve Pain Using Pressure Points | You may be able to relieve pain by targeting specific pressure points across your body. The right pressure point to target depends on where you're feeling pain. For example, pinch your shoulder muscles to relieve stress and neck pain. To reduce headaches, rub the spot where your neck muscles attach to your skull. To relieve leg and hip pain, press the soft spot at the back of your knee. Whichever pressure point you're working on, start by sitting or lying comfortably in a quiet place. Then, apply pressure with your fingertips to the specific pressure point for about 30 seconds. Slowly move your fingers up and down over the spot or massage in small circles. You can repeat this as many times as you need throughout the day to alleviate your pain. | Study the body’s meridians to understand the flow of energy. Acupressure is based on the idea that your body's energy, known as chi, flows along certain pathways in the body, called meridians, and that stimulating pressure points along these meridians will balance your chi. There are 12 primary meridians running throughout the body — 6 in the arms, and 6 in the legs. To learn more about these, visit https://www.amcollege.edu/blog/what-are-meridians-in-traditional-chinese-medicine-tcm. Although there is no physiological proof that these meridians exist, they seem to follow the paths of nerves throughout the body. For example, the lung meridian, often referred to as L, connects the lungs and intestines to nerves in the wrist (acupressure point L7) and the back of the hand (acupressure point L14). The stomach median, referred to as S, starts in the brain and runs down into the foot, and contains acupressure points S36 and S37, which are just below the knee. Find a quiet, relaxing place to sit or lie down. Since acupressure works by balancing the body's energy, these techniques work best when you are completely relaxed. If you are performing acupressure on someone else, have them lie down and let them relax completely before you begin. You may want to play soft music or diffuse scents like lavender to help create a relaxing environment. Choose the acupressure point linked to the pain you want to relieve. There are hundreds of different acupressure points, and each one is linked to a particular part of the body. Research the different acupressure points and find the ones which most closely match the symptoms you are experiencing. Familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the area you'll be working on if you're planning on doing acupressure on yourself. To learn more about the different acupressure points, visit https://exploreim.ucla.edu/self-care/acupressure-and-common-acupressure-points/. Examples of conditions which may be relieved by acupressure include headaches, nausea, back pain, and more. Use your fingertips to apply pressure to the chosen point for 30 seconds. Press down firmly for about 30 seconds, moving your fingers in a circular or up-and-down motion. Acupressurists sometimes use their palms, knuckles, elbows, or even their feet to apply pressure to their clients. Acupressure techniques may include firm pressure, kneading, brisk rubbing, or tapping on the pressure points. Repeat the technique as often as you like. Acupressure is considered extremely safe, and there is no limit to the number of times per day that you can practice these techniques. If you find that acupressure relieves a headache, for instance, but that it returns after a few minutes, just apply more pressure whenever the headache returns until it's gone completely. Pinch your shoulder muscle to relieve stress and neck pain. This acupressure point is known as GB21, or Jian Jing. Locate the area about halfway between your rotator cuff and your spine, then use your thumb and middle finger to firmly pinch this muscle for about 30 seconds. This method is also thought to relieve headaches, toothaches, and facial pain. Jian Jing is said to induce labor, so use this technique with caution if you are pregnant. Relieve headaches by pressing where your neck muscles join your skull. To find this spot, feel for the bone behind your ear, then follow the groove backwards to where your neck muscles attach to your skull. This is acupressure point GB20, also known as Feng Chi. Use your thumbs to press gently yet firmly. You can rotate your thumbs slightly or rock them in an up-and-down motion to increase the effect. Other conditions affected by Feng Chi include eye blurriness, fatigue, migraines, and cold or flu symptoms. Ease nausea by pressing between the tendons on your inner forearm. Hold your arm out with the palm facing up, then measure about 3 finger widths toward your elbow, starting at your wrist. This is acupressure point P6 or Nei Guan. Press down firmly between the 2 tendons and massage the area. Nei Guan is often used to relieve motion sickness and upset stomach. Relieve leg and hip pain by pressing inwards at the back of the knee. The soft spot at the back of the knee is thought to help with hip impairment, muscular atrophy, and abdominal pain. Press firmly inwards at the center of your knee. If you can't reach this spot yourself, you may want to ask someone to help you with this. Massage between your thumb and index finger to relieve stress. This pressure point is located on the highest spot of the muscle where the thumb and index finger meet. Massage the area with a deep, firm pressure. This acupressure point is known as He Gu, or LI4. It is one of the most commonly used acupressure points, and can also be used to treat facial pain, toothache, and neck pain. Massage between your fourth and fifth fingers to relieve neck tension. This acupressure point is known as Zhong Zhu or Triple Energizer 3 (TE3). Find the groove between your fourth and fifth fingers, or your ring finger and your pinky finger, then massage this spot firmly for up to 30 seconds. TE3 is often used to treat temporal headaches, shoulder and neck tension, and upper back pain. Find the depression between your first and second toes to ease anxiety. Start in the groove where your big toe and second toe are joined, then slide your finger towards you. The acupressure point LV3, or Tai Chong, is located just before you reach the next bone. Massage this area firmly. Tai Chong is also said to relieve menstrual cramps, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and insomnia. Ease menstrual cramps by finding acupressure point SP6 on your leg. This point is on the inside of your leg about 4 finger widths above your ankle. Using your thumb, apply deep pressure just behind your tibia and massage the area for 30 seconds. SP6, or San Yin Jiao, is also used to relieve urological and pelvic disorders, as well as insomnia. Massage the muscle on your outer shin bone to ease fatigue. This spot, known as ST36 or Zu San Li, can be found by measuring 4 finger widths down from the bottom of your knee cap along the outside of your shin bone. Using a downward pressure, massage the area. To check if you're in the right place, move your foot up and down. You should feel a muscle move in and out as your foot moves. Zu San Li is also used to treat nausea and vomiting and to promote longevity. | Study the body’s meridians to understand the flow of energy. Find a quiet, relaxing place to sit or lie down. Choose the acupressure point linked to the pain you want to relieve. Use your fingertips to apply pressure to the chosen point for 30 seconds. Repeat the technique as often as you like. Pinch your shoulder muscle to relieve stress and neck pain. Relieve headaches by pressing where your neck muscles join your skull. Ease nausea by pressing between the tendons on your inner forearm. Relieve leg and hip pain by pressing inwards at the back of the knee. Massage between your thumb and index finger to relieve stress. Massage between your fourth and fifth fingers to relieve neck tension. Find the depression between your first and second toes to ease anxiety. Ease menstrual cramps by finding acupressure point SP6 on your leg. Massage the muscle on your outer shin bone to ease fatigue. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Throw-a-Cast-Net | How to Throw a Cast Net | To throw a cast net, attach the loop to your left wrist and loop it into 12–18 inch coils over your left hand. Next, grip the horn of the net with your left hand and gather up the remaining net in the middle with your right hand. Then, place the lead line in your teeth and lift the line with your hand to open up the net's skirt. Finally, rotate your shoulders, chest, and hips to the left, then reverse the motion quickly to turn back to the right and release the net. Wait for the net to fan out and sink to the bottom of the water before reeling it back in! | Attach the loop at the end of the hand line to your left wrist. Cinch the hand loop down nice and tight to make sure it's secure and to prevent it from slipping off your wrist when you throw. The last thing you want to do is to toss your expensive cast net right into the deep! Most cast nets come with adjustable hand loops which make it possible to get a snug yet comfortable fit for any wrist. If the net you're using doesn't have an adjustable hand loop, arrange the loop so that the hand line is pointing toward the ground. Loop the hand line into 12–18 in (30–46 cm) coils over your left hand. Wrap the line across your palm and let it fall loosely over the back of your hand a few times. The exact number of coils you make will vary depending on the size of the net you're using—shorter lines, of course, will have fewer coils. It's important not to wind the coils too tight or the net may not deploy properly when you release it. Generally speaking, the smaller the net is, the easier it will be to handle. Grip the horn of the net with your left hand. The horn (sometimes known as the “yoke”) is the uppermost portion of the net where the small metal ring connects to the hand line. Holding onto the horn will allow you to drape the net in preparation for your throw. At this point, the hand loop, the coiled hand line, and the horn should all be in your left hand. You're just using your right hand to get the net's various components into position. Align the upper portion of the net with the coiled hand line. Bunch the fabric of the net up with your right hand, then cradle the bundled net in your palm. Allow the rest of the net to hang straight down towards the deck. Be careful not to let the net shift once you've got it lined up with the coiled hand line. Gather the remaining net at its midpoint with your right hand. Take hold of the net halfway between the horn and the “skirt” of leaded weights at the bottom. Be sure to straighten out the net as you pass it into your right hand and keep it from twisting. Before going further, confirm that the horn is resting just outside your left hand and that the weights of the skirt are on the deck directly below your right hand. You're effectively splitting the net in half to make it more manageable and get it into position for the throw. Transfer the section of net from your right hand to your left palm. As you do this, the net will form another loop hanging outside the coiled hand line. At this point, you should be holding the entire net in your left hand. Double-check that the two sections of net you're holding in your left hand aren't crossing over one another. This could cause them to become twisted. It's okay for the lead weights around the skirt to either be resting on the deck or hovering just above. Place the lead line at the bottom of the hanging skirt between your teeth. Reach down with your right hand and grab a clean, unweighted section of the line. Then clamp it between your teeth. It may sound strange, but it's the most efficient way to keep the skirt in the right position and is the standard technique for throwing a cast net. If you don't like the idea of sticking a muddy lead line in your mouth, you can also throw it over your shoulder. Arrange the skirt so that the two halves are perfectly centered to make sure it doesn't slip off. Grip the portion of the lead line dangling from your teeth or shoulder. Lift the line with the inside of your free hand, letting it rest in the crease of your fingers. Doing so will open up the skirt, ensuring that it expands as you release the net. Some nets have small colored tabs on the bottom of the skirt that make it easier to know exactly where to place your hands. Take hold of the net 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) below your left hand. Bunch the net tightly in your fist. You'll now have the weight of the net divided evenly between your left and right hands, ready to launch. To avoid throwing off your accuracy or distance, try not to alter your grip once you have the net in position. Twist 90-120 degrees at the waist to initiate the throw. Rotate your shoulders, chest, and hips to the left (counterclockwise), then reverse the motion quickly to turn back to the right (clockwise). Prepare to let go of the net once your upper body is facing your target. Keep your toes pointed toward the intended landing zone throughout your entire throw to enhance your aim and help you guide the net as it leaves your hands. Bend your knees and drop your weight slightly. Lowering your center of gravity will make you less likely to lose your balance. Release the net and allow its own weight to carry it out of your hands. At the moment you let go, whip your arms straight out in front of you and spread your fingers wide. Try to time your release by “feeling” when the net has built up full momentum. Rather than trying to fling the net as far as you can using brute force, let it sail away on its own. The leaded weights around the skirt and horn are there for precisely this reason. Throwing a cast net is similar to swinging a golf club—the easier and more natural your motion is, the better the outcome will be. Wait for the net to fan out and sink to the bottom of the water. This will happen quickly thanks to the heavy weights around the skirt. Any baitfish that happen to be swimming in the immediate vicinity will be trapped under the net. Avoid tugging on the hand line (even by accident) until the net has completely settled. Reel in the net by hand. Once the net is laying at the bottom of the body of water you're fishing, proceed to pull it towards you hand-over-hand using the hand line which should still be attached to your left wrist via the hand loop. As you do, the weighted end will close up. The reward for your patience and dexterity will be of a whole mess of baitfish! Take your time retrieving your net. If you try to rush it, you may lose control, and lose your baitfish as a result. | Attach the loop at the end of the hand line to your left wrist. Loop the hand line into 12–18 in (30–46 cm) coils over your left hand. Grip the horn of the net with your left hand. Align the upper portion of the net with the coiled hand line. Gather the remaining net at its midpoint with your right hand. Transfer the section of net from your right hand to your left palm. Place the lead line at the bottom of the hanging skirt between your teeth. Grip the portion of the lead line dangling from your teeth or shoulder. Take hold of the net 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) below your left hand. Twist 90-120 degrees at the waist to initiate the throw. Release the net and allow its own weight to carry it out of your hands. Wait for the net to fan out and sink to the bottom of the water. Reel in the net by hand. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Slime-Without-Glue | How to Make Slime Without Glue | To make slime without glue, first pour 1 cup of water into a bowl. Mix in food coloring if wanted. Then, add two teaspoons of tapioca flour. Mix the ingredients with a spoon for about ten seconds until well combined. Then, microwave the mixture for twenty seconds. Allow the mixture to cool down slightly, then mix in two more teaspoons of tapioca flour. Microwave the mixture for twenty seconds. Repeat this process at least six times until it has the consistency you prefer. Let the slime cool completely before kneading it with your hands. Enjoy. | Squeeze 1½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) of dish soap into a bowl. You can use more dish soap to make more slime, but you'll need to add more cornstarch as well. Consider using some colored or scented dish soap. For a more traditional slime, consider green dish soap. You can also use shampoo instead of dish soap. The thicker the shampoo, the better! Stir in some food coloring or glitter, if desired. You don't have to do this, but it will make your slime more interesting. If you used clear dish soap, add in a drop of food coloring. If you want sparkly slime, add in a pinch of glitter. Stir everything together with a spoon. Add 2 tablespoons (15 grams) of cornstarch into a mixing bowl. This will thicken the dish soap and turn it into slime! If you used more dish soap, you will need to use more cornstarch. If you can't find cornstarch, use cornflour instead. Stir everything together for about 10 seconds. As you stir, the dish soap and cornstarch will come together and react to form slime! Finish kneading the slime by hand. At some point, the dish soap will have picked up all the cornstarch it can. Once that happens, dig in with your hands, and knead it with your fingers until everything comes together. If the slime is too runny, add more cornstarch. If the slime is too thick, add more dish soap. Play with the slime. Let it run through your fingers. When you are done playing with it, put it into an airtight container. Keep in mind that this slime won't last forever, and that it will eventually dry out. Scoop 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of yogurt into a bowl. Plain, unsweetened yogurt is best for this. You can use any type of yogurt you want, but make sure that it is smooth, with no chunky bits of fruit in it. You can use more yogurt to make more slime. Plan on using 1 part yogurt and 3 parts cornstarch. Add some food coloring, if desired. You don't have to do this, but it could make your slime look more interesting. Add in a drop or two of food coloring, then stir it in with a spoon. Add 3 tablespoons (22.5 grams) of cornstarch. The cornstarch will cause the yogurt to thicken up and turn to slime! If you used more yogurt, you will need to use 3 times the amount of cornstarch. If you can't find cornstarch, use cornflour instead. Stir everything together. Once the ingredients start to leave the sides of the bowl, you can start kneading it by hand. Keep stirring and kneading until the ingredients come together and form a glob of slime. Play with the slime. Poke it, stretch it, let it run through your fingers. Even though both ingredients are edible, it is not recommended that you gobble this up! When you are done playing with it, put it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Keep in mind that this slime will eventually go bad. Once it starts to smell or look funny, throw it out! Combine 1 tablespoon and 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water in a bowl. Measure out 1 tablespoon of psyllium husk and pour it into a bowl. Add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water. You can find psyllium husk in the health section of your grocery store. You can also find it in a health food store. Allow the mixture to soak for 5 minutes. As it soaks, you may notice that it starts to thicken. Don't worry if it looks too runny at this point. Add some color, if desired. You can leave your slime clear, if you want to, or you can add in some food coloring to make it look more interesting. Gel-based food coloring will work the best, but you could try liquid if you have nothing else. Do not add glitter. You will need to microwave this. Stir the mixture with a spoon. Keep stirring until the texture is consistent. If you added food coloring, keep stirring until the color is even and no streaks remain. Microwave the slime for 5 minutes. Do not step away from the microwave. Keep a close eye on the slime. When it starts to bubble over, pause the microwave, and let the slime "deflate". When the slime is level again, start the microwave up again, and let it finish heating. You may have to pause the microwave more than once. Chill the slime in the fridge. When you take the bowl out of the microwave, you will be left with an icky, gooey, and somewhat-chunky slime. It is a little too hot to play with, however, so tuck it into the fridge to cool off. This may take a couple of minutes. Play with the slime. This slime is thick, gooey, and jiggly. You can even add some items into it, such as googly eyes. When you are done playing with the slime, put it into an airtight container. | Squeeze 1½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) of dish soap into a bowl. Stir in some food coloring or glitter, if desired. Add 2 tablespoons (15 grams) of cornstarch into a mixing bowl. Stir everything together for about 10 seconds. Finish kneading the slime by hand. Play with the slime. Scoop 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of yogurt into a bowl. Add some food coloring, if desired. Add 3 tablespoons (22.5 grams) of cornstarch. Stir everything together. Play with the slime. Combine 1 tablespoon and 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water in a bowl. Allow the mixture to soak for 5 minutes. Add some color, if desired. Stir the mixture with a spoon. Microwave the slime for 5 minutes. Chill the slime in the fridge. Play with the slime. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Friend-Cope-With-a-Breakup-(for-Girls) | How to Help a Friend Cope With a Breakup (for Girls) | Coping with a breakup is never easy, but with a little support, you'll be able to help your friend feel better. If your friend just broke up with their partner, they probably need a listening ear. Let them vent and explain how they're feeling. While you might be tempted to tell them they'll be fine, it's important that you don't minimize their pain, so maybe say something like, “I can tell you're hurting. You must be really missing your ex right now.” When your friend's feeling a bit better, plan some fun activities to take their mind off the breakup, like shopping, going to dinner, or having a movie night in. Remember that people recover from breakups at different rates, so it may take some time for them to be back to their old self. | Actively listen to your friend. Active listening is an approach you can use to get the most out of your interaction with your friend. When you're actively engaged and communicating openly with your friend, you are showing your friend that you understand her feelings and are supportive of her. Often when a breakup occurs, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. As a friend using active listening skills, you are communicating to your friend through actions that she is not alone and that value her thoughts and feelings. Look at her directly when she speaks. Listen to what she says and use nonverbal communication -- nodding, frowning, smiling -- to let her know you're engaged. Use open-ended questions. For instance, instead of a yes-or-no question like, “Are you sad?” ask “How are you feeling?” Be careful of your word choice. Even well-meaning statements of sympathy can be misconstrued by a friend in a sensitive state following a breakup. For instance, instead of minimizing her pain by saying, “You'll be fine,” or “Some things just aren't meant to be,” say, “I know you're hurting. You must really miss your ex.” Ask for permission when digging deeper. If you want to ask about specifics relating to her feelings or the situation which led to the breakup -- which might be helpful for both of you to better understand it -- get permission before asking your question. “Can I ask you about…” is the best way to do this. Be open-minded. You might not understand why your friend is sad or angry about the breakup, especially if you have a different attitude toward relationships or haven't had a very serious relationship before. Try to understand why she feels the way she does. Show empathy. Think back on a nasty breakup you had, if applicable. Use this experience to remember how important it was for you to have the support of your friends when you were coping with a breakup. Do the kind of things for your friend that your friends did for you. Don't minimize your friend's anxiety by saying patronizing things like, “Don't worry about that,” or “Everything will work out.” Instead, listen to your friend and offer a measured, empathetic response like, “You're a beautiful person and I believe that even though you're hurting now, I'm confident you'll find happiness again.” Acknowledge your friend's feelings based upon what she says. For example, your friend may say, "I'll never find another boyfriend/girlfriend..." To acknowledge the feeling behind that statement, you could say, "I understand you're hurt and feeling lonely, but you're not alone. I'm here for you." Point out your friend’s strengths. Help her see her strengths by pointing out the traits that make her unique. A strong sense of self can help minimize the effects of losing someone who was important to her. Remind her that though she may feel sad without her ex in her life, she is still a whole and complete person on her own. For example, compliment your friend on her sweet soccer skills or her awesome artistic abilities. You could also point out how well organized she is or her ability to predict and pull off fashion trends. Spend time with your friend. Don't let your friend suffer through her breakup alone. Invite your other mutual friends to get in on the action. You should all stand in solidarity with your brokenhearted friend. Encourage her to be gentle with herself and focus on her well-being. Give her a hug, rub her back, and show her that you care and that you are there for her. Sometimes all a friend needs is a shoulder to cry on. Be trustworthy. When your friend is confiding her most intimate feelings to you, it's a sign that she trusts you. Don't betray that trust by blabbing about her breakup and all the details surrounding it to your friends at school, at work, or on social media. Plan fun activities. Go shopping with your friend. Whether you head to the bookstore, makeup store, or clothing store, getting a new toy or piece of apparel will cheer your friend up (at least temporarily). This means taking her out to the movies, bringing her a pizza and watching movies together, going out dancing, or doing whatever hobbies and interests she likes. Make a playlist for your friend on Spotify or -- if you're old-school -- make them a mixtape. Allow her to process her emotions. If your friend is conscious of her feelings, she will be able to deal with them. If she denies her own feelings, on the other hand, she will continue to be frustrated and harbor resentment against either herself or her ex. This resentment and emotional frustration might manifest later as aggression or hostility against another partner, herself, or her friends. Let her cry. It's important for your friend to externalize her emotions for as long as she likes. Crying is healthy and will make her feel better. The best thing after a breakup is often to cry and feel miserable. Be patient. People recover from breakups at different rates. While you might not understand why your friend is having a hard time dealing with the breakup, you should be patient. Everyone copes and heals in their own way and at their own pace. Help with the details. Take care of the necessities for your friend. When your friend is grieving the end of her relationship, she might not have the energy for even basic things. Offer to do your friend's laundry or cook dinner for her. Develop a plan. Help your friend see the upside of the breakup. After the initial trauma of the breakup has worn off, encourage your friend to think about the benefits of being single. For instance, point out that she no longer has to coordinate with her partner when she wants to travel or move somewhere new. Another benefit is that when she's ready, she gets to meet new people and go on dates again. You could point out that she'll have more time to spend with her family and friends, including you. You could make a joke here. Say something witty like, “On the upside, you'll have more time to spend with me!” Show your friend how to make a gratitude list. A gratitude list is a small list written each day in the morning or at night that expresses five good things that happened each day. A gratitude list might begin, “Today was a good day. I am thankful for…” followed by five positive things that made your friend smile or feel good. Know your own limits. It's natural to want to be there for your friend when she's going through a hard time. Ultimately, however, only your friend can choose to deal with her pain and emotions and move beyond the breakup to an emotionally healthier place. Be on the lookout for a friend who is not dealing with a breakup in a healthy way, and prepare yourself for emotional outbursts. Your friend might lash out at you despite your helpful attitude and good intentions. If your friend is acting out of character -- being rude, impatient, or distant -- recognize that your friend is just in a sensitive place and needs time to work through the breakup. Don't take it personally, but do stand up for yourself if your friend crosses the line and starts being really awful toward you. Say, “I know you're going through a hard time right now and I really want to be here for you, but you cannot use your own pain and anger as an excuse to treat me badly.” Leave if necessary. Don't feel that you need to take on the entire burden of your friend's post-breakup recovery. It's one thing to let your friend stay over a few nights. It's another thing entirely to allow your friend to move in with you. Don't let your friend take advantage of your generosity. Know when to seek outside help. If your friend spirals into serious depression or is engaging in negative behavior as a result of the breakup, she should seek counseling. Teach your friend to recognize avoidance behaviors. Recommend a therapist if you think it would help. In the face of a serious breakup, people often turn to drugs and alcohol. However, they might also cope in other, equally destructive ways, including binging on food, working nonstop, or engaging in excessive shopping. Your friend should see a therapist if she begins doing anything extreme. Therapy can be good for many reasons. The end of a relationship (especially a long-term relationship), can be extremely painful and difficult to deal with. Relationships often end because one or both individuals were unable to identify and confront issues from their pasts that led to unhealthy relationship habits, which in turn caused the breakup. If your friend was involved in an unhealthy relationship where her identity was based on the approval of the person she was dating, or the relationship was based on manipulation and control, it could be a sign of other issues. Talking with a trained therapist can help your friend cope with her breakup and better understand her own actions and beliefs to ensure the past doesn't repeat itself in her next relationship. It can also help your friend identify what healthy relationships look like so future relationships will be better. | Actively listen to your friend. Be careful of your word choice. Be open-minded. Show empathy. Point out your friend’s strengths. Spend time with your friend. Be trustworthy. Plan fun activities. Allow her to process her emotions. Be patient. Help with the details. Develop a plan. Know your own limits. Know when to seek outside help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Stripes-on-a-Wall | How to Paint Stripes on a Wall | Before you paint stripes on a wall, decide on your design and choose 2 to 3 coordinating colors to work with. Next, remove all the furniture from the room and lay down a drop cloth. From there, prepare the walls by painting on 2 layers of your base color, which should be the lightest shade in your design. Once you're ready to start painting, use a ruler to measure off the distance between the stripes and mark off the edges. Before painting the stripes, use painter's tape to block off the areas on either side and protect your base coat. | Choose between horizontal or vertical stripes. Look around your room and decide where you'd like to paint the stripes. If you want the room too look longer or wider, opt for horizontal stripes. To make your ceilings look taller, go for vertical stripes that reach the top of the wall. If there are fixtures on the wall, like lights or windows, remember that they will interrupt the stripes and can lessen the visual effect. Don't be afraid to get creative when it comes to picking a pattern. You can even do diagonal stripes for an interesting and eye-catching design. You can also go out of the box with a chevron design or stripes of varying widths. Pick 2-3 coordinating colors for the stripes. Once you decide on a design, choose a color scheme for the stripes. Opt for monochromatic warm tones, like red, orange, yellow, brown, cream, or tan, for an inviting and cozy space. If you want to make a bolder statement, go for cool, contrasting shades, like blue, purple, black, white, or silver. If you're having trouble figuring out your shades, consult a color wheel for assistance, or look at photos of striped walls online for some inspiration. Remove all furniture from the room and lay down a drop cloth. If you're painting the entire room with stripes, move as much furniture as possible out of the room. If you're only painting one wall, push any furniture that's on that wall into the middle of the room. Then, lay down drop cloth or plastic to prevent paint drips from staining your floor or carpeting. You should also remove anything that's hanging on the walls that you will be painting, like pictures or shelves. This will ensure that you get crisp, clean stripes with no interruptions. Paint the entire wall with 2 coats of your base color. Choose the lightest shade in your color scheme for the base, since it will be easier to paint over a lighter hue than a darker one. Use a roller to apply the first coat of paint evenly, and let it dry for 24 hours. Then, apply a second coat with the roller for more coverage. If the wall is already a color that's part of your scheme, you don't have to apply fresh paint. Let the base coat dry for 48 hours before marking and taping. After you apply the 2nd coat of paint, let the paint dry completely before you begin the process of adding stripes. This will help to prevent chipping or peeling of the base color when you remove the tape from the stripes. If the paint isn't dry when you begin marking and taping, you can smear the paint and ruin your stripes. Be patient! Measure the wall and divide by the number of stripes to find the width of each. If all of your stripes are going to be the same width, use a tape measure to find the length or height of the wall. For vertical stripes, measure the length of the wall, and for horizontal stripes, measure the height. Then, divide the measurement by the number of stripes you'd like to have. For example, if you have a wall that is 144 inches (370 cm) long and you want to paint 16 vertical stripes, you would divide 144 inches (370 cm) by 16 to find that each stripe should be 9 inches (23 cm) wide. If you're doing chevron stripes, you'll still measure the wall the same way to decide where to start the stripes. Use a ruler to mark the sides of the stripes on the wall. Start at the top left corner of the wall and measure down for horizontal stripes or to the right for vertical stripes, measuring the width of 1 stripe. Mark a small “X” with a pencil, and measure the width of another stripe from that mark, continuing until you've marked and marked the edges of each stripe. Once you finish one side, move to the opposite side of the wall and repeat the process. For instance, for 16 vertical stripes on a wall that is 144 inches (370 cm) long, you would mark the edges of each stripe with 9 inches (23 cm) of space between the marks along the top of the wall. Once you've marked all of them, you would do the same along the bottom of the wall. For chevron stripes, you should also mark the high and low points of each stripe, keeping an equal distance between the top of the strip and the bottom of the stripe. Connect the marks for the edges of the stripes with a level. Use a carpenter's level or a laser level to line up the markings on the top and bottom or left and right side of the wall so they're perfectly straight. Then, run your pencil along the level lightly to make a straight line, which will be the edge of your stripe. If you don't have a level, you can have 2 people hold the ends of a tape measure in place and carefully run your pencil along the tape measure to connect the markings. If you're painting chevron stripes, hold the level at an angle to connect the dots at the high and low points of each stripe, making a zig-zag pattern. Lay painter’s tape over the lines and press down firmly on the tape. Lay the tape so that it sits just outside of the line that you marked for the stripes, creating stripes that are the correct width. This will ensure that none of the paint gets onto the base color and that all of the stripes are the correct width. Then, run your hands down the tape, pressing firmly to prevent the paint from bleeding under the tape. If you're worried about the paint bleeding, run the edge of a credit card firmly over the tape to press it down onto the wall. This will create a stronger seal. For chevron stripes, your tape lines should meet at the high and low points of the stripe. Paint around the perimeter of the stripes with a mostly dry paintbrush. Dip a medium-sized dry paintbrush into the color that you want your stripe to be, and let the paint drip off of the brush until it's mostly dry. Then, paint along the tape on the inside of the stripe to make a large rectangle, also known as “cutting in” the shape, which helps to prevent bleeding when you use a roller. You only need to apply 1 coat of the perimeter paint to prevent bleeding before you use a roller. Don't be afraid to get some paint on the tape, but be careful not to get it on the areas where you want the base color to show! Use a small roller to apply 2 coats of paint on the stripes for even coverage. Dip a small, medium-nap roller into your paint, and roll it out a little on a piece of cardboard or a paint tray. Then, use long, even strokes to apply the paint to the stripe, working on 1 stripe at a time. Once you've completed the first coat on all the stripes, let the paint dry for 24 hours and apply a second coat.. The smaller the roller, the more control you have over where the paint goes. Rollers create a smoother, fuller finish than paint brushes. Let the walls dry overnight and peel off the tape. After applying the 2nd coat of paint, allow the stripes to dry almost completely. When the paint is still slightly wet, lift one end of the tape, and pull off the tape at a 45-degree angle from the wall. Work smoothly and quickly to avoid pulling off the paint or chipping the base. If you pull off the tape when the paint is completely dry, you risk chipping or peeling the stripes. If you do have some chips or peeling, wait until the paint is dry and then use a small paintbrush to touch up the color as much as possible. You may need to re-apply the tape to get a crisp line for your stripes when doing touch-ups. | Choose between horizontal or vertical stripes. Pick 2-3 coordinating colors for the stripes. Remove all furniture from the room and lay down a drop cloth. Paint the entire wall with 2 coats of your base color. Let the base coat dry for 48 hours before marking and taping. Measure the wall and divide by the number of stripes to find the width of each. Use a ruler to mark the sides of the stripes on the wall. Connect the marks for the edges of the stripes with a level. Lay painter’s tape over the lines and press down firmly on the tape. Paint around the perimeter of the stripes with a mostly dry paintbrush. Use a small roller to apply 2 coats of paint on the stripes for even coverage. Let the walls dry overnight and peel off the tape. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Money-by-Selling-Other-People-Products | How to Make Money by Selling Other People Products | To make money selling other people's products, consider doing affiliate marketing if you already have a popular blog or website. With affiliate marketing, you can just advertise other people's products on your blog or website and get a small percentage of the profit. If you don't have a blog or website, or if you're looking to earn more money, look into direct sales or multi-level marketing opportunities, where you'll sell other people's products directly to customers. | Decide between affiliate marketing and direct sales. Affiliate marketing is essentially selling through advertising without ever having the product in your hands. Direct sales, also known as MLM (Multi-Level Marketing), involves being an agent or a contractor for a particular product and selling it for the company. Affiliate marketing is best if you do it in association with another business or hobby and is primarily an advertising approach. For example, if you write a popular blog about parenting, you may want to look into affiliate marketing for baby- or child-related products. Direct sales is best if you have the confidence and experience to be successful in sales. This requires a particular type of personality that not everyone has. Affiliate marketing usually involves getting a smaller percentage of the sales profit than direct sales (MLM), but may require less work on your part; it is best to research the details of each before deciding which business model to choose. Choose a reputable company. Research the company or product that you are planning to represent before you begin working with them. Be sure that others have had success working with the companies, and that they are prompt with compensation. Search for reviews of the company online and be sure to read the specific comments that people have made. Find out the company's quality control, customer service, and affiliate payment policies before you select a company. Avoid pyramid schemes and scams. If a company seems too good to be true, it might be. Be sure to avoid pyramid schemes, which are illegal "companies" that encourage you to invest money, then recruit other people to invest money, but generally have no actual product behind them. If you're not sure whether something is a pyramid scheme, read the FTC's consumer information here. If something says it will help you "get rich quick," it probably won't. Many such companies can actually cause you to lose money. Find a product you believe in. It will be far easier to market or sell a product that you actually believe in. Being able to stand by the quality and usefulness of your product will enable you to be more confident in your sales and rest assured that your product is something that people will actually want. Be sure to try a product yourself before you try to sell it. Many companies may offer you a sample, or you can find another person who is doing the type of marketing or sales that you are planning to do and buy a product from her. Research fees and quotas. Be sure that you are fully aware of any start-up fees, transaction fees, or sales percentages that the company you are working for will take from your compensation. Reputable affiliate marketing companies do not usually charge you startup fees. Be sure that you are aware of your sales quotas and any penalties associated with failing to meet your quotas. Select a product that you think will be successful. In addition to believing in the quality of your product, you should feel fairly assured that it will sell well. Think about your friends and family and whether they would be interested in the product. If people you know won't be interested, think about who your target sales audience would be and decide whether there is a need for your product. Reach out to friends and family. Your friends and family are the most obvious first stop for your marketing, particularly for direct sales. Try to approach them with a low pressure but thorough sales pitch. You may even want to ask your friends and family to give you feedback on how to improve your sales strategy when you expand it to a broader audience. Use caution when approaching close friends and family; you do not want them to feel like every time they see you, you are trying to get their money. Develop an online presence. If you don't have a website already, make one. You should have a neat, professional webpage that offers information about your products with easy links for ordering and paying for products. Use social media websites to expand your social network and find a larger customer base. Go door-to-door. Even if it is a little old fashioned, you should go door-to-door in your neighborhood. People who can ignore your online messages will find it more difficult to say “no” to your face. Additionally, seeing your (hopefully) high-quality product(s) in person will help people feel confident about what you are selling. Be sure you are not violating any non-solicitation regulations. Dress well and act professionally so that people are not suspicious of you. Having a product that people have heard of may also help build trust among potential clients. Tap into large marketplaces. There are online marketplaces that will allow affiliate marketers or sales representatives to advertise and sell their products. There are advantages and disadvantages to using these marketplaces; they greatly increase your potential customer base, but be aware that you may have far more competition. Affiliate marketplaces may be best for very niche products without much competition. Be consistent and timely. Be sure that you communicate with your customers what happens after they place their orders, when and how their payments will be processed, when their orders will arrive, and how they will ultimately receive their orders. Do everything within your power to meet expected deadlines, but communicate clearly and concisely about unexpected delays. With affiliate marketing, you may not have any responsibility for payments or orders, but you should be familiar with the systems in place with the product you are marketing in order to know what you are giving your “stamp of approval” to; if a customer has a bad experience with a vendor you plug, he may no longer trust your recommendations. Communicate with your buyers. One of the most important ways you can keep buyers happy is to communicate with them clearly. Have a system in place (such as email notifications) for informing customers about any changes in the “status” of their orders. For example, you may want to notify customers of the following status changes: “payment processed,” “order placed,” “order shipped,” and “order ready for pickup.” If there is ever a problem with a product or order, it is usually best to offer an immediate refund or replacement. Keeping customers happy, keeping your seller ratings high, and encouraging repeat business should be your biggest concern as a seller. Ask buyers for referrals. Once you have established a sales relationship with a core group of buyers, ask them to refer you to others. You may want to have one or two people write testimonials for you and the products you represent to feature in your website or print materials. You can also ask people to host informal get-togethers with their friends to market your products. Recruit more sellers. MLM companies are set up so that if you recruit other sellers, you get paid a percentage of their sales as well as your own. If your product or organization works that way, you may want to invite some of your trusted regular customers to also become sellers. Act professional. Always act professional when you are selling or advertising your product, even while pitching it to family or close friends. Remember that when money is involved, business often trumps friendship, and you should act as though you are engaging in a business transaction, not a friendly favor. Encourage repeat customers. Follow-up with customers who placed orders to be sure that they are happy with their products and to inquire about further needs. If you are selling a product that “runs out,” (such as essential oils or beauty products), get a feel for how quickly people generally use their products so that you can contact them just before they need a new product. Try to make personalized suggestions to customers based on their past purchases. Find out their interests and preferences and make specific product suggestions tailored to their needs. Try to be sensitive to any budget constraints and be consistent when offering products. If a customer feels that you are trying to “up sell” them to make more money, she may stop using you altogether. | Decide between affiliate marketing and direct sales. Choose a reputable company. Avoid pyramid schemes and scams. Find a product you believe in. Research fees and quotas. Select a product that you think will be successful. Reach out to friends and family. Develop an online presence. Go door-to-door. Tap into large marketplaces. Be consistent and timely. Communicate with your buyers. Ask buyers for referrals. Recruit more sellers. Act professional. Encourage repeat customers. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Stretch-Your-Abs | How to Stretch Your Abs | To stretch your abs, do a cat stretch by getting on all-fours and arching your spine toward the ceiling while tucking your chin into your chest. Hold this for 20 to 30 seconds 2-4 times. You can also do a glute bridge by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Lift your rear end off the floor and hold the stretch for 1-2 seconds a few times. Alternatively, stand with your arms above your head and lean back to arch your spine and stretch your abs. Hold this for 20-30 seconds 2-4 times. Or, do a side bend by standing with your knees slightly bent. Then, place your left hand behind your head and lean to the right while tensing your abs. Hold this for 2-3 seconds 10 times, before switching hands and doing another 10 repetitions. | Try the cobra pose. Start by lying on the floor face down with your hands under your shoulders. Keep your hips on the floor as you lift your upper body with your arms so your chest is out and you're facing forward. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, return to the resting position, then repeat 2 to 4 times. Keep your arms slightly bent at the elbow and try to make a curve with your entire spine instead of only bending your lower back. To get more out of the stretch, straighten your arms fully and lift your hips slightly off of the ground to enter the upward facing dog pose. Do a standing ab stretch. Stand tall with your feet hip width apart. Reach your arms above your head as far out as you can. Lean back and arch your spine to open your abs and chest. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat 2 to 4 more times. Make sure you don't lose your balance as you lean backward. Do cat and cow stretches for your abs and core. Start on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Engage your abs to arch your spine toward the ceiling like an angry cat hunching its back. Tuck your chin toward your chest and hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds. P Don’t forget to stretch your obliques. Stand with your feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent instead of locked. Raise your left arm and place your right hand on your hip. Lean your torso toward the right while keeping your hips still until you feel a stretch in your left obliques, or the muscles on the left side of your abdomen. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Do an additional 2 to 4 repetitions per side. Do a twisting crocodile stretch. Lay down on an exercise mat or carpet with your back against the floor. Keep your right leg straight and bring your left leg up. Bend the knee, placing the left foot flat against the front of your right ankle. Stretch your arms out to your sides. Look to the left, then slowly twist your hips to the right. Hold the stretch for 5 seconds, then repeat 5 times on each side. Add in hip flexor stretches. Start in a right forward lunge position, then slowly lower yourself down onto your left knee. Keep your hips tucked and your glutes squeezed as you lower your body. Raise your left arm, then shift your hips slightly forward. Increase the stretch by leaning slightly to your right. Hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds. Switch sides, then repeat the stretch on each side 2 to 4 times. Do 15 glute bridges after an abs workout. Lie on your back with your arms by your sides, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor. Squeeze your glutes and lift your rear end off the floor to form a straight diagonal line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold the pose for 1 to 2 seconds then slowly lower your hips back to the floor. Do standing side bends. Stand up straight with your feet hip width apart and knees slightly bent. Place your left hand behind your head and hold your right arm by your side. Pull your navel toward your spine and lean your torso to your right side as you lower your right arm to the floor. Hold the stretch for 2 or 3 seconds, slowly return to a resting position, then repeat on the other side. Do 10 repetitions on each side. Use an exercise ball to stretch your abs. Lie on your back on the exercise ball with your knees and elbows bent and your hands by your chest. Push back with your feet to straighten your legs as you extend your arms over your head. Your body should make a long curve over the ball and you should feel a good stretch throughout your abdominals. Hold the stretch for 2 to 3 seconds, then return to the starting position. Do 10 to 15 repetitions. Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before stretching. A light warm up activity will get your blood pumping, prepare your muscles for stretching, and prevent injury. A brisk walk, light jog, jumping jacks, and other aerobic exercises are great warm ups. It's also good to stretch after a workout. Don’t bounce while you stretch. Hold a stretch steadily instead of springing in and out of it. Bouncing when you stretch can lead to a pulled muscle or other injury. Breathe while you stretch. Never hold your breath while stretching or doing any other exercise. Inhale as you move into a stretch pose, exhale as you stretch, then inhale again as you return to your starting position. Stretch a muscle group for a few minutes 2 to 3 times per week. Stretching the same muscle group intensely every day poses an injury risk. Instead, stretch a different muscle group per day. Aim to stretch specific muscles for 2 to 3 minutes 2 to 3 days per week. Take regular stretch breaks at work. Sitting in a chair or doing repetitive motions for long periods of time is hard on your body. You might not be able to do cobra, cat, or cow poses at the office, but you could incorporate side bends into a stretch break at work. Since you probably won't have the opportunity to warm up, take it easy when you stretch at work. Consult your doctor if you have an injury. Many people assume that stretching is good if you're in pain or have a strained muscle. However, stretching an injured muscle can cause further damage. You should also consult your doctor before stretching or exercising if you have an injury or a history of heart, bone, or joint issues. | Try the cobra pose. Do a standing ab stretch. Do cat and cow stretches for your abs and core. Don’t forget to stretch your obliques. Do a twisting crocodile stretch. Add in hip flexor stretches. Do 15 glute bridges after an abs workout. Do standing side bends. Use an exercise ball to stretch your abs. Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before stretching. Don’t bounce while you stretch. Breathe while you stretch. Stretch a muscle group for a few minutes 2 to 3 times per week. Take regular stretch breaks at work. Consult your doctor if you have an injury. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ignore-a-Guy | How to Ignore a Guy | To ignore a guy, avoid eye contact and close off your body by crossing your arms and legs and facing slightly away from him. Casually move away and act normal and unaffected when he comes near. If he tries to talk to you, keep your face blank, answer with short, polite responses, and don't make small talk or show interest in the conversation. Avoid blatantly ignoring his words or turning away as soon as he enters a room, since being too obvious will prove that he affects you. | Avoid making eye contact with him. Catching a guy's eyes can come across as interest or a desire to talk, so you can give off the opposite vibe by avoiding eye contact as much as you can. If you don't want to make it obvious, you can glance at him when he addresses you, but look away again as soon as you can. For the most effective ignoring technique, act like he doesn't exist and try not to even look in his direction. If you're interested in him, you can take quick glances out of the corners of your eyes to see what he's doing or whether he's looking at you. Close off your body when he’s around. Body language sends unspoken signals to other people, and is an effective way to show that you're not interested in talking to or even acknowledging a guy. Don't change your body language too obviously, though. Stay relaxed and act natural to show that he doesn't affect you, using only subtle physical cues. Move away when he’s around, or avoid places where he hangs out. If he enters a room, casually move to the opposite corner. If you know he likes to eat lunch in a certain spot, or sits in a particular place at school or work, go there as little as possible. Keeping your distance prevents you from coming into direct contact, which makes it easy to ignore him. Don't make it too obvious. Immediately turning around and walking away the moment you see him shows that you notice his presence, and are affected by it. Instead, continue your work or conversation, then use an excuse to move away, such as talking to another person or throwing something in the trash. Keep your face expressionless if he tries to talk to you. If you end up near each other and he tries to start a conversation, you can still ignore him with a few subtle physical cues. Keep your facial expression blank and uninterested, and glance around the room to show that you're not listening. You can also raise your eyebrows, which is a sign of dislike and shows that you want him to go away. If you have trouble keeping your face blank, try to let yourself zone out or think of something else when he's talking to you. If you notice yourself starting to make an expression, try to relax your facial muscles and look away. Act normal and busy when he walks into the room. One of the most effective ways to ignore a guy is to simply act completely normal when he's around. Continue doing whatever you doing before he walked in the room, keeping busy to show him that you aren't affected by his presence at all. Talk to your friends, bend over your desk and work, or focus on your food if you're eating. Return your focus to whatever you're doing to show that you don't notice him. Give him short greetings and answers. Ignoring a guy completely when he tries to talk to you will make you look immature and rude. It also won't be very effective; he'll realize right away that you're ignoring him, which shows that he has some kind of effect on you. Instead, simply get through any conversation as quickly as possible, and without giving him any topics to work with. If you like the guy, give the same short answers but smile and be a little warmer in tone. End the conversation quickly with an excuse. If you're trying to ignore a guy, don't let the conversations go on forever; you'll either get more and more uncomfortable or become tempted to start talking back. Instead, come up with a plausible reason to leave. Wait for a lull in the conversation, then excuse yourself politely. Talk to him formally, like an acquaintance rather than someone you know. If you have to make conversation with the guy you're trying to ignore, be as distant as you can. Be polite but formal and talk in a disinterested voice. Talk to him like you would talk to a stranger or someone you barely know: polite, but indifferent. For example, if you work together, you could say things like, “Did you send that email? OK, thanks,” or “Can you get that project finished today?” Reply to his texts with short, delayed responses. You should only text the guy that you're ignoring if he texts you first and it's something you need to respond to, like a question. Don't respond right away, either; wait at least 15 minutes before you write him back to show that he's not a priority. If he texts to ask about homework, for example, wait about 15 minutes and then write, “Yeah, read pages 10-13 and fill out the short answers.” Don't show any unnecessary emotion in your texts. Avoid using emojis, exclamation marks, or question marks. If the guy sends you a short, run-of-the-mill text, like “Hey,” or “What's up?”, don't feel obligated to respond. If you do want to write back, keep your text just as short: just say, “Hey,” or “nothing much.” Avoid commenting or liking his social media posts. If you want to completely ignore a guy, avoid him on all forms of social media. Stop liking and commenting on his posts or pictures and don't message him. You can even unfollow him, but if he notices, he'll know that you went out of your way to do so, which might hint that you're affected by him. Ignoring a guy on social media might not be the best option if you're interested in him. Instead, try to pique his interest by ignoring him slightly in person and liking his posts online. If you're ignoring a guy because he's really bothering you, don't hesitate to unfollow or even block him. | Avoid making eye contact with him. Close off your body when he’s around. Move away when he’s around, or avoid places where he hangs out. Keep your face expressionless if he tries to talk to you. Act normal and busy when he walks into the room. Give him short greetings and answers. End the conversation quickly with an excuse. Talk to him formally, like an acquaintance rather than someone you know. Reply to his texts with short, delayed responses. Avoid commenting or liking his social media posts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Popcorn-Chicken | How to Make Popcorn Chicken | To make popcorn chicken, start by cutting some skinless chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Then, add the chicken to a bowl with some buttermilk and salt and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Next, combine flour, salt, baking powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, ground turmeric, onion powder, and black pepper in a bag. Once the breading is mixed, add the chicken to the bag and shake it so all of the chicken is evenly coated. Finally, fry the chicken in a pan with some oil for 3-4 minutes. | Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. To make the popcorn chicken, start with 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a knife to cut the raw chicken into pieces that are small enough to pop in your mouth. Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling the raw chicken. It's best to use a flat knife to cut the raw chicken. A serrated knife can catch on the stringy parts of the breast. Try to cut all of the pieces to the same size so they'll cook at the same rate when you place them in the oil. Trim away any fat or cartilage that you find in the chicken breast. Combine the chicken with the buttermilk and salt. In a large bowl, combine the cut up chicken with 1 cup (237 ml) of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon (4.9 g) of sea salt. Mix well, so the chicken is coated with the buttermilk and seasoned with the salt. If you don't have buttermilk, you can combine 1 cup (237 ml) of regular milk with 1 tsp (5 ml) of lemon juice to replace it. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours. After you've combined the chicken with the buttermilk and salt, cover the bowl with a piece of foil or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 1 hour. You can chill the chicken and buttermilk mixture for up to 8 hours. Mix the flour and spices in a plastic bag. In a plastic bag that you can seal, combine 1 cup (125 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (4.9 g) of sea salt, 1 ½ teaspoons (7 g) of baking powder, 2 teaspoons (10 g) of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of onion powder, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper to taste. Close the bag and shake until all of the ingredients are well mixed. You can customize the seasonings for the popcorn chicken breading to suit your tastes. For example, you might mix some garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, or cajun seasoning into the breading. Add ⅓ of the chicken pieces to the bag and shake well. Remove ⅓ of the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, and place them inside the plastic bag with the breading. Close the bag and shake well to ensure that all of the chicken pieces are well coated. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake well so you don't add excess moisture to the breading bag. Shake off excess coating and set on a baking sheet. Take the chicken pieces out of the bag one at a time, taking time to shake off any excess coating. Place the breaded chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet to wait until it's time to fry. Repeat the process with the rest of the chicken pieces until they're all coated. Heat the oil in a pot. In a large heavy saucepan, add 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of canola or vegetable oil. Heat it on medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer registers the oil's temperature as 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). You can substitute peanut oil for the canola or vegetable oil if you prefer. It usually provides a darker golden brown color to the chicken when it's done frying, though. Place ⅓ of the chicken in the oil and fry for several minutes. Take ⅓ of the breaded chicken pieces and carefully add them to the hot oil. Allow the chicken to fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and is a golden brown color. If you're not sure whether the chicken is cooked through, cut a piece in half and make sure that the center is no longer pink. For a healthier version of popcorn chicken, you can bake the coated chicken in the oven. Just swap the flour in the breading for 2 ½ cups of Corn Flakes that have been crushed in the food processor and use ½ cup of flour to coat all of the chicken pieces before tossing them in the breading. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through. Make them extra crunchy by broiling them for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil and let drain on paper towel. When the chicken is finished frying, remove it from the oil with a slotted spoon. Place the pieces on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb any excess oil. While you want to allow the chicken to drain of the oil so they're crunchy, don't let them sit too long. You want to serve them while they're still hot. Repeat the process with the rest of chicken and serve. Once you've finished frying the first batch of chicken, fry the rest of it in the same way. When all of the popcorn chicken is fried, serve it with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and ranch dressing. You can also sauce the popcorn chicken directly. Toss it while it's still warm in a sauce of your choosing, such as honey barbecue or spicy buffalo, so all of the pieces are coated and serve. Finished. | Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Combine the chicken with the buttermilk and salt. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours. Mix the flour and spices in a plastic bag. Add ⅓ of the chicken pieces to the bag and shake well. Shake off excess coating and set on a baking sheet. Heat the oil in a pot. Place ⅓ of the chicken in the oil and fry for several minutes. Remove the chicken from the oil and let drain on paper towel. Repeat the process with the rest of chicken and serve. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Order-Tim-Hortons-Coffee | How to Order Tim Hortons Coffee | Tim Hortons offers a wide range of different coffee types, so you'll find it helpful to learn some of the terms they use to describe them before you try ordering. Start by deciding which size of coffee you want, which can either be small, medium, large, or extra large. Pick the blend you'd like, which can be original or a stronger alternative called dark roast. Then, explain what you want in your coffee, such as milk, sugar, or sweetener, and how much. If you want 1 cream and 1 sugar in your coffee, order a “regular.” Ask for a “double double” if you want 2 creams and 2 sugars. Alternatively, Tim Hortons offers a range of specialty coffees you can choose from, like iced coffee, mocha latte, and cappuccino. | Find a Tim Hortons near you. There are many Tim Hortons locations across North America. Visit the franchise website at https://locations.timhortons.com/search.html to search for locations near you. Use search filters to find a location that has the features you are looking for, such as drive-thru service. You can also search for locations with WiFi, in-restaurant seating, catering, scan-to-pay mobile payment, tap-to-pay mobile payment, Tim card payment, and 24 hour service. State what size of coffee you want to order. Speak clearly whether you approach a Tim Hortons counter or talk through the intercom in a Tim Hortons drive-thru. Start by specifying the size of coffee you want. You can order a small, medium, large, or extra large cup of coffee. A small coffee is 286 millilitres (9.7 fl oz). A medium coffee is 425 millilitres (14.4 fl oz). A large coffee is 563 millilitres (19.0 fl oz). An extra-large coffee is 678 millilitres (22.9 fl oz). Choose what blend of coffee you want. Tim Hortons is well-known for their original blend of coffee, which is the most popular choice. The franchise has also introduced a dark roast coffee for admirers of stronger, more robust coffee. Specify what blend you are ordering right away to make your order clear. You can also order a decaffeinated coffee blend if you are avoiding caffeine. Specify what you want added to your coffee, and how much. Let your server know how you would like to take your coffee with clear instructions. Indicate if you would like to add milk, cream, sugar, or low-calorie sweetener. The quantities of these ingredients correspond to the amount that can be found in single serving packages. For instance, "1 milk" would equal a 15-ml (0.51-fl oz) single serve milk container. Ask for a "regular" if you want 1 milk and 1 sugar. The most popular coffee order at a Tim Hortons is referred to as a "regular." This does not refer to the size or blend of the coffee, but to the most popular preparation of it. Order a "regular" if you want 1 cream and 1 sugar added to your coffee. For instance, say, "I'd like a small regular, please." Do not use this term if you plan to modify the order. Ask for a "double double" if you want 2 cream and 2 sugar. Another popular Tim Hortons order is a "double double." Use this term if you want a coffee with 2 servings of cream and 2 sugars. If you want 3 servings of cream and 3 sugars, order a "triple triple." Order a specialty coffee for a more indulgent drink. Tim Hortons also offers an assortment of special coffee drinks, served hot or cold. Review the menu and choose what size of drink you want. These specialty coffee items include: Iced coffee Coffee mocha Mocha latte Caramel latte supreme French vanilla Cappuccino Iced cappuccino Iced latte Pay for your order. Pay for your coffee with cash, a debit card, or a credit card. You can also pay with a Tim card in participating locations. This can be used as gift card or a reloadable Tim Hortons cash card. Visit http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/timcard/buy-tim-card.php to purchase a Tim card. Download the app onto your Android or iPhone. The Tim Hortons app is a free download available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search "Tim Hortons" and select the official app. Install the app onto your phone. Create an account. Sign up for a Tim Hortons account by clicking "Log into your account," which will prompt you to register. Choose to log in through your Facebook, Google or email account, which will make signing up quick and easy. You will be prompted to enter your password for whatever account you go through, unless you are already signed in on your phone. Choose your payment method and load your account. You can load money onto your Tim Hortons app with a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay. Input your account information and then choose how much money to load onto the app. The minimum amount that you can add is $10, but you can also choose increments of $25, $50, or $100. You can use either US or CAD funds. The app will prompt you to refill your account when your funds are low. Select the location you want to order from. Go to the "My Order" page on the app and click "continue" to choose your location. A map of participating nearby Tim Hortons will appear. Tap on the location you'd like to order from. Not all Tim Hortons locations accept mobile ordering. Only the locations that offer this service will appear. Enable location services on your phone and give the app permission to use this feature to make finding the closest Tim Hortons simple. Place and customize your order. Tap on your coffee selection on the menu screen. You will be directed to a modifications page where you can specify what size and blend of coffee you want, as well as what you want in your coffee. Click "continue" to review your order. Choose either "drive-thru," "dine in," or "take out" as your pick up option. Confirm the location and click "place order" to finalize it. Pick up your order. Once you have placed your order, proceed to the Tim Hortons location you chose to pick it up. If you go through the drive thru, specify that you are picking up a mobile order when you approach the intercom. If you go into the location, look for a special "mobile pickup" sign over the counter and wait there. If you do not see one, wait in a regular line and inform the cashier that you have placed a mobile order. Your order should take about 5-10 minutes to process, depending on what you have ordered. | Find a Tim Hortons near you. State what size of coffee you want to order. Choose what blend of coffee you want. Specify what you want added to your coffee, and how much. Ask for a "regular" if you want 1 milk and 1 sugar. Ask for a "double double" if you want 2 cream and 2 sugar. Order a specialty coffee for a more indulgent drink. Pay for your order. Download the app onto your Android or iPhone. Create an account. Choose your payment method and load your account. Select the location you want to order from. Place and customize your order. Pick up your order. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Report-Restaurant-Food-Poisoning | How to Report Restaurant Food Poisoning | If you think you got food poisoning after eating at a restaurant and want to report it, contact your local health department by calling them or filling out a form on their website. Make sure you're ready to give them all of the details, like the date and time that you were at the restaurant, what food you ordered, what symptoms you experienced, and if you received any medical care. | Contact the local health department. If you believe you got food poisoning from a restaurant or other food source in your community, you need to contact your local health department. Contacting the health department helps them keep track of places where contamination or foodborne outbreaks occur so they can investigate further. In some states, doctors must report communicable diseases, such as foodborne disease outbreaks, to government agencies. Decide the method of your complaint. Most areas offer two ways to report a foodborne illness. You can call the health department, or you can go to the health department's website. If you call the health department, you will probably have a 10 to 15 minute interview. They will ask you an array of questions. Before you call, make sure you have all of your information ready. Be as specific as possible. If you prefer to fill out an online form, go to the community's health department's website. They may offer a printable form or a form you can submit online. Explain your symptoms. When you report food poisoning, you often will have to state what your symptoms are. This helps public health officials in their investigations if they can find common symptoms or ailments. This also helps them be able to narrow down which foodborne disease may be afflicting people. Include how long the symptoms lasted and when they started. Common symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms may also include abdominal cramps, nausea, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms may last one to seven days. Provide information about where you ate. When reporting food poisoning, you will have to give information about where you ate the food. This includes the name of the restaurant or grocery store and the address. You should also include the date and time you ate the food. This can help with the public health official's investigation. Detail the foods you ate. One of the most important things you can do when you report food poisoning is to give the details about what you ate. Everything you ate is important, from appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and desserts. You should also include any dressings, condiments, or sauces you had. Include what you drank, too. For example, you might say that you had two pieces of baked chicken with a side of french fries and a side salad with ranch dressing at 7:30 p.m. Include information about other people in your party. If you ate at the restaurant with other people, you may be required to provide information about them. You may need to state how many people were in your party or how many other people got sick from the meal. You may also have to talk about how many of those people live in the same household. Include any medical details. If you went to the doctor, the doctor may have taken stool samples or run tests to determine what disease you had. If you know which foodborne illness you contracted, you can provide this information. Include your doctor's contact information in case the public health officer needs to contact the doctor. Write to the FDA. If you believe you have food poisoning due to a food that is regulated by the FDA that you purchased in a grocery store, you should contact the FDA. When you report a product to the FDA, you need to provide the names of the people affected and your details. If you were treated by a doctor, provide that information, too. Include a description of the product, including codes or identifying marks on the label or container. State the problem with the product in detail. Provide the contact information for where the product was purchased, such as the store's address and the date purchased. You should also report the food poisoning to the manufacturer. Don't report restaurant food poisonings to the FDA. Keep any leftover food in a container. Some community health departments may wish to run tests on the suspect food. If you have any food left over, place it in a container, separate from the rest of your food. You don't want anyone to eat it. Not all communities will want to examine the food, even if you have kept it. Visit your doctor. If you get food poisoning, it's important for you to go see your doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor can determine if you do have food poisoning or another illness, if the food poisoning is mild or serious, and advise you on treatment. If you have an emergency, call 911 or visit the emergency room. Understand that food poisoning may not show for a few days. Sometimes, food poisoning can take a few days to surface. Many people believe that food poisoning is due to the last meal they ate, but it may be from a meal eaten a day or two before. When reporting food poisoning, make sure to take into consideration everything you have eaten over the last couple of days. Think about the other people in your home, or other people who ate meals with you. See if they got sick too and if they have similar symptoms. Be aware food poisoning is hard to locate. Though you should definitely report anything suspicious, it is very difficult for food poison to be pinned on a specific restaurant. Mainly, this is because the contaminated food has more than likely been thrown away and there may not be a way to medically confirm food poisoning. Prepare to lodge your complaint. Before you report food poisoning, you must be prepared to answer any questions the health department or agency will ask you. Gather the following information: Type of establishment where the food poison occurred, such as fast food restaurant, chain, bar, or bakery Name of the establishment, along with the address and phone number. Date of exposure Time of exposure, as specific as possible, a.m. or p.m. at the least Symptoms, including details, dates, times, and duration Number of people in the party affected and not affected Detailed list of foods consumed at the restaurant Any medical treatment or tests your received Foods you consumed for 72 hours prior to getting sick | Contact the local health department. Decide the method of your complaint. Explain your symptoms. Provide information about where you ate. Detail the foods you ate. Include information about other people in your party. Include any medical details. Write to the FDA. Keep any leftover food in a container. Visit your doctor. Understand that food poisoning may not show for a few days. Be aware food poisoning is hard to locate. Prepare to lodge your complaint. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Cat-out-of-a-Tree | How to Get a Cat out of a Tree | If you need to help a cat out of a tree, try coaxing it down by calling to it, or by having the owner call to it if the cat doesn't belong to you. Place treats or canned cat food at the bottom of the tree, then walk away to see if the cat will come down for the food. You may also be able to trick the cat into coming down from a tree by running the light from a laser pointer down the trunk of the tree. If the cat doesn't come down on its own after about 24 hours, you may have to climb the tree to help it down. | Determine exactly where the cat is if you can't see it right away. What part of the tree is it stuck in and how high up is it? Figuring out exactly where the cat is will help you decide how to help it out of the tree. Lock away any dogs in the area. The goal is to calm the cat down and make it comfortable enough to come out of the tree on its own. Dogs will just get over-excited by having the cat up a tree and cause the cat more stress. Try to coax the cat down before trying to physically remove it. Call up to the cat. If the cat is not yours, try to find its owner and have them call to the cat. A cat is more likely to come to a person that it knows. Clicker training can be very helpful if your cat repeatedly gets stuck in trees. Using a clicker to reinforce the behavior, you can train your cat to come when you call their name. This kind of training can sometimes override fear and hesitation in the cat. Use treats or other incentives to coax the cat down. If it's your cat, use the treat that they like best. If you don't know the cat, try using a treat that smells strongly, such as tuna. Leave a bowl of dry food at the base of the tree and then walk away. If the cat doesn't know you, it's best to walk away and let the cat come down for the food. Use a laser pointer to lure the cat down. If the cat likes to play with the dot from a laser pointer, you may be able to sidetrack it into coming down to chase it. Obtain a laser pointer and aim it at a spot where the cat can see it. Almost all cats will be interested in little light like your pointer Move the point of light down the tree trunk. Repeat this as many times as needed to gain the cat's attention and interest. With any luck, the cat will follow the dot of light down. Keep an eye on the cat but give it time to come down on its own. Try cautiously waiting before proceeding with any of the other methods of getting it down. Cats often come down of their own accord, given time and space. The cat may just need space, quiet, and reassurance that no other animals or people are hanging about to bother it. If you wait, the cat will become hungry and may try to come down on its own. Decide to take more active measures to get the cat down from the tree. This should only happen after you have waited for the cat to come down on its own for a significant amount of time, about 24 hours. Remember, a cat's claws are good for climbing up a tree, but they are not as good for climbing down. Your cat may genuinely be stuck and need your help! Lay something against the tree that the cat can climb down. This could be a long, fallen branch or an extension ladder. If the angle of the item you lay against the tree is more gradual, the cat may be more comfortable climbing down it. Once again, give the cat time to decide to use this new escape route. Make sure the new escape route is really secure against the tree and then walk away. Try sending a cat carrier up the tree. Throw a rope over the branch the cat is sitting on and then tie a cat carrier to one of the ends of the rope. Make sure the door or top of the carrier is open and then pull it up to the cat with the rope. You can also put some favorite food with a strong smell inside the carrier. Wait for the cat to go inside. Be patient. If, after several hours, the cat does not go into the carrier, then you may need to climb up and put the cat inside of the carrier. Once the cat goes into the carrier, gently but quickly lower the carrier to the ground. Use a towel and broom to get the cat out to the tree. This method is only suitable for when you can't quite reach the cat but it's almost close enough to grasp and if you have run out of other options, as it could traumatize the cat and has a greater risk of allowing the cat to fall and injure itself. Tie a towel firmly around the head of a broom. From a secure position, such as from the ground or from a secure position on a sturdy ladder, poke the cat with the broom enough to destabilize it. As the cat wobbles, its instincts will cause it to grab at the towel with its front claws, hooking them into the towel. Pull steadily before the cat has time to let go, and it will attempt to hold both the tree and the towel with its claws. With luck, the well-hooked front claws will hold the towel more firmly than the rear claws can hold the tree, and your broom will have a cat holding onto it grimly with all claws. Be ready to support the weight of broom plus a writhing cat. Quickly slide your hand up the broom. Grab the cat by the scruff before it can climb back into the tree, making sure of course that you maintain your own grip on tree or ladder, or pass the broom and cat to a helper. Call a local arborist for help. While most fire departments will not come out to rescue a cat, local arborists will sometime do it. He or she will probably charge you a small fee to come out and rescue the cat, but it may be worth it if the arborist can get the cat down safely. Go up the tree to get the cat if all other methods fail. Only use a sturdy ladder to climb up a tree unless you have extensive experience climbing trees. Have at least one other person with you if you're going to go up after the cat. Your helper can warn you if the cat moves, and call for help if you fall. If you are determined to actually climb up the tree after a cat, you should always use safety equipment so that you don't get injured and make sure you have someone else with you in case of an emergency. Check the ground around the tree before you begin to climb. Make sure that there is nothing that would increase the danger if you happen to fall while climbing. Also make sure you have a sturdy ladder. The last thing you need is to get injured while trying to help a cat get down from a tree. Put on long sleeves and gloves before going up the tree. Whether you are rescuing a cat you know well or one you have never met before, the cat will probably be scared and may lash out. Long sleeves and gloves will protect you from the claws and teeth of the cat, and they will also give you a better chance of holding onto an agitated cat once you reach it. Grab the cat and hold it firmly after you reach it. It's best to hold the cat by its scruff as it is easier to hold them and it puts them in a trance. Be gentle yet firm with the cat. Don't allow it to escape before you have put it inside the carrier or get a good grasp on it. Stay calm; if you panic, then the cat will react badly and may not allow you to grab it. Place the cat inside something to make it easier to get to the ground. You can, for instance, put it inside a cat carrier and lower it to the ground with a rope. Climb down and then check for any injuries to yourself and the cat. The cat may be in shock from its traumatic experience, so make sure it is healthy before letting it go. | Determine exactly where the cat is if you can't see it right away. Lock away any dogs in the area. Try to coax the cat down before trying to physically remove it. Use treats or other incentives to coax the cat down. Use a laser pointer to lure the cat down. Keep an eye on the cat but give it time to come down on its own. Decide to take more active measures to get the cat down from the tree. Lay something against the tree that the cat can climb down. Try sending a cat carrier up the tree. Use a towel and broom to get the cat out to the tree. Call a local arborist for help. Go up the tree to get the cat if all other methods fail. Check the ground around the tree before you begin to climb. Put on long sleeves and gloves before going up the tree. Grab the cat and hold it firmly after you reach it. Be gentle yet firm with the cat. Place the cat inside something to make it easier to get to the ground. Climb down and then check for any injuries to yourself and the cat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bowl-in-Cricket | How to Bowl in Cricket | To bowl in cricket, start by holding the ball close to your chin. Then, lean back and twist from the waist so your bowling shoulder is behind you. Next, shift your weight and your bowling shoulder forward, and swing your bowling arm like a windmill. Snap your wrist forward just before releasing the ball, then fold your bowling arm into your chest and relax your elbow. | Place your thumb on the seam of the ball. A worn cricket ball will have a rough side and a smooth side, separated by a seam. Depending on velocity and rotation, this difference in surface texture will cause the ball to "swing" through the air from one side to the other. If bowled at velocities over 70 miles-per-hour, the ball will swing toward the smooth side of the ball. If bowled below 70 miles-per-hour, the ball will swing toward the rough side of the ball. Place your index finger on the seam, opposite your thumb. Bowled with this grip, the seam will force the ball to bounce in a certain direction. When bowled from the right hand, the ball will bounce to the bowlers left. To the right, when thrown from the left hand. Cricket balls that are new may have very little difference between the smooth and rough sides. This makes them less prone to "swing" through the air when bowled. Hold the ball so that the seam is parallel to your index finger. When bowled from the right hand, the ball will strike the ground on the left side of the seam and will bounce away from a right-handed batter's "off side." Place your middle finger to the right of the seam, approximately a quarter of the way down the ball. If you keep your middle finger closer to your index finger you will be able to bowl with more velocity, however, it will be more difficult to bowl with control. Depending on your release, you may benefit from a different middle finger position. Experiment to see what your prefer. Wrap your ring finger and pinky into a loose fist. When you do so, there should be very little, if any, contact between the ball and these fingers. To throw a leg cutter, place your middle finger on the seam and allow your index finger to rest on the right side of the ball. This slight variation in angle will cause the ball to hit the ground on the opposite side of the seam, forcing it to bounce the other direction (toward the "off side" of a right-handed batter). Carry the cricket ball close to your chin. Bend your elbow and be sure to extend it away from the body while you make your "run-up." You should resemble a waiter or waitress carrying a platter of food. Coil your body and lean back. As make your approach, turn from the waist so that your bowling shoulder is behind you. Be sure to keep your weight back once your twist your body. You will generate more energy and velocity the better you can learn to shift your weight. If you shift too early it will affect the speed of your "run-up." Drop your elbow as you plant your bowling leg. Once you begin to drop your elbow, allow your bowling arm to fall to your side. Your weight should still be shifted and your body should still be coiled. Straighten your elbow and arm. When you plant your lead foot, straighten your elbow and allow your hand to swing down toward the ground. This will straighten your bowling arm. Make sure you plant your lead foot so that it points toward the batter. Shift your weight to the lead leg. Allow your body to uncoil as you shift your weight forward to your lead foot. Thrust your bowling shoulder forward. When you plant your lead foot, imagine that your body is a whip and begin to thrust your shoulder forward as soon as you feel your momentum begin to carry you. Shifting your weight properly will generate momentum. Swing your arm like a windmill. Keeping your elbow straight, rotate your arm behind you and swing it over-the-top toward the batter. Throws are illegal in cricket. If you bend your arm and lead with the elbow it will count as a throw. The shoulder must be the body part through which power is generated. Umpires will call a "no ball" when a player throws or "chucks." Snap your wrist forward just before you release the ball. This will not only add a little more velocity to the bowl, but will also create the proper angle of release. Snapping your wrist also prevents you from releasing the ball too late, which is often times the result of a player compensating for an improper angle of release. Overtime, a late release can result in excessive stress and/or injury to the bowling shoulder. Release the ball. When your hand reaches the peak of your delivery arc, release the ball and allow it to roll off the tips of your index and middle fingers. Remember to keep your arm straight so that you do not suffer any elbow injuries, or illegally "throw" the ball. Because of its weight, a cricket ball can cause injury to the elbow if it is "thrown" or bowled incorrectly. Follow through properly. After your release the ball, fold your bowling arm into your chest and relax your elbow. Bend your elbow. As you bend your elbow, relax your forearm and hand, allowing your arm to wrap around your waist or stomach. | Place your thumb on the seam of the ball. Place your index finger on the seam, opposite your thumb. Hold the ball so that the seam is parallel to your index finger. Place your middle finger to the right of the seam, approximately a quarter of the way down the ball. Wrap your ring finger and pinky into a loose fist. Carry the cricket ball close to your chin. Coil your body and lean back. Drop your elbow as you plant your bowling leg. Straighten your elbow and arm. Shift your weight to the lead leg. Thrust your bowling shoulder forward. Swing your arm like a windmill. Snap your wrist forward just before you release the ball. Release the ball. Follow through properly. Bend your elbow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Live-Mouse-from-a-Sticky-Trap | How to Remove a Live Mouse from a Sticky Trap | To remove a live mouse from a sticky trap, start by picking up the trap and placing it in a container so the mouse doesn't get away when you free it. Then, gently lay an old towel or rag over the mouse so it stays calm. When you're ready, pour some vegetable oil on the trap where the mouse is stuck and use a swab or cloth to massage it into the glue. Keep massaging the oil into the glue until the glue loosens and the mouse is able to free itself. Once the mouse is free, wipe off any oil on it using the cloth. | Protect yourself with gloves. Rodents can carry dangerous diseases and transmit them to humans. To protect yourself from bites, scratches, and contamination, it's important that you wear a pair of thick gloves. Good gloves for this job include work gloves, gardening gloves designed for roses, or heavy-duty leather gloves. Place the mouse inside a container. Pick up the trap with the mouse and gently transfer it to a clear plastic container or box. The container should have surface dimensions a little greater than the sticky trap, and should be at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) deep. Cover the mouse with a towel. Use an old rag or towel that you don't mind throwing out afterward. Gently lay the towel over the mouse's head to keep it calm. Place one hand over the mouse near the shoulders and delicately hold the mouse in place while you work. Pour vegetable oil onto the trap. Concentrate the oil around where the mouse is stuck. Use as little oil as possible, and avoid getting oil on the mouse directly as much as you can. Use a cotton swab or cloth to massage the oil into the glue. You can use cooking spray or baby oil as a last resort, but liquid vegetable oil is ideal for this job. Free the mouse. Continue massaging the area around the mouse for a few minutes. Eventually, the glue will begin to loosen and the mouse will be able to release itself from the trap. As soon as the mouse is free, remove the trap from the container. Dispose of the trap in a plastic bag, and seal the bag before transferring it to a garbage can. Wipe off excess oil. Soak an old rag or cloth with warm water and wring out the excess. Use the cloth to remove any excess oil that may be on the mouse's paws, head, or body. Oil will prevent the mouse from regulating its body temperature, so it's important to remove as much as possible. Give the mouse time to rest. Place a small bowl of fresh water into the container with the mouse. Place a large towel over the container to make the inside of the box dark, warm, and quiet. Give the mouse at least an hour to rest and relax. Call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Whenever possible, the mouse should be released to a specialist for care. When it's not possible to release the mouse to a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian, ask the specialist about what you can do regarding: Treating the mouse for oil Caring for the mouse Returning the mouse to the wild Choose a nearby location. When you can't release the mouse to an animal specialist, you can find a place in the wild to release the mouse. Whenever you catch a wild mouse near your house, you should always release it within 100 yards (91 m) of where you found it. Releasing the mouse nearby will ensure it's in familiar territory, and will be able to find food, water, and shelter. Ideal locations for release are nearby parks, forests, fields, or green spaces. In winter, consider leaving the mouse in your shed or garage until the weather is more suitable. Take the mouse to the location you’ve chosen. With the towel still covering the container, gently walk or drive the mouse to the location you've chosen for release. Avoid jostling the container as much as possible, as this will cause stress and panic. Set the mouse free. Place the container on the ground near some bushes, logs, deep grass, or other cover so the mouse can quickly find a safe place. Remove the towel, gently turn the box on its side, and take several steps back. When the mouse feels safe, it will leave the container and seek shelter. Disinfect your supplies. Throw out the towels and cloths you used to treat the mouse, or wash them all in a separate load in the washing machine with the gloves. Use a hot water cycle, and add bleach to disinfect everything. Use a disinfecting spray to clean the container, or throw out the box. Wash your hands. Turn on the taps and rinse your hands under running water. Apply soap and lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Make sure you get under your nails, the backs of your hands, and between your fingers. Rinse your hands under the water to rinse them off. Dry your hands with a clean towel. Seal entry points into your house. Mice can squeeze through openings as small as a dime. Walk around your house and make note of any cracks, holes, vents, openings, or other access points. Seal these with metal or cement to keep mice and other rodents from entering. It's also a good idea to put screens around chimneys, to use weather stripping on doors and windows, and to repair all window screen holes. Eliminate shelters and hiding places. Mice and other rodents often hide or make homes in woodpiles, shrubbery, and other items that are stored near your house. Keep shrubs and long grass trimmed, trim branches that are overhanging your roof, and store firewood, barbecues, patio furniture, and other items at least 20 feet away from your house. Remove food and water sources. Mice will eat all sorts of things, including scraps, garbage, crumbs, pet food, seeds, fruit, and more. To ensure mice don't find a food source in or around your home, there are many steps you can take: Store food in airtight glass containers Clean floors, counters, and pantries regularly Store pet-food and trash in rodent-proof containers Clean up fallen birdseed Pick fresh fruits and vegetables immediately Address leaks, moisture problems, and other fresh water sources | Protect yourself with gloves. Place the mouse inside a container. Cover the mouse with a towel. Pour vegetable oil onto the trap. Free the mouse. Wipe off excess oil. Give the mouse time to rest. Call a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Choose a nearby location. Take the mouse to the location you’ve chosen. Set the mouse free. Disinfect your supplies. Wash your hands. Seal entry points into your house. Eliminate shelters and hiding places. Remove food and water sources. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-when-Your-Goldfish-Is-Dying | How to Know when Your Goldfish Is Dying | While goldfish can make great pets and are easy to care for, it's important to recognize the signs of an ill or dying fish so you can care for it. If your goldfish is spending a lot of time just below the water's surface or is gasping at air bubbles, it may be having a hard time breathing. In this case, use a freshwater test kit to see if there's enough oxygen in the water. If not, you may need to repair or replace the air pump. You'll also want to note if your fish has stopped interacting with things or just rests at the bottom of the tank, which can be a sign of illness. Since goldfish are good eaters, a fish that doesn't respond to feeding time could be very ill. If you suspect that your fish is sick and you have other fish in the same tank, then move your goldfish to a smaller bowl for at least a few hours. Sometimes, this change of environment can help your fish feel better. | Check if your goldfish stays close to the surface. If your goldfish spends a lot of time just below the water's surface or seems to be gasping at any air bubbles, it may be a sign that your fish is having a difficult time breathing. This might be due to low levels of oxygen in the water, high levels of stress, or something else entirely. If your goldfish is swimming around with their mouth open, it may be another sign that they are having difficulties getting enough oxygen. Watch your fish for unusual swimming patterns. Observe your fish for a few minutes at a time to see if they are swimming at an angle, upside down, or anything else that seems unusual. Goldfish will normally swim around in an upright position and stay nearer the bottom of the tank, so anything significantly different might be a sign that your goldfish is unwell. Similarly, make sure your goldfish is swimming around and interacting with things in the tank. If your goldfish is hardly moving and staying right at the bottom of the tank, it's a sign that something may be seriously wrong with them. Take a close look at your goldfish's fins and scale. If you watch your fish often, you should have a rough idea of what they should look like. Watch your fish as they swim around, and see if you can get a close look at their scales and fins. Here are a few things to look out for: Look at your goldfish's fins for any tearing or red veins that are bulging out. This is normally a sign of stress or could be an indicator that there is another fish in the tank that is bullying them. Make sure the fins are at their full length and not starting to shrink or deteriorate into a stump. If any part of your fish's fins seems to be disappearing, it could a sign of fin rot. Black spots might mean that your goldfish has ammonia burn or some type of parasite. Make sure your fish isn't bleeding or missing any scales. If you notice any small red marks on your fish or any spots in its skin without scales, something is hurting your fish. It could be another, more aggressive fish in the same tank, or it may be your fish rubbing against something to try and scratch a parasite. Check if there's anything on your fish that wasn't there before. As your goldfish is swimming around, examine them for any new spots, bumps or textures on their skin and face. These could all be signs of parasites, bacterial infections, or other serious illnesses. Here are a few things you should keep an eye out for: Look for a fine white fuzz, particularly around the mouth, or any other discoloration of the scales. This could be a sign of a bacterial infection that will need to be treated. See if you notice any small, white or black spots on your fish. White spots may indicate that your fish has ich , which is a common parasite found in goldfish. Check for bloated or raised scales. If you see any bloating or protuberance where you've not seen one before, it could mean that your goldfish is ill. However, it may also mean that they're pregnant, or that you've just been overfeeding them. Pay close attention to your fish’s eyes. It can be very hard to get a good look at your fish's eyes, but you should be able to inspect them with a bit of time. Look through the tank until your fish comes close enough to see their eyes. Unnatural bulging, a build-up of mucous or cloudy-looking eyes can all be signs that something is wrong. Protruding eyes may be a sign of “pop eye”, which is usually caused by an infection. Cloudy eyes, or eyes with a cloudy film over them, can be a sign of some sort of vitamin deficiency. Make sure your goldfish is eating. When you next feed your goldfish, keep an eye out to make sure all of them are swimming to try and get some food. Goldfish will eat anything they can, so goldfish that aren't eating are likely very ill. If you notice that your fish isn't eating, try sprinkling a little food so that it falls right in front of them. It may be that they can't see the food or are slow to react to it, this is another sign that something is wrong. Separate your goldfish from any others in the same tank. If you notice your fish is unwell, you should immediately shift it to a smaller, “hospital” tank. Fill a small tank or bowl with new filtered or mineral water, and transfer your unwell fish into this tank. Keep an eye on it for a few hours to see if your fish looks better. If you have more than one fish in a tank, you should immediately quarantine the unwell goldfish in a hospital tank. If your goldfish is suffering from an infection or parasite, keeping it in the same tank may let the illness spread. Sometimes a change of water is all your fish needs to start getting better. Use a freshwater test kit to test the water in your tank. A freshwater master test kit will let you test for anything in the water that might be making your fish sick, and should be available from your local pet store. Follow the instructions on your test kit to check the levels of ammonia, nitrates, and oxygen in your water. There will be different solutions depending on the issues with your water: If you have high levels of ammonia or nitrates in your water, you should clean it out and replace it with new water immediately. Keep an eye on the ammonia levels in your water to make sure they stay at a reasonable level. If your filter pump is having difficulty keeping up, try cleaning it thoroughly, or replacing ¼ of the water every day to help it out. If there's not enough oxygen in the water, you may need to replace or repair your air pump to make sure your fish can breathe properly. If you don't want to buy a freshwater test kit, you may be able to take a small vial of water to your local pet store and get them to test it instead. your fish tank. Clean Take any remaining fish out of the water and keep them somewhere safe. Use an algae pad to clean the sides of tank, and siphon out the water left inside. Clean the gravel at the bottom of the tank with a gravel vacuum, and make sure any decorations are clean as well. There may be rotting food or other damaging things in the gravel at the base of your fish tank, so make sure it is cleaned completely. Refill your tank with clean, treated water. Once the tank is empty and clean, you should refill it with treated aquarium water at the temperature your fish need. Mineral and spring water will be clean and free from anything that may harm your fish. Refill your fish tank and use a thermometer to make sure it is at the right temperature. You can use tap water to refill your tank, but make sure it has been properly treated with a water conditioner before using it. It may pay to test conditioned tap water to make sure it will be OK for your fish. If the water in your tank is too warm, add some chilled water to lower the temperature to one that will suit your goldfish. Goldfish will normally thrive in water around 23 °C (73 °F). Start medicating your fish if it still looks sick. Return the fish to the now clean tank and keep an eye on it. If it still doesn't seem to be getting better, you may need to start medicating your fish. Purchase the right medication for the disease you think your goldfish has from your local pet store, and follow the instructions provided to begin treating your fish. Here are a few common diseases and the appropriate medication: Ich is a parasite that may infect your fish, which will look like small white grains of salt on its scales. You can treat ich with aquarium salt, or use an ich treatment available from your local pet store. Fin rot and swim bladder are both fungal infections and can be treated with a fungus eliminator. If your goldfish has a parasite, you can treat it with a parasite guard, which should be available at your local pet store or online. Take your goldfish to the vet if they are still unwell. If you are unsure how to treat your goldfish, or if they don't seem to be getting better, you should look into taking them to a vet. Call your local veterinarian's clinic to see if they will be able to help treat your fish and to make an appointment. You will likely need to transfer your fish to a plastic bag of water or a smaller bowl to transport them. Cover the bag or bowl with a paper bag or something similar so that the fish doesn't get stressed while being carried. Be prepared to say goodbye to your goldfish. While your vet will do everything they can to keep your goldfish alive, sometimes there is nothing that can be done. If you can't cure your goldfish, try and spend more time with them as you come to terms with the fact that they may pass away. Take comfort in knowing that you did everything you could to try and save your goldfish and that you took care of them as well as you could. Consider getting a new goldfish when you are ready. | Check if your goldfish stays close to the surface. Watch your fish for unusual swimming patterns. Take a close look at your goldfish's fins and scale. Check if there's anything on your fish that wasn't there before. Pay close attention to your fish’s eyes. Make sure your goldfish is eating. Separate your goldfish from any others in the same tank. Use a freshwater test kit to test the water in your tank. your fish tank. Refill your tank with clean, treated water. Start medicating your fish if it still looks sick. Take your goldfish to the vet if they are still unwell. Be prepared to say goodbye to your goldfish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-a-Fireplace-Mantel | How to Decorate a Fireplace Mantel | To decorate a fireplace mantel, consider the style, theme, and color scheme in the room and choose complementary decorations. For example, if the room has a lot of antiques, opt for antique items for the mantel to tie it into the overall decor. Candles, lanterns, and natural items like flowers, plants, or pieces of driftwood look great with most room styles. Finally, personalize the mantel by adding a few framed pictures, personal trinkets, knickknacks, or souvenirs. | Work with the theme of your room. While the fireplace might not be suited to the theme of the space, you can choose objects to out on the mantel that fit with the theme. This will help tie the mantel into your room, and make it look as though it is part of the overall decor. If you use too much contrast, the mantel will stand out too much. Take note of the materials the things in your room are made out of, as well as their shapes and designs. If your room has a lot of antique items in it, you may want to place some antique items on your mantel as well. If your room has a specific theme to it, such as nautical, consider adding some items that match — such as a piece of rope tied into a sailor's knot, a model of a boat, and a lifesaver. Note the design of the mantel. Is it ornate or is it simple? Does it look rustic? This can help you figure out what sorts of items are a good fit for your mantel. If you are going to put up pictures or mirrors, the design can even help you figure out what sort of "matching" frame to pick. Be sure to choose items that fit the scale of the mantel. If your mantel is simple and small add dainty, elegant items instead of large, ornate ones. If the mantel is modern, go with a minimalist theme. Use plain picture frames, or organic decorations, such as driftwood branches. If the mantel is ornate, try matching with some ornate picture frames or an antique vase. Play with colors. Match the decor of the mantel to the rest of your room, or create a contrast. For example, if the mantel and the wall behind it are both white, decorate it with something colorful. Try to match the colors to the furniture or curtains in the room. If the mantel is dark, then use light-colored objects when decorating it. To make the mantel a focal point in the room, opt for a bold color. For instance, paint it bright orange if you have a modern space, or go for a bold looking by painting it a glossy black Add some personal pictures. They can be photographs or paintings. They can be family-related, or something you created yourself. Pictures of animals and landscapes work well too. Be sure to choose a frame with a style that fits the mantel. For example, if your mantel is ornate and covered with gold leaf, you wouldn't want to use a rustic, wooden frame. Stick to 1-3 tasteful photos in frames that complement the style of the fireplace and match the scale of the mantel. Hang a mirror above the mantel to make a small room look larger. Again, choose a frame that complements the scale and style of the mantel. You will also want to use a larger, thicker frame for big mirrors. Center the mirror before hanging it. Make a focal point with one piece of artwork. Choose a large piece of art that complements the style of the room. Match the art to the scale of the mantel. This makes a great statement piece and adds visual interest to the space. If the art isn't heavy enough to stand/lean on its own, be sure to secure it so it doesn't fall. Add some personal trinkets, knickknacks, and souvenirs. It can be as simple as a pretty rock or shell you found at the beach, or as complex as an antique doll. These personal items can also be spiritual, such as a statue of an angel, the Virgin Mary, or Buddha. They can also be related to your interests. For example, if you like sailing, consider putting up a model of a sailboat. Bring in some nature with flowers, plants, or pieces of driftwood. If possible, try to use real plants, as fake ones (unless they're very high-quality) will make your mantel look cheap. The flowers can be potted, or in vases. For a balanced look, place 2 symmetrical plants on either side of the mantel. Here are some more ideas to get you started: Match flowers to the season. For example, you can use poinsettias in the winter and tulips in the spring. Hang garlands from the mantel using hooks. These can be made from fake plants. Ivy works great year-round, while evergreen works for winter. Use pieces of driftwood or pine cones if you don't like (or can't have) flowers. They will work great with a natural, rustic theme. Add some candles or lanterns. Use both tall and short pillar candles to add some variety, but try to keep them the same color or shade. For example, you can use all ivory candles, or a mixture of pink and red candles. Consider setting the candles in glass "hurricane" vases, or on pretty chargers to keep your mantel clean. For added visual appeal, use 3 candles in varying sizes and arrange them next to each other. As an alternative, put a few lanterns on the mantel. They can be rustic or modern, depending on the style of your decor. Add some cards or postcards. They can be cards that you received for special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and baby showers. They can also be related to the current holiday, such as Christmas or Easter. Change the cards out every month or so. This will keep your mantel looking interesting throughout the year. For a twist: pin a piece of string across the mantel, then hang the cards from the string. Or, hang a framed window above the mantel and clip postcards and greeting cards to it. Change them out as you receive new ones. Take advantage of seasons and holidays. Seasons and holidays offer a great excuse to change your mantel. You can use flowers and rabbit figurines for springtime or leaf garlands and pumpkins in autumn. Here are some other ideas to get you started: For Valentines day , place a glass vase filled with red roses in the middle of your mantel. Arrange white or ivory candles to either side of the vase. During the winter, include a few snow globes or glittery snowflakes. For Christmas, drape an evergreen garland across your mantel. Decorate it with red berries, holly leaves, and a few white or ivory pillar candles. | Work with the theme of your room. Note the design of the mantel. Play with colors. Add some personal pictures. Hang a mirror above the mantel to make a small room look larger. Make a focal point with one piece of artwork. Add some personal trinkets, knickknacks, and souvenirs. Bring in some nature with flowers, plants, or pieces of driftwood. Add some candles or lanterns. Add some cards or postcards. Take advantage of seasons and holidays. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diaper-Your-Dog-with-Disposable-Dog-Diapers | How to Diaper Your Dog with Disposable Dog Diapers | To diaper your dog with disposable dog diapers, start by wiping its hindquarters gently with a wipe or damp cloth to remove any feces or urine. Next, slip the hole in the diaper over the end of your dog's tail and push the diaper all the way down until the hole is around the base of the tail. Then, wrap the diaper securely around the dog's waist and fasten the Velcro tabs upward onto the back. Finally, check the diaper every 1-2 hours and change it whenever it gets soiled. | Wait until the dog is relaxed and comfortable. Before you try to put a diaper on your dog, especially for the first time, you want to create a calm environment. Talk to your dog in a reassuring voice, and wait until it seems calm before even start the diapering process. That way, it will be more likely to view this as a positive encounter, making it easier to put on diapers in the future. If your dog is motivated by treats, you might want to have some on hand to reward your dog for sitting or staying calm while you put on the diaper. Clean the dog's hindquarters with a wipe or damp cloth. Before you diaper your dog, clean the fur around its hindquarters, back legs, and groin. You can use a baby wipe, a dog-friendly wipe, or even just a damp washcloth. If you cover urine or feces with a diaper and leave it there, it could lead to serious skin irritation or even infections for your pup. Pull the dog’s tail through the hole in the diaper. Gently take your dog's tail and slip the hole in the diaper over the end of its tail. If your dog isn't used to having its tail handled, it may resist this at first, but wait patiently until the dog calms down, then try again. Push the diaper all the way down until the hole is around the base of the dog's tail. If your dog has an especially fluffy tail and the hole isn't quite large enough, you can widen the hole with scissors. However, remember that the hole needs to fit snugly around the base of the tail. Wrap the diaper securely around the dog’s waist. The exact fit of the diaper may depend on the brand you're using, but in general, you'll see a longer side that will loop down under the dog's bottom and stomach, and a shorter side that will rest on the dog's back. Pull the two sides tightly together. The bottom half of the diaper should overlap the top half to prevent leaks. Fasten the Velcro tabs upward onto the back. Unlike baby diapers, which secure in the front, dog diapers typically fasten in the back. Pull the tabs out, then press the Velcro side against the corresponding strip on the back of the diaper. The diaper should fit securely, but not too tightly. You should be able to slide 2 fingers under the diaper comfortably. Read the manufacturer's instructions for specific instructions on how to connect the Velcro tabs. Change the diaper every time the dog soils it. To keep your dog clean and healthy, check the diaper every 1-2 hours, and change it whenever you notice the dog has soiled it. To change it, pull the Velcro tabs until they come loose, then remove and discard the diaper. Clean your dog with a wipe or a damp cloth before replacing the diaper. Leaving your dog in a wet or dirty diaper for too long can cause serious problems with its skin and fur, including a painful rash called urine scald. Over long periods of time, the dog may even experience severe skin or urinary infections. Protect your health by wearing gloves when you change your dog's diaper. If you don't want to wear gloves, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water when you're finished. Use an absorbent pad inside of a belly band for a male dog. If you're using a belly band due to a male dog's urinary incontinence, lay the band out flat on a table or another surface. Then, simply insert an absorbent pad, like a maxi pad, into the band, and strap the band around your dog's waist so his male parts are covered. Treat the pad the same way you would any other disposable diaper. Change it regularly to prevent urine scald, which is similar to a diaper rash on a baby. If the belly band becomes wet or soiled, wash it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Regularly check the dog's belly just in front of its sheath for urine scald. If you need to, apply a barrier cream to protect the skin. Add removable suspender straps if you need extra security. Some dogs have trouble keeping their doggy diapers on. One option to help counteract this is to clip straps onto the front of the diaper, near the dog's stomach. Criss-cross the straps over the dog's chest, then bring them back over the dog's back and clip them to the back of the diaper. You can also use diaper pins to attach the diaper to a soft harness. However, do not use regular safety pins, as they can slip open and hurt your dog. Use a washable cover if you need help preventing leaks. Washable diaper covers are typically made from a water-resistant material, and they just slip over the diaper like underwear. In addition to helping to keep the diaper in place, these covers also help protect against any leaks if the diaper shifts while the dog is wearing it. This is especially helpful if your dog tends to chew on the diaper. You may also be able to use a small pair of boy's briefs, although you may need to use Velcro to adjust the waistband so it will fit. Put the briefs on backward, and pull the dog's tail through the hole that would normally go in the front. Place a strip of masking tape on top of the tabs if your dog opens them. If your dog is frequently able to scoot, wiggle, or chew enough that the Velcro tabs come loose on the diaper, you may need extra reinforcement. Cover the tab with a small strip of masking tape, but make sure not to get any tape on your dog's fur. Cover the tail hole with tape if your dog's tail is short. If your dog has a docked or very short tail, it may not be able to block the tail hole on the diaper. If you notice your dog's diaper leaking around the tail hole, get a new diaper and cover the hole with a double layer of masking tape before you put it on the dog. First, cover the hole completely from the inside, with the sticky side facing out. Then, add another layer on top, with the sticky side facing in. By using 2 layers of tape, you prevent the sticky adhesive from pulling on your dog's fur. Opt for underwear-style diapers for full coverage. These diapers most closely mimic the ones used for babies, but they're made to fit the shape of a dog's hips and narrow waist. They cover the dog's privates and rear end, and they also include a hole for the tail. Many brands offer separate options for male and female dogs. You can find disposable dog diapers online or at well-stocked pet supply stores. Choose a belly band style for male dogs with urinary incontinence. If you have a male dog and he can't hold his bladder, or he tends to mark inside of your home, a belly band style diaper might be a good option. These are typically a strip of breathable fabric with a Velcro closure. If your dog also has fecal incontinence, this is not a good option. You can find belly bands online or at pet supply stores. If you have a small dog, you can also make your own by cutting the toes off of a tube sock. Measure your dog's waist to determine the size diaper you need. Dog diapers are typically sized based on the measurement of your dog's waist. Use a fabric tape measure to find the measurement around your dog's waist just in front of its back legs. This is more accurate than choosing a fit based on weight, since different breeds are shaped very differently, even at the same weight. Look for diapers with Velcro fasteners. Most disposable dog diapers feature tabs made from Velcro, rather than a sticky fastener. This is because sticky fasteners will get stuck to your dog's fur, causing irritation or even hair loss. You should also look for elastic gathers on the waistband, as this will help secure the diaper around the dog's waist, preventing leaks. | Wait until the dog is relaxed and comfortable. Clean the dog's hindquarters with a wipe or damp cloth. Pull the dog’s tail through the hole in the diaper. Wrap the diaper securely around the dog’s waist. Fasten the Velcro tabs upward onto the back. Change the diaper every time the dog soils it. Use an absorbent pad inside of a belly band for a male dog. Add removable suspender straps if you need extra security. Use a washable cover if you need help preventing leaks. Place a strip of masking tape on top of the tabs if your dog opens them. Cover the tail hole with tape if your dog's tail is short. Opt for underwear-style diapers for full coverage. Choose a belly band style for male dogs with urinary incontinence. Measure your dog's waist to determine the size diaper you need. Look for diapers with Velcro fasteners. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Trader | How to Become a Trader | To become a trader, decide whether you want to work as a day trader, which takes more capital, or for a bank. Either way, get a degree from a good university, perhaps one in finance or mathematics. While you are in college, get ahead by participating in internships to gain experience. Once you graduate, become a graduate trainee at a bank or investment company and use networking to move forward from there. | Determine which type of trader you would like to become. There are a variety of different types of trader which you can become, so spend some time thinking about what role and job description fits your skills and interests most. Most traders will work for a company, buying and selling shares, bonds and assets for investors. Flow traders work for banks, buying and selling for the bank's clients. Proprietary traders buy and sell on behalf of the bank itself. Sales traders act as intermediaries between a client and the market, investing their clients' money. They talk to clients directly, advising them on the market and investment opportunities. The main difference is that sales traders only invest where instructed by their clients, so the trader is not taking a risk with the investment. Some traders will specialise in a particular product or market area. You could also work independently as a day trader if you had enough capital. Recognise the skills you need. Trading is a very demanding job that requires a particular skill set, as well as the ability to learn new things quickly and adapt to a constantly changing environment. Before you think about getting the official qualifications and certifications you will need, consider the general skills that a trader must demonstrate. Traders will need exceptional analytical skills and an aptitude for working with large amounts of quantitative data. Traders will also need softer skills, such as the ability to communicate well with clients and provide detailed advice on market movements and opportunities. You must be able to work well in a team, but take responsibility for yourself. Traders must have a keen interest in the workings of the market and be able to learn quickly. Traders need very strong personal discipline and motivation. You will have to make split second decisions without emotion, based on your analysis. Learn about the world of trading. Spend some time researching and learning about trading, how markets work, and what the daily working life of a trader involves, before you commit to a course of education and training. A trader's day will involve analysing the market, and providing detailed market reports to clients or colleagues. You will look for mispriced assets or other opportunities. You will work to keep people informed and up-to-date on relevant events and prospects in the markets, liaising closely with clients and colleagues and building strong working relationships. You will make numerous trades, acting quickly to respond to the shifting financial landscape. You may seek to gain new clients and present opportunities to them. Get a good degree. It is not necessarily essential to have a degree to become a trader, but the competition to work for a major financial institution is considerable. Without a high-quality degree from a prestigious university, you will have a difficult time getting a foot in the door. It may in some instances be possible to enter through an administrative position, make some contacts, and work your way up to a trading position. In theory you do not need a degree in a specific subject, but the following areas are those most highly valued: Economics. Mathematics. Finance. Accountancy. Sciences. Look for internship opportunities. While you are studying you can help yourself get ahead by actively seeking out internships or summer placements. A placement will give you valuable experience of the realities of daily working life as a trader, but it will also help you to develop contacts who may then help you get your first graduate position. Many financial institutions will run schemes, so it is often best to contact one directly to inquire about the possibilities. You can also ask your professors, who may have a contact or a recommendation for you. There are also a number of websites that list internship opportunities online that you can search through. Become a graduate trainee. Once you have achieved a good degree in a relevant subject, the first step is usually to get a position as a graduate trainee at a bank or investment company. These are highly competitive, so you will need a very strong academic record as well as a real enthusiasm and commitment to working as a trader. Employers will be looking for candidates who have excellent numeracy and quantitative analytical skills. But employers will also want people who have strong interpersonal and communication skills. You should try to demonstrate strong mental and physical stamina, and a preparedness to work exceptionally hard. Try to network. The competition is fierce, and often employers will have a large number of excellent candidates for a small number of positions. In this situation networking and personal recommendations can be highly beneficial, and help you stand out from the crowd. Talk to your university and try to identify people who are working in the industry who are happy to be contacted by a fellow alumni. Ask around friends and family to see if there is someone you know working in trading. Stay persistent throughout. It is a difficult industry to break into so you will need to prepare for a long struggle, and not be put off by some setbacks. Pursue further qualifications and certifications. Once you have got yourself onto a graduate trainee scheme, you will still be required to continue your education. You will need a licence before you are actually able to buy and sell on the markets. The requirements for this will depend where in the world you. In the US, you must obtain a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) licence. In the UK, you must become an approved person by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You will take the necessary qualifications as part of your graduate position. Usually the company will pay for your examinations, but you will have to commit a lot of spare time to studying and preparing. This may include attending lectures, seminars and conferences. You will also be expected to pick up the more practical everyday skills by shadowing a more senior colleague. Move your way up the ladder. Most often, your first two years in a position will be considered your traineeship. This is when you will get certification, and help out around the office, learning the ropes on a variety of tasks. You need to work very hard, be patient, and always look for opportunities to develop your knowledge, skills and experience. After two years of satisfactory performance, you may be moved up to the next level and become a trader or analyst. You will need to have completed all your exams and be fully certified before you can trade. After a few successful years you can expect to move up to an associate position. The next step up to executive level is much rarer and harder to achieve. Recognise the risks. You can become an independent day trader, trading with your own or a client's money. If you are thinking of doing this, ensure that you are not committing money that you cannot afford to lose. It is estimated that around 90% of day traders lose money, so you shouldn't be thinking of trading as a way to make a quick buck to get out of a job you hate. This is a job that requires professional training and extensive knowledge. You will also need sufficient hardware and software to create your own trading desk. You should be realistic about the profits you want to make, and don't take it lightly. Practice with paper trading. Before you commit your own or somebody else's money to the market, spend some time carrying out theoretical paper trades. This gives you an opportunity to experiment and learn about markets before using actual capital. There are some good electronic tools out there to help with paper trading, where instead of actually making a trade, the beginner just postulates a trade and tracks the result. Understanding the markets is essential to any trader. You need to have an in-depth knowledge of the functioning of the market, including all the terminology. You need to learn about the different securities, stocks, bonds and assets that you are interested in trading in. Pass the certification exam. You cannot become a proprietary trader in the US until you have passed the Series 57 Exam. This is a replacement for the Series 56 Exam that comes into place in January 2016. You may have completed some day trading courses, or even have a degree in a relevant subject, but if you have not passed the exam you are not a licensed trader. You can register online for the exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and takes approximately two and a half hours to complete. Acquire sufficient capital. If you are making a go of trading, you will need significant capital to get you going. No traders constantly turn a profit, so there will be inevitable losses that you need to be able to cope with. The amount of capital you need will depend entirely on the type of trading you want to do, and how much trading you want to do. One guide estimates that someone wanting to work full time as a day trader will need around $100,000 to get started. Remember that every trade is a risk, and once you start trading you need to be managing those risks. Create a strategy. Before you commit any money it's vital that you spend time coming up with at least two different trading strategies that you can then apply. You should never rush into a market, but have a well-worked out plan that you can implement. This should include information on how you will enter and exit the market, what kind of capital you will invest, the frequency of trades and the value of the trades. Markets can be highly volatile. A clear plan is vital, but so is the ability to read situations and adapt to circumstances quickly. If a strategy stops working, you need to be ready to adapt it or drop it. Having multiple strategies that you can use support each other is helpful. Set up your office. In order to start trading, you'll need access to the stock market. Unless you already work for a bank or other institution as an employed trader, you'll need to start by making an agreement with a broker or brokerage firm. If you plan to make fewer trades opt for a per trade plan with a broker, but if you will make a lot of trades discuss a staggered plan. You will need some designated personal space to pursue market trading. If this space is in your home, you may be able to use it as a tax-deductible expense. You will need the relevant software and a high-tech computer to monitor and track the markets and make quick trades. | Determine which type of trader you would like to become. Recognise the skills you need. Learn about the world of trading. Get a good degree. Look for internship opportunities. Become a graduate trainee. Try to network. Pursue further qualifications and certifications. Move your way up the ladder. Recognise the risks. Practice with paper trading. Pass the certification exam. Acquire sufficient capital. Create a strategy. Set up your office. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dissolve-Nodules-Naturally | How to Dissolve Nodules: Can Natural Remedies Help? | Before you try to dissolve nodules naturally, it's important that you see your doctor so they can make sure the nodules aren't cancerous. If your nodules are benign, try eating more fish and seafood, which contains a lot of iodine and can help dissolve nodules. Also, try to exercise regularly since exercise can help your lymphatic system operate more effectively, which in turn can dissolve nodules. You can also try drinking herbal teas and apple cider vinegar mixed with honey, which may reduce the size of any nodules you have. | Observe the nodule to make sure it doesn’t grow. The “watchful waiting” procedure is the most common approach for benign nodules, no matter where they are. Your doctor will observe the nodule for a 6-18-month period to see if it grows or changes. If not, then the doctor will probably leave the nodule alone with no further treatment. Stay in contact with your doctor during the watching period. If you notice the nodule growing or changing in shape, schedule an exam. Try an herbal mixture to shrink benign thyroid nodules. While home remedies don't have much effect on nodules, one natural treatment might help for thyroid nodules. Try a mixture of 400 mg of spirulina, 50 mg of curcumin, and 50 mg of Boswellia twice a day. This treatment showed some success in shrinking thyroid nodules after 3 months. Ask your doctor before trying any herbal treatments like this to make sure it's safe for you. Avoid using Chinese herbal medicine as a treatment for nodules. While some websites claim that mixtures from Chinese herbal medicine are an effective nodule treatment, studies don't prove this. There is no information confirming that these treatments work on nodules, so skip them unless your doctor recommends them. Don't try to treat nodules with dietary changes. Some websites claim that eating more fruit, yogurt, and dietary supplements while cutting out fatty foods will shrink nodules. These are mostly good dietary tips, but they won't shrink your nodules, so don't rely on this as a treatment. Following a good diet high in fruits and vegetables does lower your risk of cancer, particularly thyroid cancer. However, this still won't shrink your nodules. Have a biopsy to confirm that the nodule is benign. While it's very rare, there's a small chance that a growth on your body could be cancerous. Whenever your doctor examines a nodule, they will probably want to do a biopsy to confirm that the growth isn't cancerous. During a biopsy, the doctor will take a small sample from the nodule and test it for cancer cells. In most cases, this comes back negative and confirms that the nodule is benign. The biopsy procedure might be different depending on where the nodule is. For a thyroid nodule, the doctor may insert a small needle into your neck. For a lung nodule, they may insert a small tube down your throat. Biopsies are standard medical procedures, and having one done doesn't mean that you have cancer. Over 90% of nodules are benign and non-cancerous, so the biopsy is just a precaution. Take hormone medications if the nodule is on your thyroid. Both an over- and under-active thyroid could cause nodules on that gland. If you have either condition, then your doctor may want to try regulating your thyroid with hormone medications. This might shrink the nodules and correct any other complications. If you have an underactive thyroid, the doctor will probably prescribe synthetic thyroid hormones to boost your thyroid function. If you have an overactive thyroid, the doctor may prescribe an anti-thyroid medication like Tapazole to reduce thyroid function. All of these medications are powerful, so take them exactly as your doctor directs you to. Correct adrenal nodules with hormone medications. Nodules on your adrenal glands could interfere with your body's hormone levels. If your doctor discovers that your adrenal hormones are off balance, then they'll probably prescribe some hormone medication to regulate your adrenal function. Leave lung nodules alone if they aren't causing any problems. Nodules in your lung, as long as they aren't cancerous, usually don't cause any problems. You probably won't even notice they're there, and doctors usually discover them during routine CT scans. It's best to leave these nodules alone and simply observe them to see if they grow. If nodules cause any breathing trouble, then your doctor will probably suggest a surgical removal. Shrink cancerous nodules with alcohol injections. This treatment, called alcohol ablation, is a potential treatment for small cancerous nodules. The doctor will inject a small amount of alcohol into the nodule to kill any cancer cells. This might help you avoid surgery for smaller nodules. Alcohol ablation requires several treatment sessions, so make sure you stick with the recommended schedule for the best results. Remove large or cancerous nodule with surgery. If the nodule is causing problems or is cancerous, then the doctor will probably want it surgically removed. This is often a simple, minimally-invasive surgery, depending on where the nodule is. By removing the nodule, you should avoid any risk of it spreading. After the surgery, you may need further cancer treatment. If you have a nodule on your thyroid removed, they surgeon may also take out part of the thyroid. In this case, you might have to take thyroid medication afterward. Drink plenty of water. While drinking water is always important, it's especially important if you have throat nodules. This can keep your throat moist and prevent damage. It can also soothe your vocal cords if you've been talking a lot. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Both of these can irritate your throat and make nodules worse. Drink caffeine and alcohol in moderation so you don't aggravate your symptoms. Quit smoking or don’t start at all. Smoking irritates your throat and can cause nodules If you smoke, it's best to quit as soon as possible. If you don't, then don't start in the first place. Secondhand smoke can also cause throat problems. Don't let anyone smoke in your home and excuse yourself from smoky areas. Treat any underlying health issues you have that could cause nodules. You might not expect it, but some health issues can put you at a higher risk for developing nodules in your throat. Talk to your doctor and follow the treatment regimen that they prescribe for you. Common conditions that could cause nodules include allergies, acid reflux, sinus infections, and hyperthyroidism. Some of these conditions might have natural treatments, and some might require medication. For example, if you have acid reflux, then avoiding trigger foods could help, but antacids might be a better treatment. Always follow your doctor's suggestions for the best treatment. | Observe the nodule to make sure it doesn’t grow. Try an herbal mixture to shrink benign thyroid nodules. Avoid using Chinese herbal medicine as a treatment for nodules. Don't try to treat nodules with dietary changes. Have a biopsy to confirm that the nodule is benign. Take hormone medications if the nodule is on your thyroid. Correct adrenal nodules with hormone medications. Leave lung nodules alone if they aren't causing any problems. Shrink cancerous nodules with alcohol injections. Remove large or cancerous nodule with surgery. Drink plenty of water. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Quit smoking or don’t start at all. Treat any underlying health issues you have that could cause nodules. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Memorize-Times-Tables | How to Memorize Times Tables | With a bit of practice, you'll be able to memorize your times tables and improve your math skills. If you have a times table chart, put it somewhere you see it often, like your fridge or in your bedroom, to help you memorize it. It's best to start with the smallest numbers and work your way up the bigger numbers. After some practice, have a friend quiz you to test your memory. If you want to make multiplication more fun, try playing an online game like “Timez Attack” to practice. You could also listen to multiplication songs or watch videos about times tables online. | Make a times table chart. It should be a large square divided into 10 vertical sections (columns) and 10 horizontal sections (rows) to make 100 smaller squares. Number each column from 1 to 10 from left to right. Number each row from 1 to 10 from top to bottom. Next, fill in each square with the number you get when you multiply the number of the row with the number of the column. For instance, the square in row 2 and column 3 should be 6, because 2 times 3 is 6. Put this chart somewhere you'll see it often, like on your fridge or in your bedroom. If you are memorizing up to the 12s instead of the 10s, give your chart 12 columns and 12 rows, so that you have a total of 144 squares. Practice counting up by 2s, 3s and 4s. This is called “skip-counting.” You start with the number you're counting by, then keep adding that same number. For instance, if you were skip-counting by 3s, you would say “3, 6, 9, 12…” because each of those numbers is what you get if you add a 3. This will help you remember which numbers you get when you multiply by a 2, 3, or 4. Practice reciting the 2, 3 and 4 times columns in order. Look at your times table and read the column for 2, 3, and 4 out loud. For instance, you would say “2 times 1 is 2, 2 times 2 is 4, 2 times 3 is 6,” and so on. You should practice this for about 5-10 minutes twice a day until you can do it easily without looking at the table. Learn to say the 2s, 3s, and 4s backwards. Start at the bottom of each column and start reciting backwards. For instance, for the 2s you would start with “2 times 10 is 20, 2 times 9 is 18,” etc. Do this until you can say them backwards easily without checking the table. Ask someone to quiz you on what you just learned. Have a friend ask you multiplication questions about the numbers 2, 3, and 4. Have them start by asking you in order (“What is 2 times 1? What is 2 times 2? What is 2 times 3?" etc.). Do that for 5-10 minutes twice a day, until you can answer each question easily, then have them start asking you the same questions but out of order (“What is 3 times 7? What is 2 times 5?" etc.). Have someone ask you multiplication questions backwards. Instead of saying “2 times 3 equals what?” they will say “6 equals 2 times what?” This will help you really understand each multiplication problem back to front. This is sometimes easier when you can look at the numbers, since you will be used to seeing certain numbers together. Try doing written problems too. Write multiplication problems on triangular flashcards. Cut triangles out of thick construction paper and write the 2 numbers you're multiplying on 2 of the corners, with the answer on the third corner. That way, you can quiz yourself by looking at 2 corners and figuring out what's on the third corner. You should only do this once you're comfortable answering multiplication questions backwards. This exercise is also helpful for learning division. You can also find triangular multiplication flashcards to print out here: http://donnayoung.org/math/tricard1bl.htm Repeat this process for the rest of the times table. Divide the remaining columns up and memorize the 5s, 6s, and 7s, then the 8s, 9s, and 10s (and the 11s and 12s if you're learning them). Don't stop practicing columns once you've learned them! Read stories about multiplication. There are several stories written to help readers make sense of multiplication, such as “The Best of Times” by Greg Tang. Learning with fun stories can help you remember the answers to tricky multiplication questions. Play “Math Card War” with a friend. Take a regular deck of playing cards and take out all the face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings and Jokers). Divide the deck evenly among whoever is playing. Each turn, every player draws 2 cards from the top of their deck and multiplies the number on their first card by the number on their second card. Whoever's cards multiply to the highest number wins that turn, and gets to keep the cards that the other players put down. The player who ends up with all the cards in the deck wins. Play a multiplication game like “Timez Attack. ” Timez Attack is a free computer game designed to help players learn their times tables. Ask an adult or parent to help you download the game onto a computer that you can use. Greg Tang's website also has fun multiplication games such as Kakooma, a puzzle that lets you pick the right answer out of a pattern: http://gregtangmath.com/kakooma Use songs to help you memorize the times table. You can find fun songs about multiplication online with your parent or teacher's help, or ask your local librarian if they have any CDs of multiplication songs at the library. Try searching for “Mr. DeMaio time table songs” or “NumbeRock math songs” on YouTube for some fun educational tunes. Watch videos about the times table. You can ask for an adult's help finding multiplication songs online, or ask them to order a video series like “Times Tales.” Learning with stories, sights and sounds will give you more ways to remember the times table. Use a multiplication learning app. “Llama Drama,” “Understanding Math Times Tables,” and “Montessori Math Multiplication” are all high-rated math learning apps that your parents can download onto a phone or tablet. “Zap Zap Math” is another fun app that can be downloaded for free. Make goals and reward yourself when you meet them. If your goal is to memorize the 2s, 3s, and 4s in a week, talk to your parents about something fun you can do if you meet that goal, like go out for ice cream or go to the movies. Remember - you only get your reward if you meet your goal, so work hard! You can also put a gold star or sticker next to each row on the times table that you've memorized to keep track of how much you've learned. Use your fingers to keep track when you multiply. If you want to double check your answer, try skip-counting and holding up 1 finger for each number. For instance, if your problem is 2x6, you can skip-count by 2s until you are holding up 6 fingers. You should be on the number 12 when you get to your sixth finger, which is the correct answer. Figure it out using “landmark numbers. ” You can use the multiplication problems you do know to figure out the ones you don't. If you don't know what 5x6 is, but you do know what 6x6 is, find the answer to 6x6 and then subtract 6. Any time the problem you're working on is close to one you know the answer to, find the answer you know and then add or subtract to get the right answer. Learn the 9s trick. Hold your fingers out in the front of you and count on them from left to right until you get to the number you're multiplying by 9 (for instance, if you're multiplying 9 times 3, count 3 fingers). Bend that finger down. Now count the fingers that are up on the left side - that's the first digit of your answer. Count the fingers that are up on the right side - that's the second digit. | Make a times table chart. Practice counting up by 2s, 3s and 4s. Practice reciting the 2, 3 and 4 times columns in order. Learn to say the 2s, 3s, and 4s backwards. Ask someone to quiz you on what you just learned. Have someone ask you multiplication questions backwards. Write multiplication problems on triangular flashcards. Repeat this process for the rest of the times table. Read stories about multiplication. Play “Math Card War” with a friend. Play a multiplication game like “Timez Attack. Use songs to help you memorize the times table. Watch videos about the times table. Use a multiplication learning app. Make goals and reward yourself when you meet them. Use your fingers to keep track when you multiply. Figure it out using “landmark numbers. Learn the 9s trick. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Evergreen-Wreath | How to Make an Evergreen Wreath | To make an evergreen wreath, gather real or artificial evergreen branches and trim them to about 6 inches. Attach floral wire to a place on the wreath frame, then gather a bundle of the evergreen branches, with all the tips lined up at one end. Wrap the floral wire securely around the stems at least 3 times. Without cutting the wire, lay a second bundle of branches over the first, and wrap them as well. Continue this way until the entire wreath frame is covered. | Get evergreen branches from Cedar, Pine, and other clippings. Trim them to about 6 inches (15.24 cm). The greenery you choose is totally your choice. You can even mix! It takes a whole lot less than you would think. You can make a door wreath with three 3 ft (.9 m) long branches (give or take). Cut the branch ends into 6" (15 cm) pieces before you start. The only necessity is that you cut them before you use them -- Pine, Ivy, Boxwood, Magnolia leaves, Holly, etc. all work. Pick out a few brightly-colored items such as berries, holly and pine cones. The embellishments you use to spruce up your wreath can totally change the feel and create a more classic or funky vibe. There is nothing wrong with a simple green wreath. Attaching a red bow at the bottom is just as festive as spraying it with glitter and going to the nines. Obtain a frame. Get a wire coat hanger and fashion it into a circle. If you're not keen on this idea, you can buy wire frames in different shapes and sizes at your local craft or floral shop. A single wire frame is good for a thin, delicate wreath. But if you're going for a show-stopper, stick with a double wire frame -- it allows your wreath to be more lush-looking and full. Attach floral wire to a place on the wreath frame. Take one end of the wire and twist it around the frame to hook it. No fancy Girl Scout knots needed; just make sure that puppy is gonna stay in place. Don't cut! You'll be using one long strand of wire this entire time. Don't worry -- it won't be seen through the greenery. Get a bundle of the evergreen branches with the tips all at one end. Place them where the floral wire is attached. Lay a small bunch of your greens on your frame, and wrap your floral wire securely around the stems at least three times. Don't cut the wire yet! Continue wrapping around the frame. Take a second bundle and cover the stems of the first bundle with it, at a slight diagonal. Wrap wire around the stems of each bundle and keep on adding same-sized bundles until you've gone full-circle. Once you have completed the circle, tuck the last bundle under the first bundle. Adjust the greenery and stems as necessary. Finish off the wire. Tuck it under the nearest bundle, secure it with a knot, and cut. Leave a few extra inches before cutting the end. If you'd like to make a hanger, form a loop at the end of the wire and twist it around itself. Use a new piece of wire to affix the ends of pine cones or berries to the wreath. Tie a knot in each piece when you are finished. Finished. | Get evergreen branches from Cedar, Pine, and other clippings. Pick out a few brightly-colored items such as berries, holly and pine cones. Obtain a frame. Attach floral wire to a place on the wreath frame. Get a bundle of the evergreen branches with the tips all at one end. Continue wrapping around the frame. Finish off the wire. Use a new piece of wire to affix the ends of pine cones or berries to the wreath. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-the-Bathtub | How to Paint the Bathtub | To paint a bathtub, start by removing any old caulk using rubbing alcohol and a caulk-removal tool. Then, use bleach and an abrasive cleaner to thoroughly clean the tub so it's spotless when you paint it. Next, repair any damage with epoxy putty and sand the entire tub with 400-grit sandpaper followed by 600-grit sandpaper, which will wear down the gloss so the paint adheres to the tub. When you're finished, use a spray gun to apply 2 coats of acrylic urethane enamel, letting it dry in between coats. Finally, let the paint cure for 24 hours. | Use a caulk-removing tool and isopropyl alcohol to clear away the caulk. Apply the isopropyl alcohol to the caulk via a spray bottle or blot it on with an old washcloth—this softens the caulk and makes it easier to remove. Use your caulk-removing tool to scrape away as much of the caulk as you can. Wear rubber gloves while you work to protect your hands. You shouldn't have to pay more than $10 for the caulk-removal tool. Discard of the old caulk so it doesn’t get in your way. Keep a garbage bag nearby as you scrape off the caulk so you can easily put it to the side. You won't be able to reuse it for anything, so throw it away with your regular trash. If you can't get all of the caulk off, that's okay—you'll be sanding down the tub later and can work off any bits that are stuck then. Remove the drain and the spout so they don't get painted. Use a screwdriver to take out the drain and water spout fixtures, then set them to the side. If you're having trouble getting a part out, try lubing it with some oil to loosen the screws. This is also a great time to give those fixtures a thorough cleaning. Submerge the fixtures in warm water and dish soap to loosen any hardened grime. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining dirt. Open windows or bring in a fan before you begin working with bleach. If your bathroom is small and doesn't have a vent or windows, bring in a fan to blow air out as you work. The most important thing is that you're getting fresh air so you aren't just breathing in bleach fumes. You can also wear a respirator if you're concerned about the fumes. Wear rubber gloves and mix 90% water with 10% bleach. Use a large bucket to mix the water and bleach. Leave some room at the top of the bucket so that it doesn't spill easily. Make sure to wear gloves and old clothes, too. Fill up the bucket in the bathroom near the tub so you don't have to try and transport it from another room. Scrub the tub with the bleach and water solution and then rinse it out. Use a sponge and start at one corner of the tub and systematically work your way around it. Squeeze out and re-soak your sponge as much as you need to. Rinse the tub out with fresh water after you've cleaned it. You can dump out the bleach/water mixture and fill that same bucket with clean water if you want to. Don't forget to scrub the exterior of the tub, too—you're going to be painting the entire thing, so it all needs to be cleaned. Part of the painting process involves getting the tub as clean as possible beforehand so that the paint adheres to the surface better. Wash the tub with an abrasive cleaner to ensure it’s clean. Use a product like Comet and sprinkle it over the entire surface of the tub. Use a new, wet sponge to scrub the tub. Rinse out your sponge periodically so it doesn't get too gunky from the cleaner, and then rinse the tub again with fresh water. If you don't have Comet, you could sprinkle and scrub away baking soda for the same result. Use acetone on a clean washcloth to remove any residual cleaner. Dampen a clean washcloth with the acetone and wipe down the interior and exterior of the tub. Continue to wear your gloves—acetone can really dry out or hurt your skin if it comes into contact with it. If there was any remaining cleaner, grease, or grime, the acetone will get rid of it. Prepare the epoxy putty before applying it to any cracks. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin, and read the manufacturer's instructions before you begin. Open up the putty and tear or cut off a small section of the putty. Work the putty between your fingers until it is pliable, kind of like how you would massage a piece of play dough to work it into a new shape. If you can't find epoxy putty, buy a similar kind of tub-repair paste from your local hardware store. Fill any cracks or chips in your tub with the epoxy putty. Use your fingers to push putty into any chipped areas. Depending on how large the crack is, tear your putty pieces so the size is about right to just overfill the area. Make sure to push down on the putty firmly so that it makes its way into all the crevices. At this stage, it's okay if the putty isn't flat with the rest of the tub's surface. Use a putty knife to smooth over each of the patched areas. Take your putty knife and position the blade so it's flat against the surface of the tub. Gently scrape it over the filled sections to remove any excess putty. Wipe off the blade from time to time with a damp paper towel. If your working on a curved area, you may need to adjust your knife's position a few times to get the entire area smooth. Sand the entire bathtub to work down the gloss and prepare it for paint. Use wet/dry sandpaper, and sand it with 400 grit sandpaper first, and then do it again with 600 grit sandpaper. Attach your sandpaper to a sanding block, and use a spray bottle to wet down the tub as you work. The wet-sanding will eliminate a lot of dust, but it's a good idea to keep wearing your respirator, especially if you're working in a small space. Rinse out the tub and dry it completely before painting it. After the tub has been sanded, rinse out the interior and wipe down the exterior sides to remove any sandpaper and grit remnants. Use clean towels to dry it off thoroughly. The tub needs to be 100% dry before you start painting it, so use as many towels as you need to. Tape protective sheets on the walls and floor. Before you paint, use masking or painters tape to secure plastic sheeting to the walls surrounding the tub, as well as to the floor underneath the tub. You may also want to lay plastic sheeting over any other fixtures, like the toilet or sink, and remove decorations, towels, and beauty products. The paint you're going to use is an acrylic spray paint, and the “dust” from it will settle on the walls and floors. Put on a respirator and wear old clothes once you’re ready to paint. Your clothes are going to get covered in paint dust, so wear things that you don't mind getting dirty. And use a respirator for safety purposes—the fumes from the paint will be really strong. Remember to keep a window open or a fan running during the painting process. Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions to prepare it properly. For a cast-iron or fiberglass tub, you can use acrylic urethane enamel, which may already come mixed for you, or you may have to mix it it, just depending on what kind of kit you purchased. For fiberglass tubs, you can also use a two-part epoxy paint instead of the acrylic. The epoxy paint can be used on porcelain and ceramic tubs, too. The easiest option for DIYing the paint job is to purchase kits that are designed specifically for that purpose. Some companies even provide spray cans of acrylic urethane enamel that you don't have to mix at all. Load your spray gun and put the lid on the paint can. Follow the spray gun's instructions for how much paint should be loaded into the body. Keep the lid on the paint can so that the enamel doesn't start to dry up. If you don't want to use a spray gun, you could also use paint brushes and rollers. In that case, you wouldn't need to load anything and could just mix the paint in its can to prepare. Coat the entire tub with long, even motions. Work systematically by starting at a top interior corner and working your way across the length of the tub. Keep the spray gun about 8 inches (20 cm) away from the tub. Repeat this process until the entire interior is painted, and then move on to the outside of the tub. Spray painting is generally an easier process because you won't have to lean over the tub and risk smearing the paint. Similarly, if you're painting the tub by hand, use long, even strokes to coat the tub's entirety. Let the first coat of paint dry and then apply a second one. It should take about 15-20 minutes for the first coat of paint to be dry to the touch. Once it is, go ahead and apply a second coat, working systemically as you go so you don't miss any areas. “Drying” and “curing” are two different things. Paint can be dry but not yet cured—the curing is when the paint dries and also hardens, and it generally takes a much longer time than just drying. Proceed with the second coat of paint once the first coat has simply dried. Leave the tub alone until it has cured completely. Don't step in it, run any water, or use it it any way. Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for the curing time, which is generally around 24 hours. Some sites say you can also use a heat lamp to speed up the curing time, but that could also cause discoloration in the paint. Remove the masking tape and reattach the tub fixtures. Once the tub is dry, you can remove all the plastic sheeting and tape and replace the drain and faucet. Throw the sheeting and tape away. You may also want to mop the floor and give the rest of the bathroom a thorough wipe-down to catch any dust or dirt left behind from the painting process. Re-caulk the tub before you use it again to protect it from mold. Use a caulking gun to reapply the caulk to the areas where the tub meets the shower, if that's applicable. Follow the instructions for the brand you purchased and let it dry before you use the tub. Caulk can take 24 hours to cure, but it's generally safe to expose it to water after a few hours. | Use a caulk-removing tool and isopropyl alcohol to clear away the caulk. Discard of the old caulk so it doesn’t get in your way. Remove the drain and the spout so they don't get painted. Open windows or bring in a fan before you begin working with bleach. Wear rubber gloves and mix 90% water with 10% bleach. Scrub the tub with the bleach and water solution and then rinse it out. Wash the tub with an abrasive cleaner to ensure it’s clean. Use acetone on a clean washcloth to remove any residual cleaner. Prepare the epoxy putty before applying it to any cracks. Fill any cracks or chips in your tub with the epoxy putty. Use a putty knife to smooth over each of the patched areas. Sand the entire bathtub to work down the gloss and prepare it for paint. Rinse out the tub and dry it completely before painting it. Tape protective sheets on the walls and floor. Put on a respirator and wear old clothes once you’re ready to paint. Follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions to prepare it properly. Load your spray gun and put the lid on the paint can. Coat the entire tub with long, even motions. Let the first coat of paint dry and then apply a second one. Leave the tub alone until it has cured completely. Remove the masking tape and reattach the tub fixtures. Re-caulk the tub before you use it again to protect it from mold. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Madagascar-Dragon-Tree | How to Care for a Madagascar Dragon Tree | To care for a Madagascar Dragon Tree, place it in indirect sunlight so its leaves don't burn. Then, water it with distilled water once the top several inches of soil have dried out. Try to keep the tree at the right temperature as well. During the summer, try to keep your house between 75 and 80 °F. Let it cool down some during the winter, but don't let it go below 65 °F. Lastly, fertilize the plant once a month with a liquid fertilizer. | Pick the Dracaena marginata for the original variety. This is the plant that all the other options (called “cultivars”) were cultivated from. It has a narrow reddish purple band around the edges of its green leaves. Choose the marginata tricolor cultivar for a greenish gold plant. This plant has a yellowish white band on its leaves that separate the red from the green. It may even appear white or yellow from a distance. Go for the marginata colorama cultivar for a reddish look. This is perhaps the most unique-looking of the cultivars. Its outer red band is very prominent, leading it to appear red or pink. Grow the marginata Tarzan cultivar for spikier leaves. This tree has the same color pattern as the original marginata, but its leaves are a bit different. The stems will produce growths that have wider and tougher leaf patterns than the other trees. Groups of leaves grow in dense sphere shapes. Pick a spot that provides bright but indirect light. Placing the tree in full sun might cause the leaves to burn. To avoid this problem, put the plant in front of a north-facing window and near either a west- or-east-facing window. Your tree shouldn't be too close to a south-facing window. If the colors on the leaves begin to fade, your plant isn't getting quite enough light. If this happens, move it in front of the east- or west-facing window and keep an eye on the leaves. Burnt leaves will appear brown and dry on the tips. Use well-draining potting soil in a container with drainage holes. While this tree appreciates moisture, it can develop root rot if the soil becomes too wet. Fill a houseplant container that's double the size of your root ball halfway with potting soil that drains well. Center the tree in the container, then fill the rest of the pot with the soil. Use distilled water to thoroughly moisten the roots. You may have bought your plant in a container from the nursery. You can leave it in there until it's ready to be repotted! Water only once the top of the soil has dried out. Stick your finger in the soil. If the surface and several inches (or centimeters) of soil feel dry to the touch, water the plant with distilled water until the soil completely re-moistens. Keep an eye on the soil to prepare for the plant's next watering. Luckily, the leaves will tell you if you're over or underwatering! If the leaves are falling off and turning yellow, you probably need more water. If they're only yellowing at the tips, it's more likely that you're overwatering. When the leaves towards the bottom of the shoots brown or fall off, this is natural. It's just the old leaves making way for new ones! Keep the temperature around 75 °F (24 °C) except during winter. If you prefer to keep your home warmer, these trees will also thrive in indoor temperatures up to about 80 °F (27 °C). When the weather begins to cool down outside, reduce the temperature in your home or the plant's room by a few degrees. This will give it a rest period. Don't dip the temperature below 65 °F (18 °C), however. Mist the leaves regularly to reduce pests. The Madagascar dragon tree is prone to a few different insect infestations, including the glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, and scale insects. If you keep the air around the tree moist with misting at least 1-2 times per week, you may prevent these outbreaks. However, if you see mottled leaves or yellowish bumps on the undersides of the leaves, your tree is probably infested. Talk to your local nursery or go online to purchase a pesticide appropriate for the outbreak. You may also be able to use natural pesticides , although these options may not be as effective with advanced infestations. Use houseplant fertilizer once per month except during winter. During the spring and summer, you can encourage growth with standard fertilizer meant for houseplants. Choose a water-soluble fertilizer that can be diluted to 50% strength. Stop fertilizing during the autumn and winter to give the tree a rest period. Follow the instructions on your fertilizer's packaging for the precise amount you should use on the plant. Expect to create a 1-part water and 1-part fertilizer solution. Prune in spring or summer to make the plant more dense. Use sharp and clean garden shears to prune the tree if it develops weak off-shoots or stems. This will keep your plant from developing longer, drooping stems. Clip the growth at an angle right at the base of the stem. Don't prune in the late summer, fall, or winter. You want to give the plant some time to develop new growth before it begins to rest. Keep these cuttings to plant new trees! Repot your tree if the roots become crowded. Periodically check the drainage holes at the bottom of your container. If the roots grow out of the holes, it's time to repot. Choose a pot that's 2 inches (5.1 cm) wider and deeper than the old one. Turn the current pot on its side to gently ease the tree out. Snip the ends off the roots to stimulate growth in the new pot. Your new pot should also have drainage holes, and you should fill it about halfway with well-draining potting soil before placing the transplanted tree inside. Then, fill the pot with more soil and moisten with distilled water. If the tree doesn't want to come out, straighten the coiled roots with your fingers. You can also tap the bottom and sides of the pot gently, then reposition it on its side. Wait at least a month to fertilize your repotted tree. Find out which hardiness zone you live in for outdoor growing. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has produced a map with information about temperatures and growing conditions in different “zones” of the U.S. The Madagascar dragon tree can only be kept outdoors all-year round in zones 10 and 11, which are located on the coast of Southern California and the tip of Southern Florida. While this map is most useful for growers living in the U.S., other countries (such as Australia) have produced similar maps using the same temperature guidelines. Go online to find information about your growing zone. Plan for an outdoor/indoor plant if your climate is cooler. If you live in zones 8 or 9, you can keep your tree outdoors during the spring and summer and bring it indoors once the temperature has dropped. Optimally, these plants prefer temperatures above 65 °F (18 °C), so pull it indoors as soon as the temperature begins to drop in early autumn. You may also be able to keep this plant outdoors in the warm summer months in northern USDA zones. Keep a close eye on the weather, though! If your evening temperatures drop below 60 to 65 °F (16 to 18 °C), your plant could stop growing or die. Plant your tree in a partially shaded area. Your tree should get about 4-6 hours of sunlight over the course of the day. To keep it from burning up, it should have at least a few hours of shade, as well. Keep an eye out for leaves with dry, brown tips. This means you're giving your plant too much sun. Yellowing leaves means it needs a bit more sunlight. Choose a spot with well-draining soil. To test drainage, dig a hole in the soil and fill it completely with water. Let it drain and then fill it again. If the hole drains in under 15 minutes, your soil has good drainage. If the hole takes more than an hour (especially if it takes longer than six hours) to drain, you've got slow-draining soil. If the drainage doesn't need to be adjusted too much, you may just be able to add some compost and well-rotted manure to improve it. For severe drainage issues, you might need to invest in underground piping to remove the excess water. Dig a hole that’s twice the size of the root ball. Measure the diameter of the root ball to get the right-sized hole. Center the tree in the hole, then fill it in with soil. Pack the soil down again before using distilled water to moisten the area. You can also keep the plant in an outdoor garden pot. Water frequently for 3 weeks, then once per week. Moisten the soil surrounding the tree 2 to 3 times per week while it's settling into its new spot. After about 20 days, reduce watering to once per week. If the soil is wet, you can water even less frequently. Wait until the spot has dried out to re-water. If you're experiencing extremely dry conditions, you may need to increase your watering. Look for leaves that are yellow at the tips to see if you're overwatering. If the leaves are falling off, water the tree a bit more. If the leaves are only browning or yellowing and falling off at the bottom of the stems, this is just natural growth. New, healthy leaves should appear above these older ones. Use cuttings from a mature tree for easier propagation. You'll likely have more success starting a Madagascar dragon tree from cuttings than seeds. The seeds can be a bit more temperamental, and they may not germinate well. If you're going to keep the cutting indoors, this can be done at any time of year. If you want to replicate the tree's natural growing conditions, however, propagate in summer. Choose healthy shoots that grew in the last year. Pick a stem that has a nice, full growth sprouting out at the top. It should be an established stem that didn't just poke up from the soil. It also needs to be long enough to produce a shoot. Cut a piece that's about 20 to 30 centimetres (7.9 to 11.8 in) long. Slice the bottom of the stem straight across. Leave the top still attached, as the foliage will help increase your plant's nutrient availability. Leaves allow more potential for photosynthesis to occur. Place the base of the stem in a container of water. Put the side of the stem with the straight-across cut face down in about 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) of distilled water. To prevent bacterial growth, change out the water every 5-7 days. Ensure that it stays at the same level by topping it off in between changes if you need to. Provide a heating source and use a rooting hormone. Your heat source should come up from below your plant, such as a heat lamp. Using heat and a rooting hormone will increase the chances that your efforts are successful. Follow all of the directions for using your rooting hormone. Expect to see roots after a few weeks. While it might take a while for you to see new sprouts at the top of the stem, roots should start to develop after only 10-20 days. They'll look like little white curls. These rooted stems can then be transferred to individual containers filled with houseplant potting soil. Propagate by seed if you don’t have access to a mature tree. While it's certainly possible to propagate Madagascar dragon trees from seeds, you may need to try this method a few times to get it right. It's difficult to grow many varieties of trees from seed, and these plants are no exception. If you want a horticultural challenge, this option is for you! You can buy Madagascar dragon tree seeds online, although they may actually be more expensive than a mature plant. Sow indoors before the last frost at 64 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C). This will replicate the plant's natural growth cycle, helping to stimulate germination. Soak the seeds for 4-5 days before sowing. Place the seeds in a bowl of warm water. You do not need to change the water each day. This, too, will encourage germination. Bury the seeds in potting soil in a small pot. Fill the pot with either seed-growing compost, or an equal-parts mixture of multipurpose compost and perlite. Pack down the compost with your fingers. Use distilled water to moisten the soil until water drains out from the holes at the bottom of the container. Then, place no more than 1 or 2 seeds in the container, burying them slightly. The seeds don't need more than about ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) of covering over them. Seed-growing compost is better than multipurpose, but both should work. There should be at least a finger-width of space between the 2 seeds. Cover the pots with plastic to keep them moist. Place the container in a resealable plastic bag. Label the bag with the plant's name and date you sowed the seeds. Check the soil every day or so to make sure it's still moist. If it's dried out, re-moisten it. Wait 30-40 days for germination. If germination is successful, it should occur in about a month. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, you can gently move them into their own little pots filled with moistened potting soil. Continue to keep them inside until the leaves have sprouted and hardened a bit. | Pick the Dracaena marginata for the original variety. Choose the marginata tricolor cultivar for a greenish gold plant. Go for the marginata colorama cultivar for a reddish look. Grow the marginata Tarzan cultivar for spikier leaves. Pick a spot that provides bright but indirect light. Use well-draining potting soil in a container with drainage holes. Water only once the top of the soil has dried out. Keep the temperature around 75 °F (24 °C) except during winter. Mist the leaves regularly to reduce pests. Use houseplant fertilizer once per month except during winter. Prune in spring or summer to make the plant more dense. Repot your tree if the roots become crowded. Find out which hardiness zone you live in for outdoor growing. Plan for an outdoor/indoor plant if your climate is cooler. Plant your tree in a partially shaded area. Choose a spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole that’s twice the size of the root ball. Water frequently for 3 weeks, then once per week. Use cuttings from a mature tree for easier propagation. Choose healthy shoots that grew in the last year. Slice the bottom of the stem straight across. Place the base of the stem in a container of water. Provide a heating source and use a rooting hormone. Expect to see roots after a few weeks. Propagate by seed if you don’t have access to a mature tree. Sow indoors before the last frost at 64 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C). Soak the seeds for 4-5 days before sowing. Bury the seeds in potting soil in a small pot. Cover the pots with plastic to keep them moist. Wait 30-40 days for germination. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Waist-Trainer | How to Wear a Waist Trainer | To wear a waist trainer, start by sucking in your breath to fit the trainer in place around your waist. If it's your first time, attach it on the loosest setting so your body can get used to it. Then, put on clothing made of heavier fabrics, like wool, to hide the trainer. Make sure you wear it no longer than 8 to 10 hours a day, and take it off if it gets too uncomfortable. Additionally, take the trainer offe before you go to sleep so your body can relax. | Pick a design. Most waist trainers have several rows of hooks and eyes. A few have an extra zipper, which can tighten up your trainer even more. If you prefer, you can also get a smaller band that just goes around your waist and attaches with velcro. You can find these styles at stores that sell multiple brands, such as Hourglass Angels. You can also find waist trainers with straps at the top, and a few also have built-in bras. Choose the lowest setting. Most trainers have 2 to 3 rows of hooks, so use the looser setting at first. You need to work up to the tighter setting; it could be very uncomfortable if you don't. Put the trainer on. This step can be a little difficult if you've never done it. You may need to suck in your breath or lie down. While you're holding your breath or lying down, connect the hooks to each other to secure the trainer on your body. Find clothing to hide it. In general, any kind of lightweight or sheer clothing will show the waist trainer underneath it. Similarly, any kind of crop top will let the trainer peek out underneath. You may want to wear looser, heavier clothing when wearing the waist trainer. For instance, you could wear a light suit or a sweater to help hide the waist trainer. Go for heavier fabrics, such as wool or knit fabrics, rather than silk or other lightweight fabrics. Wear it throughout the day. A waist trainer is meant to be worn just during the day for a certain number of hours. Some people just wear it to work, for instance. However, how long you wear it is up to you. Some guides recommend 8 to 10 hours a day, but you can wear it less if it's making you uncomfortable. Take it off if you don't feel comfortable. You should expect some discomfort with a waist trainer. However, if you feel very uncomfortable, you should remove it to find some relief. Remove it to sleep. Waist trainers are not meant to be worn at night. In fact, it's best to take it off when you get home from work. You need to give your body a chance to relax and recover. Measure your waist with a flexible tape measure. Wrap it around your waist halfway between your ribs and hips, making sure to measure against bare skin. Check the measurement, and write the number down. You can also use a string if you don't have a flexible tape measure. Wrap it around your waist, and mark the point where it crosses itself. Hold it against a flat tape measure or measuring stick. Find a waist trainer online. You may be able to find a waist trainer at high-end sporting good stores, since some people wear them while working out. However, your best bet is likely to be online. You can find trainers at places like Hourglass Angel, Ann Chery, and Yianna. Typically, waist trainers start at $50 USD and go up from there. Match your measurements to the perfect size. Even if the website displays your typical size, it's a good idea to compare your waist measurement to the sizing chart. Getting the right size for a waist trainer is more important than with other clothing. When in doubt, go up a size. Consult your doctor first. Because the waist trainer can cause medical problems, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start wearing one. They can advise as to whether it's a good fit for you. Be careful how much you eat. It's a bad idea to eat too much in a waist trainer. If you do, you'll find yourself very uncomfortable. If you do want to eat a large meal, consider taking the trainer off. Some suggest that this aspect is a benefit of waist training. That is, you can't eat too much while wearing it, so you may lose weight that way. Work out in addition to waist training. While waist training can reduce the size of your waist, it may also weaken your core muscles since it provides exterior support. Plus, it's not actually causing you to lose any fat. Therefore, if you really want to permanently reduce the size of your waist, you need to work out regularly, doing both aerobic exercises and strength training. Skip using a waist trainer while working out. Waist trainers reduce your ability to breathe deeply, which means you may not want to work as hard. Plus, you won't be able to move as well as you can without it. Take it off if you experience problems. Extended waist training can lead to a variety of problems. For instance, you may notice increased acid reflux. You may also get light-headed and even pass out. Overtime, it can damage your ribs if you're not careful. Stop wearing it if you experience these problems. | Pick a design. Choose the lowest setting. Put the trainer on. Find clothing to hide it. Wear it throughout the day. Take it off if you don't feel comfortable. Remove it to sleep. Measure your waist with a flexible tape measure. Find a waist trainer online. Match your measurements to the perfect size. Consult your doctor first. Be careful how much you eat. Work out in addition to waist training. Skip using a waist trainer while working out. Take it off if you experience problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Water-Slime | How to Make Water Slime | To make a simple version of water slime, start by putting 1 cup of cornstarch in a bowl. Then, stir 1 cup of warm water into the cornstarch 1 spoonful at a time, which will keep the cornstarch from clumping. Once you've mixed in all the water, add 1 to 2 drops of food coloring if you want colored slime. Finish by stirring everything together until it has the consistency you like. You can play with your slime right away, but make sure to store it in a sealable plastic baggie after you're done so it stays soft and moist. | Mix 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of water and 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of clear glue in a bowl. Use a measuring cup to measure out ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of clear school glue and pour it into a medium-sized bowl. Then, measure out ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of water and pour it over the glue in the bowl. Stir the 2 ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until they're fully mixed together. Most bottles of school glue contain 4 ounces (120 mL), which amounts to ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL). If your glue says 4 ounces on the packaging, you can just empty out the whole bottle into the bowl! You can double the recipe and use 1 cup (240 mL) of clear glue and 1 cup (240 mL) of water. Do not use white school glue! Using clear PVA glue is the key to making this slime clear. Add 1-3 drops of blue food coloring if you want to make blue water slime. Real water is clear, but you can tint your slime to look blue if you want a dramatic look. Your slime will still be see-through if you add food coloring, but it won't be crystal clear. If you want this, stir in 1-3 drops of blue food coloring with a spoon. If you don't have blue food coloring on hand, then try 1-3 drops of liquid watercolor paint instead. Don't use acrylic paint, because you'll end up with slime that isn't see-through. Mix 1/4 teaspoon (1.4 g) of Borax with 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of warm water. Get out a separate bowl to make the Borax solution. Then, measure out ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of warm water from your tap and pour it in the clean bowl. Use a spoon to stir in 1/4 teaspoon (1.4 g) of Borax powder. Mix them together until the Borax completely dissolves. Be sure to use warm water! If you use room temperature water, the Borax won't dissolve. If you're doubling the recipe, use 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon (2.8 g) of Borax powder. Keep in mind that Borax can cause skin, eye, and lung irritation. Handle the concentrated powder carefully and keep it out of the reach of small children. Pour the Borax solution into the bowl of glue solution and stir well. Mix the 2 solutions together with a spoon until the mixture begins to thicken. Keep stirring the mixture until it starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Don't worry if there's still Borax water left in the bowl. As long as the glue clumps together, you're all set to go. Don't whisk or whip the slime with the spoon as you stir it, or you'll introduce air bubbles. Air bubbles will make ruin the crystal clear look you're going for. Pull the slime out of the bowl and knead it with your hands. Continue to knead the slime until it comes together. The more you knead, the firmer and less-sticky it will become. Knead the slime for about 3 minutes. If there are any bubbles in the slime, let it sit in a plastic container for a few hours; they should disappear over time. Keep the slime in an airtight container when you're not using it. This type of slime is pretty oozy! A plastic container with a tight-fitting lid is the best storage option, but a plastic freezer bag will also work. Store the slime at room temperature. Make sure that your hands are clean before you play with the slime to keep it looking clear. If you store it properly in an airtight container, this type of slime should last at least 1 week, if not longer. Mix 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of clear glue and 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of water in a bowl. Measure out ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of clear school glue and pour it into a bowl. Add ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of water, then stir it in with a spoon. Keep stirring until the water is completely mixed in and the texture is consistent. Stir in 1½ tablespoons (22.5 mL) of saline solution and set the slime aside. Make sure that the saline solution contains both boric acid and sodium borate; otherwise, the glue won't turn into slime. Once you stir in the saline solution with a spoon, set the mixture aside. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water in a separate bowl. Pour 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water into a glass, then add 1/2 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda. Stir them together with a spoon until the baking soda dissolves, then set the glass aside so that the water can cool down. Be sure to use baking soda and not baking powder! They're not the same thing. Combine the glue mixture with the baking soda mixture and stir gently. Pour the glue-saline solution into the baking soda water solution; it will automatically come together into a glob. Give the mixture a few stirs with a spoon. The baking soda water activates the slime. Pull the glob out of the water and knead it to firm it up. There will be a lot of water leftover in the bowl, which is fine and normal! Just take the glob out of the water and knead it between your fingers for a few minutes until it thickens up and reaches a slime-like consistency. Discard the leftover baking soda water when you are done. Store the slime in an airtight container when you're not playing with it. After about a week, the consistency of the slime may start to change, but it could last longer than that. Make sure that your hands are clean when you play with the slime, or it'll get dirty! Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of clear, thick shampoo into a bowl. The color of the shampoo is up to you, but clear will look the most water-like. Choose a shampoo with a thick, gel-like consistency. Avoid shampoo that has a thin, watery consistency. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring if you want to make ocean slime. You may want to skip this if your shampoo is already colored, or you can experiment with mixing colors. For example, you could add blue food coloring to yellow shampoo to make green slime. A little bit goes a long way, so 1-2 drops is all you need. If you don't have food coloring, use 2-3 drops of liquid watercolor paint. Stir 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of water into the bowl of shampoo with a spoon. The water will make the consistency thin at first, but the longer you stir it, the thicker it will get. Keep stirring the ingredients until the shampoo regains its original thick consistency. You can use less water if you want thicker slime, or more water if you want thinner slime. Don't stir too hard or too fast to prevent bubbles from forming. Transfer the slime to an airtight container and refrigerate it for 2 days. Do not touch or play with the slime during this time. As the mixture chills in the fridge, it will harden into slime! You can try speeding the process up by putting the slime into the freezer for 3-4 hours, but the results may not be as good. Keep the slime in its container when you're not using it. Because this slime contains very simple ingredients, it probably won't last for more than 2-3 days. If it starts to lose it's texture, you could try revitalizing it by stirring it back up again, then putting it back into the fridge for 2 days. If the slime starts to get too runny while you're playing with it, try putting it back into the fridge or freezer for a few hours, and see if that helps. Put 1 cup (128 g) of dry cornstarch into a medium-sized bowl. Use a measuring cup to measure out the cornstarch. Dump the cornstarch into a mixing bowl. Use a spoon to break up any clumps of cornstarch in the bowl. Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of warm water into the bowl and stir the mixture. You'll be adding warm water little by little to create the consistency you want. You can just go to the tap with a glass and fill it with warm water. Start adding water to the bowl with a quick splash, say about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of warm water. Stir the cornstarch and water together thoroughly with a spoon. As you stir, you will notice the mixture thickening. Warm water will prevent the cornstarch from clumping. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring, if desired. If you want to make colored slime, go ahead and add the food coloring of your choice to the mixture. You only need 1-2 drops, but you can experiment with adding more or less to achieve the exact shade that you want. Keep stirring with a spoon and adding water until the mixture gets thick and slime-like. The exact consistency is up to you, just make sure your slime is thick enough to hold together! If the slime feels too thin, add a little bit of cornstarch and keep stirring. If the slime feels too thick, add a little more water. Scoop out the slime and play with it! The gooey texture of this slime makes it super fun to play with. After you're done playing with it, store the slime in a plastic baggie with a zippered top to keep it moist. You can toss out the slime once it starts to look dirty. | Mix 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of water and 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of clear glue in a bowl. Add 1-3 drops of blue food coloring if you want to make blue water slime. Mix 1/4 teaspoon (1.4 g) of Borax with 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of warm water. Pour the Borax solution into the bowl of glue solution and stir well. Pull the slime out of the bowl and knead it with your hands. Keep the slime in an airtight container when you're not using it. Mix 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of clear glue and 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of water in a bowl. Stir in 1½ tablespoons (22.5 mL) of saline solution and set the slime aside. Mix 1/2 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda and 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water in a separate bowl. Combine the glue mixture with the baking soda mixture and stir gently. Pull the glob out of the water and knead it to firm it up. Store the slime in an airtight container when you're not playing with it. Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of clear, thick shampoo into a bowl. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring if you want to make ocean slime. Stir 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of water into the bowl of shampoo with a spoon. Transfer the slime to an airtight container and refrigerate it for 2 days. Keep the slime in its container when you're not using it. Put 1 cup (128 g) of dry cornstarch into a medium-sized bowl. Pour 1⁄2 cup (120 mL) of warm water into the bowl and stir the mixture. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring, if desired. Keep stirring with a spoon and adding water until the mixture gets thick and slime-like. Scoop out the slime and play with it! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Wide-Belts | How to Wear Wide Belts | To wear wide belts, start by placing it right under your bustline to emphasize your chest, highlight your waist, and define your curves. Next, pick the right clothes to wear with your wide belt, like a loose top or dress that hides your figure or a casual outfit that you want to add some polish to. Additionally, pair a wide belt with a cardigan, shirt, and pants to tie all of the pieces of the outfit together. | Determine if a wide belt works with your waist. Wide belts tend to work best with a variety of body shapes. Wide belts can add curves to people with thin waists. In thicker waists, a wide belt can define a waistline. Wide belts can also help support and hold in extra weight around the waist. Consider the material. The beauty of a wide belt, is that you can find or make them out of almost any material. You could choose leather for a bold, classic look. You can also find wide belts in almost any kind of fabric. Wide belts with elastic are good choices, since the elastic will move with you and be more comfortable. For a quick wide belt, wrap your favorite silk scarf around your waist. Adjust the width and tails of the scarf. Pick several belts to wear. Instead of choosing one wide belt, look for two or three thin belts that you can wear together. This will create the effect of a wide belt. Ribbons also make great belts. Wrap several ribbons in various shades of the same color to create a wide-belt look. Find a belt that matches your personal style. Simple straight belts in monochrome colors work with several looks. They can also help to define a thicker waist. You may want to try belts with embellishments, such as studs, beads, stones, or large buckles. Bold belts with decorative prints can also make a simple outfit really stand out. You may need to try on a variety of belts to see what works with your outfit. The belt should enhance your look, not compete with it. Choose where you want the belt to sit on your waist. If you place a wide belt directly under your bustline, you'll emphasize your chest. You'll also make your curves stand out more and highlight your waist. Most wide belts are worn higher above the hip bones on your waist. This can help define large midsections by breaking up your torso. If you have a shorter torso, you may find that a wide belt takes up too much of your torso. You may need to wear a slightly thinner belt. Wear a wide belt with a loose top or dress. If you have a shirt or dress that's a little too large and hides your figure, wear a wide belt. The belt will define your waist and give some structure to a loose outfit. Likewise, if you're going for a thrown-together casual look, a wide belt can make the look a bit more polished. Keep your belt at the natural waistline. If you wear the belt below your hip bones, it will help to give your torso a longer silhouette, especially with a loose dress or top. Wear a wide belt with a cardigan. If your outfit has several pieces, such as pants, shirt, and jacket or cardigan, a wide belt can help pull the look together. Wear the belt over the cardigan or underneath the cardigan. If your outfit is a bit drab or monochrome, the belt can also be a way to liven it up. Choose a bright belt or one with an unusual pattern. This can keep your look from becoming boring. Blend the belt into your look. Don't think that your belt always has to be the center of attention. Pick a wide belt in the same color as your shirt or dress. It will break up the texture and design of your outfit without clashing with it. If you're wearing a leather belt and don't want to match the color with your outfit, try matching accessories, such as your handbag or shoes. This will make your look more polished without being too similar in color. | Determine if a wide belt works with your waist. Consider the material. Pick several belts to wear. Find a belt that matches your personal style. Choose where you want the belt to sit on your waist. Wear a wide belt with a loose top or dress. Wear a wide belt with a cardigan. Blend the belt into your look. |