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https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Highlighter

How to Apply Highlighter

Before applying highlighter, use foundation and concealer to give yourself an even base for the highlighter. After applying base makeup, swipe some highlighter over the tops of your cheekbones and down the center of your forehead with a blush brush. Use your fingertip to dab a little on the tip of your nose and then blend it upward along the ridge of your nose. You can also use an eyeshadow brush to apply highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes and just under your eyebrows for a more dramatic look.

Start by applying foundation and concealer. Applying foundation and concealer will help to ensure a more even canvas for your highlighter and other makeup. Concealer can help to hide minor imperfections and brighten your skin even more. Take the time to apply your usual foundation before you begin to apply any highlighter and apply concealer if desired. Use a sponge or makeup brush to blend your foundation well all over your face. If you have any dark circles or minor imperfections, use some concealer to add a little extra coverage to those areas. This will make it easier for you to draw attention to the highlighted areas as well. You can also use concealer to map out the areas where you plan to apply highlighter. Try applying a few dots of concealer onto the bridge of your nose, on your cheekbones, down the center of your forehead, under your eyes, and in the crease on your chin. Make sure that you blend the concealer well. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones. Take a blush brush or a kabuki brush and use it to apply a bit of highlighter from your temples to the tops of your cheekbone in a C-shaped curve. You can apply one layer for a subtle effect or apply multiple layers for more intense highlights. Dab a little highlighter on the tip of your nose. Get a bit of highlighter onto your fingertip and then dab it onto the tip of your nose. Move your finger back and forth to blend the highlighter. Remember that you do not need much highlighter, just a small dab. Brush some highlighter down the center of your forehead. To accentuate the center of your forehead, you can sweep some highlighter down the center of your forehead towards the bridge of your nose. Start at the center of your hairline on your forehead and sweep straight downwards. If you want a more dramatic highlighting effect, then you can sweep the highlighter all the way down the bridge of your nose, but this is optional. Apply highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. Use a highlighting eyeshadow brush and get a little highlighter onto the tip. Then, take the brush and press it into the corners of your inner eyelids. You can apply a couple of layers if you want a more dramatic effect or just apply a light dusting for some subtle highlights. Sweep highlighter onto your brow bones. The areas just below your eyebrows will catch a lot of light, so this is a nice area to highlight. Try sweeping highlighter over your brow bones, the areas just under your eyebrows. Try to keep most of the highlighter on the outer edges of your brow bone. You do no need to apply highlighter to your entire brow bone. You can also extend the highlighter down towards the creases of your eyelids for an extra eye brightening effect. Add a dab of highlighter just above your upper lip. The area in the center of your upper lip is called your cupid's bow and highlighting this area will draw more attention to your lips. Get a small amount of highlighter on your fingertip and press it onto this area. Don't apply the highlighter to your actual lip, just to the area right above your lip. Brush highlighter over the center of your chin. Highlighting the center of your chin can also help to draw attention to your lips. Try sweeping some highlighter onto the center of your chin. Be careful not to apply too much highlighter to this area. You only need a light dusting. If you highlighted your forehead, then try to keep the highlighter on your chin in line with the highlighter on your forehead.

Start by applying foundation and concealer. Apply highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones. Dab a little highlighter on the tip of your nose. Brush some highlighter down the center of your forehead. Apply highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes. Sweep highlighter onto your brow bones. Add a dab of highlighter just above your upper lip. Brush highlighter over the center of your chin.

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

How to Make a Resume

To make a resume, start by choosing a professional font, like Times New Roman or Arial, in size 11 or 12. Then, create a heading at the top of the page that includes your name, address, and contact information. Underneath your heading, include sections on your employment history and education experience. You should also add a skills section that mentions any relevant skills you have. If you don't have a lot of prior job experience, put the skills section at the top of your resume so it stands out. Remember to keep your resume under 1-2 pages so it's easy to read.

Choose a template or design your own. Most word processing apps have several different resume templates you can choose from. If none of them appeal to you, however, you can always use your own design. There are also templates available for download online, many of them free. If you don't want to use one of the basic templates in your word processing app, you may find another online that works for you. Template elements can also be customized to suit your needs. Think of it as scaffolding that you can adjust or eliminate as necessary. Use a standard, readable font in 10- or 12-point. Your section headings may be a little larger. Times New Roman and Georgia are popular serif fonts. If you want to go with a sans-serif font, try Calibri or Helvetica. Create a header with your name and contact information. At the top of your page, type your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Play around with the formatting to find something that you like best. For example, you could have all the information centered. You could also have your address on the left side and your phone number and email address on the right, with your name centered in the middle in a slightly larger size. If you don't already have a professional email address, get one from a free email service such as Gmail. Ideally, the email address you use on your resume will be some version of your initials and last name. Never list a silly or suggestive personal email address on your resume. Use a chronological resume in more conservative fields. In a chronological resume , you list your work experience and education in reverse-chronological order. This is a classic resume format that would likely be more appreciated by older hiring managers, or those in conservative fields such as accounting or law. You don't have a lot of flexibility with a chronological resume, but you can still arrange the sections in a way that puts your strongest information at the top. For example, if you have a lot of education but not a lot of work experience, you might want to list education first. Try a functional resume if you lack direct work experience. With a functional resume, you can highlight your specific skills and assets without having to list every job you've ever had. This can be a benefit if your work experience is thin. A functional resume is also a good choice if you have an extensive amount of experience and want to limit your resume to a page. You can focus on the skills you've developed rather than having to list each individual job with specific details. Combine a chronological and functional resume to highlight your skills. You can still use a functional resume even if you're looking for a job in a more conservative field. Lead off with a skills section, then include chronological sections underneath. Because this type of resume can get lengthy, consider only listing your last 2 or 3 jobs and your highest educational degree. If you've been at your most recent job for over 10 years, you may want to only list that. You can make clear in the functional part of your resume how long you've been working in the industry. Lead with groups of skills for a functional resume. A functional resume puts emphasis on what you can do, rather than on what you've done. Brainstorm a list of 4 to 5 categories of skills that you have experience or education in. Then include a brief description of the skill and bullet points with specific examples of when you put that skill to use. For example, if you're creating a resume for an online writing job, you might include "editing" as one of your skills. One of your bullet points might state the number of articles you've edited on wikiHow and any accolades you were given for that work. Even if it's volunteer work, it's still experience as an editor. You can also include relatively soft skills. For example, you might list "team leader" as one of your skills. You could then include bullet points detailing your work in student government, organizing a rally for a nonprofit organization, or working as a camp counselor. List work experience, including relevant volunteer work. For a chronological resume, add specific jobs and other work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent job you've had. Use specific, descriptive job titles that tell potential employers exactly what you did through that experience. Generally, you should include the month and year you started and ended the job in a chronological resume. However, if you worked there for several years, just the years are typically fine. With a functional resume, you have a little more leeway in how you include your work experience. You don't necessarily have to include the dates you worked for a particular employer, although you should indicate the length of time you worked there. For example, you might say "Managed 20-person sales force for 10 years." Use active verbs to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Specific numbers and metrics show potential employers exactly what you achieved. For example, if you were a sales manager, you might include a line such as "Implemented changes that increased sales by 27% in 1 quarter." Include relevant education or certifications. Typically, your highest degree is the only one you need to include on your resume. However, you should include lower degrees if they're relevant to the job you're applying for. Additionally, list any relevant licenses or certifications you have. For example, if you've just graduated from law school and are applying for a job as an attorney, you would want to include your law degree on your resume as well as the bar you've been admitted to. If you're admitted to practice in any other courts, you would want to list them as well. If you're creating a functional resume, your education section will probably be at the bottom of the page. Some people leave education off of a functional resume entirely. However, include it if the job post lists a specific degree as a requirement. If you had a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, feel free to include it with your educational information. Otherwise, you should leave it out. If you're listing more than one degree, include your GPA on both of them if possible. Otherwise, don't include it at all. Emphasize hard skills that make you a more valuable employee. Even on a chronological resume, you might have a skills section if you want to let the hiring manager know about skills you possess that are relevant to the job. Focus on hard skills that can be objectively evaluated, such as computer or technical skills or languages. It can be tempting to fudge a little in your skills section and exaggerate your skill level to sound more impressive. However, this can get you in trouble. For example, if you only know a handful of words and phrases in Spanish, don't put on your resume that you're conversational or even fluent. If the hiring manager starts talking to you in Spanish, you've eliminated your chances of getting hired. If specific skills were listed in the job post and you happen to have those skills, on the other hand, include a skills section and list them along with detail about your proficiency. Place keywords in your resume strategically. Employers often use filtering software to scan resumes for specific keywords. These words indicate what they want in a potential employee. The software enables hiring managers to spend less time reading through resumes. To get through the filter, include keywords mentioned in the job listing. Make sure the keywords you use fit in with the rest of your text, and use them sparingly. There's no need to repeat the same word or phrase over and over. Add hobbies and interests if they relate to the job. A section for hobbies and interests is usually considered optional, but if you're short on content it might help. However, you should include only hobbies or interests that would benefit you in the job you're applying for. For example, if you're applying to be a manager at a sporting goods store, the fact that you play several sports would definitely be relevant to that position. Tailor each resume to the specific job you're applying for. You may have a master resume that includes all of your skills, education, and experience. However, the resume you give to each potential employer won't necessarily include everything. Only include skills and experience that are directly related to that job. Try to make your resume match the job listing as closely as possible. Move sections around if needed so that the most important qualifications listed in the job description are at the top of the page. Rearrange your bullet points as well, putting the most relevant information first. Even if you're proud of a particular accomplishment, take it off your resume if it doesn't relate to the job in any way. Edit your resume to eliminate excess words and create space. Active, punchy text is essential in a resume, since the document will likely only be glanced at for a few seconds. Remove pronouns, articles, adjectives, and adverbs. The final statement should communicate only the action and the result of that action. For example, suppose you worked as a barista at a café. You might include a bullet point that you maintained high sanitation standards. However, you want to make that as quantifiable as possible. You might say "Implemented new sanitation program; increased café health and sanitation score by 11%." Make your bullet points personal, rather than just rattling off the job description for the position. For example, if you were a retail sales associate, you might say "Exceeded all personal sales goals for 4 months" rather than "Sold clothing and accessories to customers." Proofread carefully before submitting your resume. Don't rely solely on the grammar and spelling checkers built into your word processing app. Read through your resume several times to make sure it's error free. Reading out loud can also help you find errors or awkward wording. Be careful with apostrophes and contractions. If you have difficulty with contractions and possessives, read what you've written as though you spelled the full words out rather than using an apostrophe and see if it makes sense. For example, you could easily find the error in the sentence "Trained sales staff and reported they're progress" if you read it as "Trained sales staff and reported they are progress." Make sure your formatting and punctuation are consistent. For example, if you use bullet points in one section, you should use them in all sections. Free online apps, such as Grammarly, can help you find errors you might not have noticed on your own. Save your resume as a PDF file. If you're sending your resume to potential employers online, they most commonly want a PDF. Use that file format unless the job listing specifically requests something else. A PDF document benefits you as well because it preserves your formatting choices. It also prevents errors from being accidentally introduced if the hiring manager opens your resume or prints it out. Print copies of your resume to take to the interview. Print your resume on a good printer using quality white or ivory paper. You can find "resume paper" online or at office supply stores. If you included hyperlinks for your digital resume, take them out before printing so all your text will be black. Take at least 3 copies of your resume to the interview. If you know you are being interviewed by a hiring team, take enough copies so that each member of the team can have one. You also want to make sure you have at least one left over for yourself.

Choose a template or design your own. Create a header with your name and contact information. Use a chronological resume in more conservative fields. Try a functional resume if you lack direct work experience. Combine a chronological and functional resume to highlight your skills. Lead with groups of skills for a functional resume. List work experience, including relevant volunteer work. Include relevant education or certifications. Emphasize hard skills that make you a more valuable employee. Place keywords in your resume strategically. Add hobbies and interests if they relate to the job. Tailor each resume to the specific job you're applying for. Edit your resume to eliminate excess words and create space. Proofread carefully before submitting your resume. Save your resume as a PDF file. Print copies of your resume to take to the interview.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Cats-Out-of-the-House

How to Keep Cats Out of the House

To keep unwanted cats out of the house, try spraying lemon juice outside your door, because most cats don't like the smell of citrus. Alternatively, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper or coffee grounds outside your entrance, which can also serve as a deterrent. Additionally, consider placing certain plants near your door, such as lavender or penny royal, since the smell of these plants can repel cats. If none of these methods work, try buying a commercial cat repellent spray from a pet store to keep cats away.

Try an electronic pet door. These types of doors involve your pet having an electronic signal of some sort that opens the door for them. The signal can come from a tag on the pet's collar, but some pet doors also use the microchip that many pet owners embed in the pet for identification purposes. When an unwanted cat approaches, she won't have the appropriate signal, so the door will not open for her. Try an ultrasonic devices. These devices use ultrasonic sound to keep cats away from certain areas. They're generally used to keep cats out of yards, but you can also use them near your door. They are triggered by motion when a cat (or you!) walk by. They make a sound that cats don't like. You won't be able to hear it, but the cats will. Use water. If the cat is still outside, you can try spraying the cat with your hose. Most cats do not like water and will run off. It may take a few tries, but most cats will get the idea after awhile. If the cat is too close to your house, you could try a spray bottle filled with water instead. Add bottles with water. Water shimmering in the sunlight will cause most cats to turn tail and run. They just aren't sure what to make of the phenomenon. Therefore, you can fill up bottles, such as green wine bottles, and place them in the sunlight near your entrances. It will help deter cats from the area. Understand the limitations. While smells will keep cats away, most of them need to be reapplied frequently. You may need to renew them as often as every day or once a week. Try citrus. Most cats do not like the smell of citrus. You can either spray lemon juice around your door or try scattering citrus peels near the doorway. Another option is using a few drops of a citrus essential oil dissolved in water. You can also try other essential oils dissolved in water, such as lavender, citronella, or eucalyptus. Citronella may also cut down on bugs in the area. Use a predator urine. You can use the urine of animals like mountain lions, coyotes, or foxes from online retailers. Basically, you spray the urine, creating a border around your property. It's better to use these sprays to create a border around your yard rather than your entryway. The smell of these types of urine are going to be very strong, which is why you should only use them around the yard. You shouldn't spray these urine right by your door, as it will be unpleasant when you're going in and out. Even when you spray them in the yard, you're going to be able to smell them. Try certain plants. Cats don't like the smell of certain plants. Therefore, if you keep those plants near your door, the cats will likely stay away. For instance, you can plant lavender, rue, or penny royal. Lemon thyme is also an option. Add a dash of pepper. Hot peppers such as cayenne and crushed red pepper irritate most cats. Therefore, you can try sprinkling them around your door to deter cats. You can also try mixing some hot sauce with water and spraying it in the area. Sprinkle coffee or pipe tobacco. Two other smells that cats don't like are coffee and pipe tobacco. You can use old coffee grounds or what's leftover in a pipe after smoking (or fresh tobacco). Just drop some of the leftovers on the ground near your entrance to keep cats away. Try a commercial cat repellent. These repellents contain smells cats don't like, and you use them the same as homemade sprays. Spray them near your entrances and around the yard to keep cats away. You can find these sprays at pet stores. Look for cats. When you're entering your home, survey the area to look for cats. Check under bushes and other items near your door. Cats are good at hiding, so make sure to check all the small crevices. Scare any cats off. If you have a spray bottle handy, you can scare them off by spraying it at them. If you don't, you can try walking towards them and clapping your hands. Often cats will run off. Don't pet strays. If you give attention to affectionate strays, they'll likely hang around. Therefore, try not to pet your neighborhood strays, no matter how tempting it is. Don't feed strays. Similarly, if you feed cats, they will hang around. If you really want to feed strays, do it in an area away from your entrance, and create a barrier with scent around your door. That way, the cats will stay in their area and not in your home. Try catnip. If your main goal is to keep the cat out of the house, try making a part of your garden attractive to cats. For instance, you could plant catnip or cat mint, both plants that cats love. Pick a corner that's out of the way. Be aware, though, that this method could draw more strays to your yard. Honeysuckle is also a cat-friendly option. Spread out sand. Cats also like sleeping on sand, so you could make a bed of sand near the catnip. Cats will be drawn over to take a nap. Some cats may see this area as an opportunity to use the bathroom, so you may find yourself cleaning up after them. Move bird feeders out into the yard. It's no secret that cats like to watch birds. Therefore, if you have your bird feeder up near the house, you're likely to have cats around. By moving the feeders out into the yard, you at least move them away from your door.

Try an electronic pet door. Try an ultrasonic devices. Use water. Add bottles with water. Understand the limitations. Try citrus. Use a predator urine. Try certain plants. Add a dash of pepper. Sprinkle coffee or pipe tobacco. Try a commercial cat repellent. Look for cats. Scare any cats off. Don't pet strays. Don't feed strays. Try catnip. Spread out sand. Move bird feeders out into the yard.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Wheezing

How to Stop Wheezing

To stop wheezing, try taking a hot shower or inhaling steam over a pot of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, which should relax your lungs and loosen any mucus that's causing you to wheeze. You can also try sipping on a hot drink, like tea, for 10-15 minutes to soothe your airways so you stop wheezing. Or, you can heat up a damp hand towel in the microwave for 2 minutes and then rest it on your chest, back, and neck for 10 minutes to relax your lungs.

See a doctor if wheezing interferes with your daily life. If you wheeze every day, or if you find yourself unable to perform certain tasks (e.g., running, lifting heavy objects, or swimming) because of the severity of your wheezing, visit your general practitioner. In many cases, wheezing is only a symptom of another condition, like asthma or allergies. Schedule an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of your wheezing if the symptom lasts for more than a few days. While it may seem like a hassle, visiting your doctor is the quickest and most efficient way to get rid of a persistent wheeze. Visit your doctor or an Urgent Care center promptly if your wheezing is accompanied by chest pain. Describe your wheezing and related symptoms to the doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and triggers. Describe how long your wheezing has lasted, and if any specific triggers, such as exercise, often cause a wheezing fit. They may also listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and if your lungs have never been evaluated, might ask you to perform a breathing test. Conditions that commonly cause wheezing include asthma, allergies, bronchitis, other respiratory infections, and anxiety disorders. Other tests, including blood tests and chest X-rays, may also be necessary. Discuss with your doctor whether or not an inhaler will help. Oral inhalers—often filled with mucous-loosening medicines like albuterol—will instantly stop you from wheezing. So, check in with your doctor and see if they think an inhaler will help you stop wheezing. If your child is suffering from asthma, they may not think to ask the doctor for an inhaler. In this case, ask the doctor on their behalf. Wheezing caused by asthma can also be treated with emergency bronchodilator inhalers, inhaled corticosteroids, long-lasting brochodilator-corticosteroid combination inhalers, and asthma controller pills. Combat wheezing caused by an underlying condition with your doctor. Professional treatment for wheezing varies depending on the condition causing it. Fortunately, most doctors are familiar with many lung conditions and can effectively diagnose your condition should you have one. After diagnosing the cause, work with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your needs. For example, wheezing caused by allergies can be prevented by avoiding any identified allergens. Your doctor may also prescribe a non-sedating antihistamine pill. Talk to your doctor to find out if the root cause of your wheezing could be environmental pollution, an overactive immune system, or gut sensitivity. Conditions like asthma and allergies can be caused by an underlying autoimmune condition, and removing the triggers for your condition could help improve your wheezing. For instance, you might need to remove gluten or dairy from your diet if you're allergic to them. Similarly, treat any underlying infections that might be causing your immune system to attack your lungs instead. Your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator inhaler to treat wheezing caused by bronchitis, and if a bacterial infection develops, they might also prescribe an antibiotic. Patients whose wheezing stems from an anxiety disorder should seek treatment for their anxiety. This treatment can come in the form of medication, psychological therapy, or some combination of the two. Seek emergency care if your wheezing makes breathing difficult. If you're struggling to breathe and are concerned that your breathing may soon stop altogether, drive—or have someone else drive you—to the nearest Urgent Care center or emergency room. You should also seek emergency care if you develop severe lethargy, dizziness, or a high fever, or if you notice a bluish tint to your skin while you're wheezing. Emergency treatment may include a shot of epinephrine to open your airways. You may also need oxygen, corticosteroids, nebulizer treatments, or treatments with a mechanical ventilator. Some of these treatments can seem a little intimidating. But, they're all painless, and will go a long way towards getting rid of your wheeze. Inhale steam to relax your lungs to loosen their internal airways. Take a steamy shower or run a vaporizer in your room. As you breathe in the steam, the warmth and moisture will relax tense airways and loosen the mucous that's clogging up the breathing pathways in your lungs. You'll be able to breathe more easily, and the wheezing should stop after 5-10 minutes. To the same effect, try boiling 1 quart (1 L) of water mixed with 8 to 10 drops of peppermint oil. Once the water begins to evaporate, take it into a small, closed room and breathe in the steam. Drink warm fluids to relax your lungs and stop wheezing. When you find yourself wheezing, make a hot drink and sip it slowly over a 10–15-minute period. Herbal teas are a great option, so try sipping on ginger tea, chamomile tea, menthol tea, or licorice root tea. Warm fluids soothe stressed airways in your lungs and will help stop your wheezing. In moderate amounts, coffee can also offer some benefit. Caffeine can dilate the airways, which may make breathing easier and end your wheezing. Since caffeine also dehydrates, though, drink no more than 3 8-oz (250-mL) cups daily and offset it with plenty of hydrating fluids. Warm your chest and upper back to relax muscles and airways. When you wheeze and struggle to breathe, your body tenses up and constricts your airways. To combat this and stop wheezing, dampen a hand towel under your kitchen tap and then microwave the towel for 2 minutes. Once it's warm, rest the hot towel on your chest, upper back, shoulders, and neck for approximately 10 minutes. The warmth will feel good against your skin and will help your lungs relax. Ask a friend or family member to firmly tap on your back while you're heating your torso to help loosen up blockages in your lungs. Instead of a hot towel, you could also use a hot water bottle. Make sure it's not too hot, though, or you may burn yourself. It should be a temperature that feels good against your skin. Wheezing is associated with tense muscles in your chest, so warming this area of your body can help relax it and will reduce your wheeze. Calm down to relax your body and open up constricted airways. Your body will naturally tense up when you wheezing. As a result, your lungs and throat will become more constricted and you'll begin to wheeze. Nearly any activity that relaxes you without stressing your lungs can provide some benefit. For instance, try a few breathing exercises, meditating, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath. Relaxing your body will loosen up the mucus in your lungs and make it easier to breathe clearly again. Clean your living environment to remove dust and lung stressors. Removing irritants from the air you breathe can stop wheezing. Dust, sweep, and vacuum your home and office at least once a week. If you have pets, you may need to vacuum every other day to clean up pet dander and fur. Clean or change the filters in your heating and cooling system quarterly, and use (or install) hypoallergenic air filters to trap more respiratory irritants. Run a small air purifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your office and bedroom. Do an elimination diet to find out if you have food allergies. Your immune system may perceive food as a threat, which makes it attack your own body. This can cause symptoms like wheezing, itching, and rash. To determine if your wheezing is related to food allergies, eliminate potential allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, wheat, nuts, shellfish, and artificial sweeteners for 6 weeks. Then, add each food back 1 at a time to see if they affect you. If your symptoms go away while you're on the elimination diet, you likely have a food allergy. If your symptoms return after you eat a specific food, that's likely the food that's triggering your allergies. Cut that food out of your diet to help you feel better. Gluten and dairy are the most common culprits behind food sensitivities. Work with a registered dietitian who can help you design an elimination diet that meets your needs. Take care of your gut to treat or prevent leaky gut. Leaky gut is a condition where tiny holes in your intestines allow toxins and bacteria to leak into your body, which can cause other medical conditions like wheezing, allergies, or asthma. These holes may be caused by genetics or your diet. Eat a healthy, high-fiber diet with fresh produce, lean protein, and complex carbs to help your gut. Avoid sugar, cut back on alcohol, and limit saturated fats to help protect your gut. It's best to eliminate processed foods from your diet altogether. If you identify any food triggers, eliminate them from your diet. Walking for 15-20 minutes after your meals may also help treat or prevent leaky gut. Avoid potential allergens and other wheezing triggers. Exposing yourself to food allergens and environmental allergens can cause wheezing, and foods that produce mucus can make wheezing worse. Foods that produce mucus include dairy products, bananas, and sugar. If you are not quite certain which foods, pollens, and animal dander (if any) you're allergic to, ask your doctor to perform an allergy test. Treat seasonal allergies that cannot be avoided with over-the-counter antihistamines. Severe seasonal allergies might need prescription medication. Stay away from potent smells that can constrict your airways. Strong odors aren't necessarily bad for you when your lungs are healthy, but if your airways are stressed, they may cause those airways to restrict further. Chemical odors, like paint and chemical cleaners, can be some of the biggest culprits, but you should also avoid things like perfumes and heavily scented soaps or shampoo. When inhaled, these potent smells can both cause and worsen wheezing.

See a doctor if wheezing interferes with your daily life. Describe your wheezing and related symptoms to the doctor. Discuss with your doctor whether or not an inhaler will help. Combat wheezing caused by an underlying condition with your doctor. Seek emergency care if your wheezing makes breathing difficult. Inhale steam to relax your lungs to loosen their internal airways. Drink warm fluids to relax your lungs and stop wheezing. Warm your chest and upper back to relax muscles and airways. Calm down to relax your body and open up constricted airways. Clean your living environment to remove dust and lung stressors. Do an elimination diet to find out if you have food allergies. Take care of your gut to treat or prevent leaky gut. Avoid potential allergens and other wheezing triggers. Stay away from potent smells that can constrict your airways.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Duvet-Cover

How to Change a Duvet Cover

To change a duvet cover, start by laying the duvet out flat on the bed. Then, stand at the foot of the bed and turn your cover inside out. Reach your hands inside the cover and take hold of its 2 corners. Next, grab the 2 bottom corners of the duvet through the cover. Once you've got a tight grip, shake the duvet cover onto the duvet, making sure you continue to hold on tight. Finally, spread the duvet onto the bed and close the cover at the bottom.

Lay the duvet on the bed. Lay the duvet comforter flat on the mattress so it is all spread out. Be sure that the long side of the duvet is running lengthwise on the bed, and the shorter side of the duvet is running the width of the bed. Also make sure that the tag on the duvet is at the head of the bed. Having the tag at the head of the bed will ensure that the tag ends up at the bottom of the duvet cover when you insert the duvet into the cover. Turn the duvet cover inside out. Stand at the foot of the bed and spread the duvet cover out and on top of the duvet, with the open end of the duvet cover near you. This doesn't have to be perfectly neat, just spread out enough that you can see the different corners of the duvet cover. Reach your hands into the duvet cover through the bottom opening. Reach until you can grab onto the two top corners of the cover near the head of the bed. Grab the left corner with your left hand, and the right corner with your right hand. Pull these two inside corners toward you, out through the duvet cover opening, to turn the cover inside out. Once the duvet cover is turned inside out, once again lay it over the duvet with the opening of the cover near you. Grab the corners of the duvet. With the duvet cover inside out, once again reach through the cover opening to grab onto the two top corners of the cover. Once you have a hold on the top two corners of the duvet cover, bring your hands down near the end of the bed to grab onto the bottom two corners of the actual duvet comforter. Your hands should look like you're wearing mittens as your grab the bottom two corners of the duvet. This would be the time that you would fasten any closures that the duvet or duvet cover has so the corners of the duvet stay in place within the cover while you use the blanket. These closures might be buttons or some sort of tying arrangement. You may have to momentarily remove your hands from inside the duvet cover to fasten these closures. Once they are fastened, you can reinsert your hands into the cover. Shake the duvet cover onto the duvet. Through the duvet cover's two top corners, hold tightly onto the two bottom corners of the actual duvet. Flip the duvet cover over your hands while still holding onto the duvet corners, and shake the cover on to the duvet. Be sure to hold on tight as you shake the duvet cover onto the duvet. This will help ensure that all corners of the duvet are spread out to all corners inside the duvet cover. Powerfully shake the duvet and duvet cover as if you are trying to wave a blanket evenly onto a bed. You can also stand on the edge of the bed and hold the top two corners of the duvet and duvet cover, to evenly shake the cover over the duvet. You may have to pull the last portion of the cover over the bottom of the duvet and tuck in the corners. Spread the duvet onto the bed. Once the duvet is completely inside the duvet cover, fasten the inside closures on the two bottom corners of the duvet and duvet cover (if your duvet and duvet cover have any). Once the inside closures are secure, you can close the duvet cover opening at the foot of the bed. Give your duvet a little shake and pull on all side to make sure the duvet is spread out evenly. Turn the duvet cover inside out. Just how you turned the duvet cover inside out in the first method, you're going to turn your duvet cover inside out for this second method. Reach in through the bottom opening of the duvet cover and grab the two top, inside corners. Pull these inside corners down and out through the cover opening. Once the duvet cover is inside out, hold onto the corners and shake it a bit to spread the cover out over the bed. Be sure that the duvet cover opening is at the foot of the bed. Lay the duvet on top of the cover. Fully spread out the duvet comforter on top of the duvet cover. Make sure the duvet corners align neatly with the duvet cover corners. The long side of both the duvet and duvet cover should run along the length of the bed, and the short side of both the duvet and duvet cover should run along the width of the bed. Secure any fasteners. If your duvet and duvet cover have fasteners on the corners to keep the duvet corners secured into the corners of the duvet cover, attach those now. These fasteners might be small buttons and buttonholes, elastic pieces with buttons, or small strings that tie together. Roll the duvet and duvet cover. From the top of the bed, roll the duvet and duvet cover down to the end of the bed. Roll as if you are rolling a burrito. Try your best to roll both the duvet and duvet covers evenly all the way to the end of the bed. If you are by yourself, you can roll the duvet and duvet cover from the middle of the bed. If you have someone to help you, you both can stand on the sides of the bed, and roll evenly, together. Invert the duvet cover. Once completely rolled at the foot of the bed, put your hand in the duvet cover opening, and grab the entire rolled side portion of your duvet and duvet cover. Flip the side of the duvet cover over the side portion you are still holding onto. Once the duvet cover is flipped over the one side of the roll, do the exact same thing on the other side of the roll. When both sides of the roll have been flipped and are covered by the sides of the duvet cover, even out the rest of the duvet. Flip the middle portion of the duvet cover over the middle portion of the duvet. Unroll the duvet and duvet cover. Unroll the duvet and duvet cover back up toward the top of the bed. Fasten the opening of the duvet cover either by buttoning or zipping the cover flaps together. Shake out the corners and sides of the duvet to flatten out and bunched up areas. You can use this same rolling and unrolling method to also removing your duvet cover.

Lay the duvet on the bed. Turn the duvet cover inside out. Grab the corners of the duvet. Shake the duvet cover onto the duvet. Spread the duvet onto the bed. Turn the duvet cover inside out. Lay the duvet on top of the cover. Secure any fasteners. Roll the duvet and duvet cover. Invert the duvet cover. Unroll the duvet and duvet cover.

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

How to Make Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar has a milder, sweeter flavor than other kinds of vinegar, which makes it great for sweet or tangy recipes, and you can easily make some at home. All you'll need is 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 to 2 ounces of Mother of Vinegar or rice wine, and 34 ounces of water. Put your cooked white rice and any leftover cooking water in an airtight glass or stoneware bottle or jar. Add the Mother Vinegar to the rice and top the container off with water. Cover the container with cheesecloth so the mixture can get air, which it will need for fermentation. Put it in a dark, warm place and check it in 3 weeks. If it smells like vinegar, taste it for the right flavor. If it isn't done, recover it and let it set again. It can take 3 weeks to 6 months to complete the process.

Transfer the rice and any cooking water to an airtight container. To make the rice vinegar, you'll need 2 cups (500 g) of cooked white rice. Place the rice, along with any leftover cooking water, in an airtight glass or stoneware bottle or jar. If you use a glass jar or bottle, opt for a dark style because it will allow for better fermentation. Add the starter to the rice. To make vinegar, you need a culture referred to as Mother Vinegar. If you have homemade rice vinegar that hasn't been filtered, you can scoop the Mother off the top and add 1 to 2 fluid ounces (30 to 59 ml) of it to the rice. If you don't have Mother Vinegar, add the same amount of rice wine to the rice instead. Making the vinegar with wine takes longer, but the process is still effective. You can purchase Mother Vinegar from a variety of online retailers. Shaoxing rice wine is a good option for making rice wine vinegar. You can usually find it at Asian markets. Top the container off with the water. After you've added the rice and starter to your container, pour approximately 34 fluid ounces (1 l) of filtered or bottled water into the container. Don't use tap water, which may contain bacteria or other impurities that affect the fermentation process. Cover the container with cheesecloth. For the vinegar to ferment properly, it needs air. However, you don't want dust, dirt, or insects to get into the mixture. Set two to three pieces of cheesecloth over the mouth of the container and secure them in place with a rubber band. Place the mixture in a dark, warm place. Fermentation happens more quickly in warmer temperatures, so ideally, you should place the container in a space with a temperature between 60 and 80°F (15 to 27°C). Make sure that it's dark as well because fermentation requires darkness to occur. A basement or pantry shelf is a good spot to ferment the vinegar. Check on the mixture in three weeks. The time that it takes for the vinegar to fully ferment depends on the temperature, the starting material, and how much bacteria is present. It can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months. After you've left the mixture alone for 3 weeks, open the container and smell it. If it smells like vinegar, taste it to check for the right flavor. If it hasn't turned to vinegar yet, recover the container and let it set again. It's normal for the vinegar to have strange odors during the fermentation process. The smell you should be looking for is the sharp, acidic scent of store-bought vinegar. The flavor should be sour, tart, and acidic like store-bought vinegar. It shouldn't taste like alcohol. Continue to test the mixture until it turns to vinegar. Depending on the smell and taste of the mixture when you initially test it, you may want to check on it weekly or monthly. When it has the scent and taste of vinegar, you'll know that it's ready. You can't really ferment the vinegar too long. Its taste will change the longer that you allow it to ferment, so it's really a matter of personal taste when to stop. If you don't want a sharply acidic vinegar, you may want to allow it to ferment a little longer. Filter the mixture through cheesecloth. Once the vinegar has finished fermenting, remove the cheesecloth covering. Place the cheesecloth over the mouth of another clean container and pour the vinegar through it slowly to filter out the rice and any other solid bits. You may find it easier to place the cheesecloth over a funnel to pour the vinegar through so you avoid spills. If you want to make additional vinegar, you should save the slimy film on the cheesecloth after you filter it. This is the Mother Vinegar, and will allow you to make vinegar more quickly in the future. Store it in a stone or dark glass bottle with cheesecloth over the opening, so it's covered but it still receives the air it needs to live. Keep it in a location with a temperature between 60 and 80°F (15 to 27°C). Store the vinegar in the fridge for a couple of hours. The vinegar will be cloudy while it's still warm, so it helps to cool it down. Cover the container with cheesecloth again, and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. Use cheesecloth to filter the vinegar again. After the vinegar has cooled and become clearer, take it out of the fridge. Place fresh cheesecloth over the mouth of another clean, airtight container and pour the vinegar through it to filter it again. Once it's filtered, it's ready for use in any recipe. Fresh vinegar should be stored in the fridge. It will keep for 3 to 4 months. If you want the vinegar to last longer and to be able to store it at room temperature, you should pasteurize it. Bring the vinegar to a temperature of 170°F (77°C) in a pan, and allow it to maintain the temperature for 10 minutes. It's usually easiest to do it in a slow cooker set on low for 1 to 2 hours. Pasteurized vinegar will last for years, if not indefinitely.

Transfer the rice and any cooking water to an airtight container. Add the starter to the rice. Top the container off with the water. Cover the container with cheesecloth. Place the mixture in a dark, warm place. Check on the mixture in three weeks. Continue to test the mixture until it turns to vinegar. Filter the mixture through cheesecloth. Store the vinegar in the fridge for a couple of hours. Use cheesecloth to filter the vinegar again.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Train-a-Great-Pyrenees

How to Train a Great Pyrenees

To train a great Pyrenees, use positive reinforcement by rewarding it whenever it does something right. Avoid punishing or yelling at your dog since it will only make it harder to train. Also, try to set aside time to train your dog every day since consistency will make your training sessions more successful. Start with simple commands at first, like "sit" and "lie down," and then gradually progress to more challenging tasks, like guarding livestock.

Gather the tools you will need. When training a dog, you need several items that will help you keep control of the animal and will motivate it to do what you want it to. Be sure that you have a collar, leash, and treats for training. Pick a collar that fits snuggly around your dog's neck but does not inhibit its breathing. Basically, you don't it too tight but you also don't want the dog to be able to squeeze out of the collar. Get a leash that is strong enough to hold your dog if it pulls you really hard and sturdy enough to hold up to chewing and rough play. Get treats that your dog will be motivated by when doing training. These can be any commercial dog treats, as long as your dog likes them. Begin training early in the dog's life. While dogs can be trained when they are adults, it is much easier to train them when they are young. Once a dog has opened its eyes and is walking around on its own, you can start training. A very young puppy will not have a very good attention span, however, so training sessions should be very short. Limit sessions to 10-15 minutes long, so that you can stay upbeat and positive throughout the lesson. Eliminate distractions. When you begin training your Pyrenees, you need it to be focused on you. Take your dog somewhere where it won't be distracted or interested in something other than you. This could be your backyard, an empty outdoor area, or a room in your home. Once your dog is reliably responding to commands, you can test it by taking it somewhere with distractions, such as a park or a city street. This will show you whether the dog will respond to you reliably with lots of things going on around it. However, if you are training a puppy, don't expect it to pay attention to you for really long periods of time. It is perfectly normal for a puppy to have an attention span of only 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Begin with simple commands. When you begin training a dog, you need to teach it very simple actions so that it can learn not only the skill you are teaching but also just how you are going to communicate your desires to it. Start training your dog to sit, lie down, and come. These are simple commands that are foundational for learning more advanced skills as well. The first command you teach is often the most difficult. However, once your dog learns that you are directing to do something and if it does what you want it will get a reward, further training is much easier. You can also use clicker training to teach your dog new commands. This involves making a click with a plastic clicker at the exact moment that your dog performs the behavior, then giving the dog a reward right afterwards. Use positive reinforcement to train your dog. When teaching your dog to respond to your commands, you should motivate it with positive rewards, not fear of punishment or pain. Motivating with something positive like a treat or words of praise will motivate your dog more effectively and it will be healthier for your relationship with the dog in the long run. For example, every time you ask your dog to sit and it does indeed sit, give it a small treat. This shows the dog that there is a reward for doing what you ask. If you yell or are gruff with a dog when it doesn't do what you want, in most cases, it will not understand why you are angry with it and it will lose any trust it has in you. Do training sessions every day. When training a dog, it is important to be consistent with your training. Make time every day for a training session, even if it's only a short one. Ideally, you should train a puppy for at least 15 minutes every day. This time should be split up over several sessions, so that the puppy is able to concentrate on your lessons. Older dogs can handle much more time training, as their attention spans and physical abilities will be better than those of a puppy. As your dog progresses with its training, it will learn new skills. However, be sure to continue testing it on older skills so that it continues to respond to your more basic commands consistently. When doing a training session for a new skill, try to include at least one old skill as a warm up for your pup. Be patient with your dog. It can get frustrating when your dog doesn't respond to your commands right away. However, don't get angry with the dog. It can take a while for a dog to understand what you want it to do and for it to complete your commands dependably. Just keeping working on the dog's skills and don't yell or get angry when it gets something wrong. Yelling at or hitting a dog is never the right thing to do. If you are getting so frustrated with your dog that you are tempted to do either of these things, instead take a break from training and do something else. your dog. Socialize In addition to training, your Pyrenees needs to be exposed to a variety of people, places, and experiences to make it a personable dog. Since this breed can be protective of its family, socializing is an important part of limiting how aggressive it gets with visitors. The best time to socialize a dog is when they are between 3 and 14 weeks old. This is when they will absorb new experiences best without being scared or defensive. However, if your dog is older than this, it is not too late. Your dog will simply take more time to get used to new people and experiences. Expose your dog to the type of livestock it will be guarding. If you have gotten a Pyrenees so that it can be a guard dog for livestock, you should begin to expose it to the type of animal it will be guarding at an early age. When the dog is young, allow it to see and smell the type of animal you want it to care for on a regular basis. Typically, Pyrenees are used for guarding sheep, goats, and chickens, as well as other farm animals. You can also get the dog used to the scent of the livestock it will be guarding before it begins doing that job. Rub a piece of cloth on the animal and then give it to your dog. This will get your dog used to their scent. Allow the dog to interact with the animals it will be guarding. Once your Pyrenees is responding well to basic commands and you want it to start guarding livestock, you should let it meet the animals it will be protecting. Keep the dog on leash and allow it to smell the animals and gradually get close to them. In many cases, Pyrenees are raised around the animals they will be guarding. This is especially the case if you have bred your existing Pyrenees and you are raising a new generation. Some trainers recommend that livestock guardian dogs not be kept in the house at all to ensure their effectiveness. As long as they spend the majority of their time with the livestock they're guarding, though, they should be able to be in the house from time to time. Supervise the dog. When you first allow your dog to spend time with your livestock, you need to supervise it and let it know what to do. If it interacts nicely with the animals it is guarding, then you should give it positive reinforcement. If it is acting poorly, such as nipping at the animals, then you need to correct its behavior by telling it to sit or come to you. Most of the time, the guard dog will simply be hanging out with the animals. The dog may patrol the boundaries of the livestock area at times and lay around at other times. Don't allow the dog to roam totally freely until you are sure of its skills. A Pyrenees that is not well trained and is allowed to roam freely may not return. You should always keep it in a fenced area so that it doesn't run away and so that it does its job. A highly trained Pyrenees can be allowed to be out unsupervised so that they can guard livestock all night. However, you need to be very sure of your dog to allow this and your dog will need a lot of supervised experience before it is allowed this type of work. Typically, your dog is ready for unsupervised guarding when it does its job automatically without you telling it what to do. If your dog consistently protects the animals well and comes and goes when it should, then you can start transitioning into letting it work unsupervised. Allow the dog to follow its natural instincts. Most Pyrenees do not need a lot of specific instruction about how to guard livestock. They are natural guard dogs and will fend off any predator that comes into or near their territory. This natural defensiveness will mean that the Pyrenees will bark often and will not be welcoming to strangers coming into its area. Expect that your dog may hurt livestock during the training process. No dog will be immediately perfect during training, and a Great Pyrenees is no exception. Keep it under close supervision and if you see the dog bite or chase the livestock, stop the behavior right away by yelling or shaking a jug with some pebbles inside it. Hold the dog and say “No!” loudly and firmly. Keep the dog in an escape-proof pen inside the stockyard, only letting it out with the livestock when you're there to watch. Once the dog starts consistently behaving well, leave it alone and watch from a distance. If it continues to have no issues, let it go into the pasture, but stay alert just in case.

Gather the tools you will need. Begin training early in the dog's life. Eliminate distractions. Begin with simple commands. Use positive reinforcement to train your dog. Do training sessions every day. Be patient with your dog. your dog. Expose your dog to the type of livestock it will be guarding. Allow the dog to interact with the animals it will be guarding. Supervise the dog. Don't allow the dog to roam totally freely until you are sure of its skills. Allow the dog to follow its natural instincts. Expect that your dog may hurt livestock during the training process.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Mind-Games

How to Play Mind Games

Playing mind games with your partner will keep them wondering about your intentions. To send mixed signals to your partner, don't respond to their texts or phone calls right away. Instead, let them wonder where you are or who you're with. When you're alone with your partner, show them how much chemistry the two of you have together. But when you're with other people, be a little flirtatious with the people around you to keep your partner guessing. When your partner upsets you or lets you down, tell them that you're fine but act upset to really confuse them and keep them on their toes.

Sign up for an acting class. When learning how to trick someone, it is important that you learn how to make that person believe in your words and emotions. Learning basic acting techniques can help you become more persuasive to those who you are trying to manipulate. Never break character. If someone calls your bluff, or accuses you of trying to mess with their mind, do not admit it. It is possible to turn the situation around, and convince that person that their paranoia and accusations hurt your feelings. If you do admit that you were playing mind games, you will lose that person's trust. Be charming. People are more receptive to those who are charming, and they are more inclined to trust them. Always have a smile on your face, have welcoming body language, and treat everyone with respect and equality. Become charismatic. People respond positively to those who make them feel special and happy. Charismatic people are great at doing because they posses certain qualities. Here are some methods you can use: Say people's names when you greet and part ways. Make eye contact during a conversation. Give compliments. Ask about their interests. Respond to their feelings to show you care. Show confidence. Show people you value yourself and they should too. This will allow people to be more likely to listen to what you have to say and trust you. When you are saying something, whether it be true or false, say it proudly. Pretend like you believe in what you are saying so that others will believe it too. Be seemingly vulnerable. When you share your sensitive side and deep emotions, it makes people believe there is no room in your personality for deception. You want people to think you are being transparent and have nothing to hide. Be empathic to the world around you. Express your admiration for beautiful things or gracious acts. Study other manipulators. If you find out someone has been practicing mind games on you, or someone you know, and has done it well, figure out what made that person so successful. Study their mannerisms and words to figure out their technique. Practice reading people. Be sure to study the person you are trying to play a mind game with, so that you know how that person thinks. This will allow you to take the best approach for getting this person to take part in your game. Watch for emotionally driven people. A lot of people are easily responsive to emotional situations and hardships. For sympathetic and empathetic people, you will want to play to their emotions by having them feel bad for you. This will lead them into helping you however you say you need it. Play the victim. This tactic requires you to gain the sympathy of the other person. You need to act like you are a perfect, moral person who keeps being victimized by the evils of the world, and you just don't know why. This will make someone feel obligated to give in to any requests you may have. Simply pretend to be ignorant, and say, “I just don't know what I keep doing wrong. Why do bad things keep happening to me?" Pretend like you are genuinely confused as to why things never work out for you. Look for guilt-ridden people. When you know that someone is sensitive to guilt, be sure to play on that weakness. Guilt can weigh very heavy on a lot of people, and they will do their best to avoid that feeling. When you go to ask for a favor that someone may not want to do, you can attempt to guilt trip that person into doing it. Here are some things you can say if someone turns you down: "I knew you would let me down." "I am not surprised that you won't do it, I am used to it." Be aware of logically minded people. If you find someone who goes by fact, and does not believe in something unless there is evidence to back it up, then you need more than emotions to mess with this person. Figure out a way to back up what you say with reason or logical benefits to be more convincing. For example, if you want someone to eat more healthy, explain how unhealthy food leads to health problems, and that vegetables can add years to your life. This may convince someone to healthier foods. Don't respond immediately to texts and phone calls. People who are always available leave little room for mystery or deception. Instead of waiting by the phone to engage in conversation, let her think you are busy. If she is excited to text you in the morning with a flirty greeting, do not send one back until hours later. This will leave her wondering where you are and who you might be with. The same goes for a phone call. If she calls you, do not answer it. Call her back hours later, or maybe even the next day. Your unavailability will leave her guessing. Be flirtatious around other people. When it is just the two of you hanging out, let the sparks fly. Show her that that you two have great chemistry, and something special may come out of this relationship. Then, we you two come around other people, show some flirtatious attention to other girls. This will surely mess with her mind. Engage in fun conversations with other girls by telling jokes and making them laugh. Disappear for a few days. Maybe you two have been spending a lot of great time together, and things seem to be heating up. Throw her off course by not speaking to her for a few days. If she calls or texts you, asking you to meet up or just chat, simply send her a text that explains you are busy. Be vague, and tell her that you will call her in a few days when you get a chance. Say you're fine when you're not. If your significant other somehow lets you down, or disappoints you, tell her that everything is fine and you understand, but then act upset. This will surely play games with their mind If your significant other cancels plans with you, say, "Don't worry about it, I totally understand. We can reschedule for another time." Then, when you two speak or hangout next, act very reserved, limit your laughter and smiles, and seem on the sad side. When she asks you if something is wrong, say, "No, everything is fine." Test their dignity. Most people do not like to claim defeat, or admit when something becomes too hard for them to do. By presenting undesirable tasks in certain ways, you can easily convince someone to agree to what you want. If you want someone to shovel snow from your driveway, you may ask, "Can you keep shoveling the driveway or do you need me to do it? If you can't handle it, then it is okay, I can." By offering to take over the thing you want that person to continue doing, you provide that person with the idea that you are kind and willing to help. When you add in the statement about not being able to handle the situation, that person will continue to shovel to avoid admitting defeat. Show you care. If you show someone that you care about their well-being, or you want to have him or her as a friend, it will naturally invite that person into your life. Do someone a favor. When you go out of your way for another person, that person will feel indebted to you and will want to return the favor. Find a way to help someone out, and then after you have completed the task, ask for a favor. It will be hard for that person to turn you down. Instill fear and then provide relief. A great way to influence the way someone makes a decision, is to make that person fear a situation enough to be willing to do whatever you say to avoid it from happening. If you want someone to start exercising with you, give statistics about how not working out can lead to terrible health problems. Then, explain how you can teach that person great exercises to avoid getting those health problems. Figure out someone's desire. If you're dealing with people who are driven by desire, simply explain an easy way to obtain what they want. Tell them how to easily make more money, get a job promotion, or buy a better car. Making them believe they can have brighter futures by doing what you say is an easy way to play mind games.

Sign up for an acting class. Never break character. Be charming. Become charismatic. Show confidence. Be seemingly vulnerable. Study other manipulators. Practice reading people. Watch for emotionally driven people. Play the victim. Look for guilt-ridden people. Be aware of logically minded people. Don't respond immediately to texts and phone calls. Be flirtatious around other people. Disappear for a few days. Say you're fine when you're not. Test their dignity. Show you care. Instill fear and then provide relief. Figure out someone's desire.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Start-Capacitor

How to Check a Start Capacitor

To check a start capacitor, start by turning off and unplugging your appliance. Then, use a screwdriver to open the appliance so you can locate the capacitor, which is a metal tube that should be near the motor. Wear work gloves and use a screwdriver with an insulated handle so you don't shock yourself. Once you've found the capacitor, place the shaft of the screwdriver on the positive terminal and tap the negative terminal with the tip to discharge the capacitor.

Locate the capacitor inside your appliance. Capacitors are metal tubes that store an electric charge usually found near a motor in the appliance. Use a screwdriver to open your machine and locate the capacitor. Use needle-nose pliers with an insulated handle to remove wires. Make sure your device is unplugged and turned off before you find the capacitor. Use a screwdriver with an insulated handle. Find or purchase the screwdriver from a hardware store. The rubber will prevent electricity from traveling through the metal to your hand. Use caution when working with electricity. A strong enough shock can cause serious harm or death. Make sure the screwdriver's handle doesn't have any cracks and that no bit of metal is sticking out the back. This could carry voltage and cause you serious harm. Wear a pair of gloves meant for housework or working with electricity. Since you're using an insulated screwdriver, work gloves will work fine. For added protection against electricity, use tight-gripping gloves made with rubber. Gloves can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement store. Don't use large rubber gloves because they will give you less dexterity while you're working. Hold the handle of the screwdriver so no part of your hand touches the metal. Have a firm grip on the handle, making sure you aren't in contact with the metal. Even with gloves, the current running through the shaft can cause you harm. Place the shaft of the screwdriver on the positive terminal. Set the screwdriver down so the terminal contacts the shaft 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the tip. The correct terminal will be marked with a plus sign (+). Make sure the screwdriver doesn't touch the other terminal on the capacitor yet. On a capacitor with more than 2 terminals, the positive terminal may be labeled “common” instead. Tap the negative terminal with the tip of the screwdriver. While maintaining contact with the positive terminal, tilt the screwdriver so you make contact with the negative terminal. Once you make the connection, you'll hear a small pop and see a spark on the tip of the screwdriver. Don't be alarmed; this is the capacitor discharging completely. Do not hold onto the metal part of the screwdriver while making the connection. Capacitors can store a lot of energy and the resulting spark or current can result in serious injury. Connect the terminals again to remove any residual charge. After the initial spark, keep the screwdriver on the terminals and tap the negative side with the tip 1 or 2 more times. Sometimes, leftover charge is still left in the capacitor. Use the capacitance setting on a digital multimeter. Multimeters are electronic devices that read the voltage and capacitance of circuits or batteries. Find a multimeter with a dedicated capacitance setting for the most accurate readings. Make sure the capacitor you're testing is completely discharged or the circuit is off before using a multimeter. Too high of a voltage can damage the meter or cause you harm. Digital multimeters can be purchased hardware or home improvement stores. Capacitance is measured in farads (F). Place the red probe on the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative. Hold the probes by their base without touching the metal pins on the end. Once both probes come into contact with the terminals on your capacitor, the readout on your multimeter will start to change. Wear gloves while testing with a multimeter if you're worried about any residual charge. Hold the probes in place until the numbers stop changing. The numbers will fluctuate for a few seconds after you connect the terminals if the capacitor is good. Wait until the readout has the same number for 5 seconds before disconnecting the probes. Write down the capacitance number after you take a measurement so you can remember it. If the numbers do not move at all, the capacitor is considered open and needs to be replaced. Ensure the reading matches the range of numbers on the capacitor. The minimum and maximum capacitance are listed on the side of the capacitor with all of its other information. The acceptable range depends on the size of the capacitor you have. If the capacitor is above or below the range, it will have to be replaced. If the capacitance number went up infinitely to the limit of your multimeter, the capacitor has shorted out and should be replaced. Some capacitors will have a set capacitance with an acceptable percentage of variance. For example, if your capacitor says “50 ±5%,” the acceptable capacitance range is 47.5 to 52.5 F.

Locate the capacitor inside your appliance. Use a screwdriver with an insulated handle. Wear a pair of gloves meant for housework or working with electricity. Hold the handle of the screwdriver so no part of your hand touches the metal. Place the shaft of the screwdriver on the positive terminal. Tap the negative terminal with the tip of the screwdriver. Connect the terminals again to remove any residual charge. Use the capacitance setting on a digital multimeter. Place the red probe on the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative. Hold the probes in place until the numbers stop changing. Ensure the reading matches the range of numbers on the capacitor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Pain-When-Your-Braces-Are-Tightened

How to Avoid Pain When Your Braces Are Tightened

To avoid pain when your braces are tightened, try an oral anesthetic, like Oragel. Apply to the anesthetic to a q-tip, then rub the q-tip on your gums to numb your teeth. You can also talk to your dentist about taking an anti-inflammatory 1 hour before the procedure. After your appointment, apply an ice pack to your face and teeth for 15 minutes at a time to numb the area and reduce any swelling. Additionally, use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste for sensitive teeth, like Sensodyne, to help minimize the pain.

Talk to your orthodontist or dentist about the procedure. If you are anxious, tell them so they can adapt your treatment. Dentists and orthodontists are used to dealing with anxious patients. They will explain the procedure to you and help you handle your anxiety. They can also suggest ways to reduce your nervousness. Practice deep breathing before and during the procedure. This will provide a distraction for you and it can help to reduce your anxiety. If you are more relaxed, you are less likely to be in a lot of pain. Breathe in slowly through your nose. Pause before exhaling slowly. Keep breathing slowly and steadily in a rhythm. Concentrate on this and you will be distracted from what the dentist is doing. Close your eyes and listen to music. Bring an iPod, phone, or music player with you and listen to music or a podcast. Choose music that is calming, rather than something jarring and energetic. Alternatively, listen to an audiobook. Bring earbuds so other patients can't hear your music. Make a playlist ahead of time so you have enough music to last through your appointment. Some dentists or orthodontists may have televisions for you to watch during the procedure or music playing in the background to distract you. Some dentists' offices now have 3D virtual reality glasses, which you can wear to distract and entertain yourself during your entire procedure. Avoid caffeine before your appointment. Caffeine can make you more nervous and jittery. It can also keep your dental anesthetic from working as well, so it might be more difficult for your gum and teeth to become numb. Drinks that contain caffeine include coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks. Do drink plenty of water before your appointment. Make sure to avoid any sugary drinks or foods before your appointment too. Check to make sure none of the wires are poking you before leaving. The best time to address this problem is at the appointment before you go home. Ask your dentist or orthodontist to trim or adjust any wires that are poking or scraping your mouth. If it is the brackets causing discomfort, ask your dentist to apply some dental wax to reduce any scraping. Remember that it is normal for your braces to feel tight and to have some throbbing in your teeth after the procedure. Take an over the counter painkiller or anti-inflammatory. Make sure you check with your doctor before doing so. Different medications you can take include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin. Check the dosing guidelines for a schedule and amounts. Don't exceed the number of doses in a 24-hour period as labeled on the bottle. Don't take the medication more often than recommended. These can help take some of the aching and soreness associated with shifting teeth, but you may still experience some discomfort. Carry the painkiller with you so that you have it when needed. Take the medicine one hour before entering the office. This way it will already be in effect before your appointment. Be sure to take the amount with at least one full 8 ounce glass of water. This should help to reduce any swelling and discomfort during your appointment. After your appointment, take a full dose of your chosen painkiller according to the time schedule on the bottle. Taking this on schedule for 24 hours after your appointment can help to reduce pain over the next day. Avoid using chewable tablets, since these can be difficult to chew if your teeth are already sore and they can get stuck in your braces. Painkillers in liquid form work best. Use an oral anesthetic to reduce discomfort. These come in gel form and are available at most pharmacies. Gels like Oragel and Anbesol are examples of these products. The gel will numb any areas it contacts such as gums and teeth. Most are flavored, though they can have an unpleasant taste. Apply the gel to sore and tender areas of your mouth. Use a q-tip to apply the gel and to spread it. Try not to get the gel on your tongue; you might not feel your tongue and then bite it by accident. Modify your diet. You should avoid any foods that require lots of chewing. Eat a soft diet for the first 24 hours after your braces are tightened. Stick to foods such as Jello, pudding, mashed potatoes, applesauce, soups and smoothies. If you must eat something that has to be chewed, cut it into small pieces to reduce the amount of chewing you have to do. Use a small spoon or fork (preferably made out of plastic or wood) while eating to avoid hitting your teeth with utensils. Apply cold to your face and teeth to reduce pain and swelling. You can use ice packs or drink cold water. Use a gel or soft ice pack. Apply this to your cheeks for 15 minutes. Drink plenty of cold water with a straw. The cold from the water will help to numb your teeth and reduce the swelling in your gums. Do not eat or drink warm substances immediately after drinking icy water; this can damage your braces and make your teeth hurt even more. Rinse your mouth frequently. Use a recommended mouthwash or salt water. Mix a teaspoon of table salt into a glass of lukewarm water. Swish the salt water around your mouth for 60 seconds. This may sting any scrapes or sores you have from your braces at first, but will help to keep these clean and speed up healing. Do the same with any mouthwash recommended by your dentist. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Using a regular toothbrush might cause more discomfort. Remember to brush your teeth and braces at least twice a day. Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne. Sensodyne can help to reduce sensitivity and pain in your teeth due to tightened braces. Use dental wax on any wires or brackets that are scraping your mouth. This will protect you cheeks, lips and gums from scrapes and cuts. Ask your dentist or orthodontist for a supply of dental wax. You can also buy this at pharmacies. Apply a small amount of the wax to brackets and protruding wires in the morning after brushing your teeth. Remove any wax before brushing your teeth at night. Discard any used wax as it builds up bacteria. Try to sleep without dental wax on, but if you have a very troublesome wire it is ok to use this product at night. Keep your dental wax with you during the day in case you need to re-apply a small amount. Apply a fluoride gel three times a week. You should do this especially if your teeth are sensitive to cold things. In general, this gel can help with cavity prevention and tooth sensitivity. Sometimes you need a prescription for brush-on fluoride gel, so you should talk to your dentist about it before you use it. There are also fluoride gels that your dentist can apply to your teeth about twice a year. Talk to your dentist about this option if you're concern about the sensitivity of your teeth or the possibility of getting cavities.

Talk to your orthodontist or dentist about the procedure. Practice deep breathing before and during the procedure. Close your eyes and listen to music. Avoid caffeine before your appointment. Check to make sure none of the wires are poking you before leaving. Take an over the counter painkiller or anti-inflammatory. Take the medicine one hour before entering the office. Use an oral anesthetic to reduce discomfort. Modify your diet. Apply cold to your face and teeth to reduce pain and swelling. Rinse your mouth frequently. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Use dental wax on any wires or brackets that are scraping your mouth. Apply a fluoride gel three times a week.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-an-Epoxy-Floor

How to Clean an Epoxy Floor

If you've already cleared obstacles from your epoxy floor, sweep the floor with a dust mop to get rid of dirt. To make your cleaning solution, combine ammonia cleaner with water and spray the solution onto your floor. When the floor is covered, use a hard foam mop to scrub the area to get rid of marks and stains. If you don't need to clean the whole floor but want to get rid of a tough stain, mix 1 cup of vinegar with hot water and rub the mixture into the stain with a kitchen sponge.

Wipe any spills with paper towels. If you notice any fluid leaks or marks, wipe them up with a paper towel. This should suffice for all but the greasiest stains. The sooner you clean a spill, the easier it will be to remove. Alternatively, you can wipe these spills away with a soft cloth. Use a kitchen pad or brush with hot water. These brushes are designed to clean greasy, tenacious stains, with some elbow grease required. Hot water should be sufficient to clean up many of the spills you'll find on an epoxy floor. Attend to the toughest spills with a vinegar solution. Mix 1 cup (237ml) of vinegar with 2 US gal (7.6 L) of hot water. Use a kitchen sponge to rub the solution into more tenacious stains. You can keep this solution stored to handle any future spills. Another option is to use a 1:3 mix of window cleaner and water or Simple Green cleaner. Clear the area of obstructions. Before trying to clean the entirety of the floor, you should remove any obstructions. Parked vehicles should be pulled out and kept away until you've finished. Any tools, furniture or other objects should be cleared as well. Sweep the floor with a dust mop or vacuum it. The best size mop for this purpose is between 24 to 36 in (61 to 91 cm) long. All home improvement stores should carry these mops. Sweep or vacuum from one end of the floor to the other; this should get rid of anything not stuck to the floor, such as dirt, dust and leaves. Vacuuming may work best for getting dirt and debris out of small crevices in the floor. Mix a solution of ammonia cleaner and hot water. Ammonia will allow you to clean the floors of any tenacious marks or spills. Mix 4  fl oz (120 mL)of ammonia to 1 US gal (3.8 L) of hot water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle once properly mixed. Spray the solution onto your floor and mop. Make sure to cover the entirety of the floor evenly. Don't look to soak the floor, simply cover it with a fine mist of the solution. Once the floor is covered, use a hard foam mop to thoroughly scrub the floor. You should see most marks come off as you scrub. Avoid using string mops for this step. They don't clean as effectively as hard foam mops, don't lend themselves to scrubbing and may leave streaks on your floor. Particularly difficult spots can be scrubbed with a brush. Hose down the floor. The treatment of epoxy floors makes them resistant to water. This allows for simple removal of any leftover cleaning solution. If you have a garden hose, simply spray water over the whole floor, washing the cleaning solution away. If you don't have a garden hose, you can use a bucket of water, lightly splashing your floors. You can use a squeegee to rid your floor of water, sending it away from your floor. If the epoxy floor is in an area that doesn't lead to an exit, you can use a hard foam mop to soak up the water and wring it in a bucket. Keep a walk-off mat near the entrance. Depending on where you live, the changing of the seasons can bring about its own host of messes. Keeping a walk-off, or welcome mat, near the door will allow for the scrubbing off of boots and shoes before stepping on the floor. This will keep snow, water and mud off of the floor, meaning cleaning isn't needed as often. Put cardboard under the tires of parked vehicles. Vehicles that are kept parked for long periods of time, such as over the winter, can leave tire marks on your epoxy floors. Before parking vehicles for too much time, place cardboard of enough length to completely cover the tire. That way you won't have an unfortunate surprise come spring. Place a mouse pad under a motorcycle’s kickstand. If you keep a motorcycle on your epoxy floors, know that the kickstand could scratch and scuff it. Keep a mousepad in your garage and your motorcycle parked next to it. The kickstand should never come into contact with the floor; the spongy mousepad will keep it protected.

Wipe any spills with paper towels. Use a kitchen pad or brush with hot water. Attend to the toughest spills with a vinegar solution. Clear the area of obstructions. Sweep the floor with a dust mop or vacuum it. Mix a solution of ammonia cleaner and hot water. Spray the solution onto your floor and mop. Hose down the floor. Keep a walk-off mat near the entrance. Put cardboard under the tires of parked vehicles. Place a mouse pad under a motorcycle’s kickstand.

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

How to Make a Fireball

The easiest way to make a fireball is to start by soaking a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol. If you have gloves, wear them while you soak and then completely wring out the cotton ball. As a safety precaution, make sure you've squeezed out all of the excess alcohol from the cotton ball, then wash your hands and change out of any clothes that may have gotten splashed by rubbing alcohol. Although you should hold your cotton ball with tongs while lighting it, once it's ablaze, you can safely shift it from hand to hand as long as you don't let it rest in one spot for too long.

Pour rubbing alcohol into a small bowl. To start making your fireball from a cotton ball, first pour around ¼ cup (60 ml) of rubbing alcohol into a small bowl. Keep in mind that higher concentrations of rubbing alcohol make a larger and hotter flame, while lower concentrations make a flame that is not as hot but is easier to hold. 70% rubbing alcohol is a high concentration. If you can't find a lower concentration, dilute it to make a mixture that is one part water, 2 parts 70% rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol. Place one cotton ball in the bowl of rubbing alcohol, turning it over to soak the entire ball in the liquid. Wear disposable gloves or kitchen gloves if you have them so that the rubbing alcohol does not get directly on your hands. Squeeze out the cotton ball. After soaking the cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol, take the cotton ball out of the bowl and squeeze it to release excess alcohol. This ensures that the cotton ball won't drip rubbing alcohol, which is dangerous when you set it the cotton ball on fire. Wash your hands. If you are handling the cotton ball with your bare hands, set the cotton ball down on a plate or counter. Wash you hands with soap and water and dry them to remove traces of rubbing alcohol. If your clothing got splashed by the rubbing alcohol, change any garments that have the alcohol on them as an extra safety precaution. If you did use gloves to soak the cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol, take off the gloves, making sure not to transfer the rubbing alcohol to your hands. Your cotton ball is now ready to be set aflame! Cut a shirt into a strip. You can also make a fireball using a cotton shirt as a base, which will make a bigger flame. First, cut the cotton T-shirt into a 2 x 4.7 inch(5 x 12 cm) strip. Make sure that you are using a T-shirt that is 100% cotton. If you use a shirt that is only partly cotton, it will melt instead of burn. Roll the strip of shirt into a ball. After you cut your strip, roll it to create a ball. Try not to roll it too tightly, or else the rubbing alcohol will have a hard time soaking into the fabric. Also try to tuck in any loose ends or edges to make a more regular ball. Keep holding the cloth ball in your hand after rolling so that it doesn't unravel. Fasten the ball with thread. Thread a large, sharp needle with cotton string. Then insert the needle into the cloth ball, piercing it all the way through the ball from one side to the other. Make sure that the string you are using is 100% cotton. Hold the ball while you pierce it with the needle to make sure it stays together. Tie the string at both ends. After you stitch through the cloth ball, tie the cotton string at both ends. Stitching through the ball helps the cloth ball to keep its shape. Don't break off the string, as you will keep using it. Wrap thread around the ball. After you have stitched through the middle of the ball, take the cloth thread and wind it around the ball to help hold it together and keep its spherical shape. Secure the thread. After you have wound the thread around the ball, insert the needle back into the ball and pull the string through the other side. Then cut the string and knot it so that it stays. Place the cloth ball in a bowl of rubbing alcohol. Pour around ½ cup (125 ml) of rubbing alcohol into a bowl large enough to hold the cloth ball. Then take the cloth ball and place it in the rubbing alcohol, allowing it to soak for a few seconds. Use a spoon or other object to turn the ball over in the alcohol so that both sides absorb some of the rubbing alcohol. Do not get any rubbing alcohol on your hands or clothes. Transfer the cloth ball to a clean bowl. After you have soaked the cloth ball for about three seconds, use a pair of tongs or tweezers to transfer the ball out from the bowl with the alcohol to a new, clean bowl. Make the transfer after only a few seconds so that the cloth ball doesn't soak for too long. If the ball absorbs too much rubbing alcohol, it will become soaked and start dripping. This can be dangerous when you light it on fire. Wash your hands. Even if you are fairly certain you didn't get any rubbing alcohol on your hands, it's best to wash them before you ignite the fireball. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If any rubbing alcohol splashed on your clothes, it's very important to change into new clothes. Having rubbing alcohol on your clothes can cause your clothes to get set on fire. Find a clear, safe space. Don't ignite your fireball in a cluttered space or around highly flammable objects like papers. Try to find an empty, neutral space like your driveway or inside a concrete garage. Set up a fire extinguisher as an extra safety precaution. Review how to use the fire extinguisher before lighting the fireball. Hold the ball with a pair of tweezers or tongs. It's not a good idea to set fire to the ball when it is in your hands. Instead, pick it up using a pair of tweezers or tongs and hold it out in front of you. Clear the bowl of rubbing alcohol away, as it could be a fire hazard. Ignite the ball with a fire source. Use a fire source, preferably a long reach lighter, to ignite the ball. The ball should immediately be consumed by flames and become a fireball! Drop the fireball into your hand. After you light the fireball, you have the option of holding it by the tongs or tweezers, or holding it in your hand. If you decide you want to hold it, drop the fireball carefully into your palm, making sure not to drop it on the ground. If you do drop the fireball, you can try to scoop it up, or just stamp on it with your foot to put it out. Shift the ball from hand to hand. Though it's safe to handle the fireball, if you hold it in the same place in your hand, it will become very hot and may burn you. Instead of holding the fireball in the same spot, shift it between your left and right hand. Hold your hands away from your body so that there is no risk of the fireball catching your clothes on fire. Remember not to panic. It's safe to hold the fireball as long as you keep shifting it around and keep it away from your clothing. Put out the fireball. Whenever you are done playing with the fireball, close your hand over it. This should cause the fireball to extinguish. Make sure that the fireball is completely extinguished by running water over it. Then dispose of the ball.

Pour rubbing alcohol into a small bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the rubbing alcohol. Squeeze out the cotton ball. Wash your hands. Cut a shirt into a strip. Roll the strip of shirt into a ball. Fasten the ball with thread. Tie the string at both ends. Wrap thread around the ball. Secure the thread. Place the cloth ball in a bowl of rubbing alcohol. Transfer the cloth ball to a clean bowl. Wash your hands. Find a clear, safe space. Hold the ball with a pair of tweezers or tongs. Ignite the ball with a fire source. Drop the fireball into your hand. Shift the ball from hand to hand. Put out the fireball.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Famous-Dancer

How to Become a Famous Dancer

To become a famous dancer, start by creating a Youtube account and uploading videos of your performances so that people can see you dance. Then, share the videos using other social media accounts, like Twitter or Instagram, to get more exposure. As you build an online presence, interact with famous dancers to learn from them and to make useful contacts. Additionally, when you make videos, try to incorporate a signature dance move to help you stand out from other dancers and help you go viral.

Create a free Youtube account. Record your performances and upload your videos to Youtube. It's a free video-hosting platform that's easy to join by simply following the prompts. You don't have to audition or enroll in any formal schooling to upload your performances. If a video goes viral and you build a significant following, you may be able to create a portfolio, be approached for music videos, asked to audition for commercials, or get discovered by a talent agency. Create other free social media accounts to build your name. For example, you can promote your Youtube videos by sharing the link on a free account on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram. Take advantage of these free platforms and post as often as you can to expose your talent to as broad of an audience as you can. Consistency is key to gaining a significant following so post regularly and with frequency. Create a schedule that's easy for you to meet so your fans know when to check your accounts for new content. Become friends with famous dancers through social media. Post on the walls of famous dancers' social media profiles. For example, you can comment on a tweet or youtube video a famous dancer posted. You can also partake in dance forums or post on the pages of national or even local dance projects. Becoming a respected voice in the dance community can lead to online fame. You may also learn to shoot, edit, and share videos so people see what you look like and get a sense of your own talent. Think of every post as an audition. Don't post anything disrespectful or unrepresentative of you as a person and dancer. Save for an emergency audition fund. You may have to travel very far to audition depending on where you are living. Your expenses may include airfare, food, and your hotel stay. Save responsibly to make sure that your audition fund is never short. An audition may be a process of several days or even several weeks so be prepared to have the funds on hand. Fame may not come immediately so be prepared to have another source of income that supplements your dance career. Create a monthly budget to ensure you have enough money until your dance career takes off. Learn from famous teachers. Learn as many styles as you can from as many famous teachers as you can. Famous teaches often tour or have a residency for workshops and classes. Your opportunity may arise from anywhere but getting to know famous teachers at famous studios may help expedite the process. You may also learn your own style from learning the different philosophies of different instructors. You want teachers who have cachet so that their letters of reference or name alone can immediately open doors within the industry. You also want to learn different styles because it may lead you to fame via a different route. For example, if you want to be a famous ballerina and learn hip hop dance, you may become famous for dancing in a hip hop video rather than in a ballet. Narrow your search for teachers depending on the time and money you have to spend. Some famous teachers may be across the globe. There is no guarantee that studying under someone famous will lead to fame. Get a signature dance move. You may be capable of doing things other dancers can't. If you are flexible, athletic, and creative, find a signature dance move. There are many dances, like the twist, that become a cultural phenomenon. Work with singers or other artists to spread your move. Audition for a dance competition. Whether it's a competition at your city, a national competition, or a tv show like "So You Think You Can Dance", there will be instant fame if you are one of the top finishers. In particular, winning a televised competition may give you an agent or a key role in a production as part of your winnings. Find a summer program. In the beginning, find a dance company or school that offers a suitable program. You want an opportunity to advance technically and network professionally. If you are in school, summer is the best time to focus on your dance career with an intensive program. Some programs are very competitive so be sure to allow yourself at least a six months to a year for preparation. Find funding. There may be local, state, federal, or even national funding for specific dance programs that you are applying to. Reach out to funding bodies, like schools or your local arts council, to help fund your initial foray into the industry. Career planning conferences can help you find funding. Workshops can also be a good resource to meet people and learn about any funding opportunities. Intern or get a mentor. Mentors and internships are a great way to get experience. It also allows you to learn from a number of voices within the industry. Even if internships with a dance company is not advertised, attending performances allows you to approach dancers and build a rapport that you can later turn into a mentor-type relationship. Internships and mentorships are highly sought after so be prepared to sacrifice without getting any compensation other than experience. Make sure to find the right person as some may see it as an opportunity to exploit you. Write a proper bio and resume. Learn to present yourself in the best light. In the beginning you'll need to pitch yourself to get gigs, apply into programs, or to get an agent. Let people know why you deserve an opportunity. You will also need a great profile for social media, to hand out during networking events, or for agents making a surprise visit to a performance. Continue learning. Whether you complete a full degree or just a single course, you can always learn and improve your performance. You can learn about kinesiology to help keep your body healthy, music theory to help choreography, or acting and voice lessons for television. There are also a multitude of elements for stagecraft you can learn. Understanding the business may also benefit your financial goals as well. Different institutions may offer different certificates or degrees so contact the institution and talk to a counselor before committing yourself. For example, rather than investing your resources in a marketing degree, you may just want to take courses in social media to help sustain your profile and build your brand with monthly content. Maintain support from peers. Dance and show business are very competitive. Once you find people who support, listen, and understand you as a person, work to maintain those relationships. You will most likely work in a number of projects throughout your career so be respectful of those you work with as you may work with them again. Adapt to your body's needs. While your mind may sharpen, your body will slow down as you age. Transition into teaching, acting, singing, or another passion that still allows you to use your knowledge of dance and fame. Don't try to force your body to continue dancing if you suffer from an injury or chronic pain. Think about your legacy. When you start your career you may be eligible for scholarships, apprenticeships, or fellowships. When you become more established you may be able to pay it forward and establish your own scholarship or fellowship. You may become part of national or local organizations that help fend emerging talent. Part of your legacy is what you pass on to the next generation. Make sure to apply early and double-check that you meet all the application criteria when applying for a scholarship, apprenticeship, or fellowship. Think about what you needed when you started out before creating your own scholarship. The criteria can be anything that you think needs your attention. For example, you may start a fund for dancers with special needs because your sister also has special needs. Stay dedicated. Keep your focus and continue to dance as much as your body and schedule allow. Your longevity is a direct result of your work ethic. Keeping disciplined and setting new goals will keep things fresh. Immerse yourself in your artistic community to keep inspired by new projects and artists. Become a choreographer and continue to collaborate. As you continue your dance career, your body may no longer be able to keep up with the rigors of dancing. Choreography is a natural transition. Collaborate with artists, musicians, actors, and designers to create your own passion projects. Deal with different personalities respectfully. You can always learn from others in different fields. Don't let your ego get in the way of putting something together. Take good care of your feet. Your feet are your main tool for dancing so take extra care of them. Some common problems are blisters, bunions, toe splits, broken bones, and floor burn. Don't neglect your feet and take the proper precautions. Allow any wounds to heal with the right amount of rest or your feet will sustain permanent damage and end your career prematurely. Maintain a healthy diet. A poor diet, such as candy and fast food, can make you lethargic and affect your performance. Healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can give you energy and keep your body performing at its peak. Find the right foods to benefit your short term performance and long term health. Energize your morning and get fuel for the day with protein. Snack on hummus, nuts, granola, quinoa, and fruit rather than candy or chips to keep you energized. Have a salad if you are feeling hungry in the evening. It's also smart to eat food with anti-inflammatory agents like turmeric or ginger. Make sacrifices. In the beginning, you will need to sacrifice a lot of your time and energy to become famous; however, even when you become famous, you will still need to make sacrifices to ensure you stay relevant. You will need a lot of time to train and recover. Taking care of your mind and body should take precedence over your social time if you want to have a long career. You will need to not only train on your off time but also cross-train, sleep, warm up, cool down, and roll out your muscles and stretch. This is to ensure your body is at its peak physical shape. Don't compromise your career with an injury that can be easily prevented. There are always new techniques, supplements, and medical advancements to stay on top of. Try different instructors and different classes. There are many different dance styles. In your off time, learn new forms or improve current styles with a new teacher. Don't spread yourself too thin. You may only want to focus on a single technique for a specific performance or learn an entirely new form as you wait for another gig. Dance is constantly evolving with new sub-genres. You can learn ballet, hip hop, jazz, swing, flamenco, African, modern, interpretive, and all the sub-genres in between. Train in other movement disciplines. Other forms of movement can greatly benefit your dance techniques. Train in martial arts, yoga, gymnastics, or other athletic forms to help your coordination, strength, and agility. Muscle movements easily translate into dance choreography. Perform as much as possible. Don't wait for auditions. Create your own opportunities by collaborating with other artists or funding your own projects. You can even post on community bulletin boards to create local, smaller productions. If you can't find what you're looking for where you live, create it. Take advantage of social media and market your performances. You can also reach out to peers and contemporaries to start a new project or find out if they are working on anything that you can be a part of. Persevere despite the odds. Becoming a famous dancer is extremely difficult even if you have the talent and natural ability. Hard work can be derailed without the proper mindset. Prepare yourself for the injuries, long hours, and emotions needed to beat the odds. Put in extra hours. If you are indispensable, you can ensure a long career. Long hours of work and the right demeanor can endear you to both cast and crew. You can also learn more things beyond the day's production material. Don't disrupt practice, class, or a performance with a negative attitude. If you are tired or grumpy, fall back on your support system and don't take it out on others. Respect the process. Have humility and learn from your mistakes and failures. Experience is the best teacher and not every performance will be perfect; some may even be terrible. Take these opportunities to learn, improve, and build your character. Be positive. Focus only on what you can control as anxiety about your future or depression about past failures can become toxic. Your future is bright as long as you continue to work hard, be humble, and respect the process. The physical demands of your career will be difficult to deal with on their own so don't allow a bad attitude to make things even worse. Be open. Watch any performance and participate in discussions and workshops. You can also supplement your experience by reading articles and meeting people. While stage time is the best teacher, you can also learn from peers and friends that have a different perspective. Everyone makes mistakes and failure will happen. Find the lesson and keep pushing forward after things don't go as you would have liked. Don’t rest on your laurels. Find a lesson in the experience of working with difficult people. Even the best dancers aren't perfect. You can learn from anything especially your most difficult situations. Dance every opportunity as if it's your last. Your career can be cut short from anything including going bankrupt, falling ill, getting injured, or falling in love. Express your passion with each performance. It doesn't matter who your audience is as long as you embody your passion for dance. You never know who is watching. A passionate performance can garner you an agent or new career opportunity. If you post it online, it could become viral and increase your fame. Avoid negativity. People in the public eye expose themselves to criticism. Remember that everyone has their own opinion and that you won't be able to please everyone. You may even find critics among family, friends, peers, and the media. Do what you feel is right and block out the noise. At the end of the day, if you can tell yourself that you've given 100%, the reviews don't matter. You are doing this for yourself and not for anyone else. While fame may be a product of good reviews, you can also become famous for a number of different reasons. Don't get involved in drama or politics. As you begin to climb the ranks of fame, you may encounter both toxic individuals and situations. Focus on yourself and avoid anyone who is trying to use you or bring you down. Work on your craft and remain focused on what makes you happiest. Take care of yourself. Fame and fortune are fleeting. It takes a lot of sacrifices to reach the upper echelon of this very competitive industry. As you become more famous, stay grounded and remember that there's more to life than fame and dancing. Practice as much as you can. Confidence comes with practice. All the best dancers have put in numerous hours of work to get to their level. Push yourself to improve through the long hours. You may need a lot of travel and do a lot of press. Find time to continue to practice despite a busy schedule filled with media obligations. Stay in the moment. There's no point in dwelling on mistakes during a poor performance or missed opportunities. It's easy to get distracted and repeat the same mistake during the performance if you dwell on it. Fall back on the fundamentals of technique and treat each performance as its own.

Create a free Youtube account. Become friends with famous dancers through social media. Save for an emergency audition fund. Learn from famous teachers. Get a signature dance move. Audition for a dance competition. Find a summer program. Find funding. Intern or get a mentor. Write a proper bio and resume. Continue learning. Maintain support from peers. Adapt to your body's needs. Think about your legacy. Stay dedicated. Become a choreographer and continue to collaborate. Take good care of your feet. Maintain a healthy diet. Make sacrifices. Try different instructors and different classes. Train in other movement disciplines. Perform as much as possible. Persevere despite the odds. Respect the process. Don’t rest on your laurels. Avoid negativity. Take care of yourself. Practice as much as you can.

https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Your-Social-Security-Number

How to Protect Your Social Security Number

To protect your Social Security number, store your original card in a safe and commit the number to memory. Only give your SSN to organizations that need it, like your employer and the IRS. To see if your identity is secure, check your Social Security earnings report for inaccuracies. Make sure to monitor your financial accounts and credit report for unapproved activity, and keep an eye out for fraudulent accounts opened with your SSN.

Lock your Social Security card in a safe. Treat your Social Security card with as much respect and care as your birth certificate, tax records, and other confidential documents. Unless you're required to show it, keep the original card locked in a safe at home. If a professional entity requests the card, see if you can bring a photocopy instead to avoid losing the original. To defend against fires, floods, and other disasters, keep your card in a weatherproofed container. Memorize your SSN so you don’t have to reference your card. In most cases, entities requesting your SSN will not need the actual card, just the number. The safest way to relay the number is by committing it to memory, that way nobody can steal the original paperwork from your wallet, purse, or briefcase. To help you memorize your SSN, try reading it aloud or writing it down multiple times. Test yourself daily until you can recall it without a visual aid. Shred used documents that list your SSN. When getting rid of confidential documents, make sure to run them through a cross-cut or confetti shredder. This is especially important for documents that list your Social Security number, like financial statements. For extra security, try burning your documents in a fireplace or pit. Ask why an organization needs your SSN before giving it to them. Some public and private organizations require your Social Security number to function properly. Most, however, have no use for it. Before giving your number to an organization, ask what they intend to use it for. When in doubt, only give your SSN to entities like your employer, the IRS, and banks. If an institution has a spot on their forms for your SSN, check to see if it's required or optional. Many places, like doctor's offices, collect the info but don't actually need it. Look out for phishing e-mails and scam callers. At some point, everyone gets targeted by e-mails or phone calls requesting private information. Unless you explicitly requested an e-mail or phone call from the person in question, do not give them your SSN or other identifying information. Never click on links or download attachments from phishing e-mails, as they often contain malicious software that will harm your computer or steal your information. Look for signs that an e-mail is a scam, like a suspicious e-mail address or bad grammar. Look for signs that a phone call is a scam, like suspicious reward offers or a reluctance to describe the reason for calling. Review your Social Security earnings report. If you think someone is using your SSN, check your Social Security earnings statement. Available at https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/ , this report lists all taxes removed from your income by the Social Security Administration. If something looks inaccurate, it may be a sign that someone is using your identity to find work. In some cases, Social Security report issues stem from simple paperwork errors, not malicious intent. Look out for unapproved financial activity. If you receive a notification that a new banking account, credit card, or other financial account was opened using your SSN, contact the company in question immediately. If your existing assets were compromised, have the company freeze your account until you figure out what happened. If your bank offers it, sign up for e-mail or text alerts for every transaction, letting you know immediately if your information was compromised. Check your credit report regularly. Credit reports keep track of your debts, including those from credit card accounts and loans. If your score suddenly changes, or if an unapproved debt shows up on the report, it may be a sign that your identity has been stolen. Free reports are available from the three major credit bureaus - Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax - and free report monitoring is available from companies like Credit Karma. Keep any evidence of identity theft if your SSN is stolen. Collect any unauthorized bills, statements, receipts, verification messages, and other documents that may provide proof of identity theft. These are necessary to complete an FTC Identity Theft Report. Freeze your credit and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. To avoid further damage, contact Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax and explain the situation. Ask them to freeze your credit and place a free, 90-day fraud alert on your account. To make sure everything has gone through, look out for a confirmation letter from all 3 credit bureaus. Contact Experian at 1-888-397-3742 or visit them at https://www.Experian.com/fraudalert. Contact TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289 or visit them at https://www.TransUnion.com/fraud. Contact Equifax at 1-888-766-0008 or visit them at https://www.Equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance. Report identity theft to the FTC and local law enforcement. As soon as possible, file an official report with the FTC by going to https://www.identitytheft.gov/Assistant#1 or calling 1-877-438-4338. Once your FTC Identity Theft Report is complete, file a report with your local police department, making sure to include copies of your FTC report, ID, a utility bill, and documented evidence of identity theft. Close fraudulent accounts and request the removal of bogus charges. Contact any businesses you know were defrauded and ask them to close your accounts. If your original accounts were hacked or misused, change your usernames, passwords, and PIN numbers. If any of your personal banking information was compromised, ask your financial institution to remove unapproved charges and refund the money. Write down the name of whoever helped you and ask for a letter or e-mail confirming that the account was closed and bogus charges were removed. Ask all 3 credit bureaus to remove false credit report information. When you have an official FTC Identity Theft Report, contact Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax again. Give them a copy of the report along with proof of your identity, then ask them to remove credit information caused by identity theft. Make sure you're specific about what information they need to remove. Each credit bureau will block the bogus report info, meaning it won't appear on official credit reports and you are not obligated to pay the debts. Request a new SSN if necessary. If you've tried everything else and are still dealing with identity theft, it may be time to request a new number. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271 with proof of your age, identity, and citizenship status, then ask to apply for a new number. An assistant will walk you through the application process. Be aware that, because old records will retain your original number, a new SSN may not provide a completely fresh start.

Lock your Social Security card in a safe. Memorize your SSN so you don’t have to reference your card. Shred used documents that list your SSN. Ask why an organization needs your SSN before giving it to them. Look out for phishing e-mails and scam callers. Review your Social Security earnings report. Look out for unapproved financial activity. Check your credit report regularly. Keep any evidence of identity theft if your SSN is stolen. Freeze your credit and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. Report identity theft to the FTC and local law enforcement. Close fraudulent accounts and request the removal of bogus charges. Ask all 3 credit bureaus to remove false credit report information. Request a new SSN if necessary.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Softball

How to Dress for Softball

Dressing in the right clothes for softball will keep you comfortable and safe during games. Wear compression shorts, also called athletic sliders, to protect your thighs from burns when you slide. You'll also need softball socks and softball pants on top to protect your lower legs. Wear an athletic t-shirt or tank top to practice, and your team jersey to games. You'll also need cleats so you don't slip on the grass. You're allowed to wear baseball caps, visors, headbands, and ribbons while you're playing, as long as there are no plastic parts on them, since this could injure you or someone else if you fall down or collide.

Wear sliders to protect your thighs from burns. Athletic sliders are also known as compression shorts. They're flexible, mid-thigh length shorts that go underneath your softball pants. Wear sliders whether you're going to practice or a game. If you'll be wearing an athletic cup, look for a pair of sliders with a cup supporter. Put on softball socks and pull them all the way up. Softball socks are high socks that should be worn during practices and games. The top of your socks should come up to your upper shins when you pull them on. It's important that you wear your socks pulled all the way up to protect the bottom of your legs from getting scratches or burns. If you want to wear colored socks, choose a color that matches one of the colors in your uniform. Put on softball pants over your sliders. Softball pants are stretchy pants that go to just below your knees. You're required to wear them to games, but you might not need to wear them to practices. Ask your coach if you're allowed to wear shorts instead of softball pants to practices. To properly wear softball pants, pull them up so the waistband is resting on your waist. The bottom of the pants should go over the top of your softball socks. Look for softball pants made of a reinforced fabric so they don't tear. Moisture-resistant softball pants will disperse sweat while you're playing. Wear your jersey if you're going to a game. If you're only going to practice, an athletic t-shirt or tank top should be OK. When wearing your jersey, tuck the bottom of it into the waistband of your pants. You want it to be loose enough that you're comfortable, but not so loose that it will come untucked when you're playing. Wear cleats over your socks. You should wear your cleats to practices and games so you get used to playing in them. Look for cleats made out of a breathable fabric so your feet don't get too hot. Tie the laces on your cleats tightly and tuck the loose ends into the sides of your shoes so you don't accidentally trip over them. Tie your hair up if you have long hair. Putting your hair up before practices and games will keep it out of your eyes when you're playing. You can also wear a headband or ribbon to keep flyaway hairs out of your line of vision. Wear your team's uniform. Your jersey should have your name, team number, and team name on it. Make sure your socks, softball pants, and any other components of your outfit are in your team colors. It's OK if your softball pants, socks, or other gear is black or white, even if those aren't your team colors. Just avoid wearing colors that will clash with your team colors and cause confusion on the field. Play in cleats. Look for cleats that are made out of plastic, nylon, canvas, or leather. You can wear rubber cleats, or you can wear metal cleats as long as they're rectangular. Don't wear rounded metal cleats. Make sure the cleats on the bottom of your shoes don't extend further than ¾ inch (1.9 cm) from the sole. Leave your jewelry at home. Jewelry isn't permitted in most regulation softball games, so don't wear things like earrings, necklaces, watches, or bracelets. If you need to wear metal jewelry for religious or medical purposes, talk to your coach or someone in charge of the league you're playing in. Wear the proper headwear. It's OK to wear baseball caps, visors, headbands, and ribbons while you're playing. Avoid wearing plastic visors, bandanas, or hair beads, or you may not be allowed to play. Wear a fielder's mask if you're a pitcher or third basemen. Secure the mask over your face before you go onto the field to protect yourself from the ball. If you're twelve years old or younger, get a youth-sized mask. If you're older than twelve, get an adult-sized mask. You can find a fielder's mask online or at your local sporting goods store. You don't have to be a pitcher or third basemen to wear a fielder's mask. If you're worried about getting hit in the head with the ball, wear the mask whenever you're in the infield. Put on a batting helmet before you bat. Fasten the chin strap on the helmet so it's secure on your head. Keep the helmet on as you're running the bases. You can find a batting helmet online or at your local sporting goods store. To get the right size batting helmet, measure the circumference of your head just above your ears. When buying a helmet, choose the size that corresponds with the measurement you took of your head. Wear the necessary safety gear if you're a catcher. To keep yourself safe from fast-flying pitches, you want to put on a helmet, throat guard, chest guard, shin guards, and a catchers' mitt. Keep these items on the entire time you're on the field to prevent injury. Get batting gloves if your hands hurt when you bat. Batting gloves will prevent the stinging sensation you get when you hit the ball. Look for a pair of batting gloves at your local sporting goods store or online. Before you buy a pair of batting gloves, measure the distance between the base of your palm (where you wrist starts) and the tip of your middle finger. Batting gloves are sized using this measurement.

Wear sliders to protect your thighs from burns. Put on softball socks and pull them all the way up. Put on softball pants over your sliders. Wear your jersey if you're going to a game. Wear cleats over your socks. Tie your hair up if you have long hair. Wear your team's uniform. Play in cleats. Leave your jewelry at home. Wear the proper headwear. Wear a fielder's mask if you're a pitcher or third basemen. Put on a batting helmet before you bat. Wear the necessary safety gear if you're a catcher. Get batting gloves if your hands hurt when you bat.

https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Wine-to-Cook-With

How to Choose a Wine to Cook With

The best wine to cook with depends on what type of meal you're making. For flavorful dishes or red meats, try a Merlot or Cabernet. Choose a rich, dry white wine like a Chardonnay for chicken dishes, or a crisper Pinot Grigio for seafood options. Sweet whites and sparkling wines like champagne are also good choices for chicken or fish entrées.

Read the recipe. Reading your recipe before you choose your cooking wine will help you narrow down your search. Even if you don't yet understand the difference between wine types, just knowing that you need a 'sweet white,' or a 'cup of dry red' will make the selection process a little less daunting. Forget those bottles labeled 'cooking wine. ' While it might seem easy just to grab a bottle labeled 'cooking wine,' it's important to remember that this isn't the best 'wine' if you want to make an impressive meal. Cooking wine tastes more like a vinegar than a wine and will be located in the vinegar aisle at your local store. Choosing a wine to cook with means you will need to venture into the wine section of your supermarket, to your local liquor store, or to a winery. Liquor stores and wineries might be more helpful places to search for cooking wine as their staff will be trained in understanding the different properties of the wine that they are selling. They will easily be able to point you in the direction of sweet wines, dry wines, and dessert wines. Taste some dry and sweet wines.Trying different wines will give you a taste for sweeter and dryer flavors. Professionally speaking, a dry wine has no residual sugar, whereas a sweet wine does. In simple terms, some wines retain some excess sugar from the fermentation process, and as a result, they taste sweeter. Use sweet wines when baking desserts, and dryer wines when making savory dishes. Choose a wine with a mid-range alcohol content. Wines with an alcohol content of between 10 and 13 percent are best for cooking with, as wines that are too alcoholic will have less acidity (which is important for tenderizing), and will take a lot longer to reduce. Opt for a dry white if you are cooking white meat, fish, or creamy sauces. Dry, crisp white is the most popular wine to cook with and can add wonderful flavor to creamy sauces, soups, chicken and shell fish dishes. Choose a rich, dry wine like Chardonnay for cream, or chicken dishes, a crisper Pinot Grigio for seafood options, and a lighter Sauvignon Blanc for veggies. Sweet white wines are used less in cooking, but if a recipe calls for a sweeter white, try out a Chenin Blanc, Muscat, or White Zinfandel. Use a dry white to deglaze your pan. Deglazing is the fancy way of saying 'removing bits of food from the pan with wine.' When you cook, bits of food often remain in the pan, and these are often the most flavorful. Deglazing allows you to maximise their flavor by mixing in some cool white wine to create a flavorsome broth, sauce, or stew. Sweeter wines might caramelize during the deglazing process, or add too much sweetness to your dish. Choose a sparkling white for sorbets, savories or tangy vinaigrettes. You can cook with sparkling wine as you would do normal wine, as the bubbles will disappear when they heat up. Sparkling wine is perfect for savory dishes (such as chicken, oysters, risotto, or fish), but it's also a great accompaniment to certain baked treats, sorbets, and salad vinaigrettes. Opt for a dry red if you want rich flavors, or you are cooking red meat. Dry reds are an excellent choice when cooking reductions, sauces, meaty stews, or Bolognese. Dry reds include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz/Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Choose a sweeter red if you are making a dessert. Sweeter reds are wonderful with poached fruits like pears and can also be used in cakes and glazes. Some people might also choose a slightly sweeter red when making savory dishes like meatballs. Sweet reds include Rieslings, Madeira, and Sauternes. Choose a rose' wine if you prefer a lighter flavor. Rose' wines are made from red grapes, but the grape skins are removed very early on in the wine making process, hence the lighter color. Rose' wines can be delicious in desserts and with savory dishes. You can get both sweet and dry rose' wines, but the dryer varieties are better for cooking with and can be used in marinades and casseroles. Use a pinot noir when cooking desserts to avoid tannins. Tannins are bitter organic compounds and they are often found in red wines. These can make dishes taste bitter. However, proteins in meat luckily break these tannins down (a bit like milk breaks down tannins in a cup of tea!) If you are cooking a savory meat dish with red wine you need not worry about the tannins, as the protein in the meat will break them down. If you are making a dessert, a pinot noir is great choice. Grab a sweet fortified wine like port or sherry if you like rich flavors. Ports are great for a variety of dishes, from sweet desserts to savory reductions. You can use port to make a decadent sauce for your steak, and this often goes well with a blue cheese side. You can also use port and sherry in chocolate desserts and on top of cakes and brownies. Port is made from red grapes and is thus classified as a red wine, and sherry is made from white grapes and is, therefore, a white wine. However, both are far sweeter than normal drinking wines and both are categorized as dessert wines. Choose a rice wine if you are cooking a Japanese or Chinese inspired dish. Although Chinese rice wine isn't technically an alcohol, it can add great flavor to Asian style dishes. Japanese wine, otherwise known as 'Mirin' has about 10 % alcohol and is delicious in Asian barbeque sauces and glazes. Make a substitution. If you are cooking for people do not consume alcohol for religious, or personal reasons you can use some non-alcoholic substitutes. Replace dry red wines with red wine vinegar (this is acidic and great for deglazing your cooking pan) or cranberry or pomegranate juice for a sweeter red. If your recipe calls for a dry white wine use some white wine vinegar. Use white grape juice for a sweeter white or vegetable stock mixed with lemon juice for a more tangy flavor.

Read the recipe. Forget those bottles labeled 'cooking wine. Taste some dry and sweet wines.Trying different wines will give you a taste for sweeter and dryer flavors. Choose a wine with a mid-range alcohol content. Opt for a dry white if you are cooking white meat, fish, or creamy sauces. Use a dry white to deglaze your pan. Choose a sparkling white for sorbets, savories or tangy vinaigrettes. Opt for a dry red if you want rich flavors, or you are cooking red meat. Choose a sweeter red if you are making a dessert. Choose a rose' wine if you prefer a lighter flavor. Use a pinot noir when cooking desserts to avoid tannins. Grab a sweet fortified wine like port or sherry if you like rich flavors. Choose a rice wine if you are cooking a Japanese or Chinese inspired dish. Make a substitution.

https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-a-Lot-of-Weight-over-the-Summer

How to Lose a Lot of Weight over the Summer

If you want to lose a lot of weight over the summer, follow a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Replace saturated fats with healthy fats, which you'll find in things like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. If you're at a barbecue or party, opt for lean meats like chicken or turkey, rather than red meats or burgers. Lean meats contain more protein and less fat than red meats and burgers. Add lots of fruit and vegetables to your diet, which are low in calories and contain important nutrients. Alongside these dietary changes, take advantage of the nice weather to get some exercise, such as brisk walking or riding your bike. You should aim to perform cardio exercises like these at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes each time. Do strength activities every day to help replace fat with muscle, like push-ups, sit-ups, or lifting heavy boxes.

Know what a healthy weight is for your body type. To determine what your healthy goal weight should be, use the body mass index (BMI), which can be used to predict risk for chronic diseases. BMI is a person's weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the square of the person's height in meters (m). Identify the weight you would like to be in kilograms and then divide that by your height in meters to see if it is healthy. You can also use a BMI calculator, such as the one on the NIH's website: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm Increase or decrease that goal weight so that it fits within the BMI range considered healthy: A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight. A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is a normal or healthy weight. A BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight, while a BMI greater than 30 is considered obese. Along with finding a healthy weight, also realize what is realistic. If you are 100 lb away from your healthy body weight with only a month before summer, consider setting a smaller, more attainable goal. Figure out how many calories you need to eat and burn. The more calories you cut back, the more weight you will lose; however, it is important that you do not eat less than your Basal Metabolic Rate, the amount of calories your body needs to function effectively when at rest. This number can be calculated using an online BMR calculator. In general, don't aim to lose more than one to two pounds per week. A loss of one to two pounds per week is a healthy rate at which to lose weight; any more than this could be too drastic a change and may signify that your body is not getting what it needs. To do this, try to eat 250 fewer calories per day and burn an extra 250 calories a day. This ratio will create enough of a calorie deficit that you should lose one pound per week. Understand and track calorie intake. During the summertime, you are surrounded by opportunities to eat, whether it's at a barbecue, pool party, ice cream party, or summer luau. However, if you want to lose weight over the summer, it's important that you cut back on the number of calories you eat. As a general rule, weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume. To help figure out how many calories you normally eat each day, track your food for a day by writing down the number of calories in everything you eat and drink. Calories are listed on the back of food labels. For foods that do not have labels, you can find information about the caloric value of certain foods online through the USDA Food Database. Pay attention to the number of servings you eat and multiply this by the number of calories per serving. For example, if you ate 30 chips and a serving size is 15 chips, you need to multiply the number of calories by two since you ate two servings. Once you have figured out how many calories you normally eat, cut down this number by 500-1000 calories per day to lose weight. Plan to keep a log. In this log, record what you eat and the type and duration of exercise you're doing every day. This is a simple yet very powerful tool to keep yourself accountable. The log will help you track your progress and see whether you are keeping to your healthy diet and exercise regimen. This is a wonderful way to hold yourself accountable and stay on track. There are many apps for smart phones that have capabilities to track food intake, energy expenditure, water intake and more! Often, we tend to overlook the snacking we do between meals and instead think our diet is not working. Studies have shown that most people underestimate how much they eat by 25 percent. In addition, many of us think we get more exercise and burn more calories than we do. Use the log to identify how many calories your exercise—whether it be a run on the treadmill or a spin on the bike—is burning. If you use cardio machines at a gym, the number of calories is usually digitally calculated and displayed. Make sure to put in your particulars, such as weight and age, to achieve an accurate count. There are also online charts that can help tell you how many calories a half hour or an hour of a given exercise burns. You might also discover useful information about your daily habits and a reality check about how many calories you actually consume and burn off through exercise. Once you know your habits and patterns better, you can begin to address problem behaviors that are hindering your progress. Get support. Find a partner—whether that be a spouse, friend, or family member—who wants to join you during outdoor activities, hit the gym with you, or join your healthy eating plan. Having social support will make it easier to lose weight because the other person will also keep you accountable and be a sounding board for any obstacles and struggles you face along the way. If you cannot find a friend or partner to help you with your weight loss journey, utilizing the services of a personal trainer or registered dietitian will keep you accountable and help you stay active and eat healthy. A trainer can also be a huge support system. Think outside of the box for your support system! Consult a physician. Always consult your physician before beginning any type of weight loss and/or exercise program. You should also consult your physician throughout your weight loss program and keep him updated of any changes or symptoms you may be experiencing, such as constipation thanks to your new diet plan or lethargy due to not getting enough food. In addition, you should also talk to your doctor if you are eating well, tracking your calories and watching what you eat, exercising, and are still not losing weight. This could be indicative of a more serious underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid problem. Limit alcohol consumption. Research has shown that alcohol can increase appetite and how much food you consume. Moreover, most types of alcohol, including beer and liquor, have been associated with subcutaneous belly fat specifically. (Wine appears to be an exception.) However, you don't need to cut out all alcohol, but instead limit your alcohol intake. Men should have no more than two drinks per day and women should have no more than one drink per day. One alcoholic drink is the equivalent of one 12 ounce beer, one 5 ounce glass of wine, or one 1.5 ounce serving of liquor. Remember that when the liver is focused on processing alcohol, it cannot be focused on fat loss. To keep the liver focused on fat loss, consider eliminating alcohol altogether and taking a liver cleansing supplement to keep it in tip-top shape. Stick to wine and liquor. A 5-ounce glass of wine or 1-ounce shot of liquor has about 100 calories, while a standard 12-ounce beer has 150 calories. Avoid mixed drinks and summer favorites like margaritas and daiquiris, which are usually loaded up with sugar. One 2010 study showed that women who consumed a light to moderate amount of alcohol actually gained less weight and had a reduced risk of becoming overweight than non-drinkers across a 13-year period. Avoid fast food and most processed foods. Most of these are empty calorie foods. "Empty calorie" foods are those which have calories (from sugar and/or solid fats) but little to no nutritional value. Further, many processed and refined foods, like white flour, white bread, and white rice, also lack B vitamins and other nutrients. Many also often contain partially hydrogenated fats (trans fats) or refined sugars (think high fructose corn syrup), which are extremely unhealthy. Foods and beverages that provide the most empty calories for Americans include cakes, cookies, chips, pastries and donuts, sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, cheese, pizza, ice cream, bacon, hot dogs and sausages. You can see how this is an especially big problem in the summer! Sometimes you can find better or alternate versions of these foods. For example, you can purchase low-fat hot dogs and low-fat cheese at grocery stores. You can also have sugar-free drinks. In other foods, like candy and regular soda, all the calories are basically empty. Avoid saturated fats, like those in animal products, such as red meat, butter, and lard. Add good fats to your diet. Replace those bad fats with good fats, though you'll always need to keep even the good fats in moderation. Monounsaturated fats have been clinically proven to help you burn fat, especially in your midsection. So, add foods like avocados, kalamata olives, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, and flaxseed to your diet to help facilitate weight loss. Fats are your friend! Healthy fats can provide satiety, eliminate cravings, improve joint pain, promote hormone production and more! Try to make healthy substitutions wherever you can, such as olive oil instead of butter in your cooking or a small handful of 10 to 12 almonds instead of a pre-packaged cookie for a snack. Opt for lean meats. Meats are a popular food found at summer barbecues and parties. To lose weight over the summer, it is important to choose meats that are lower in fat, which most red and processed meats, like hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, and steaks, are not. Leaner meat options include turkey, chicken, center cut pork loin, or extra lean ham steaks. Remove any skin or visible fat before cooking and eating meat. You can also purchase some meat, such as chicken or turkey breasts, skinless. You don't need to cut out red meat entirely but instead make better choices. For instance, when buying ground beef or turkey, choose meats that are 93% lean or higher (in other words, 7% fat or less). If you are grilling steaks, choose a leaner cut of steak, such as a top sirloin steak or round steak. Incorporate more fish into your diet. Try and eat fish at least two times per week. Fish, particularly salmon, mackerel, and tuna, is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which your body cannot make and you need to get from your diet. These omega-3 fatty acids may also help you lose weight. Fish is also an excellent source of protein and a good choice if you're looking to phase out fatty meats. Choose low-fat dairy options. Opting for lower fat dairy options will help reduce the amount of saturated fat you consume, thereby helping you lose weight (since saturated fats contribute to weight gain). Buy milk and cottage cheese with 1% fat or less. Choose low-fat or fat-free yogurts. When buying cheese, pick hard cheeses that are lower in fat, such as cheddar or parmesan. Avoid the soft and gooey cheeses. Eat more whole grains. Whole grains are loaded with fiber and minerals that are essential for a healthy body weight. Not to mention, whole grains fill you up and keep you full. Eat 100% whole wheat bread instead of white or wheat bread, brown rice instead of white rice, whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta. Eat more oats such as steel cut oats, old-fashioned oats, or quick oats. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a nutritious diet; they're low in calories and packed full of important vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. Adding more fruits and vegetables will help you lose weight and also make you healthier in the long run in part because they are high in fiber that can help you feel full longer and prevent you from overeating. In addition, Many fruits and vegetables are in season during the summer making it easier to add them to your diet since there are more available and they tend to be less expensive. Children aged nine and older and adults should consume 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 to 3 cups of vegetables every day. A good way to achieve these recommended amounts is to make sure that at each meal, your plate is 2/3 loaded up with fresh produce. Try color blocking. Make sure your meals have lots of colors; the best way to do this is by adding lots of fresh produce, from eggplant to beets to kale to yellow peppers. This color blocking usually helps you eat more produce and makes the meal look appetizing and appealing at the same time! One way to add more fruits and veggies to your diet, cut calories, and still enjoy the foods you love is to add or "hide" veggies to dishes. Researchers have found that adding pureed vegetables to dishes (e.g., cauliflower to mac and cheese) helped people eat a few hundred calories less of the dishes. Veggies add but bulk to a dish but not really a ton of extra calories. Eat foods with a high water content. Studies have shown that people who eat foods with high water content have lower body mass indexes. The water in these foods helps keep you full for longer so you eat less overall. Unsurprisingly, foods with the highest water content are fruits and vegetables, thus killing two birds with one stone! Watermelon and strawberries have about 92 percent water per volume. Other fruits with high water content include grapefruit, cantaloupe, and peaches. Remember, though, that many fruits are high in sugar, so try to limit how much fruit you eat daily. For vegetables, cucumber and lettuce have the highest water content at 96 percent. Zucchini, radish and celery have a water content of 95 percent. Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated over the summer is extremely important. With higher temperatures and more physical activity, your body needs more water due to excess sweating. Drinking water has been shown to increase weight loss in women who are also dieting to lose weight. Although the exact mechanisms as to how water aides in weight loss are unknown, it may be that water consumption facilitates weight loss because it keeps you full for longer and gives your body energy and provides your body with enough water to efficiently burn fat. Drink the recommended 13 cups per day for men and nine cups per day for women to help you lose more weight over the summer. If you have a hard time drinking enough water, you can also try to stay hydrated and nourished with these fun, summer ideas: Make your own smoothies. The perfect way to make a single serving smoothie is to fill the container halfway with leafy greens (such as spinach or kale), fill the other half with fruits (banana, berries, mango, etc), add some type of nutritional boost (such as flaxseed, chia seeds, or almonds), pour 8 fluid ounces of liquid on top (such as water, 1% milk, almond milk, or soy milk), and blend together until smooth. Make homemade popsicles. Homemade popsicles are an excellent way to stay hydrated as well as stay cool during the summer heat. They can be made just like a smoothie and then poured into a popsicle mold and frozen overnight. Another healthy and refreshing way to make popsicles is to fill up the mold halfway with water and the other half with 100% fruit juice (not fruit cocktail or any other juice "blend." These have additional sugars that will not aid in weight loss). Freeze overnight. Make infused water. Infused waters are an excellent way to add flavor to your water and make it more palatable if you're not a fan of drinking plain water. Infused waters are made by soaking freshly chopped fruits and vegetables in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to add flavor to the water. Some popular combinations for infused water include raspberry-lemon, strawberry-kiwi, and cucumber-lime. Eat slowly. Most people eat too fast and take in too much food and too many calories before they actually realize they're full. Your brain takes around 20 minutes to register feelings of fullness, suggesting that you need to slow down so that your brain can properly communicate that you're full. And remember, feeling full usually means eating less or stopping eating. Mindful eating is a tactic that many use to stay at a healthy weight. You simply eat when truly hungry and stop when full. The brain will let you know when you're full as long as you give it time to do so. Also, differentiate between true hunger and boredom/habit/emotional hunger. If you don't feel full immediately after a meal, wait. The chemicals your brain releases when you eat or drink take time to rise and to communicate that sense of fullness. As the chemicals increase, your hunger dissipates; this is why you should pause for a little bit after eating and before having a second helping. Create an environment conducive to eating. Use utensils and sit at a table when eating. Eating with your hands will mean that you take in more food in one scoop. Don't turn on a TV or anything that may distract you. Typically, people who eat in front of a television tend to eat more because they're not focused on what they're doing and how much they're eating. Studies also show that people who eat with larger utensils eat less than those who eat with smaller utensils. Another good idea is to put your food on a smaller plate so it looks fuller and tricks your mind. Stop eating when you feel full. When you feel comfortably satiated after eating, stop and put your utensils and napkin on the plate to signal that you're finished. This is also a signal to yourself that you're done with your meal as well as to those around you. Remember, you don't have to eat all of your meal once you feel satisfied. Satisfied and satiated is different than feeling stuffed. Eat until you are 80% full. No one should feel stuffed and sick after eating. Drink water while eating. In many cases, you may mistake thirst for hunger which means you may eat when it's not necessary. By keeping yourself well hydrated, you'll feel hungry less as well as getting a clearer complexion and shinier hair. Sip water as you eat as well to ensure proper digestion and also to help with fullness. If you're not sure what you're feeling is actually hunger, try drinking a big glass of water and then wait a few minutes. If you don't feel hungry anymore, it's because your body was actually in need of water, not food. Manage eating out. Eating in restaurants or at other people's homes during the summer season can be a real challenge. You want to eat, but you also don't want to eat the wrong things and risk backtracking on your progress. To avoid overeating when you are out, eat a small and healthy snack at home beforehand. Try some carrots and hummus or an apple. A small snack beforehand will curb your hunger and keep your head clear while you make healthy and informed choices at a party, BBQ, or restaurant. At the beginning of the meal, ask for a doggie bag, and put what you aren't going to eat in the bag. If you're at a friend's house, only eat until you're full and avoid filling up your plate to the brim; your eyes are most definitely bigger than your stomach! Be wary of fatty foods masked as healthy. Many salads with dressings can be very fatty and full of calories. Your seemingly "healthy choice" of a salad can pack as many calories as a burger if it's swimming in a fatty dressing. Also, be wary of other high-calorie additions like bacon bits and cheese. Make physical activity part of your everyday routine. While changing your diet and cutting calories typically has a stronger effect on weight loss than physical activity, daily physical activity, including routine exercise, is more significant in maintaining your weight loss and avoiding weight regain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of overall physical activity most days to maintain your weight and 60 minutes most days to lose weight. Log all of this activity, even strength training. Physical activity is not only important for weight loss but has also been shown to help prevent a number of diseases and medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes. It can also reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety, which will make your summertime more enjoyable if you suffer from these things. Get aerobic activity. Spend 150 minutes each week doing moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. Note that this is just a guide; the exact amount of physical activity required to lose and maintain weight is unclear and varies from person to person. If you're not seeing results (and are sticking to your healthy diet plan), then consider increasing your aerobic activity until you see a weekly weight loss of a pound or two per week. Moderate-intensity exercise means that you can still carry on a conversation while performing the activity even though your heart rate is elevated and your breathing becomes more intense. Examples include brisk walking (15-minute mile), light yard or outside work (raking leaves, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn), biking at an easy pace, etc. Vigorous-intensity exercise means that you are breathing too heavily to maintain a conversation. Examples include jogging or running, swimming laps, jumping rope, biking at a faster pace or on an incline, competitive sports, such as football, basketball or soccer, among other activities. Do strength training. Strength training is also important for weight loss and preventing loss of muscle and bone mass. Strength training can be done in your day-to-day life, such as lifting heavy boxes and groceries or doing heavy gardening or other yard work. Push-ups, sit-ups, and plank poses are also great exercises that require no special equipment or environment and instead use your own body weight as resistance. You can also use weight machines or lift free weights at a gym to build strength. Make sure to focus on all muscle groups when doing strength training. If you're interested in strength training but aren't sure how to build muscle in all areas of your body, consider getting a personal trainer who can show you the different types of exercises needed to strengthen all muscle groups. While this is an added cost, a trainer will also ensure that you are doing exercises correctly and in proper form, thereby reducing the risk of injuring yourself. Consider joining a gym. Joining a gym is an excellent way to stay active during the summertime. Some gyms even have specials for students as a way to encourage young people to keep active; in addition, there may also be other summertime specials or discounts to encourage people, who are often busy and out of town in the summer, to get back into the gym. Try to find a gym in your neighborhood; if it's too far away you likely won't be motivated to go as frequently. Gyms usually also have personal trainers available for consultation and hire. Some gyms also have exercise classes that can help you diversify your workout and work different muscle groups. Some people also find exercise classes to be more motivating than exercising on their own. Another benefit of a gym is that you may make new friends! If personal trainers and gyms are not your thing, consider group fitness such as dance, aerobics, and more. Do at-home workouts. You can also get more exercise without becoming a gym rat by doing exercise right into the comfort of your own home. Thanks to the internet, there are tons of workout routines and videos available online; you can do everything from a 10-minute cardio workout, to a hips, thighs and legs workout to a one-hour yoga class right in your own home. Exercising at home is ideal for people who can't afford to join a gym or sports club or who are concerned about exercising in public. At-home routines enable you to get a fun, studio-quality workout in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Remember, however, that if you're following a video to only do what you're capable of and to try to maintain proper form. If you injure yourself, there is no one there to help, so be cautious about what activities or videos you follow online. A good idea is to watch the video or read the full exercise plan before undertaking it to ensure that this is something you feel comfortable and safe doing. Get outside. Working out in a gym isn't the only way to stay active and participate in physical activity during the summertime. With the nice weather that often accompanies summer, there are many opportunities to go outside and be active. In so doing, you can both take advantage of the amazing summer weather and also work to lose weight! Here are some fun outdoor activities you can partake in during the summer: Remember to MOVE. Keep your body moving. If you have a sedentary job, make it a priority to take the stairs, park further away and walk around on breaks. Play a sport. Join a summer sports league or find friends to play a friendly game of soccer, volleyball, football, baseball, and more. Go for a brisk walk, jog, or run. Find a trail, track, or other scenic area in your neighborhood to go for a walk or run and build up your cardiovascular strength. Go for a bike ride. Find a bike path, park or bike-friendly road to go for a ride and work your legs in the fresh air.

Know what a healthy weight is for your body type. Figure out how many calories you need to eat and burn. Understand and track calorie intake. Plan to keep a log. Get support. Consult a physician. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid fast food and most processed foods. Add good fats to your diet. Opt for lean meats. Incorporate more fish into your diet. Choose low-fat dairy options. Eat more whole grains. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat foods with a high water content. Stay hydrated. Eat slowly. Create an environment conducive to eating. Stop eating when you feel full. Drink water while eating. Manage eating out. Make physical activity part of your everyday routine. Get aerobic activity. Do strength training. Consider joining a gym. Do at-home workouts. Get outside.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Fighting-With-Your-Sibling

How to Stop Fighting With Your Sibling

It can be difficult not to fight with your siblings, but by talking to them and giving them some personal space to cool down, you can get along just fine. If it feels like you're about to fight, take a deep breath, and count to 10 to help you manage your anger. Use the time to think about why your sibling is frustrated, since understanding what's bothering them can help calm you down. Once you're calm, try talking to them about how they upset you, then listen to what they have to say to you. Make sure to give your sibling space if they're still angry, which will show you respect their feelings.

Put yourself in your brother or sister's shoes if they are frustrating you. Before you fight, think about why your sister may be in a bad mood. Ask yourself what you may have done to upset your brother. Maybe their frustrations are unrelated, or maybe you did something to upset them but don't realize it. Understanding how your sibling feels will help prevent an argument from happening. Talk about what is upsetting you with your sibling. Start a conversation so they understand why you are upset. Always talk nicely and calmly rather than raising your voice. Listen closely to what your sibling has to say. Make sure you let your sibling talk to you about their feelings too. If your sister says something to you, pay attention to her, rather than the TV or your cell phone. This will make your sister feel like you care. Avoid bringing up things you know will start a fight, like your brother's report card grades, or your sister's dumb new boyfriend. Create a system to prevent repeated fights from occurring. Show your brother or sister you love them then after you talk about what is upsetting you, come up with a plan so that you can reduce the number of fights you have. Brainstorm a few healthy solutions, and decide upon a few options with your sibling. Maybe your system is taking turns choosing the TV show. Perhaps it works best for you to write out what you agree upon in a contract. If you want to use the bathroom to get ready for school, ask your brother if he could shower at night instead of in the morning. If he doesn't agree, maybe try showering at night yourself or try waking up 15 minutes earlier. Pause and relax so you don't make the fight worse if they are annoying. Calm yourself down by taking a few deep breaths or counting to 10. This will help you keep your cool. When you start to get defensive, most likely your sibling will too. Take a time-out, relax for a bit, and then come back to the conversation. Pause for 5 seconds or 5 minutes--however long you need. If it helps, designate a cool off period and give each other space. Pause your conversation, and give each other some space. Work out your emotions individually rather than taking them out on each other. If you are having trouble relaxing, try listening to music or taking a walk. This will distract you and give you something else to think about, so you can come back and talk to your sibling calmly. If you want to do something nice for them, and help you both calm down, bring a family pet to the couch, or some other neutral area, and talk there, where you both have a calming influence, in this case, a pet, to cool the flames. Ignore obnoxious or rude comments to prevent a fight. Siblings bicker, it's part of the job. But, if your brother says something rude or obnoxious, try to ignore it and let it go. If you fuel his fire, then an argument might spark. Instead of telling him he is an idiot, just don't say anything at all. If your sister teases you about your new shoes, just ignore her. If ignoring your sibling doesn't get them to stop, calmly and nicely say something like, "Hey, can you please stop that?" Apologize to your sibling. It is best to apologize as the fight is happening, though apologize as soon as you can. Rather than lashing back, take responsibility for your behavior and apologize. If you did something wrong, apologize for what you did. If you are not in the wrong, you can still apologize to cool down the situation. You will feel much better after you apologize. If you want to stop fighting with your brother or sister, remember that your goal is not to win an argument, but rather to get along. Say something like, “Hey Matt, I don't want to fight. I'm sorry I was bored and started bothering you” or “I apologize for anything I've done.” Use "I" statements to talk about your feelings. Identify what is upsetting you, and tell your sibling how you feel. Start your sentence with "I feel," and mention your thoughts and feelings involving the fight. "I" statements help you prevent future arguments by openly discussing your feelings. Say something like, “Courtney, I feel really hurt that you are fought with me about borrowing your shirt. I asked for it before I took it.” You can also say, “I feel angry when you to make fun of me, even after I ask you to stop." Think back to past fights and look for repeating behavior patterns. Think back on your last few arguments with your brother or sister. Are these fights similar at all? Can you think of any common themes or feelings? Looking at how you handled something before may give you an idea about why you are fighting now. Consider the last time you and your brother fought over the TV remote. Why does this keep happening? Because you don't agree on what to watch, or because you want to be the one to choose? Maybe you continue to fight with your siblings because neither of you thinks you are wrong when if you realized you were the one who started the argument first, you could stop the fight from happening. Reach a solution together in case the fight happens again. Talk about ways you can prevent this from happening again, like telling a joke or maybe leaving each other alone. Find what works for the both of you and commit to trying these solutions. Maybe you are upset with your brother because he teases you and calls you names, so every time you talk, you are defensive. Agree together that he will stop calling you names, and let go of the expectation that he will be mean to you. Then, you can both have fun together at the park Ask your parents for help if you need to. If you and your sibling continue to fight, or if you can't reach a conclusion, it is time to get Mom or Dad involved. They can offer a voice of reason and help you talk about the problem. Ask them for help, and they can offer ways to solve your fighting. Say something like, “Dad, Ashley won't stop changing the channel when I am watching cartoons. I have asked her to stop nicely but she won't. Can you help?” Respect your sibling’s personal space and privacy. You are family, though that doesn't mean you should know everything about each other's personal lives. Be respectful of personal space, like bedrooms, journals, or cell phones. Remembering your sibling's boundaries will show them your love and respect. Don't read their journal or snoop around in their room when they aren't home. Express your emotions and feelings in healthy ways. When you feel angry or upset, you will likely start a fight. Work on your emotions in healthy ways rather than taking them out on the people close to you. Try venting to a friend or to your parent about what is on your mind. This will get rid of your feelings so you don't carry them with you next time you talk to your brother. If you're really angry with your brother, rather than yelling at him, try writing a letter. This is a safe place for you to vocalize your true feelings, without maybe saying harsh things to him right away. After you've written your letter, you'll be able to discuss your feelings calmly. Do something nice for your sibling to show you love and care for them. It's easy to forget your sibling's friendship if you're stuck fighting all the time. Show your brother or sister you appreciate them by doing something nice, for no reason. It's easy to take your family for granted. You can do things like buy them ice cream or a coffee when you are running errands. Also try things like playing their favorite game together, or buy them a new coloring book or magazine. Spend meaningful time together, as often as you can. Whether you share a room with your sibling or you live across the country from each other, it's important to spend time together when you can. Spend time together that is positive and fun, rather than spent arguing. This will strengthen your relationship and you are less likely to fight. Do an activity you both enjoy, like playing golf, walking in the park, or watching a sci-fi movie. Build trust by following through with your commitments. If you tell your brother that you will stop teasing him, do it. Be accountable to what you agree upon, and your sibling will start to trust you. Trust is important to maintain healthy relationships and prevent fights. If you both agree your fights are starting because you want to be the boss, stop ordering around your sibling and let them make decisions. If your sister doesn't trust you because you always shoot her with your Nerf gun, try shooting a stationary target outside instead.

Put yourself in your brother or sister's shoes if they are frustrating you. Talk about what is upsetting you with your sibling. Create a system to prevent repeated fights from occurring. Pause and relax so you don't make the fight worse if they are annoying. Ignore obnoxious or rude comments to prevent a fight. Apologize to your sibling. Use "I" statements to talk about your feelings. Think back to past fights and look for repeating behavior patterns. Reach a solution together in case the fight happens again. Ask your parents for help if you need to. Respect your sibling’s personal space and privacy. Express your emotions and feelings in healthy ways. Do something nice for your sibling to show you love and care for them. Spend meaningful time together, as often as you can. Build trust by following through with your commitments.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Spaghetti-Squash

How to Cut Spaghetti Squash

To cut a spaghetti squash, start by microwaving the squash for 5 to 6 minutes, which will soften the skin and make it easier to cut into. Then, wait until it's cool enough to handle, and chop off the stem from the top. Finally, place the squash on a cutting board and chop it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife.

Use a knife to make marks where you will cut. Spaghetti squash skin is notoriously thick, so you will need a really sharp knife for this. Use your knife to make a small series of punctures in the skin around the perimeter of the squash. The end result should be like a dotted line that you can use as a guide later on. You can use a smaller knife such as a paring knife for this. You want to try and Microwave the squash for about five minutes. Microwave the squash on high for five to six minutes. Then, take it out and let it cool for a minute or two before cutting into it. This helps tenderize the tough skin and will make it easier to cut. Remove the stem. If the stem is still intact on your squash, now is the time to remove it. Use a sharp chef's knife to cut off just enough of the squash top to get rid of the stem. Put the squash on a cutting board. Place the squash on a cutting board that has good grip. A smooth board such as one made from bamboo or marble may cause the squash to slip. A rough plastic or wooden board will offer you better grip while you cut. Use a sharp knife to slice along the dotted line. Use a large, sharp knife to cut along the dotted line you made earlier. The squash should be soft enough now that you can cut all the way through it. Then, pull the squash apart and cook it to your liking. Microwave the squash for 5 minutes to get softer skin. Microwaving isn't necessary, but it does help soften up the notoriously tough spaghetti squash skin. Microwave the squash on high for 5-6 minutes before cutting. Then, allow it to cool enough that you can comfortably pick up the squash before you cut. Use a paring knife to cut around the circumference of the squash. Using a sharp paring knife, puncture the skin of the squash. You want your blade to go at least a third of the way into the squash. Remove the blade, line the tip up to the edge of your last cut, and puncture again. Repeat this process around the entire circumference of the squash. You may need to go around more than once with your pairing knife if the squash does not separate after your first set of cuts. The strands in a spaghetti squash run around the width of the vegetable, not the length. To preserve those long strands, you need to halve the squash along its round width, not its oval length. Cut each half into rings to get the longest strands. You can cook your squash once you halve it and get some pretty long strands. To get even longer strands, though, cut your squash into rings before cooking. Use the same method that you used to halve your squash to cut each half into three or four rings. Cook your squash and pull it apart. After you've cut your squash to your liking, cook it using your prefered method. Then, gently run a fork around the inner circumference of each ring to loosen the squash and get it ready to serve. Don't rake the tips of your fork along the strands. This could cause them to break. Use the length of your fork's tines to gently loosen the squash. Prepare your squash. Baking your squash before cutting it makes it much easier to cut. Preheat your oven to 375° F (about 190° C), and put your squash on baking sheet and puncture the skin with a small knife or fork ten to fifteen times. Bake the squash at 375° F (about 190° C). Bake your squash in the oven for 40-45 minutes. You will know your squash is done when you can easily insert a fork or knife into the skin. Allow the squash to cool for at least ten minutes before you cut it. Cut your squash to your liking. You can cut your squash lengthwise, widthwise, or into rings. The skin should be soft enough after cooking to cut any way you choose. Just be sure that the squash is cool enough for you to handle before you start cutting. Shred your squash. After your squash is cooked and cut, you can use a fork to gently shred it. Run the tines of your fork around the edge of your squash. Avoid stabbing into the meat of the squash, since this can break apart the strands. Finished.

Use a knife to make marks where you will cut. Microwave the squash for about five minutes. Remove the stem. Put the squash on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice along the dotted line. Microwave the squash for 5 minutes to get softer skin. Use a paring knife to cut around the circumference of the squash. Cut each half into rings to get the longest strands. Cook your squash and pull it apart. Prepare your squash. Bake the squash at 375° F (about 190° C). Cut your squash to your liking. Shred your squash. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Hyperpigmentation-of-the-Skin

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation of the Skin

To prevent the hyperpigmentation of your skin, which occurs when skin cells become unhealthy or damaged, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. You should also talk to your doctor about which type of hyperpigmentation you may have, since post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, for example, can be caused by almost any inflammatory skin condition, but typically resolves itself after a few months without any treatment. Alternatively, melasma hyperpigmentation results from hormonal fluctuations, especially those caused by oral contraceptives, and may never completely disappear without treatment. As far as treatment goes, your doctor will most likely recommend topical creams or drugs that block the production of melanin, but keep in mind that you can also try home remedies, like a mask made from lemon juice, honey, and milk.

Identify the different types. Hyperpigmentation can take a variety of forms and have a number of different potential causes. If you want to try and prevent it, it's important to have a clear understanding of the different ways it might appear to see for which form you are most at risk. Depending on what form of hyperpigmentation you are concerned about, you may not be able to do much to prevent it. The three main types are: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Lentigines Melasma Understand post-inflammatory hyperpig­mentation (PIH). This type of hyperpigmentation can be caused by any inflammatory skin condition which involves the junction between epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and the dermis is the layer beneath that. The kind of inflammation or injury that can cause PIH includes acne, burns, and psoriasis. A professional skin treatment can also result in PIH. PIH can be caused by any kind of injury to the skin. It's most commonly caused by acne, but it could also be due to things like scrapes, burns, or rashes. If PIH is a reaction to a specific inflammation or trauma it can resolve itself without treatment, but this can sometimes take months. It is possible that epidermal pigmentation can last for six months or a year. Dermal pigmentation can last for even longer, persisting for years. Identify lentigines. There are a wide variety of different instances of lentigines recorded in medicine. Some of these develop when you are very young and some as you get older. Solar lentigines are those which are most often caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Sometimes these are known as liver spots, and have been associated with aging. Although they do multiply and become more prominent with age, evidence has shown them to be much more prominent in older people who have had high exposure to UV light. Solar lentigines most frequently occur on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and the back of the hands. There is no proven link between lentigines and melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer), but they are considered an independent risk factor for melanoma. Determine melasma hyperpigmentation. One other common type of hyperpigmentation is known as melasma (sometimes referred to as chloasma). Unlike the PIH and lentigines, melasma is not caused by exposure to the sun or a trauma or inflammation experienced by the skin. Melasma is understood to result from hormonal fluctuations, most commonly during pregnancy. Melasma takes the appearance of dark brown, roughly symmetrical patches on the face, which have clear distinct edges. Melasma can be a side-effect of oral contraceptives for women. It is often aggravated by thyroid complaints. It is more prevalent and tends to persist for longer in people with darker skin, and is sometimes experienced by dark-skinned men. For women, melasma often fades slowly after pregnancy, when hormonal fluctuations desist; however, it may never completely disappear without treatment. Protect your skin from the sun. Ensuring that you properly protect your skin and limit your exposure to UV light is the most basic and reliable measure you can take to lessen the chances of experiencing any kind of hyperpigmentation. This means both applying sufficient sunscreen, and limiting your time spent in the sun. Generally, opaque sunblocks that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered the most effective. While sunscreen can't reverse the dark spots you already have, it can help prevent them from getting worse. Re-applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every two hours can help reduce PIH. Wearing a broad-rimmed hat and UV protective clothing can also help. Care for your skin. As well as protecting your skin from UV light, there are other everyday steps you can take to look after your skin which in turn will help prevent hyperpigmentation. Use gentle skin care products and avoid scratching, popping blemishes, and picking at your skin. This is especially important if you have some areas of pigmentation already. Avoid the temptation to pick at them. If you have PIH it is important to skin for your skin to allow it to heal as quickly as possible. Using moisturizers to soothe your skin can help reduce the irritation. Gently massaging a cooling lotion onto the skin is much better than scratching. A gentle exfoliation once or twice a week can help clear out old skin cells which are discoloured. Clarify the potential side-effects of medications. Some drugs can increase melanin production and bring about hyperpigmentation. In order to keep yourself as fully informed as possible always ask the doctor or pharmacist about any medications you are taking that might cause hyperpigmentation. Ask them for alternatives if they are available. If you think your melasma hyperpigmentation is caused by oral contraception, hormone replacement therapy or another hormonal treatment, discontinue and contact your doctor. Find out if you have hyperpigmentation in your family history. As with many medical conditions, there is thought to be a genetic element involved in melasma pigmentation. A family history of melasma has been cited as one of the potential causative factors. Determine if you have a history of it in your family. This is an inexact science, so be sure to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. Consider possible medical treatments. If you experience hyperpigmentation there are a number of possible treatments for you to consider. These include topical creams including retinoids and corticosteriods. Drugs which block the production of melanin may be prescribed. Treatments which effect melanin formation are currently consider the most successful. Before deciding on any treatments, speak to your doctor or dermatologist to discuss the possibilities and what might be most suited to you. Try some natural remedies. Due to the commonness of hyperpigmentation and the potential of the medical treatments to irritate your skin, people have been looking for natural alternative treatments. Some natural ingredients in topical treatments have been shown to have benefits in laboratory tests, such as soy. Natural and home remedies are never completely reliable, but citrus juice and aloe vera are cited as potentially good ingredients to use in topical treatments. Make a mask with aloe vera, seaweed and honey and let it rest on your face for ten minutes before rinsing off. Alternatively try mixing lemon juice with honey and milk and use this as a face mask. Ask about further procedures. If you are struggling to lighten dark patches on your face, you may want to consider further treatment options that go beyond topical creams and natural remedies. It's recommended that you speak to your doctor or dermatologist who will be able to advise you on specific treatments. One common treatment is a chemical peel. This is a harsher treatment than topical creams and involves you applying a liquid chemical solution, such as glycolic acid, to your skin. A chemical peel may be advised if other treatments prove ineffectual. Dermabrasion or microdermabrasion treatments may also be recommended. In some cases an light therapy or laser treatment might be used to target discolored areas of skin. This can be especially helpful for lightening sun spots.

Identify the different types. Understand post-inflammatory hyperpig­mentation (PIH). Identify lentigines. Determine melasma hyperpigmentation. Protect your skin from the sun. Care for your skin. Clarify the potential side-effects of medications. Find out if you have hyperpigmentation in your family history. Consider possible medical treatments. Try some natural remedies. Ask about further procedures.

https://www.wikihow.com/Decide-on-a-Career-Path

How to Decide on a Career Path

To decide on a career path, start by making a list of all your skills, interests, and aspirations. Then, choose a broad field to work in based on your strengths and goals. Research various jobs within the field, then match your personal qualities with the day-to-day responsibilities of several jobs to narrow down the possibilities.

Make a list of all your skills and strengths. Take some time to really think through the things you are good at. Consider things like physical skills, practical tasks, and creative work. Perhaps you are a great artist, a whiz with numbers, an excellent salesperson, or an all-star soccer player. Alternatively, you might have a thorough knowledge of historical events, manage your time efficiently, have strong spacial reasoning skills, be a great public speaker, or have a natural knack for technology. List every skill and strength you can think of. If you're struggling to determine your skills or strengths, ask your friends, family, and colleagues for their input. Explore your interests and passions. Now, think of what you enjoy doing, which may not be the same things that you are good at, and add them to the list. For instance, you might enjoy spending time in nature, attending parties, studying other cultures, putting together model planes, hosting fundraisers, or traveling around the world. Or, you might like to read, listen to music, swim, conduct science experiments, play with animals, cook or bake, ride a motorcycle, volunteer, make craft projects, clean, go fishing, or create sculptures. In order to land a job you enjoy doing, choose something that you enjoy and are also good at. Figure out what you’d like to be known for when you retire. Look ahead to the future and think about what you'd like your life's work to be. It's okay if you don't know right away; spend some time thinking it over. Perhaps you want to build an empire, make a difference in children's lives, create a new piece of technology, develop sustainable living practices, or bring joy to the elderly. Determining what you want to be known for will help you determine what career path to take. Think about how the job will affect you as you age. For instance, if the job requires intense physical labor, it may be difficult to sustain when you get older. Focus on your own aspirations, rather than societal expectations. It's common to feel pressure from your family members, friends, teachers, and society to follow a certain path. And while doing so might make them happy, it probably won't make you happy. Let go of other people's expectations of you and think about what you truly want to do. Choosing a career path should be a personal decision based on a thorough knowledge of your own strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. For instance, if your father expects you to take over the family litigation firm, but you'd rather be a high school teacher than a lawyer, follow your heart. Though he may be upset at first, seeing you do something you love will help him see that a career in litigation wasn't the right choice for you. Prepare and take a career aptitude test. There are dozens of career aptitude tests online that ask a series of questions formulated to find out what kind of work would suit you the best. These tests analyze your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and personality to help you narrow down your career choice. Do an Internet search for “career aptitude tests” and take several so you can compare the results. You may want to check out https://www.princetonreview.com/quiz/career-quiz or https://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/career-aptitude-test.php. Think of fields of work broadly. A field of work is far more than a single job—it is an area in which many jobs or trades are possible! Once you have an idea of what field you want to work in, consider all the options within that field. For instance, if you want to work in healthcare, you could be a nurse or a doctor, of course, but you could also schedule appointments for patients, work in medical billing, or manage a physician's office. Or, if you study law, you may want to be a lawyer for a large law firm or a non-profit organization, or even write corporate compliance manuals. If you study computer science, you could consider working in retail tech support or becoming a CTO. Research the responsibilities of several jobs within the field. While certain jobs may sound amazing in theory, it's important to know exactly what you're getting yourself into. Find out the day-to-day responsibilities for several jobs within the field to help you narrow down your options. Go to the National Career Service website to peruse job profiles for more than 800 positions. Think about whether you can picture yourself completing the tasks happily or if the work seems overwhelming or misaligned with your vision of a new career. You may find it helpful to come up with a list of things you absolutely do not want to do for a job, such as constant traveling or working long or uncertain hours. These non-negotiables can help you decide between different jobs. For instance, you may absolutely love animals, but if you're squeamish about blood or needles, becoming a veterinary technician may not be right for you. However, a dog walker or pet groomer may be a better fit. Match your personal strengths and qualities with potential jobs. It's important to choose a career that fits with your temperament and personality. Think about whether you enjoy interacting with other people and if you work better alone or in a group setting. Also, consider if you are a great leader or take direction well, and whether you enjoy planning things or like to go with the flow. You should also think how well you manage time, if you are detail-oriented or focus on the big picture, and if you enjoy coming up with new ideas. For instance, if you want to work with technology but don't enjoy being around other people or interacting with strangers, you could choose to work in development rather than marketing. Consider non-conventional or cross-field work. Many skillsets translate to multiple fields or opportunities. Consider whether your education or experience will allow you to work in a related field. For instance, many teachers have a thorough understanding of the English language, and therefore make excellent editors and publishers. Alternatively, if you're super athletic and love sports, perhaps you would do well as a coach, a manager, or an announcer. Sign up for an internship or apprenticeship to see if it’s a good fit. One of the best ways to find out if a job is right for you is to actually work it! By signing up for an internship or apprenticeship, you'll get to see what the day-to-day experience in a certain field is like. You'll also make connections and meet other people in the industry. Do an online search to find internships or apprenticeships in the field you want to work in. Tap into your network and see if you have friends or family that work in the field. They may be able to help you find an internship, apprenticeship, or volunteer opportunity. Try to avoid making a decision based on the money you’ll make. Although you'll want to have a financially secure future, the expected income shouldn't be the only determining factor in your decision. Feel free to research potential incomes for a variety of jobs, but aim to choose one that you feel is the best fit for you, rather than simply picking the one where you'll make the most money. This will lead to you a fulfilling career. Figure out what qualifications you’ll need for the field you’ve chosen. Speak to people that work in the industry to find out what kinds of backgrounds they have. You can also research minimum requirements for the kinds of jobs you hope to have. Once you know what is required, you can then work on becoming qualified for your new career. For instance, if you want to work as a registered nurse, you'll need to take classes, complete clinicals, and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Continue your education, if necessary. Many positions may require a specific certification, license, or degree. If your heart is set on a certain job, but you don't meet the requirements, take steps to become qualified. Do an online search for classes near you that will help you meet these goals. You can even work part-time while continuing your education in the evenings, if necessary. Apply for jobs you think would be a good fit. Once you begin finding jobs that interest you, apply for each position and submit a resume that details your education, experience, and relevant skills. Include a tailored cover letter with each application that explains why you're interested in the position and how you will add something to the team or company. Make sure all your documents are neat, clean, and free from errors. Ensure any prospective company’s values align with your own. A career will be most fulfilling if the company's values mirror your own. Think about what types of things are really important to you, and what types of things you'd be willing to compromise on. You may want to work with a company that is devoted to living a sustainable lifestyle, developing quality products, or helping people in need. For instance, if you're a strict vegan because you believe eating meat is cruel, it would be better to take a job as an accountant for a clothing company than a butcher shop.

Make a list of all your skills and strengths. Explore your interests and passions. Figure out what you’d like to be known for when you retire. Focus on your own aspirations, rather than societal expectations. Prepare and take a career aptitude test. Think of fields of work broadly. Research the responsibilities of several jobs within the field. Match your personal strengths and qualities with potential jobs. Consider non-conventional or cross-field work. Sign up for an internship or apprenticeship to see if it’s a good fit. Try to avoid making a decision based on the money you’ll make. Figure out what qualifications you’ll need for the field you’ve chosen. Continue your education, if necessary. Apply for jobs you think would be a good fit. Ensure any prospective company’s values align with your own.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Measles

How to Prevent Measles

To prevent measles, the best thing you can do is get vaccinated against the virus. The vaccine is 97 percent effective at preventing measles. In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other things you can do to prevent measles, like washing your hands regularly throughout the day and using hand sanitizer when you're in public. Additionally, avoid sharing cups or utensils with other people in case they're sick.

Speak to your doctor about the vaccination. The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated against the virus. The measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles and works right away. It is considered very safe for use on children, teenagers, and adults. Speak to your doctor about getting the vaccine if you do not have it already. The vaccine will protect you from contracting measles, even if you are around others who have measles. Your doctor may recommend the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) combination vaccine to reduce the number of shots you need to get during the appointment. In some cases, the MMR vaccine is given in conjunction with the chickenpox virus, known as the MMR-V vaccine. Discuss the possible side effects of the vaccine. Most people who get the vaccine do not experience any side effects. If you do experience side effects, they will be mild, usually consisting of a fever or a rash. Serious side effects are rare, but can include a high fever and temporary stiffness and pain in your joints. Your doctor should outline any possible side effects before giving you the vaccine. Infants older than six months can get the measles vaccination safely. Keep in mind there is no credible proof that there is a link between autism and the measles vaccine. The vaccine is considered very safe and effective. It is not linked to any serious health issues. Get the vaccination. If the child has been exposed to someone with measles, they can get the vaccination as early as six months of age. Otherwise, they should get their first MMR vaccination between 12 and 15 months of age and a second booster at 4 to 6 years of age. If you are an adult, you can get a dose of the vaccine at any age. Your doctor can administer the vaccine in their office. You will feel a slight prick on your arm when you get it but no serious pain. Make sure you get the proper dosage of the vaccine based on your age and whether you have received one dose of the vaccine already. Your doctor should be able to look at your medical records and determine how many doses you need. Have a proof of immunity on hand. Once you receive the measles vaccine, get a proof of immunity document to show you are immune from the virus. This could be a written document signed by your doctor or blood test results confirming you are immune to the virus. You can then produce the proof of immunity document when needed. Many schools and universities require proof that you have been vaccinated for measles before you can enroll. If you are uncertain about whether or not you have had your vaccination, you can get a blood test to see if you are immunized. A less expensive option is to get an MMR vaccination. There is no harm in getting the MMR vaccination if you have already had one. Wash your hands often. Another way you can prevent measles is to practice good hygiene, especially when you are in public places like school or work. Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use soap and water, rubbing your hands clean for 20 seconds or more each time. You can also use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands during the day. Keep hand sanitizer in your desk or your bag and pull it out whenever you touch a potentially dirty surface in public. Try not to touch your mouth, eyes, or nose with dirty hands. Wash your hands before touching any of these spots. Do not share utensils, cups, or dishes with others. Sharing these items can lead to the spread of germs and bacteria via saliva. Spreading saliva to others and with others can increase your risk of contracting viruses like measles. Keep your utensils, water bottles, cups, and dishes separate from others. Do not share them with anyone. You should also avoid sharing lip chap or lip gloss with others, as this can lead to the spread of germs via saliva. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. To prevent the spread of germs, including germs with the measles virus, always cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hands to cover your mouth. If you do not have access to a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Try to wash your hands as soon as you sneeze or cough, especially if you do so in your hands. This will prevent the spread of germs. See your doctor if you contract measles. If you start to experience the symptoms of measles, go see your doctor right away and seek treatment. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and review your medical history. They will then recommend a course of treatment and give you the measles vaccine so you do not contract it again. If your doctor confirms you have the virus, do not show up for work or school until you have received the vaccine. Stay home and isolate yourself so you do not spread the virus to others. Once you receive the vaccine, you will be safe to return to work or school.

Speak to your doctor about the vaccination. Discuss the possible side effects of the vaccine. Get the vaccination. Have a proof of immunity on hand. Wash your hands often. Do not share utensils, cups, or dishes with others. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. See your doctor if you contract measles.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-White-Converse

How to Clean White Converse

To clean white converse, first untie the shoes and remove the laces. Then, use a toothbrush or wash cloth to wipe off any caked-on dirt or grime on the shoes. Add 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of dish soap and 1 cup (235 mL) of warm water to a bowl and mix together. Dip the brush or cloth in the mixture and scrub each side of your shoes using back-and-forth strokes. Brush dirty areas until the stains are completely removed. Next, wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth to remove any leftover suds. To dry your shoes, crumple newspaper and place it inside your shoes. The newspaper will help your shoes maintain their shape while they air dry. For stubborn stains, you can use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. First, add 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking soda, ½ tablespoon (15 mL) of water, and ½ tablespoon (15 mL) of hydrogen peroxide to a bowl and mix together. Then, spread the paste onto your shoes using a toothbrush or washcloth. Leave your shoes out in the sun for 4-5 hours, then use a clean brush or cloth to remove the dried paste. To clean your white shoelaces, just soak them in a bowl of soapy water 10 minutes. Then, lay them out to air dry.

Remove the shoelaces. Unlace your shoes to expose as much of the white canvas as possible, making it easier to thoroughly clean your sneakers. You can clean shoelaces separately by letting them soak in a bucket or basin of warm, soapy water, but know that they may never be as bright as they once were. An alternative is to replace your old shoelaces with new ones. Rinse the shoes under running water. Drench your Converse shoes in cold water. You can either rinse them under a running faucet or dunk them into a large bucket or basin of water. Use cold water instead of warm water to prevent any stains from setting in or any colors from running and ruining more of the white canvas. You can work over the sink for the entire process, or you could spread out a sheet of wax paper or plastic over your counter or floor and work on that. The process can get messy and the cleaning solution can affect your counter or floor, so you want to avoid letting any excess drip off and onto something it could damage. Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar. Combine enough baking soda and white vinegar in a glass or plastic bowl to form a foamy, thin paste. Do not use a metal bowl or spoon. Metal can react negatively to the vinegar. You could also use washing powder instead of baking soda or liquid laundry detergent instead of vinegar, depending on which you have on hand. The mixture may not fizz as much when made, but it will still be effective. The paste should be about two parts baking soda and three parts vinegar. Do not use red wine vinegar, however, as it stains. As a general rule, though, only use enough of each to form a paste-like consistency. Scrub the paste over the shoes. Dip a clean toothbrush or nail brush into the homemade cleanser. Scrub the surface of the shoes all over with the same brush, cleaning all sides and focusing on any especially dirty areas. Rinse again under cool water when done. This is not strictly necessary, but you can check on your progress and avoid getting baking soda or vinegar all into your washing machine. Toss your shoes into the washing machine. Place your white Converse shoes in the washing machine along with a little standard detergent. Run the machine on a full cycle using cold water. Do not use a chlorinated bleach or detergent. To help prevent your shoes from banging around too violently inside the washing machine, wrap them in a mesh or fabric laundry bag before throwing them in. Let the shoes air dry. Converse shoes must be allowed to air dry. To speed the process up and help further the whitening effect, place your shoes in a warm, sunny, and dry location to dry. The dry warmth of the sun can help dry the shoes faster, and the light of the sun actually has a mild bleaching effect. Do not use a dryer. Machine drying white Converse will result in the shoes losing their shape. Use plain soap and water. Usually, scrubbing scuff marks with a sponge soaked with soapy water will do the trick. Use a mild soap, such as hand soap or a liquid dish detergent with no added fragrances or chemicals. Mix a few drops into a cup of warm water and stir until bubbles form on the surface. When scrubbing the scuff mark, rub the shoe with your sponge using firm, circular motions. Try WD-40. Spray a little WD-40 directly on the scuff marks and buff the marks away with a sponge or rag. Among other things, WD-40 is often used to extract moisture and clean off dirt and residue from a range of surfaces. Only use it on the rubber part of the shoe, however, and not the canvas. As an oil-based product, WD-40 can leave stains on material like canvas. Apply nail polish remover. Soak a cotton ball or cotton pad in a little acetone nail polish remover and scrub the scuff marks with the remover until cleaned. Vigorously rub the mark with the nail polish remover to get rid of it. The scuff mark should fade in appearance almost instantly. An acetone-based nail polish remover works best. Dab on a little bleach. Dilute a small amount of bleach with water. Dunk a clean toothbrush into this bleach mixture and use it to scrub out the scuff marks. Bleach is a known whitener, but it is also a harsh chemical. As such, you should only use just as much as you need to avoid damaging your shoes. You should also only use it on the rubber portion of the shoe and not on the canvas part. Scrub out scuffs with whitening toothpaste. Apply the toothpaste directly to the scuff mark and scrub at it with a toothbrush. A toothpaste with baking soda in it is preferable to any other. Baking soda has additional benefits as a cleanser, and as a mild abrasive, it can strip away the stain causing the scuff mark. If you cannot find a baking soda toothpaste, though, another toothpaste with a whitening agent in it can also work. Use lemon. Cut a lemon in half and directly apply the cut side of one half to the scuff marks on your shoe. Scrub vigorously to remove the mark. Lemon juice is often used as a natural alternative to bleach. Leave the lemon juice on the scuff mark for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cool, plain water. If you do not have whole lemons, you could also scrub the spot with a little lemon juice and a toothbrush or rag. Apply petroleum jelly. Rub petroleum jelly on the scuff mark. Let it sit for five minutes before wiping it away with a damp rag. Petroleum jelly can cling to the dirty particles of scuffed up material and lift away the debris. Keep the petroleum jelly on the rubber portion of the shoe and avoid the canvas part, if possible. The oil in petroleum jelly can sometimes leave a light stain of its own on fabric. Rub the scuffs with rubbing alcohol. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the scuff marks with a cotton ball or cotton pad. Scrub well, and clean any remaining alcohol off with a damp rag when done. Rubbing alcohol is a very strong household substance that can strip away many forms of stubborn debris and grime. Remove the shoelaces. Unlace your shoes to expose as much of the white canvas as possible, making it easier to thoroughly clean your sneakers. You can clean shoelaces separately by letting them soak in a bucket or basin of warm, soapy water, but know that they may never be as bright as they once were. An alternative is to replace your old shoelaces with new ones. Moisten the shoes. Dampen your Converse shoes in cold water. You can either rinse them under a running faucet or dunk them into a large bucket or basin of water. You could moisten the magic eraser instead of the shoe, but making the shoe damp ensures that there will be enough moisture throughout the entire cleaning process. Scrub with a magic eraser. Use a “magic eraser” cleaning product to gently scrub the canvas shoes from toe to heel, getting as much of the material as possible. As one spot of the sponge gets dirty, turn it to another portion of the sponge. Magic erasers do not use any harsh chemicals, making them especially good options if you have pets or young kids, or if you otherwise prefer to keep chemicals out of your home. This eraser contains a melamine polymer. It feels flexible and somewhat soft to the touch, but this polymer is actually a rather effective abrasive foam. When you use the eraser, you literally scrape the dirt away with physical force. Let air dry. Place the shoes in a warm, sunny, and dry location to dry. Doing so speeds the process up and helps to heighten the whitening effect. The dry warmth of the sun can help dry the shoes faster, and the light of the sun actually has a mild bleaching effect. Do not use a dryer. Machine drying white Converse will result in the shoes losing their shape. Remove the shoelaces. Unlace your shoes to expose as much of the white canvas as possible, making it easier to thoroughly clean your sneakers. You can clean shoelaces separately by letting them soak in a bucket or basin of warm, soapy water, but know that they may never be as bright as they once were. An alternative is to replace your old shoelaces with new ones. Apply a stain stick to the dirtied spot. Use a spot cleaning stain stick on any stained spots you wish to remove. Follow the label instructions when dabbing the stain stick cleaner onto the stain. Note that no pre-moistening is required when using a stain stick unless the label specifically calls for it. If the label does call for it, follow the instructions provided on the label to determine how much water to use. While specific instructions can vary, usually, you will rub the moistened tip of the stain stick over the stain on your shoe using a firm, circular motion. Extend the cleanser just outside the edge of the stain to prevent the stain from spreading outward onto clean white material. Toss your shoes into the washing machine. Place your white Converse shoes in the washing machine along with a little standard detergent. Run the machine on a full cycle using cold water. Do not use a chlorinated bleach or detergent. If you want to prevent your shoes from banging around in the washing machine too much, wrap them in a mesh or fabric laundry bag before before throwing them into the machine. Let the shoes air dry. Converse shoes must be allowed to air dry. To speed the process up and help further the whitening effect, place your shoes in a warm, sunny, and dry location to dry. The dry warmth of the sun can help dry the shoes faster, and the light of the sun actually has a mild bleaching effect. Do not use a dryer. Machine drying white Converse will result in the shoes losing their shape.

Remove the shoelaces. Rinse the shoes under running water. Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar. Scrub the paste over the shoes. Toss your shoes into the washing machine. Let the shoes air dry. Use plain soap and water. Try WD-40. Apply nail polish remover. Dab on a little bleach. Scrub out scuffs with whitening toothpaste. Use lemon. Apply petroleum jelly. Rub the scuffs with rubbing alcohol. Remove the shoelaces. Moisten the shoes. Scrub with a magic eraser. Let air dry. Remove the shoelaces. Apply a stain stick to the dirtied spot. Toss your shoes into the washing machine. Let the shoes air dry.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Rutabaga

How to Cook Rutabaga

Before you cook rutabaga, wash it and use a paring knife to peel off the top layer of skin. You can then cut it into small chunks, cook it in a pot of water for 30 minutes, and drain and mash it. If you'd rather roast your rutabaga, first chop it into larger chunks. Then, drizzle oil over the chunks, and add salt, pepper, and other seasonings, like garlic powder or dried rosemary. To finish, spread the chunks on a baking sheet and bake them for 40 minutes, or until they're tender and golden brown.

Wash the rutabaga. Rinse the rutabaga under cool water and scrub the skin with a vegetable brush. This will remove any excess dirt from the surface of the vegetable. Pat the rutabaga dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Make sure that the rutabaga is completely dry to prevent an accident when you're peeling and chopping. Peel the rutabaga. Carefully slice off the top and bottom stems from the rutabaga. Trim about ½ inch (1.3 cm) off the top and bottom. Stand the rutabaga on the top end and cut it in half. Use a paring knife to carefully peel off the top layer of skin. Vegetable peelers aren't always effective for rutabaga, which has a skin that's often covered in a thick waxy coating. Chop the rutabaga into small chunks. Use a kitchen knife and cut the peeled halves into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks. This will help the rutabaga to cook faster. Cut all the chunks to the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking. Boil the rutabaga. Transfer the chunks to a large stockpot and cover the rutabaga with water. Add an extra inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm) of water to ensure the rutabaga is completely covered. Put on a lid and heat the rutabaga over medium-high heat. When the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for another 30 to 40 minutes. The rutabaga is ready when a fork can easily pierce the flesh. Drain and mash the rutabaga. When the rutabaga is cooked through, pour the contents of the stockpot through a colander to drain the water. Return the rutabaga to the pot. Add the butter and nutmeg. Use a potato masher, hand mixer, or fork to mash the rutabaga until it's smooth. You can leave some small chunks of rutabaga in the mash if you like, or puree it until it's completely smooth and free of chunks. For an extra creamy mash, add a dollop of sour cream to the rutabaga as well. Season before serving. Add salt and pepper, to taste, and stir the seasonings into the mash. You can also add fresh or dried herbs, such as dill, oregano, or rosemary, or other seasonings like minced garlic. Serve the mashed rutabaga while it's still hot, either on its own or as a side dish with roast beef, duck, or stir fry. Preheat the oven. Rutabaga is best roasted at 425 F (218 C), so set the oven and let it preheat to that temperature. Line a baking sheet with cooking spray, parchment paper, or a silicone mat. This will prevent the rutabaga from sticking to the pan. Wash, peel, and chop the rutabaga. Scrub the rutabaga with a vegetable brush under running water. Cut off the top and tail, and cut the rutabaga in half. Peel the skin off with a paring knife, being very careful not to cut yourself. Chop the rutabaga into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks. Oil and season the chunks. Transfer the chunks to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the oil over the chunks. Season the rutabaga with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss everything together to coat the chunks with the oil and seasonings. Other seasonings you can add to the rutabaga include garlic powder, dried rosemary, fresh minced garlic, onion powder, or a small minced onion. Roast the rutabaga in the oven. Spread the rutabaga out evenly on the baking sheet and place it in the oven. Bake the rutabaga for about 40 minutes, until it's tender and golden brown. After 40 minutes, pierce a chunk with a fork. The rutabaga is ready if the fork enters easily and the rutabaga feels soft. Serve hot. Use an oven mitt to remove the cooked rutabaga from the oven. Transfer the roasted chunks to a serving bowl, or portion them out onto individual plates and serve with meat, fish, or a vegetable-based protein. Stir fry it. Heat a tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. Wash, peel, and cut a rutabaga into thin slices. When the oil is shimmering, add the rutabaga slices. Cook the slices for about seven minutes, until golden brown and soft. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, and other seasonings if desired. You can either eat stir fried rutabaga on its own, or cook it with other vegetables, meats, or rice. Braise it. Wash, peel, and thinly slice a rutabaga. Arrange the slices in a thin layer in a large skillet. Add enough broth, stock, water, or cream to the pan to completely cover the bottom of the pan. Cover the pan and cook the rutabaga on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft. As the rutabaga cooks, stir it every two to three minutes to ensure even cooking. Try steamed rutabaga. Wash, peel, and dice a rutabaga into 1-inch (2.5-cm) chunks. Place the chunks into a metal steamer basket or the steamer basket that comes with a steamer. Fill the bottom of a saucepan or steamer with water. Turn on the steamer and cook the rutabaga for 25 to 35 minutes, until tender and soft. Add it to soup. Rutabaga is a delicious root vegetable that can be used in many different types of soups. You can add rutabaga chunks to vegetable, beef and vegetable, minestrone, or even potato and leek soups. You can also use rutabaga to replace some of the vegetables called for in potato, carrot, or other root vegetable soups. Finished.

Wash the rutabaga. Peel the rutabaga. Chop the rutabaga into small chunks. Boil the rutabaga. Drain and mash the rutabaga. Season before serving. Preheat the oven. Wash, peel, and chop the rutabaga. Oil and season the chunks. Roast the rutabaga in the oven. Serve hot. Stir fry it. Braise it. Try steamed rutabaga. Add it to soup. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Wood-Stove

How to Use a Wood Stove

To use a wood stove, start by opening the damper valve underneath the grate so that the fire gets enough oxygen. Then, put some crumpled newspaper in the middle of the firebox, followed by 15 pieces of small, dry kindling on top. Next, use a lighter to ignite the newspaper, and leave the stove door open to give the fire air. Once the kindling is burning, add some small logs to the fire and close the door after about 15 minutes. After another 20 minutes, close the damper about halfway so that the fire doesn't burn too quickly and will last longer.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Many wood stoves come with specific directions from the manufacturer. You should read these before starting a fire in your wood stove to ensure that you're doing it properly and safely. If you don't have the manual for your stove, check the manufacturer's website for a copy. Choose the right fuel. The best wood to use is seasoned wood that's been drying for at least six months. Fresh wood contains too much water, and burning it will waste wood and money. Moreover, wet wood creates lots of smoke, and lots of creosote buildup. Creosote is a combination of chemicals made up of unburned fuel. This material can build up in your chimney and can lead to chimney fires. In terms of type of wood, you can choose between hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods that come from deciduous trees are denser and produce a hotter and longer burn, so they're ideal for cold winters. Softwoods are less dense, so they produce a cooler fire that's great for cool spring or fall nights. Fireplace wood can be found at many convenience stores, gas stations, hardware stores, grocery stores, garden centers, wood suppliers, and online. Open all the controls. Oxygen is one of the things that a fire needs to burn, and many wood stoves have one or more levers you can use to control valves that allow air into the firebox. When you're starting a fire, you want all the valves fully open. The primary source of air in many wood stoves is an air intake under the grate that provides oxygen to the fire bed. Many wood stoves will have a lever under or beside the door that controls this valve. Stoves may also have a secondary air valve above the firebox to provide oxygen to the flames, as well as a damper that opens and closes the flue. Put in some kindling. The best way to get a fire going in a wood stove is to start with small pieces of wood that can increase the temperature inside the firebox and get the flames burning. To set up the kindling: Crumple up five or six pieces of newspaper. Make sure the paper is dry. Place the newspaper balls into the center of the firebox. Lay up to 15 pieces of kindling on top of the paper. Make sure the pieces of wood are dry and small. Light the fire. Use a lighter or match to ignite the newspaper under the kindling. Light the paper in a few places, starting at the back and working your way toward the front. This will prevent you from burning yourself as you pull your hand out of the firebox. Leave the door to the wood stove open for about five minutes to ensure the fire gets enough fresh air. As the paper burns, it will ignite the kindling pieces on top, and this will get the fire going. Add some small logs. Once the kindling has begun to burn, you can add some smaller logs to the fire when the original flames start to die down. Add at least three small logs to the fire, one at a time to avoid smothering the flames. When you add wood to the fire, loosely stack the logs so that air can surround them as much as possible. Close the door most of the way, but leave it unlatched for about 15 minutes to prevent the fire from being smothered as it establishes itself. Once the fire is fully established, after about 15 minutes, you can close and latch the door. Keep the door closed. Each time you open the door, it allows heat to escape from the stove, and this will result in a cooler and less efficient fire. Moreover, opening the door can allow smoke to escape into the room too, which is bad for people's health. Once your fire is burning, the only time you should open the door is when you're adding more wood. Open the door slowly to prevent a blast of fresh air from rushing into the stove and creating smoke. Keeping the door closed will also prevent sparks and embers from shooting out, and this is important because these can cause burns or start fires. Add larger logs. After you've added some small logs and let the fire establish itself, you can add larger logs to the fire. When the flames from the smaller logs start to subside, add about three larger logs to the fire. When those logs have burned down and are mostly embers with some visible flame, then it's time to add more logs. Don't add more than five logs at a time. Adding too much wood at once will partially smother the fire and leave fuel unburned, and this leads to smoke and creosote buildup. Close the air intakes partially. After about 20 minutes, when the fire is established and burning well, reduce the amount of air going into the firebox. This will provide the fire with enough air to keep burning, but will stop it from blazing and burning too quickly. Close the air valve levers so that they're open about one-third of the way. This includes the primary air, secondary air, and the damper. Never close the secondary air valve or damper completely. This can lead to tar, soot, and creosote buildup in the chimney. Use fans to circulate the heat. The point of a wood stove is to heat a house, and you can help this process along by using fans to blow hot air from the stove around the house. There are many stovetop fans you can buy that sit on top of the wood stove and blow the heat outward. Use proper safety precautions when using the wood stove. Fires are great for providing comfort and warmth, but fire can be dangerous and must be treated as such. There are many things you can do to keep your home and family safe, including: Keep children and pets away from the stove when there's a fire burning. The metal of the woodstove will be extremely hot, and can cause burns. The easiest way to keep kids and animals away from the stove is to install a fence or safety gate around it. Keep all combustible materials at least 3 feet (90 cm) away from the wood stove. This includes fuel, kindling, papers and books, and furniture. Have a fire extinguisher installed in the same room as the wood stove. To have an overnight fire, open the air valves and add some large pieces of hardwood to the fire. Let the fire burn for about 25 minutes, and then close the valves to their regular spot. This will prevent smouldering, which leads to smoke and creosote buildup. Let the fire die out naturally rather than throwing water on it. Once the fire has died down and there are only embers left, you can leave the fire to die out on its own. Burn seasoned wood only. For the health and safety of your home and family, and the maintenance of your wood stove, you shouldn't burn anything but seasoned wood in your stove. You can use plain paper or newspaper as kindling, but don't burn things like: Wood that's wet, green, painted, or pressure treated Garbage Plastic Cardboard Coal Particle board or plywood Wood pellets Gas, lighter fluid, or any other fuel Clean out the ashes regularly. When the ashes build up under the grate or in the bottom of the firebox, you should clean them out. Too much ash in the bottom will impede the airflow, meaning your fire won't get the oxygen it needs. To clean the ashes, use a shovel or brush to sweep the ashes into a metal bucket. Take the ashes outside immediately and add them to your garden or compost. Always leave a one-inch (2.5-cm) layer of ash in the bottom of the fireplace for insulation. Never clean out the ashes right after a fire. Wait at least 24 hours to give the ashes time to cool completely. Clean the firebox weekly. When you're using the wood stove on a regular basis, clean inside the firebox once a week. To clean it, scrub the inside with a stiff-bristled brush to remove soot and other residue. When you've scrubbed the inside, vacuum out any ash and soot from around the base of the stove. Have the stove inspected annually. To make sure your wood stove is properly cleaned and to prevent chimney fires, call in a professional chimney sweep once a year. This person can also inspect the stove, pipes, and other components for damage and corrosion. The best time to have your chimney swept is before summer, because heat and humidity can mix with carbon residue and create acids that eat away at your wood stove components. You should also inspect your wood stove regularly for rust, cracks, and other signs of damage.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Choose the right fuel. Open all the controls. Put in some kindling. Light the fire. Add some small logs. Keep the door closed. Add larger logs. Close the air intakes partially. Use fans to circulate the heat. Use proper safety precautions when using the wood stove. Burn seasoned wood only. Clean out the ashes regularly. Clean the firebox weekly. Have the stove inspected annually.

https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Blue-Jays

How to Attract Blue Jays

To attract blue jays, try hanging a bird feeder or peanut wreath to draw them to your yard. Then, fill the feeders with food that blue jays like, such as sunflower seeds, acorns, and suet, and keep the perch area clear so the food is easy for the birds to get to. Alternatively, create small, flat nesting platforms high off the ground, so that the blue jays can use them to build their nests away from predators. You can also place a birdbath in your yard to provide a good source of water for blue jays.

Build or purchase an open nesting platform. Blue jays are attracted to flat spaces on tree branches or surfaces like window sills. For this reason, they will make good use of a flat nesting platform instead of a traditional house. The floor area should be no less than 8 inches (20 cm) by 8 inches (20 cm). It should be high off the ground, either mounted in a tree or on a pole. Whatever platform location you choose, make sure it is not prone to predators such as raccoons. Blue jays can build their nests anywhere from 5 feet (1.5 meters) to 50 feet (15 meters) above ground. You can also buy hanging feeders, like peanut wreaths, that are especially designed to attract birds like blue jays. You can also try a fun craft if you have kids or make it alone. Take a pinecone and cover it with peanut butter and bird seeds. Birds go crazy for them and you can sometimes find these things right in your very own home. Hanging feeders are more free-floating, making it harder for other animals like raccoons to get at. However, they are more unstable and larger birds may shy away from them. Choose a place that’s in the shade and away from predators. Have your nesting platform inaccessible to squirrels if at all possible. Since you'll likely be loading the platform up with nuts and seeds, it could be a squirrel's heyday – and he could fight off the birds from his new-found treasure. In the shade is important, too. Sometimes blue jays will eat and eat and then stock up food in their mouths (their gular pocket) to bring back to their home and bury for later. This can take a lot of time, and if they're in the sun, they'll heat up. Keep your feeders in the shade so they can stay comfortable. Install a birdbath. A birdbath a good source of water for the jays and a good source of entertainment for you as you watch them bathe. A birdbath will also attract birds of other varieties, too. Having a birdbath with a light mister or small fountain is double the fun. The birds will be intrigued, and you'll be intrigued watching the birds' fascination with their find. Offer the blue jays their favorite foods. The best way to attract birds to your area is with food. The blue jay's diet mainly consists of plants, vegetables and nuts, though they also eat some insects. You will draw quite a few blue jays to your area if you offer a variety in a large platform feeder. Some of the blue jay's favorites include: Peanuts (preferably shelled) Black and striped sunflower seeds Elder berries Cherries Dogwood Acorns Suet Keep their perch clear. Make sure the feeding area that you offer the jays has plenty of perching available. You want a nice, large, open shelf – not an enclosed area. If you notice it's covered in food or that part is inaccessible due to an obstacle of sorts (like a branch), adjust the shelf to make it easier for the birds to munch. If you really care about them you can clean off the sides of the house. You should clean up any left over berries, nut shells, egg shells, feces or dead insects on the bird perch or house to keep it clean. Consider planting an oak tree. Blue jays prefer oak woodlands, though they can be found just about anywhere. However, if you want the best odds of getting blue jays, oak is the way to go. Beech trees are a solid second as they too have nuts blue jays love feasting on. What's more, having trees around will provide the blue jays shelter should they need it from inclement weather (which is especially important in winter). It's good for nesting, too. Keep the food stocked. Blue jays are some of the most intelligent birds out there and, in general, have great memories. If you only stock food intermittently, they'll likely find somewhere else to go that's more reliable. Keep the peanuts coming and you'll be logged into their brains as a good, consistent food source. Blue jays are generally quick to move. If the food disappears, they won't likely wait for it to show up. To keep the same ones around, you'll need to be on top of your blue jay game. Be aware of the blue jays' mating and nesting habits. Blue jays mate from March to July and this must be taken into consideration when building or installing your nesting platform. You should anticipate when the mating pair needs the nesting platform so you can have it up and ready to go. Blue jays are monogamous and will normally stay together until one dies. It might also help if you offer a pile of sticks and twigs nearby to help them with building their nest. The efforts to build a nest can take hundreds of trips back and forth bringing in the needed materials. Providing them these items encourages them to remain in the area. Know that blue jays are omnivorous. For the most part, blue jays eat nuts and seeds, yes. But they have been known to harvest on eggs or even small frogs, baby birds, and invertebrates from time to time. You may catch a bird in the act of something you'd rather not see. It's important to know this before you go about hoping for blue jays in your area. Because of this, many people are actually in the market to get rid of the blue jays in their yard, believing the blue jays are wreaking havoc on the other animals that are more peaceful. It's important to consider this side before you have a yard full of them. Be aware that they can be a bit raucous. They tend to move around in groups, especially in the autumn, and their social behavior can be quite dynamic. They can be obnoxious, too, scaring away other birds and even imitating hawks to do so. They're highly territorial – but if they're outnumbered, they'll back off. Because of their antics, some people don't like them in the garden or backyard, but they are quite the sight to see! Blue jays are sort of a give and take. You may have to bequeath your yard unto them, but they will grace you with their beautiful colors. If you do decide to go this route, be ready for other birds and small animals to be more scarce. They know fighting a blue jay for territory isn't worth it. If they start disrupting your backyard, take action. Blue jays are commonly referred to as bully birds, keeping other birds at bay. Sometimes they even eat their young. If you've got too many blue jays, consider constructing a "blue jays only" feeding area and put other feeders and birdbaths out of sight. Alternatively, keep their food source minimal so they only come around once in a while. Blue jays are fairly big birds. If you want other, smaller birds around, put up a few bird houses and feeders that the jays cannot fit into. They'll abandon the fight once they realize it's fruitless.

Build or purchase an open nesting platform. Choose a place that’s in the shade and away from predators. Install a birdbath. Offer the blue jays their favorite foods. Keep their perch clear. Consider planting an oak tree. Keep the food stocked. Be aware of the blue jays' mating and nesting habits. Know that blue jays are omnivorous. Be aware that they can be a bit raucous. If they start disrupting your backyard, take action.

https://www.wikihow.pet/Crate-Train-an-Older-Dog

How to Crate Train an Older Dog

To crate train an older dog, start by placing your crate in a spot where you spend a lot of time, like your living room or office. Next, place a blanket and toys inside the crate to encourage your dog to go inside it. Then, feed your dog its meals inside the crate with the door open so that it learns to associate the crate with something positive. Once it gets comfortable being inside the crate, confine it there for 5 to 10 minutes at a time while you're in another room, or briefly out of the house.

Place your crate in a permanent spot. This will help your dog adjust to that spot as a sort of 'home base' where they'll feel comfortable. Place it somewhere where you spend a lot of time, such as the living room or a home office. Place a towel or blanket in the crate. The more plush and comfortable, the better. Take the door off and let the dog explore the crate at their leisure before locking it in. Some dogs will be naturally curious and start sleeping in the crate right away. Incentivize crate time with treats. Encourage your dog to get in their crate by dropping some treats nearby. Then place it just inside the doorway of the crate. Finally, place it deep inside or toward the back of the crate. If they refuse to go all the way in, be patient and don't force it to enter. Continue to toss the treats into the crate until it will calmly walk all the way into the crate to eat the food. Don't close the crate the first time they follow the treats in. Pick a treat you know your dog enjoys. While some dogs will get excited to eat anything, some will get more excited for especially delicious treats. Something bacon-based is unlikely to fail. Incentivize crate time without treats. Treats are the best option but if you think you're overfeeding the dog but still have more training to do, you can crate train without treats. Bring your dog over to the crate and play with it or talk to it in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is open and secured so that it won't hit your dog and frighten it. As you would with the treats, try tossing your dog's favorite toy in the crate. Feed your dog meals in the crate. After introducing it to the crate, try feeding your dog regular meals in or near the crate. Your dog will positively associate the crate with food and begin to trust it more. If they remain reluctant to enter, put the dish only in the doorway. With each feeding, place it progressively further towards the back of the cage. Once the dog is comfortably within the crate to eat its meal, close the door while they're eating and distracted. The first time you do this, open the door as soon as they finish their meal. With each meal, leave the door closed a little bit longer until they're in the crate for 10 to 20 minutes after eating. Incentivize crate time regularly. Once your dog is effectively introduced to its crate, you can confine it there for short periods of time while you're home. Call your dog over to the crate and give it a treat or a command phrase to enter the crate such as "kennel!" Make sure to say it authoritatively. Sit quietly near the crate for 5 to 10 minutes and then go into another room for a few minutes. Return, sit quietly again for a short time, and then let it out of the crate. Repeat this process several times a day while gradually increasing the length of time. Once your dog will stay quietly in the crate for about 30 minutes with you mostly out of sight, you can begin leaving it crated when you're gone for short time periods of time or letting it sleep there at night. Crate your dog when you leave. After your dog can spend about 30 minutes in the crate without becoming anxious or boisterous, you can begin leaving it crated for short periods when you leave the house. Don't make your departures emotional and prolonged as this will tip the dog to the fact that you're leaving and cause it anxiety. Praise your dog briefly, give it a treat for entering the crate, and then leave quickly and quietly. Put it in the crate using your usual crating command and give it a treat. You might also want to leave it with a few safe toys in the crate. Vary the moment you put it in the cage during your routine for preparing to leave the house. Although you should avoid crating your dog for long periods of time before you leave, you can crate it anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes prior to leaving. When you return home, don't reward it for excited behavior by greeting it in an enthusiastic way. Crate your dog at night. Lead your dog into the crate using your regular command and a treat. It may be a good idea to initially place the crate in your bedroom so it's nearby when you're sleeping won't associate the crate with social isolation. Once your dog is able to sleep through the night without whining or barking, begin to slowly move the crate to the original location. Stop it from whining or barking. If your dog is whining, barking, or crying while in the crate at night, it may be difficult to determine if they're whining to be let out or if they just need to eliminate. If your dog is just trying to get out, it'll probably stop whining after a few minutes. If the whining continues after you've ignored it for a few minutes, use the command you typically use for getting it to eliminate like “want to go outside?” If they respond and become excited, take it outside. It's important that you don't indulge your dog with playtime or a walk when you're trying to crate train. Make sure you don't reward the dog with a treat when they're whining or they'll learn to do that whenever they want one. Never hit or kick your dog, even lightly. This is animal abuse and may cause your dog to develop anxiety or depression. Shaking the cage or yelling at it will also cause anxiety that will make matters work. Stop it from chewing on the bars. Chewing on the bars of the crate is very normal for an anxious dog that wants to get out but won't be good for their teeth and can be annoying for you. You should start with your verbal commands that you've taught the dog in their general training. Trying saying “No!” in an authoritative voice. Repeat until the dog pays attention. If verbal punishment doesn't seem to make a difference, try something else. Some dogs will interpret verbal punishment as a form of reward because they're still getting attention from you, which can make this type of punishment ineffective. Put something else they can chew on in the cage like a rubber chew toy or a bone. Try spraying bitter apple spray on the bars. This is not harmful for dogs but leaves an unpleasant taste in their mouths that will deter it from licking or biting the bars. Prevent separation anxiety. You shouldn't use the crate to deal with your dog's separation anxiety. It could potentially get injured attempting to escape. You'll need to adequately condition your dog to spend time alone. If you're going to be away for more than a few days, ask the person you have feeding and walking it to also spend some time playing with it, hopefully long enough until the dog gets tired and can sleep after the person leaves. This will lessen their anxiety. Try turning on a radio or television so they think someone else is in the house. It can help calm it down. You may want to consult a professional animal-behavior specialist for help.

Place your crate in a permanent spot. Place a towel or blanket in the crate. Incentivize crate time with treats. Incentivize crate time without treats. Feed your dog meals in the crate. Incentivize crate time regularly. Crate your dog when you leave. Crate your dog at night. Stop it from whining or barking. Stop it from chewing on the bars. Prevent separation anxiety.

https://www.wikihow.com/Protect-Folders-With-Passwords

How to Protect Folders With Passwords

In the folder that contains the files you want to protect, create a new text file containing the script below, replacing “Your-Password-Here” (in the script) with your desired password. Save the file as FolderLocker.bat , then double-click FolderLocker.bat to create a folder called Locker. Copy files into the Locker folder, and then double-click FolderLocker.bat again to lock the files.

Press ⊞ Win+E to open File Explorer . File Explorer has an icon that resembles a folder with a blue clip. Click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar, or press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer. Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education Editions have their own built-in file encryption software called BitLocker. BitLocker can be used to encrypt an entire hard drive, or individual folders and files. BitLocker is not available on Windows: Home Edition. If you are using Windows: Home Edition, you will need to use third-party software to encrypt your files and folders. Navigate to a folder you want to password protect, and right-click it. This displays a pop-up menu to the right of the folder. Click Properties. It's at the bottom of the pop-up menu. Click Advanced. It's at the bottom of the Properties window next to "Attributes". Click the checkbox next to "Encrypt contents to secure data. " It's at the bottom of the Advanced Attributes windows next to "Compress or Encrypt Attributes." If you want to open a password-protected folder, follow the previous steps up to this point and uncheck this box. Then enter your password. Click Ok followed by Apply. This starts the process of encrypting your folder. Select "Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files" and click Ok. It's the second radio option in the "Confirm Attributes Changes" window. Click the "Back up your file encryption key" in the pop-up message. You can also find this pop-up message in the Notifications window by clicking the icon that resembles a square-shaped speech box in the Taskbar. Insert a USB flash drive in a USB port and click Back up now (recommended). This will back up your encryption key to a flash drive. This will help prevent you from losing access to your files if you forget your password. If you do not have a flash drive, you can click Back up Later to be reminded next time you log in, or click Never back up. Warning: If you don't back up your encryption key, you could lose access to your files if you forget your password. Click Next two times. First, click Next at the bottom of the Certificate Export Wizard welcome window. Then click Next again to create a new password. Select "Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12" and click Next. This is the default option in the Certificate Export Wizard window. Then click Next in the lower-right corner. Check "Password" and enter your password twice. To create a new password, click the checkbox next to "Password" and then enter your desired password in the two fields below the checkbox. Make sure you enter the exact same password both times. Click Next. It's in the lower-right corner of the Certificate Export Window. Navigate to the USB drive. Use the file browser to navigate to the location of your USB drive. This may be a temporary "D:" or "E:" drive. Type a name for the certificate and click Save. This saves the certificate as a ".pfx" file. Click Next and then Finish. This finishes the process of encrypting and password-protecting your folder. You can now eject the USB drive and put it in a safe location. If you need to access your folder, follow steps 1 - 4. Then uncheck the box that says "Encrypt contents to secure data." Then enter your password to un-encrypt the folder. Download and install Axcrypt. Windows Home Edition does not come with BitLocker, which is the standard encryption software used on Windows. Instead, you will need to download and install a third-party encryption program. AxCrypt can encrypt and password-protect files and folders on your computer. The free version uses 128 Bit encryption and the premium version uses AES-256 Bit encryption. Both of which are international standards. Use the following steps to download and install AxCrypt: Navigate to https://www.axcrypt.net/ in a web browser. Click the green button that says Download. Open the install file in your web browser or Downloads folder. Click the checkbox to agree to the license terms and conditions. Click Install. Click Launch. Enter your email address and click Ok. Make sure you enter a valid email address. A verification code will be sent to your email address. Retrieve the verification code from your email. Open the email address you entered and look for an email from AxCrypt. It will contain your verification code. It may be in your junk mail, or spam folder. Enter the verification code. After retrieving the verification code, enter it in the small box that says "Verification code" in the AxCrypt window. Enter your password twice and click Ok. Make sure you enter the exact same password in both password fields. This is the password you will use to encrypt and decrypt your folders. You may want to write your password down and put it in a safe place. If you lose your password, you may not be able to access your files. Once you log in to AxCrypt, you do not need to enter your password each time you enter your password. Don't be afraid to use a strong password. Enter your password and Ok. This will log you into AxCrypt. Click Start Trial or Not Now. If you want to start a free trial of Premium AxCrypt, click Start Trial. Otherwise, click Not Now. Press ⊞ Win+E to open File Explorer . File Explorer has an icon that resembles a folder with a blue clip. Click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar, or press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer. Navigate to a folder you want to password-protect and right-click it. This will display a pop-up menu next to the folder. Hover over AxCrypt and click Encrypt. After AxCrypt is installed and you are signed in, this option appears in the pop-up menu that appears when you right-click a file or folder in File Explorer. This will display a sub-menu. Click Encrypt in the sub-menu. Enter your password and click Ok. This converts the folder and all the files into encrypted ".axx" files. To access the files again, right-click the folder in File Explorer and hover over AxCrypt. Click Decrypt. Enter your password and click Ok. Open Spotlight . It's in the top-right corner of the screen. Type disk utility then press ⏎ Return. This will open the Disk Utility app. Click File. This menu item is in the top-left side of the Mac's screen. Select New Image, then click Image from Folder. This will open a finder window. On some older Macs, this option may be labeled "Disk Image from Folder" instead. Select the folder you want to password protect and click Open. Click the box at the top of the pop-up window, click your folder's location (e.g., Desktop ), click your folder, and click Open. Enter a name for your folder. Do so in the "Save As" field. Click the "Encryption" drop-down box and select 128-bit AES encryption. It's in the "Encryption" drop-down menu. Click the "Image Format" drop-down box. Click read/write. This option will allow you add and remove files to your encrypted folder later. Click Save. This button is in the bottom-right corner of the window. Create a password and click Choose. Enter a password you want to set for your folder in the "Password" field, and enter it again in the "Verify" field to confirm. Then click the "Choose" button to set the password. Your passwords must match in order to continue. Click Save. It's a blue button at the bottom of the window. Doing so will create an encrypted copy of the original folder. If you named your image the same thing as your original folder, click Replace when prompted to replace the folder. Click Done when prompted. Your password-protected folder has been created. Your new password protected folder will appear as a ".dmg" file. You can delete the original folder that you used to create the password-protected folder if you want, your files are safe in the ".dmg" that was just created. Open the password-protected folder. Double-click the newly created ".dmg" file to open your password-protected folder. This will prompt you for a password. Enter the password you set earlier and click OK. Your folder will open as a mounted virtual "drive" on the desktop. Once unlocked, this will open a window and display your files. Lock the folder. When you are done, you can lock the folder again by "Ejecting" the drive that was opened by one of the following ways: Click and drag the drive's icon to the trash. Right-click on the icon and select Eject "[Your Folder Name]" Click the eject button next to your folder's name in the Finder window on the left.

Press ⊞ Win+E to open File Explorer . Navigate to a folder you want to password protect, and right-click it. Click Properties. Click Advanced. Click the checkbox next to "Encrypt contents to secure data. Click Ok followed by Apply. Select "Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files" and click Ok. Click the "Back up your file encryption key" in the pop-up message. Insert a USB flash drive in a USB port and click Back up now (recommended). Click Next two times. Select "Personal Information Exchange - PKCS #12" and click Next. Check "Password" and enter your password twice. Click Next. Navigate to the USB drive. Type a name for the certificate and click Save. Click Next and then Finish. Download and install Axcrypt. Enter your email address and click Ok. Retrieve the verification code from your email. Enter the verification code. Enter your password twice and click Ok. Enter your password and Ok. Click Start Trial or Not Now. Press ⊞ Win+E to open File Explorer . Navigate to a folder you want to password-protect and right-click it. Hover over AxCrypt and click Encrypt. Enter your password and click Ok. Open Spotlight . Type disk utility then press ⏎ Return. Click File. Select New Image, then click Image from Folder. Select the folder you want to password protect and click Open. Enter a name for your folder. Click the "Encryption" drop-down box and select 128-bit AES encryption. Click the "Image Format" drop-down box. Click read/write. Click Save. Create a password and click Choose. Click Save. Click Done when prompted. Open the password-protected folder. Enter the password you set earlier and click OK. Lock the folder.

https://www.wikihow.com/Resist-Temptation

How to Resist Temptation

To resist temptation, try distracting yourself with healthy and enjoyable activities, like practicing a favorite hobby or calling a good friend. If you know what your temptations tend to be, like a rich dessert, alcohol, or cheating on your partner, keep them out of reach so it's harder to indulge. For instance, only keep healthy foods in your home, avoid going out to the bar, and stay away from clubs or parties when your partner isn't with you. You can also delay indulging in your craving for 15 minutes, which may be just enough time for it to pass. Another way to resist temptation is to list the consequences of giving in, or think about how you'll feel the next day or a few months from now. For example, if you're at a party and are offered illegal drugs, imagine what would happen if your school or work found out or if you developed an addiction.

Distract yourself with a healthier activity. Distraction is a great way to avoid temptation because it shifts your thoughts to something else. If you aren't thinking about your temptation, it's easier to say “no.” Choose a distraction that you enjoy so the temptation will lose its appeal. For example, let's say you're tempted to eat a second slice of dessert, even though you know it's unhealthy. You might distract yourself by engaging in your hobby or calling a friend. Let's say you just broke up with your partner and are tempted to text them, even though you know it's a bad idea. You might instead start a conversation with a friend or distract your attention with your favorite hobby. Tell yourself you'll indulge your craving in 15 mins, then delay it longer. This helps you avoid giving into temptation until your craving passes. It's easier to wait 15 minutes than it is to think you can never have what you want, so you can use this technique to trick your brain. Eventually, your craving should fade away For example, let's say you're trying to lose weight but you keep craving candy. Set a timer for 15 minutes, then start doing another task. Keep delaying the treat for 15 minutes until you aren't tempted anymore. List the consequences of giving into your temptation. Imagine what will happen if you give into temptation. What will your life look like in the long run? How will you feel tomorrow? Facing the consequences can help you resist whenever temptation arises. Let's say you're tempted to cheat on your partner. You might imagine yourself telling your partner and losing your relationship. You could also list the other things you'd lose, like your good reputation, friendships, and time with your children, if you have them. You might be at a party where you're tempted to use illegal drugs. Imagine getting caught by your parents or police. Consider what could happen if your school or job found out. You might get kicked out of your school activities and may have a harder time getting into the college you hope to attend. Visualize yourself resisting the temptation to increase your resolve. Picture yourself saying “no” to whatever is tempting you. Imagine that you're successful in resisting, and picture yourself reaching your goals. This helps you feel like resistance is possible. For example, let's say you're trying to save money for a trip, but you feel tempted to buy an expensive new pair of shoes. You could visualize yourself walking out of the store without making a purchase. Then, imagine yourself reaching your savings goal and going on your trip. Keep your visualizations positive. If a new obstacle arises in your mind, imagine yourself overcoming that, as well. Using visualization takes practice, so it might not feel as helpful at first. Keep picturing yourself being successful, and you'll start to believe it. Label your temptation so you can confront it. Denying a craving will only make it worse because you won't be able to stop thinking about it. Instead, acknowledge how you feel. Think about why you might feel that way, and then list other, healthier ways you can satisfy your needs. For instance, you might crave sugary snacks every afternoon when you feel an energy slump. Tell yourself, “I really want candy right now because I'm tired. I can get a similar boost by drinking green tea, instead.” As another example, let's say you're tempted to have a one night stand even though you're in a relationship. You might say to yourself, “This person is very attractive and I haven't been feeling satisfied lately, so I'm thinking about going home with them. Since I want to save my relationship, I'm going to think of a few ways I can feel closer to my partner.” Remind yourself why avoiding temptation is important to you. Having a strong internal drive to avoid temptation leads to more willpower when you face temptation. On the other hand, resisting temptation because others expect you to makes it harder for you to say “no.” Knowing why this is important to you and reminding yourself of those reasons often can help you build up your willpower to resist temptation when the time comes. Reflect on your reasons, which might include things like improving your health, sticking to your morals, or achieving a goal you set for yourself. Write down these reasons or save them in your phone. Look at your list whenever you feel tempted. Use mindfulness to improve your self control. Mindfulness means being in the present moment. When you're in the moment, you can observe your thoughts and feelings and just let them be. This allows you to be aware of your desires and then let them go. Here are some ways to increase your mindfulness: Meditate for at least 10 minutes every day. Go for a walk in nature. Observe what's happening around you. Name the emotions you're currently experiencing. Engage your 5 senses by focusing on what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste. Keep yourself well-rested so you’ll be strong against temptation. When your energy stores are depleted, it's hard to resist temptation. Getting proper sleep and taking time to relax is important for maintaining your willpower to make good choices. Use good sleep hygiene to help you get a good night's sleep , and take at least 15 minutes for yourself every day. Good sleep hygiene means taking an hour or 2 to wind down before bed, turning off screens 1 hour before bed, cooling down your bedroom, choosing comfortable bedding, and going to bed at the same time every night. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep every night, while teens need 8-10 hours and children need 10-11 hours of sleep each night. Manage your stress levels so you can stay strong. Stress can sap away all of your willpower, making it hard to say “no” to temptation. Unfortunately, stress is a normal part of life. Take time every day to relieve your stress so you don't get overwhelmed. Here's how to do it: Spend time doing a hobby. Create something, like a painting or necklace. Play with your pet. Take a walk. Soak in a hot bath. Talk to a friend. Write in your journal. Get strength from your higher purpose if you have one. You might be trying to resist temptation to do something you think is morally wrong. This might be because of your religious faith or your closely held values. Boosting your dedication to your higher purpose by reflecting on your values or talking with others who share your ideals can help build your willpower. It's also a good idea to attend meetings or services lead by people who share your faith or purpose. For instance, you might believe it's immoral to buy unethically-sourced products. When you feel tempted to indulge yourself, you might think about the reasons this is important to you or text a friend who believes the same way. If you believe eating meat is wrong, you might think about your furry friends, volunteer to help animals, and talk to others who've stopped eating meat. If you're trying to avoid temptation to sin, you might pray for help, read scripture about temptation, and attend religious services. Forgive yourself when you give into temptation, as it's only human nature. No one is perfect all of the time, so it's normal to indulge in your temptations. Don't let this set you back, however. Giving in from time to time doesn't mean you can't make healthy choices overall when it comes to temptation. Tell yourself, “Everyone gives in sometimes. I'm going to learn from this experience and try to do better next time.” If you're feeling guilty, talk to someone you trust who can offer guidance. They may even tell you about times when they've given into temptation. Recognize what tempts you and why you want to avoid temptation. Whenever you feel tempted, take note of what was happening and how you felt. Then, think of other situations where you might experience this temptation. Consider the reasons why you want to avoid this temptation, which can help you build the willpower to resist. It will be harder to resist your temptations if you don't have a strong internal desire to avoid them. For example, let's say you want to eat less ice cream because you're cutting back on sweets. You might notice that you feel tempted to eat ice cream every night when you have a carton in your home. You could avoid buying a whole carton and instead treat yourself to small servings of ice cream on occasion. As another example, you might feel tempted to drink alcohol when you're at parties, even though you're underage. If you know there's going to be drinking at a party you plan to attend, you might instead host a sober party at your home. Incorporate healthy alternatives into your day to minimize temptation. You won't have time to think about temptation if you're already doing something fun. Good options might include fun hobbies, yummy treats that are good for your body, and better ways to spend time with friends. These healthy activities will act as a daily distraction so you aren't tempted. For example, you might avoid spending too much time on your phone by making plans with your friends for the weekend or signing up for a school activity. If you're trying to form better eating habits, you might create a habit of eating a healthy snack at a designated time. If you feel tempted to flirt with an attractive coworker, keep a few favorite photos of your partner at your desk and send them a flirty message a few times a day. Limit your access to the things that tempt you. Avoiding temptation is less about willpower and more about keeping yourself away from the things that tempt you. Don't allow your temptations into your home if you can keep them out. Additionally, avoid places where you'll be tempted. Here are some ways to keep your temptations out of reach: Stay away from a person who tempts you to cheat on your partner. Ask your teacher to switch seats if you're tempted to cheat on tests. Don't buy unhealthy foods if you know you'll overeat them. Install parental blockers on your computer and TV if you want to avoid adult themed entertainment. Use apps like Freedom and In Moment to temporarily block your social media accounts if you spend too much time online. Avoid being alone with someone if you're concerned about unwanted sexual temptation. Don't go to bars or clubs if you're tempted to abuse substances. Don't window shop if you know you might overspend. Choose friends who support your goal to avoid temptation. Friends who are constantly leading you into temptation are not respecting you. Minimize your time spent with people who undermine you. Instead, hang out with people who share or respect your goals. It's good to have friends who are different from you. However, you should both respect each other's differences and not try to change each other. If a friend is constantly exposing you to temptation, they may not be right for you. You can find new friends by joining clubs and organizations for people who share your goals. You might look for clubs at school, through your religious institution if you have one, or online through sites like Meetup.

Distract yourself with a healthier activity. Tell yourself you'll indulge your craving in 15 mins, then delay it longer. List the consequences of giving into your temptation. Visualize yourself resisting the temptation to increase your resolve. Label your temptation so you can confront it. Remind yourself why avoiding temptation is important to you. Use mindfulness to improve your self control. Keep yourself well-rested so you’ll be strong against temptation. Manage your stress levels so you can stay strong. Get strength from your higher purpose if you have one. Forgive yourself when you give into temptation, as it's only human nature. Recognize what tempts you and why you want to avoid temptation. Incorporate healthy alternatives into your day to minimize temptation. Limit your access to the things that tempt you. Choose friends who support your goal to avoid temptation.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rich-Quick-if-You%27re-a-Kid

How to Get Rich Quick if You're a Kid

To get rich quick if you're a kid, try doing some re-selling by buying multi-packs of candy for 50 cents and selling them at school for $1. You can also try making a lemonade stand and selling drinks for 50 cents or $1 per glass. If you have a lot of old junk at home, organize a yard sale to sell it for a profit. Or, if you're talented in a specific area, like math or music, try offering tutoring sessions for $5 an hour. To get rich quick without leaving your computer, try posting videos on YouTube to build your popularity and joining the YouTube Partnership Program, which pays for creative videos about popular topics!

Sell old electronics or mechanical items that you don't use anymore. Cell phones, MP3 players, or camcorders that you don't use anymore are all fair game. This helps as you can make money. They are actually still valuable! Just be sure that you perform a factory reset on the device before selling it. If you don't do that, the buyer will be really confused with weird calls and songs they may not like. You can sell them on websites like eBay or Amazon or even to your friends. Do some re-selling. Buy multi-packs of candy for 50 cents and sell them at school, a candy stand, etc. for $1 each. If you manage to sell twenty in a day, you'll make $20. Alternatively, you could make a lemonade stand and sell 1 glass for 50 cents or $1. See if local businesses would pay you to promote their business or even work for them. Because this is a sales job, it means you have to go up to people and talk them into visiting a store or buying a product/service. Just put a smile on your face and remember that most adults love children. You were born to sell! Have a yard sale. Do you have any junk that you don't need or any toys that you don't play with anymore? Sell them! One man's trash is another man's treasure. If you live in an apartment this may be hard. If so, then contact a friend and ask if you can "borrow their yard" for a day. Don't forget to get a Garage Sale permit from your city or township. Make a business of your own. If you know how to make bookmarks, for example, make them, and then set up a stand on the edge of your yard, or hand out fliers at school. Just know that some schools frown on this practice. Be sure to talk to your school before doing this. Some quick and easy business ideas for you to consider: Make toys for pets. People love their cats, dogs, parakeets, and fish. Why not design toys for their pets to enjoy? Make food arrangements. Candy, fruit, and other foods are begging to be arranged in nice ways for people to show off before they eat it. An easy way to turn a nice profit. Make use of holidays. It's Halloween, so why not offer to carve pumpkins? It's Christmas, so why not make homemade ornaments for people to hang on their trees? Offer to make scrapbooks for other people. Scrapbooking is a very profitable industry around the world, and for good reason: People want to capture their memories in one place and cherish them. Offer to help people do that. Start tutoring sessions for $5 an hour. This is an effective way to earn money and works really well if you are excellent in certain school subjects such as mathematics and language. Really try to teach your pupil different ways of completing problems or thinking about the subject. You won't get that many repeat customers if you're not a great teacher and you charge a lot of money for the privilege.This will or may not be hard if parents want you to tutor their kids on the subject your bad at. Make money by playing music. People love hearing music, and live music is even better. If you know how to play an instrument and you're not making money playing it, you're missing out on an opportunity. Try these simple ideas to monetize your skills: Try teaching other kids an instrument you already know. If you know how to play any instruments (guitar, drums, piano, flute, etc.), advertise to teach others for $5-$10 a week. If you provide musical entertainment, go in a public area and put out a hat and a sign to advertise your "act." People may give you a bit of money if you're good enough. They will probably only give you change, but you could make lots, if you keep at it. Ensure beforehand that the location allows this type of activity so that you don't end up in trouble. Do animation commissions. Some people like to have an animations of their own, and if you know how to animate, a 30-second animation can cost up to $30! Animation is easy to learn and is an awesome way to make money. Start to learn how to animate by getting a simple animation program such as Scratch, or if you are already pretty good at animating (or drawing) go to Deviantart. Create a website. Make a website that features something that you know is insanely popular and have a section of your website devoted to a fan club for the thing/animal/food etc. Ask people to join for $20 per person, and voila! You're rich, if people think it is worth it! Most of the popular website names are already in use, but if you think of a good one that is not in use, then your website could be a hit! Start a YouTube series to promote your talent. If you get popular, you can apply for the Partnership program and get paid. (If you are under 18, you will need your parent's email address, but that shouldn't keep you from trying.) If you can suddenly get your video to go viral , you could be making tons of money each month, with the added possibility to make more with successive videos. Try video game tutorials. What's the latest video game craze? If you can make or do something awesome in a popular video game, you'll definitely get some followers. Minecraft , Halo , Call of Duty , Bioshock , and more are currently very popular. Teach people how to solve a popular problem. Do you know a really cool way to boil an egg ? Do you have a surefire way to ask a boy or girl out? Make a video about it and watch the views rack up. Sell your artwork. You can draw amazing pictures for people, perhaps, or maybe even take wonderful black and white pictures if you're a good artist. Why not make some extra money on the side by selling your paintings, landscapes, or profiles? There are lots of online websites, such as Etsy, eBay, CafePress, Kijiji, or Facebook Yard Sales where you can list or auction off your artwork to people around the world. Teach someone how to use electronics if you're a computer whiz. You can help someone about how to use a computer and teach them tricks you can do on a computer (changing the background or using shortcuts). If you fit this profile, you should definitely consider making some money by helping other people out. Why not make a website advertising your expertise? Of course, advertise the fact that you're still young, but offer great prices and testimonials describing how professional and useful you are. Who knows — your business could take off! Put on a show in your neighborhood. Who says you need to be a grown-up in order to put on a show? It can be a talent show, a sketch comedy show, or something else. If you're into doing a one-man thing, you can keep all the profits of your show. If you involve other people in your show, you should of course be prepared to pay everyone who helped you out or performed with you in your show. The fee should be $5 per ticket. Make PowerPoint presentations for people. If you are especially good at designing PowerPoints, you can get information from people and then format a presentation out of it for them. Especially at online sites such as Upwork, you can work freelance for people if you are chosen for the job. Do some chores around the house. Your parents might give you an allowance. A high allowance will work for getting rich quick. Chores without being asked are great bonus points. Even if you get five bucks a week, know that this money can add up very, very quickly. Check for change in the car and under the sofa. You never know what you might find! Look anywhere for loose change. Just make sure that your parents aren't planning to use that extra change. Ask your parents to give you a bigger allowance. If you don't have an allowance, ask for one, but don't bother your parents. To convince your parents that you deserve a bigger allowance, do your chores extra well, do extra chores that you don't really need to do but need to be done, and be super helpful. Make an agreement with your parents. For example, tell your parents that you'll earn at least an "A" or "B" in all of your classes if you can get an extra $20 per month. Then, both parties are happy: Your parents are happy you're doing well in school, and you're happy that you get that extra dough. Run errands for your parents. This works especially if you have a means of transportation, such as a car, but it's still doable even if you don't. Walking places is an option, as is taking the bus or asking a friend for a ride. Clean your house. Cleaning your parents' house can earn you cash in a few hours, especially if you do a good job. Make sure to hit the windows, the awnings and gutters. Make sure to get the inside of the house as well as the outside. Your parents probably don't want to do the kitchen or the bathroom, but because you're super-motivated to make some extra money, it won't be a problem for you. Get the proper cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, rags, gloves, etc.) and get to work! Depending on how old you are, try babysitting. You probably won't be able to babysit until you're a teenager, but babysitting can be an easy and quick way of making tons of money. After you babysit your first family, ask for a recommendation or "referral" from the family. It'll be a lot easier to get new families to employ you if you come with a recommendation. Just make sure the recommendation is a good one and you know the people! Try pet-sitting. Ask someone if you can pet sit for extra cash. Find out who is going away on vacation or simply just going away for the day and offer to take care of their pet for the day/duration of their vacation. You can also make a lot of money walking dogs, especially if you walk multiple dogs in a day. You can start your business by putting up a poster in your neighborhood that lists how much you charge and the times when you're available. You should charge about $5 per walk; you can begin to charge more as you do it more often and become more experienced. You can start by walking dogs for free to build up the experience and then start charging for your services. Contact a local news agent or post office and ask to deliver newspapers for a price. There's no glamour in having a paper route, but it can be really good pay. The pro is that it's a pretty easy job. The con is that you have to wake up really early (usually) in order to deliver your papers. Mow lawns. Ask your parents to borrow their lawn mower and start going up to your neighbors, offering to mow their lawns. Few people like the idea of mowing their lawns, so you can generally charge people pretty good money in order for your service. Try setting up a plan with your neighbors: Tell them you'll mow their lawn every weekend for an entire month. Tell them you'll give them a good deal for letting you mow their lawn four weekends in a row. Spice up the mowing by going diagonally instead of using straight lines. This looks really fancy and it's just as easy to do as straight lines. Of course, ask your neighbors first whether you can cut diagonal lines. Take pictures of your mow jobs and show them to your neighbors. This should make them less apprehensive about hiring you if they have any apprehension. Do other work around the yard. Learn how to prune trees , rake leaves , plant flowers , or sweep the sidewalks. The more you know how to do around the yard, the more employable you'll be. That means more money. That means becoming richer quicker. Rent a pressure washer for the weekends. Renting this will cost approximately $50. Get agreements ahead of time to do as many driveways as you can and price it at somewhere around $50 each and you'll be rich over the weekend. Caution: a pressure washer may damage property, splash dirt on automobiles, and hurt people's eyes and such so if you decide on doing this step, please be careful while using the pressure washer and do not play around with it. Ask one of your parents to help you figure out how to use it before operating it. If it's winter you can shovel the snow in a driveway and side walk or clean the snow off cars. You can start with low prices then start to get higher prices. Start off with your own driveway and then start asking neighbours. Some people don't have time to shovel snow before school/work. You can get rich easily with 15-20 dollars per customer.

Sell old electronics or mechanical items that you don't use anymore. Do some re-selling. See if local businesses would pay you to promote their business or even work for them. Have a yard sale. Make a business of your own. Start tutoring sessions for $5 an hour. Make money by playing music. Do animation commissions. Create a website. Start a YouTube series to promote your talent. Sell your artwork. Teach someone how to use electronics if you're a computer whiz. Put on a show in your neighborhood. Make PowerPoint presentations for people. Do some chores around the house. Check for change in the car and under the sofa. Ask your parents to give you a bigger allowance. Run errands for your parents. Clean your house. Depending on how old you are, try babysitting. Try pet-sitting. Contact a local news agent or post office and ask to deliver newspapers for a price. Mow lawns. Do other work around the yard. Rent a pressure washer for the weekends. If it's winter you can shovel the snow in a driveway and side walk or clean the snow off cars.

https://www.wikihow.com/Change-In-a-School-Locker-Room

How to Change In a School Locker Room

To change in a school locker room, look for a shower or bathroom stall to change in if you're not comfortable changing in front of other people. If you can't find somewhere private to change, see if you can find a quiet corner where you can get changed really quickly without being bothered. Or, try wearing your gym clothes underneath your regular school clothes so you don't have to take them off. Just make sure you put on deodorant or body spray so you don't smell bad.

Wear clothes that are easy to take off and put on. On the days that you have gym class, make sure you wear stuff that's easy to get in and out of. Stick to shoes that are easy to lace or slip on, and pants and a top that are easy to take off on gym days. You'll be able to get out of these clothes – and into your gym clothes – quickly. For example, skirts with elastic bands, comfortable jeans, pullover shirts, and slip-on flats are great options for gym days. Try to stay away from button-down shirts, multi-layer tops, and tight jeans on gym days. Make sure everything is easily accessible. To get changed into your gym clothes as quickly as possible, you should make sure everything you need is within easy reach. Lay out your gym clothes in your locker in the order you'll put them on as you take your street clothes off. For example, lay your gym socks, then your pants, then your shirt down, so your shirt is on top. Take your regular shirt off and put the gym one on. Then take off your regular pants and put on your gym ones. Keep track of your time. If you're changing at school, you probably don't have much time to get changed after gym. You can keep track of your time by using your cell phone or a wristwatch to set a timer. Stick to a minimalist shower. Keep the water temperature a little lower than you usually use at home. Then only wash your body with soap and water, and skip washing your hair. You should also skip shaving, exfoliating, and similar stuff until you get home. If your hair really feels gross after gym, or if you've been in the pool, try spraying your hair with dry shampoo. It should soak up extra moisture in your hair. You can also dry it with a quick-dry towel. Use wet wipes instead of taking a shower. Taking a shower after gym class can take up a bunch of time. If you're short on time, skip the shower! Instead, bring wet wipes with you and wipe yourself down after class. Focus on areas that might get a little stinky when you sweat, like your armpits. This way you get clean, but you save yourself some time and embarrassment. You can use regular wet wipes for this option. Save conversations for after you're done changing. If you're in class with a bunch of your friends, you might be tempted to hang out and chat instead of getting changed. You can still chat a bit while you change, but your focus should be on getting out of your gym clothes and into your regular clothes. Keep to yourself if you feel shy. Some people in your locker room might not mind talking to each other while they change. If that makes you uncomfortable, it's okay to keep to yourself while you change. You don't need to chat with anyone else, and you don't need to pause while you're changing to answer anyone's questions. It saves you time and some privacy. If someone starts talking to you while you're changing, you can politely say something like "Hey! Let me get changed really quick and then we can talk." Look for a private area to change. Some locker rooms have bathroom stalls that you can access while you're in the locker room. If you're really uncomfortable changing in front of others, you can slip into a bathroom stall and change your clothes quickly. Locker rooms that are attached to pools usually have more showers than regular locker rooms, so you might be able to change there. Keep in mind that sometimes the bathroom stalls might be full of people already. You might not have the time to wait for a stall. If that's the case, find a quiet corner in the locker room to change. If you're changing at school, ask if students are allowed to change in the restrooms. Some teachers have rules that everyone must change at their locker. Wear your gym clothes under your regular clothes. If there aren't many options for privacy in your locker room, try wearing your gym clothes under your street clothes. That way, you only have to take off your top layer of clothes before class, and then put them back on when it's over. If you're wearing your gym clothes under your regular clothes, make sure you wash them regularly – at least once or twice a week. This might get a little warm during the warmer months, so be prepared for that. If you're wearing your gym clothes under your regular clothes, bring extra deodorant or body spray. That way you won't bring the smell of gym class with you into other classes. Ask your school for privacy curtains. A lot of people are uncomfortable changing in front of others, and if you can get a few people to ask with you, it might convince the administration. Ask your principal if it's possible to get privacy curtains put up in your locker room. If the principal can't make that decision, you might have to speak to the school board. Write down the reasons you'd prefer that type of privacy and present your case clearly and calmly. If you're a trans student and need privacy, you should let your school board know. If you have religious reasons for needing privacy, you should bring those up as well. Remind yourself that everyone’s bodies look different. It's easy to feel uncomfortable in the locker room because you're comparing your body to everyone else's. But everyone's body looks different and almost no one can live up to the ideals you see on TV. Your body is your body, and it's fine no matter how it looks! Remember that your body is just one among others. You're not the only one changing in the locker room, although it's easy to feel that way. But everyone else around you is changing, and they're probably nervous, too. Just remember that everyone is probably so worried about their own bodies, they're not paying any attention to yours! Ignore people who tease you. If you get teased in the locker room, the best thing you can do is ignore the bully. Most bullies love the reaction they get from people they bully. If you don't react, they might lose interest. If the teasing continues, go to a teacher or coach you trust. They can help you deal with the teasing. Improve your body image. One way to be more confident in the locker room is to improve your body image. Think about the amazing things your body can do – maybe you're really strong, or maybe you can run fast. Also keep in mind that some things about your body you just can't change. If there are things you can change, set yourself some goals for improving them. For example, you can't change how your knees look, or how wide your hips are. You can change how muscular your legs are or how flat your stomach is. Make goals for yourself related to the things you can change. Push yourself to feel more comfortable by slowing down your pace. It's okay if you don't feel comfortable in the locker room right away. But try to slow down your changing pace each week. As you feel more comfortable, say hi to people as you change. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but you'll get used to it eventually. If you do slow down, make sure you're still keeping track of the time you have to change.

Wear clothes that are easy to take off and put on. Make sure everything is easily accessible. Keep track of your time. Stick to a minimalist shower. Use wet wipes instead of taking a shower. Save conversations for after you're done changing. Keep to yourself if you feel shy. Look for a private area to change. Wear your gym clothes under your regular clothes. Ask your school for privacy curtains. Remind yourself that everyone’s bodies look different. Remember that your body is just one among others. Ignore people who tease you. Improve your body image. Push yourself to feel more comfortable by slowing down your pace.

https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-LLC-in-Texas

How to Create a LLC in Texas

To create an LLC in Texas, start by filing your business name at the county clerk's office, or online at the Texas Secretary of State website. Next, file a certificate of formation online, or by mailing, faxing, or delivering the printed form in person to the Secretary of State's office. Additionally, obtain any required local licenses, such as a food service license or occupational license. Finally, apply for an EIN number with the IRS, pay the franchise tax to the Texas Comptroller's office, and open a bank account for your LLC.

Choose a name. The first step in starting an LLC is choosing a legal name for it. Pick any name you like, but keep in mind that there are a few restrictions and rules about the name you choose. Try to make your name unique. The secretary of state will not allow you to duplicate the name of another business. Sometimes they will not even allow one that is similar to another business. The secretary of state will make this decision on a case-by-case basis. The name cannot include profanity or language that is obscene, such as explicit sexual language. It also may not contain words that would confuse it with a federal agency, such as the CIA or IRS. In Texas, LLCs must include "LLC," “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” at the end of their name. Make sure to include this in your name registration. For Example, you might name your LLC "Bagelcorp, LLC." Check the name's availability. Use the Texas Secretary of State's website to make sure no one else has already registered an LLC under the name you've selected. To search online for names, you must request an account on the Secretary of State Direct website. Anyone may request an account, and the request should be processed in 15 minutes during normal business hours. Once your account is activated, you can search the database to make sure your name isn't taken. Each search costs one dollar. Also check for the URL availability at the same time. A website is a key element of marketing now. To check for the availability of a URL, you can use one of many domain search tools on the internet. Search assumed business names. The public or "assumed" name of your business may not match the legal name of your registered LLC. Make sure there are no duplicates to the business name you would like to use. An "assumed" name is one that you will use in day to day business operations. For example, you might have registered your LLC as "Bagelcorp, LLC." But, the name of the shop you want open might be "Bob's Big Bagels." This is also known as a "doing business as" or "DBA" name. More than one business can legally use the same assumed name. For best results though, you should use an original name that no one else is using. If you and another company use the same assumed name, this may confuse customers. If you use an assumed name that is the same as another company's legal name, this may also create problems. You may lose valuable business to a competitor because you have the same name. If there are two different stores called Bob's Big Bagels, for example, it may be hard for consumers to tell them apart. Reserve your legal business name. File your legal company name with the county clerk's office, or online at the Texas Secretary of State Direct website. Businesses operating in Texas must reserve their legal name with the Secretary of State. This allows the state and other interested persons to find and store information on the business. To file online or in person, you will need to provide the name of the company and the business owner or owners' names. You will also need to describe the type of business (in this case an LLC) and the county in Texas in which you operate. You will also need to include your fee payment, either by check or cash, or with a credit card if filled out online. To register a name, you must pay $40.00 Filing for a name registration will prevent any other business from filing under your chosen name. Your business cannot file under a name that is already registered. If you plan on doing business under an assumed name rather than your legal name, you will also need to file an assumed name certificate with SOS direct. The secretary of state charges $25 per certificate. The county you live in may also charge a fee. Consider trademarking your name. If your name is original or creative, you may want to consider registering it as a trademark. A trademark can distinguish your product or service from those of competitors. It can also protect you from trademark infringement by other companies. For example, a trademark will allow you to hold a domain as yours. It also protects other intellectual property related to your business. You can trademark your business name through the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Visit their website and fill out a form. The form will require you to provide information about your business. You will also need to pay a fee of between $275 and $325 to register your trademark. If trademark law confuses you, feel free to consult with a trademark lawyer, who can assure that your application is accepted while also helping you avoid potential legal liability. Determine who your members and board are. All owners of an LLC are considered members. However, an LLC can be run by a single individual, or by a board. The individuals who are authorized to act on behalf of the LLC are said to have "governing authority." They are the managers of the business. The managers do not have to be members of the LLC. How many people have governing authority and who those people are is up to you and the other members. It is a decision you will need to make before filling out your certificate of formation. Draft an operating agreement. An operating agreement outlines your company's policies and procedures. Although not required by Texas law, an operating agreement is helpful at clarifying the verbal agreements between members. Begin the operating agreement by stating the purpose of the business, e.g., to offer legal services or to sell cosmetics. Define the members' powers and duties. You can outline the day-to-day responsibilities of each member. You should also designate each member a percentage of ownership. Assign accounting responsibilities. Because financial accounting is so critical to a business's success, you should clarify and delegate who will have responsibility for check writing, distributing profits, and bookkeeping. Clarify process for a member's withdrawal. Members may leave the LLC or die. A process should be put in place for what happens to the member's shares. For example, the remaining members may agree to purchase the shares. Establish dissolution procedures. Not every company lives forever. You should specify when and how the LLC can be dissolved. For example, you might decide that an LLC can be dissolved by a majority vote of the board and that the profits of the LLC will be divided at the dissolution according to share ownership. Find a registered agent. You must name a registered agent for the company on your LLC application. The agent is the person who will be contacted in the case of a lawsuit or if taxes are owed. The registered agent can be an individual resident or other entity that is registered to do business in Texas. Usually, one of the partners of the LLC will act as the agent. You can also hire an agent. This is useful if the business is not located in Texas. To find a qualified agent, you can contact one of the “Big Four” agents, which operate nationally: InCorp Services, Corporation Service Company, CT Corporation, or National Registered Agents. The website “Best Registered Agents” gathers fee information and consumer reviews for over 25 agents working in Texas. The limited liability company cannot act as its own registered agent. Prepare a certificate of formation for an LLC. The State of Texas requires you to file this form, which includes articles of organization. Once you've registered your name, submit this form and pay the fee. You can find a certificate of formation application on the Texas Secretary of State website. You will need to enter the company name and legal address. You'll also have to fill out the business purpose, names of members and general business structure. The articles of organization is a document that lays out the corporate structure of your LLC. It specifies who the partners will be and who will sit on the board of the company. This document is also known as the articles of incorporation. You may print the form out or use the online system to file it. If you choose to print and send in the form, you may deliver it by mail to P.O. Box 13697, Austin, Texas 78711-3697. You can also fax it (512) 463-5709. Or, you can deliver it person to the James Earl Rudder Office Building, 1019 Brazos, Austin, Texas 78701. The filing fee for a certificate of formation is $300. You will have to pay an additional fee if you file online. Obtain any required local licenses. License requirements will vary according to the county in Texas. Contact your county clerk's office to determine if you need any licenses or permits for your type of business. For example, if you are opening a restaurant, you must have the applicable licenses from the health department. The Chamber of Commerce also will have information on what type of licenses you need, how to apply for them, and what the fees will be. You also may consult the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for more information. They will also have applications for licenses. For example, you can apply for or renew an electrician's license online through this department. Just click on "occupational licenses" and choose your occupation. Fees can paid by credit card. Apply for an employee identification number. An employee identification number (EIN) is an assigned number for IRS purposes. It is similar to a social security number. Small business and corporations use EINs to account for employee tax withholdings. You must have an EIN when setting up an LLC. Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to apply for an EIN. Click on "Apply for an EIN online" in the left corner. Then, read the guidelines and click on "apply now." To apply for an EIN you'll need to fill out an online form and enter several pieces of information. You will need to provide the name and address of your LLC. You will also need to include the name and social security number of the owner or managing member. Finally, you will need to enter information about the members of the LLC and the services it provides. Alternatively, you may print off and mail the appropriate form to the IRS. There is no charge for the application if you go directly through the IRS. Pay franchise tax. Texas requires that LLCs pay a franchise tax in order to operate. You should visit the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website for information about how to pay. You can register you company online or by printing off and completing a PDF. Tax rates vary, but generally companies pay a 1% tax. Open a bank account for your LLC. The last step of setting up your LLC is to open a bank account for it. After you've done this, you can start doing business. You will need to have your EIN before opening an account. Ask the bank if you will need to present other documentation to open the account. Banks in Texas may vary in their requirements. For example, you might need to bring your certificate of formation or business license. Consult your bank of choice about the options on your account that will be best suited to your business needs. For instance, you may need overdraft protection or prefer to hold a checking account. Or, if you'll be depositing a lot of money, you also may want to consider an interest-bearing account.

Choose a name. Check the name's availability. Search assumed business names. Reserve your legal business name. Consider trademarking your name. Determine who your members and board are. Draft an operating agreement. Find a registered agent. Prepare a certificate of formation for an LLC. Obtain any required local licenses. Apply for an employee identification number. Pay franchise tax. Open a bank account for your LLC.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Lost-Dental-Crown

How to Fix a Lost Dental Crown

To fix a lost dental crown until you can get to a dentist, start by cleaning it using a toothbrush or toothpick and rinsing it off with water. Next, gently brush and floss the tooth that lost the crown, then dry both the tooth and crown with sterile gauze. After that, set the crown in place and bite down gently to see if fits back in place. If it fits, apply a dental adhesive, like dental cement, to the crown, then set it in place on your tooth and tap your teeth together. Finally, floss the area to remove any excess adhesive.

Get the crown out of your mouth. Carefully retrieve the crown from your mouth so that you do not drop it or swallow it. If you have already swallowed it, you are not in danger, but the crown will need to be replaced. If you have lost the crown, you can coat the tooth surface with an over-the-counter dental cement (available at many pharmacies) to temporarily seal the area until a dentist can repair it. Call a dentist as soon as possible. Losing a crown is not a true dental emergency. Still, you should contact the dentist so the crown can be repaired. The dentist can tell you what to do and how to care for it until you can get it fixed. Your tooth will be weak, possibly sensitive, and at a greater risk of decay until the crown is fully prepared so do not delay in contacting your dentist for a solution. Inspect the tooth area and crown. If no pieces have chipped off of either the tooth or the crown, you should be able to set the crown temporarily back in place. Contact a dentist and do not attempt to reattach the crown if the crown is filled with hard material or a portion of your tooth, rather than mostly hollow. Your crown may be attached to a metal post, and it is hard to fit the sharp tip into the right place, especially if the crown is on a molar. Contact your dentist for the best guidance. Be cautious until you can reattach the crown. Keep the crown in a secure place until you can reattach it, so that you don't lose it. Avoid chewing on tooth that lost the crown until you can reattach it. This will help prevent tooth decay and any further damage to the tooth. Clean the crown. Carefully pick any old cement, food, or other material off of the crown if you can, using a toothbrush, a toothpick, or dental floss, and rinse the crown with water. If you clean the crown and tooth over a sink, make sure to plug it first so that you don't accidentally drop it down the drain. Clean the tooth. Using a toothbrush and floss, gently clean the tooth that has lost its crown. The tooth will likely be sensitive, which is normal. Dry the tooth and crown. Using sterile gauze, gently dry the crown and tooth area. Try to fit the crown in place without any adhesive. Testing the crown with a dry fit will help you make sure that you can put it back in place. Set the crown in place and bite down very gently. The crown should not feel like it is sitting higher than your other teeth. If it does, it may need to be cleaned further. If the crown does not seem to fit right one way, turn it and try another way. It is designed to fit securely, so it may take some time to get it properly in place. If you cannot fit the crown in place without cement, do not try to fit it in with cement. Choose an adhesive. If you are successfully able to set the crown in place in a dry fit, then you can try to adhere it to the underlying tooth. Dental cements are designed for the job and will secure the crown best, though other materials will work in a pinch. Choose an adhesive based on what is available to you. Use dental cement. You can probably find this at a pharmacy. This is different than denture cream; the container of dental cement should be labeled as a fix for a crown or cap that has fallen off. Some cements have to be mixed, while others are pre-mixed. Follow directions carefully. You can also use temporary dental filling material. This is also widely available at pharmacies. Denture adhesive will also work. If you can't get denture cement, a loose slurry of flour and water can be used instead. Mix a small amount of flour and water together to make a smooth, loose paste. Do not use superglue or household adhesives to hold the crown in place. While many people are tempted to do this, it can irritate your tissue and tooth. Doing this is worse than going without a crown for a little while. Apply your chosen adhesive to the crown and carefully set it in place on your tooth. Just a small dab of adhesive spread on the interior surface of the crown should be sufficient. A mirror can be useful to help you see where to place the crown, especially if the tooth is hard to reach. You can also ask someone else for assistance. Tap your teeth together. Gently bite down to test the position and fit of the crown, and to get it exactly into place. Before fitting the crown, dry the area with gauze or a towel to clean any saliva in that area. You want the area to be totally dry. Depending on the directions provided with the particular cement you are using, you may need to clamp down on the crown for a few minutes, then carefully remove any excess cement from around the tooth or gum. Floss carefully to remove any excess cement between the teeth. Don't pull up on the floss to get it out—instead, slide it between the teeth while biting down gently. This will stop you from accidentally removing the crown again. Schedule an appointment to see your dentist. Although the temporary crown may hold for a few days or even weeks in the best-case scenario, you will need to see a dentist as soon as possible for a more permanent reattachment or replacement. Eat and drink with caution until the crown is repaired by a dentist. Avoid eating on the side of the mouth with the crown. Remember that the crown is only held temporarily in place, so avoid any excessively hard or chewy foods until you can see a dentist. Deal with any pain. If your tooth or jaw is sensitive or in pain because of the temporary crown fix, dab clove oil onto a cotton swab and gently apply to the gum and tooth area. This will numb the site. You can often find clove oil in pharmacies or in the spice aisle of supermarkets.

Get the crown out of your mouth. Call a dentist as soon as possible. Inspect the tooth area and crown. Be cautious until you can reattach the crown. Clean the crown. Clean the tooth. Dry the tooth and crown. Try to fit the crown in place without any adhesive. Choose an adhesive. Apply your chosen adhesive to the crown and carefully set it in place on your tooth. Tap your teeth together. Floss carefully to remove any excess cement between the teeth. Schedule an appointment to see your dentist. Eat and drink with caution until the crown is repaired by a dentist. Deal with any pain.

https://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Tequila

How to Drink Tequila

To drink tequila slowly, choose a brand that is made from 100% agave, since it will taste better. Look for an añejo tequila, which means it has been aged for a year to fully develop the flavor. Pour about 1 ounce of tequila into a snifter, then swirl the tequila gently in its glass before taking a small sip. Swish the tequila around in your mouth for about 10 seconds, allowing it to travel over the different parts of your tongue before you swallow it.

Choose a tequila that is made from 100% agave. Not all tequilas are created equal. If you are planning on sipping your tequila and enjoying it like most Mexicans do, be sure to choose tequila that is 100% authentic. There are tequilas that are "mixtos," meaning that they are made with at least 51% agave and fortified with sugars. Stay away from these. They don't taste much like tequila. Many bartenders and tequila experts recommend choosing a family-owned tequila over a large conglomerate. (We're looking at you, Cuervo.) If you can find a tequila that's part of a small, family-owned business, chances are overwhelming that it will be 100% agave, and simply that it will taste better. Choose an Añejo tequila. Because añejo tequilas are aged for at least a year, they make for better sipping than a tequila that is rushed to maturity or those that are front-loaded with tequila flavor but lack any body or complexity to round it out. These añejos are often compared to aged cognac. Añejos tend to be more expensive than reposados or blancos , but not outrageously so. You should be able to find a good añejo for under $50. Drink añejos at room temperature. Adding ice to it dilutes the flavor and can mask the tequila's different components. If you become serious about sipping tequila, consider getting a tequila glass to enjoy your añejo in. Many also enjoy the tequila in a snifter. Enjoy your tequila with a little bit of sangrita. "Sangrita" means "little blood" in Spanish, called this way because of the color of the liquid. The sangrita is non-alcoholic. Pair the sangrita with your sipping tequila in a separate shot glass and take turns sipping the tequila and sangrita. To make sangrita, mix together, then refrigerate: 1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice 1 cup tomato juice (not V-8) 1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice 1 tsp grenadine 12 dashes hot sauce — e.g., Cholula Follow the sipping protocol. (Optional.) If you're the kind of person who enjoys the thought of sipping tequila the right way , here are some tips on how the experts enjoy their vintage tequila. Pour about one ounce of tequila in a tequila glass or snifter. Hold the glass at the stem (not the bowl), raise the glass to eye level and look at the tequila's color. Swirl the tequila gently in its glass. Note how the tequila clings to the walls of the glass, looking for the "string of pearls" effect. Take a small sip, swishing the tequila around in your mouth for about 10 seconds, letting the alcohol travel over different parts of your tongue. Swallow and repeat! Fancy, huh? Choose a blanco, oro, or reposado tequila to shoot. Oro , meaning "gold," tastes similar to blanco and costs about the same. Remember to choose 100% agave tequila. Mixtos may be cheap, but a nasty headache in the morning is expensive. Shoot neat and unchilled. You don't have to go through the salt-and-lime routine if you don't want to. (Most Mexicans don't drink tequila this way, anyway.) Take room-temperature tequila, pour it into a shot glass, toast, and pour it down your gullet. Shoot with salt and lime. The salt-and-lime method of shooting tequila has been around for a while, though it's not clear that it's a popular way of shooting tequila in Mexico. One report suggests that the oldest known mention of the salt-and-lime technique, from 1924, reverses the order: First lime, then tequila, then salt. Either way, it's a popular way of shooting tequila, even if it's detested by snobs the world 'round. Here's how: Lick the skin between your thumb and index finger. Shake a little bit of salt on your skin, which should stick to the moisture. With a tequila shot and lime wedge in hand, lick the salt on your hand and shoot the tequila. Try to get the tequila down in one gulp if you can. You are shooting it, after all. As a "chaser," suck on the lime wedge after shooting the tequila. The acidity of the lime won't taste as sharp after the alcohol. Enjoy your tequila in a classic margarita. A margarita can be frozen or classic. If you really want to savor the flavor of the tequila, go for a classic margarita, as the frozen margaritas are laden with sugar and water. To make a great margarita, follow this recipe: Pour the following ingredients into a cocktail shaker half-full with ice: 2 oz. blanco , oro , or reposado tequila 1/2 oz. orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Triple-Sec 1 oz. freshly-squeezed lime juice 1/2 oz. agave nectar sweetener Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds and strain into cocktail glass with a salted rim. Enjoy your tequila in a "tequini," or tequila martini. A tequini takes all the sophistication and class of a martini and squeezes a little bit of fun into the mix. Imbiber beware, however, because this brother is boozy! Turn the tequini into a sweeter tequini by using a reposado tequila and sweet vermouth. Into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, mix: 2 1/2 oz blanco tequila 1/2 oz dry vermouth Dash of Angostura bitters Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an olive, lemon twist, or jalapeño pepper. Enjoy your tequila in a tequila sunrise. Called "tequila sunrise" because of the layering of red and orange, this recipe is another reminder that tequila and citrus make a really nice pairing. In a highball glass with ice, pour in: 2 oz. blanco , oro , or reposado tequila Enough orange juice to fill the glass almost to the top. Stir ingredients, and then dip two dashes of grenadine syrup into the drink by tilting the glass slightly and funneling the syrup quickly down the side. The grenadine should sink to the bottom and slowly rise through the drink. Garnish with stirrer, straw, and cherry-orange. Try a twist on a Bloody Mary, called a vampira. This is also sometimes called a "Bloody Maria." The vampira cocktail is a Mexican twist on the classic bloody Mary recipe. It's light and spicy, and manages to be original without betraying the essence of the prototype. Fill a 10-ounce glass with ice. Into the glass, pour: pinch of salt 1 1/2 oz. blanco tequila 1 teaspoon Mexican hot sauce, e.g. Cholula 1 oz. Clamato 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice Top up the drink with Mexican Squirt or another grapefruit soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Choose a tequila that is made from 100% agave. Choose an Añejo tequila. Enjoy your tequila with a little bit of sangrita. Follow the sipping protocol. Choose a blanco, oro, or reposado tequila to shoot. Shoot neat and unchilled. Shoot with salt and lime. Enjoy your tequila in a classic margarita. Enjoy your tequila in a "tequini," or tequila martini. Enjoy your tequila in a tequila sunrise. Try a twist on a Bloody Mary, called a vampira.

https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-Nice-Every-Day-(for-Girls)

How to Dress Nice Every Day (for Girls)

To dress nice every day as a girl, always wear clothes that flatter your body and make you feel confident. Make sure to choose classic pieces that will never go out of style, like dark jeans, V-neck t-shirts, and neutral colored blazers. If you want to make your classic pieces look more interesting, try adding an accent piece, such as a patterned sweater. Additionally, stick to wearing no more than 3 colors at a time for a neat, elegant look.

Buy classic pieces. To dress nicely, it is important to have some classic pieces in your wardrobe that will never go out of style. Classic pieces are articles of clothing that are generally not too extreme or dated. Instead, they are generally simple and elegant, like a navy blue blazer or a well-crafted black V-neck t-shirt. Though they may sound simple, you can always dress these pieces up with accessories. Basic, classic pieces are generally easier to mix and match, which means that they can be used in a variety of outfits. Purchase a few accent articles of clothing. To go along with your classic articles of clothing, buy some accent pieces that will make your outfits pop, even if they are simple. These accents could be bright colors that you don't normally wear or patterns that pop. For example, you could take an outfit that is as simple as a white t-shirt and a navy blue skirt, and make it interesting with a patterned sweater. Purchase clothes that you can mix and match. When going through your wardrobe, consider whether or not you can use each article of clothing in at least two different outfits. Mixing and matching is an important part of dressing nicely everyday. While you most likely can't purchase a new outfit for every day of the week, you can buy clothing that you can mix and match to create entirely new and exciting outfits. Consider your body when picking out your clothes. Certain clothes have cuts that look different on different body types. Look for clothes that flatter your body and make you feel confident. Each person has their idea of what they find flatters their bodies the most, so spend some time trying on different kinds of clothes. For example: If you have a 'Pear' shape, which means that you have wider hips and a slimmer bust, you could try out an open-neck top, or a dress with an empire waist. Get rid of clothes that are worn or torn. Part of dressing nicely means giving away or selling old clothes. Clothes get worn out, especially if you wear the same piece a lot, and worn-out clothing does not necessarily look very classy—unless you are going for a look that involves faded clothes and torn jeans. If you find that a shirt has a stain, try your best to get it out , but if the stain remains, it might be time to toss the shirt. Clothes with stains tend to look a little sloppy. Consider your skin tone when buying your clothes. Picking out clothing that complements your skin tone can make a great outfit that much nicer. Of course, always keep in mind that if you don't like a color or don't feel like it looks good on you, don't wear it. Part of dressing nicely is dressing in things that make you confident and happy; if a certain color matches your skin tone, but you don't like it anyway, don't wear it. General guidelines for skin tones and clothing colors include: Very light skin tones: Ice tones, pale pinks, greys, baby blues, navies, and grass greens. Medium-light skin tones: Pastel colors, cool reds, and blues. Avoid orange. Medium skin tones: Metallic tones, jewel tones, plums, wine reds, bright blues, deep purples. Medium-dark skin tones: Deep colors like dark greens, bright blues, pale yellows, warm reds. Very dark skin tones: Bright colors like burgundies, cobalt blue, bright orange, and red. Hang up your clothes and invest in an iron. Another part of dressing nicely is keeping your clothes in tip-top shape. This means hanging up clothes when you can, and ironing folded clothes. If you are not sure how to iron your clothes, click here. You can also try steam pressing your clothes. Plan your outfits. One aspect of dressing nicely is taking the time to plan your outfits. This might mean planning your outfit the night before, or planning an entire week's worth of outfits at the beginning of the week; go with what works best for you. Trying to figure out a great outfit in the morning before school may make you feel a little too stressed, so take some time to consider your wardrobe and try on several different outfits that you could wear. Some girls find that trying out outfits and taking photos of the ones that they like to put in a binder can help them to decide on an outfit when they are in a rush. If you plan a last-minute outing with your friends, simply flip through the binder and pick out a pre-planned outfit. Consider the occasion you are dressing for. When planning your outfit, think about what you will be doing in that outfit. Different events call for different kinds of clothing. For instance, if you're going to school, try not to show too much skin, or wear a shirt that is too low cut. On the other hand, if you're going to the beach with your friends, wearing a summery dress and shoes you can walk through the sand with maybe the way to go. If you are not sure what would be appropriate to wear to a certain event, such as a cousin's baptism , or a job interview , don't be afraid to ask friends or family for advice. Wear clothing that makes you feel confident. When picking out your outfit, make sure that you feel good in your clothes. Ultimately, you should be dressing nicely for yourself rather than dressing for anyone else. It is important to feel comfortable and happy in the clothes that you are wearing; projecting confidence and enthusiasm will give your outfit that extra, energetic boost. Try to keep in mind that if someone only likes you when you are dressed up, that person might not have their priorities straight. First and foremost, dress the way that you want to dress. Try to avoid combining patterns. While you may be able to get away with some very subtle pattern combinations, it is generally a good idea to only have one pattern in your outfit. Clashing patterns can often make an outfit look sloppy. For instance, if you were wearing an argyle sweater, you would most likely want to avoid wearing that sweater with a striped skirt. Consider using the rule of three. If you are having trouble putting together an outfit, using the 'rule of three' can help you to create a quick but elegant ensemble in no time. When using the rule of three, pick out three colors: two that will be your base colors (most likely your shirt and pants or skirt) and one that will be your accent color. Your base colors could be subtler colors that go together well, such as a navy blue shirt and camel skirt. Your accent color should be a brighter color that makes the rest of your outfit pop, such as a red thin belt or a silver-laced scarf. Try to wear something extra cute at least once a week. While you may want to look nice every day of the week, throwing on an outfit that dazzles once a week can help to make you feel that much more well-dressed. Take the time to come up with this eye-catching ensemble. Try to avoid wearing the same outfit twice in a week. While this will not be possible if you have to wear a school uniform, or a uniform for work, try to avoid wearing the same outfit two times a week if you are planning on hanging out or being seen by the same people. If you have two different parties to go to, however, and the people at these parties won't overlap, feel free to consider wearing the same great outfit. By no means does this mean that you avoid wearing the same article of clothing twice a week. If you have a skirt that works well in two different outfits, feel free to rock both of these ensembles in the same week. Remember, mixing and matching is the key to making you feel like you have an endless wardrobe. Create an emergency outfit. Some days, you might find that you just don't want to wear the outfit you have planned. On those days, it's important to have an emergency backup outfit. This outfit should be simple, comfortable, and easy to accessorize with. For example, your emergency outfit could be a pair of nice jeans, a tank top in your favorite color, and a cropped sweater. With these basic items already put together, all you need to go is add a necklace, scarf, or rocking pair of shoes and you'll be good to go. Pick out some shoes that will look classy. If you are shopping for shoes, try to pick out a couple of pairs that can be worn with most of your outfits. These could be classic black flats, a nice pair of boots, or short wedges that you can wear with your skirts and dresses. Try on the shoes and make sure you can walk in them easily; if you are planning on wearing them with many of your outfits, it's important to be able to walk in them. Wear shoes that would for the occasion. As with your clothes, consider the event you are going to when picking out the shoes you will wear that day. In certain formal events, sandals might not be appropriate, while wearing high heels at school might make it hard to get from class to class on time. Keep your shoes looking brand new. If your shoes get damaged or scuffed, try to buff the marks out, or use polishes to make your shoes look shiny and new again. Part of looking nice is being dressed well—from your head to your feet. If you are not sure how to clean your shoes, take a look at some of the following articles: Shine shoes Polish shoes Wash shoes Try out different kinds of jewelry. Accessorizing can help to take your outfit to a whole new level. When creating outfits for yourself, try on different kinds of jewelry and see how they change or affect the outfit you are wearing. Sometimes, adding a statement necklace or chandelier earrings can take your outfit from nice to outstanding. However, try not to over-accessorize. For example, if you are planning on wearing a chunky necklace, try wearing a small pair of stud earrings, rather than a pair of dangling earrings that could make your jewelry feel overbearing. Consider where you want the focus to be when accessorizing. Jewelry can draw a person's eye, which can be both a great thing and an unwanted thing. For example, if you want your focus to be on your face, wear large or dangling earrings. If you want the focus to be on the rest of your outfit, consider wearing a longer necklace that ties your whole outfit together. However, if you are wearing a low-cut shirt, try to refrain from wearing a longer necklace, as it might draw too much attention to your chest area. Try out different kinds of accessories. Accessories are not just limited to jewelry and shoes. You can spice up an outfit by adding an accent scarf, a colorful belt, or a stylish hat. Play around with different kinds of accessories that fit into your style. Create your own ‘golden rule’. The 'golden rule' refers to the maximum number of accessories you will allow yourself. This is completely based on your own opinion. Some people like to layer necklaces and wear funky shoes. Others, prefer a chic minimalist style in which you choose one or two accessories that compliment your outfit. Remember that you can change your golden rule when you feel like it doesn't reflect your personality anymore. For instance, maybe you like wearing three necklaces and a bunch of bracelets, but during the year your preferences chance and you decide to limit yourself to three accessories; go with what will make you feel happy and confident.

Buy classic pieces. Purchase a few accent articles of clothing. Purchase clothes that you can mix and match. Consider your body when picking out your clothes. Get rid of clothes that are worn or torn. Consider your skin tone when buying your clothes. Hang up your clothes and invest in an iron. Plan your outfits. Consider the occasion you are dressing for. Wear clothing that makes you feel confident. Try to avoid combining patterns. Consider using the rule of three. Try to wear something extra cute at least once a week. Try to avoid wearing the same outfit twice in a week. Create an emergency outfit. Pick out some shoes that will look classy. Wear shoes that would for the occasion. Keep your shoes looking brand new. Try out different kinds of jewelry. Consider where you want the focus to be when accessorizing. Try out different kinds of accessories. Create your own ‘golden rule’.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Prawn-Curry

How to Make Prawn Curry

To make prawn curry, start by heating up some vegetable oil, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods and cloves over medium heat in a large frying pan. Then, add chopped onions and green chilies to the pan and fry everything for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. After 5 minutes, add ginger and garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Next, add finely chopped tomatoes, water, and cumin powder before simmering the mixture for 10-15 minutes. Finally, add some prawns and more water to the pan and cook for 10 minutes.

Remove the Prawns shells. First pull off the head. Then rinse the prawn in water. Remove the shell from the middle part of the prawn. Hold the exposed top end and pull the tail to remove the rest of the shell. Then use a sharp knife to make a shallow slit down the middle of the curved back and pull out the dark colored vein. You can use your fingers or a cocktail stick to do this. Rinse the prawn again. Good prawns should be a bluish/green color once peeled. Chop the ingredients. Peel and finely dice 2 onions, then 4 tomatoes.Then chop 2 green chillies. Start frying. Put a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil 2 sticks of cinnamon 4 cardamom pods and 4 cloves. Fry for about 30 seconds, stirring continually. Add finely chopped onions and chillies. Add the 2 chopped onions and 2 green chillies to the pan, and fry for about 5 minutes or until the onions are a light brown. Stir frequently to stop the onions burning. Ginger and garlic paste .Now add 2 tablespoons of ginger and garlic paste. Stir well for a couple of minutes. Add the spices. 1/2 a teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder and 1 teaspoon of coriander powder half a teaspoon of garam masala and fry for 5 minutes over a low heat, stirring frequently. Add the finely chopped tomatoes followed by 1 tablespoon of cumin powder. Then stir. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and stir it in. Add a cup of water and keep stirring until the water is absorbed. Turn the heat down, put the lid on, and leave to simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the oil separates from the dish and rises to the top. Add the prawns. Turn the heat back up to high and add the prawns to the pan. Then stir in 2 generous pinches of salt. Add water to the pan. Add approximately 200ml of warm water to the pan. Stir. Then put the lid on and bring the heat down. Leave for about 10 minutes or until the prawns are cooked. check occasionally. The prawns are done when they turn pink and opaque. When they are ready, turn the heat off. Garnish with coriander. Finely chop the coriander and save a couple of good leaves to garnish. Now stir in the coriander to finish the dish. Serve with medium heat .Lay the coriander leaves onto the curry, and serve. Finished.

Remove the Prawns shells. Rinse the prawn again. Chop the ingredients. Start frying. Fry for about 30 seconds, stirring continually. Add finely chopped onions and chillies. Ginger and garlic paste Add the spices. Add the finely chopped tomatoes Add the prawns. Add water to the pan. Garnish with coriander. Serve with medium heat Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Anime-or-Manga-Faces

How to Draw Anime or Manga Faces

To draw a female face in anime or manga, start by drawing a circle for the forehead and a straight line from the top of the circle to where the chin will be. Next, sketch the chin and cheeks, making sure that the lines change direction but that the curves are subtle. Draw lines as a guide for the size of eyes and ears, then sketch the details of the features. Finally, add lines for hair, use a smaller tipped tool to add more detail to the face, remove the sketch marks to create a neater outline, and add the base color of your work.

Draw a circle on your paper with a vertical line running through the middle. Use a pencil so you're able to erase your lines if you make a mistake. Lightly draw the circle in the center of a piece of paper so you have room to add features to it. Find the middle of your circle and lightly sketch a straight line that extends from the top of the circle down your sheet of paper so you know where the middle of the face is. Start by drawing your circle large so you have room to draw the features. Otherwise, your lines may get messy and it could be hard to draw correctly. Make a guide line for the eyes a third of the way up from the bottom of the circle. Measure about a third of the way up from the bottom of your circle and use your pencil to make a mark. Use a straightedge to draw a horizontal line that extends past the edges of the circle to use as a guide for the character's eyes. Don't apply too much pressure when you draw the line since it will be hard to erase otherwise. Your measurements do not need to be precise. If you don't have a ruler, estimate the distance with the end of your pencil instead. Put a horizontal line across the bottom of the circle for the nose line. Find the lowest point on the circle you drew and set a straightedge horizontally across it. Draw a light, straight line along the bottom of the circle so it extends past the circle's widest point. In your finished drawing, the tip of the nose will be along this line. Place a horizontal mark for the chin underneath the circle. Find the distance from the center of the circle to the line you drew for the nose. Measure down from the bottom of the circle (or the nose line) to the distance you just found and make a small horizontal mark on the vertical center line. The mark will be the tip of the character's chin when you're finished. If you're drawing a female character, place the mark at a distance equal to ⅓ of the circle's diameter since female anime and manga characters tend to have rounder faces. Outline the jaw for your character. Start on either the left or right side of the circle at its widest point. Draw a line from the side of the circle that's slightly angled toward the vertical center line. Continue drawing the line until you reach the mark you made for the nose. Once the angled line crosses the nose guide line, continue drawing it toward the mark you made for the chin. Repeat the process on the other side of the circle to connect your jaw lines. Female anime and manga characters tend to have rounder faces and pointier chins than male characters. Use curved lines rather than angled ones if you plan on drawing a female character. Characters that are older usually have taller, narrower faces than younger characters. Curve the lines more when you're drawing the jawline. Sketch in a neck coming down from the head. The width of the neck depends on if you're drawing a male or female character. If you're drawing a male character, position the sides of the neck closer to the sides of the jawline to show a muscular build. For a female character, place the lines for the neck closer to the chin so it's narrower. Make straight vertical lines extending from the jaw on each side of the face to make the neck. Younger manga or anime characters will have a narrow neck since they aren't as muscular or defined. When you're drawing a young boy or girl character, make the neck lines closer to the chin that the sides of the jaw. Hold your drawing out in front of you to see if the neck looks too long or short while you're drawing it. Erase or extend the lines further depending on how it looks to you. Place ears on the sides of the head between the eye and nose lines. The top and bottom of each ear will line up with the eye and nose lines you drew earlier. Sketch oblong C-shapes between the guide lines for your ears so they connect to the sides of the circle and jawline. You can either leave the ears as is for a simple look, or draw the curves inside them to add more detail. Look at your ears or pictures of real ears to get an idea of what they look like. Ears can be various shapes, so choose whatever looks best on your character. Add the tip of the nose where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect. In an anime or manga, the nose isn't as visible from the front view as it is from the side. If you want to make a simple nose, just put a dot on the point where the nose guide line and the vertical center line intersect. For something slightly more complex, draw 2 short curved lines on either side of the center line to give the appearance of nostrils. You can also draw a long straight or curved line extending up toward the eye line if you want to make your character's nose more defined. Draw the eyes so they’re below the guide line you drew earlier. If you're drawing a male character, draw a horizontal line under the guide line you made that stops near the side of the head. For a female character, draw an arched line underneath your guide that goes toward the side of your character's head. Place the bottom line for the eye anywhere above the tip of the nose. Draw the other eye on the opposite side of the face so it looks the same as the other. Anime or manga characters have a variety of different eye shapes, so check your favorites to get ideas on how to draw the eyes on your character. Practice drawing different eye expressions if you want your character to have a particular emotion. For example, an angry character may have narrower eyes and a surprised character will have their eyes wide open. Give your character eyebrows above the eye line. Start the line for your character's eyebrow above the corner of their eye slightly above the guide line you drew before. Draw a slightly curved or angled line, following the same shape as the top of the eye. You can either leave the eyebrow as a simple line or extend lines up from it and make it a rectangle. Draw another eyebrow over the other eye once you finish the first one. Anime and manga eyebrows can be many shapes, like triangles or even circles. Angle the eyebrows more if you want to make your character more expressive. For example, if the eyebrows are angled down toward the nose, then your character will look angry, but if you angle them down toward the ears, they'll look sad or scared. Put the mouth halfway between the nose and the chin. Find the halfway point between the character's mouth and chin so you know where to place the mouth. If you want to make a simple mouth, draw a slightly curved horizontal line to make a smile or a frown. Put another slightly smaller line underneath the first to give the appearance of a bottom lip. Look at different mouths and expressions for anime characters online to see how to make different expressions. If you want to draw your character smiling with an open mouth, you do not need to draw every individual tooth. Only draw the line between the top and bottom teeth to separate them. Erase the guidelines to clean up your drawing. Use either the eraser on your pencil or a block eraser to lift up any guide lines that aren't a part of the character's face or head. Carefully work around any of the facial features you've drawn so you don't erase their lines too much. Continue erasing the rest of the guides on your drawing until all that's left is the face. If you drew your guide lines too dark, then they may not fully erase off of the paper. Use a thin eraser to get in detailed areas, like the eyes or ears. Give your character a fun hairstyle. Anime and manga characters can have a variety of hairstyles, so choose one that you think will look best on your character. Avoid drawing every single strand of hair and instead sketch the basic shape of the style onto your character. Work lightly in pencil so you can erase and make changes if you need to. Once you have a roughed-in shape for the hairstyle, erase any parts of the head that the hair covers so it's not visible. Anime or manga hair is usually broken up into clumps that end in a point. Look at hairstyles of various characters to get ideas of how to style your character's hair. Add small details like freckles or wrinkles to your characters face. After you've finalized the hair and erased the guide lines, work on adding any details to make your character unique. Give them freckles on their cheeks, moles, or wrinkles so they look more interesting. Sketch in any jewelry or accessories you want in pencil so you can erase them if you don't like how they look. You don't have to add any additional details to your character if you don't want to. Shade the face with your pencil to give it more depth. Use the side of your pencil to lightly apply a shadow underneath the chin, bottom lip, and hair on your character. Make sure to move your pencil in the same direction for each shadow you draw so it looks consistent. Apply more pressure to the pencil if you want to make your shadows darker. Be careful not to make your shadows too dark or else they will look too harsh and be difficult to erase.

Draw a circle on your paper with a vertical line running through the middle. Make a guide line for the eyes a third of the way up from the bottom of the circle. Put a horizontal line across the bottom of the circle for the nose line. Place a horizontal mark for the chin underneath the circle. Outline the jaw for your character. Sketch in a neck coming down from the head. Place ears on the sides of the head between the eye and nose lines. Add the tip of the nose where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect. Draw the eyes so they’re below the guide line you drew earlier. Give your character eyebrows above the eye line. Put the mouth halfway between the nose and the chin. Erase the guidelines to clean up your drawing. Give your character a fun hairstyle. Add small details like freckles or wrinkles to your characters face. Shade the face with your pencil to give it more depth.

https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Ballet-Turnout

How to Improve Ballet Turnout

Ballet turnout is the basis for first position, in which you turn your feet out and away from your body. Doing correct turnout will keep your knees healthy and increase your range of motion. To get in position, lift the toes on each foot out and away from each other until your feet form opposite 90-degree angles. Focus on shifting your weight to your hips so that your feet move naturally apart and there isn't pressure on your lower legs. While a 180-degree turn out is the goal, don't force it, since you might injure yourself. To improve your flexibility, try doing lunges, the butterfly stretch, or the frog stretch. Hold these stretches for as long as you can comfortably.

Find a professional. Since incorrect turnout can damage muscles and lead to knee problems, it's important that you work on your turnout with a professional ballet dancer. Try to find a pre-professional ballet school that is associated with a professional ballet company. This way, an instructor can give you individual attention, helping you achieve the perfect turnout. Since the muscles of young ballet dancers are still developing, it's easier to improve flexibility when you're young (before age 12). Get ready to turnout. Before you turnout, stand in front of a mirror with your feet touching and facing forward in a parallel position. Keep your muscles flexible and make sure your tailbone is pointed down, not pushed out and back. Stand firmly on your feet. If you're too tense when you begin to turnout, you're more likely to cause muscle strain and injury. Spend at least 10 minutes stretching your leg and hip muscles before dancing. Get in position. Once you're in the correct position, lift your toes up and away from each other (in opposite 90 degree angles). It is critical that you do not simply twist your feet away by using your knees and lower legs. Instead, shift your weight to your hips so that your feet naturally move apart. Make sure you're not putting all your weight on your big toes, instead of distributing it throughout your feet. The ideal turnout is 180 degrees. Don't worry if you can't turnout that much. Stretching can improve your flexibility by a few degrees. Good turnout also means that you're honest about what your natural turnout is and don't try to force it. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed throughout your foot. Poor turnout puts strain on just your big toes and rolls your feet in. Instead, your feet should be level with the ground. Avoid forcing your turnout. While it may seem easy to use your knees in order to spread your feet farther apart, do not do it. This will strain your knees and legs. Research shows that this causes poor alignment and can lead to injury. Turnout should feel like a natural stance. You shouldn't feel any strain in holding it while in any position. If you continue to practice poor turnout, you'll begin to feel knee pain and muscle ache. It's easiest to force your feet when you're in the 5th position. But, you should always be on guard against improperly rotating out your feet. Practice the frog. Lay on your stomach while resting on your elbows and forearms. Move your feet together. The knees should be pointing out so that you make a diamond. Your feet should be touching and remain on the floor. Breathe and hold the position for 3 to 6 breaths. Do as many reps as you comfortable can. The frog stretch can open your hips, groin and inner thigh muscles. To properly stretch your muscles, keep your bottom on the floor (not raised up in the air). Do the butterfly. Sit on the floor and place your feet together so that your ankles rotate out in a diamond shape. Hold your feet with your hands and sit up straight. Try to bring your ankles down to the ground so that your hip opens up. Hold the pose for 30 seconds at a time and repeat it as often as you feel comfortable. The butterfly stretch can improve the muscles of your hips, groin, and inner thigh which can all make you more flexible. It may help to have someone slowly push down on your knees for maximum flexibility. Do a lunge stretch. Kneel and set a pillow under one of your knees. Keep both of your legs turned in and lunge forward with the knee that doesn't have the pillow under it. Lunge until your knee makes a 90 degree angle and rest your hands on your knee. Keep pushing till you feel a slight stretch and hold for 15 seconds. Repeat this 3 or 4 times. Then do it with the opposite knee. You should keep your hips level and make sure your tailbone doesn't stick out. Your back should be straight. Lunge stretches can improve your hip rotation, making turnouts easier. Do the bridge stretch with an elastic band. Lay on your back and keep your knees together and bent. Wrap an elastic band (like a theraband) around your thighs. Slowly lift your pelvis and back up so that they align with your wrapped thighs. Slowly bring your spine back to the ground. This stretch can strengthen your hamstrings, back, and bottom. You can also do this with one leg crossed over the other, so that one thigh rests on the other. This will challenge you to keep your pelvis aligned with your thighs. Stretch on your side with an elastic band. Lay on your side so that your knees are bent and one rests on the other. Rest an elbow on the ground so you can sit up a bit. Wrap an elastic band (like a theraband) around your mid-thigh. Rotate your top leg out and in, 10 to 15 times. Repeat this with the other leg until the leg muscles feel relaxed. Avoid doing this stretch too many times or you could injure your muscles. Keep practicing. Stretching can improve your turnout, but it will take time. Stretch and practice your turnout every day. This can gradually help your muscles loosen and stretch more, giving you a bigger turnout. While it's best to start young, regular practice can still improve your flexibility. The American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum says that stretches like the lunge stretch can improve your turnout by a few degrees.

Find a professional. Get ready to turnout. Get in position. Avoid forcing your turnout. Practice the frog. Do the butterfly. Do a lunge stretch. Do the bridge stretch with an elastic band. Stretch on your side with an elastic band. Keep practicing.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Watermelon-Smoothie

How to Make a Watermelon Smoothie

The easiest way to make a refreshing watermelon smoothie is to cube 2 cups of watermelon and put it in a blender. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh, chopped mint or basil leaves, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of agave nectar or honey. Then, simply toss in 3 or 4 ice cubes and blend the drink to the desired consistency.

Cut out enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). You can do this by cutting a watermelon into cubes and then removing the rind. You can also cut a watermelon in half, and then scoop out the flesh using a melon scoop or coffee scoop. Put the watermelon into a blender. For a more refreshing smoothie, consider adding 2 cups (400 grams) of strawberries and/or 1 tablespoon of lime juice. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries; the frozen strawberries will give you a thicker, colder drink. Add the fresh mint or basil leaves. Both will lend the watermelon a refreshing flavor. Make sure that you chop them finely first to help them blend better. Top it off with some agave nectar or honey. If the watermelon you are using is already very sweet, or if you are not fond over overly-sweet drinks, you can omit this. Drop in 3 to 4 ice cubes for extra thickness. If you added frozen strawberries, then you probably do not need to add the ice. Close the blender, and blend until smooth. Keep blending until the ice has all broken up, and everything is combined. If the smoothie is not blending very well, pause the blender, and use a rubber spatula to push any unblended mixture down the sides. Pour the smoothie into one or two tall glasses and serve. For an extra touch, garnish each smoothie with a small watermelon slice or a mint/basil leaf. Cut enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). You can do this by cutting the watermelon into cubes and removing the rind. You can also simply cut a watermelon in half, and then scoop the flesh out with a melon scoop or coffee scoop. Add the watermelon to the blender and top it off with some milk. You can use regular cow's milk or another type of milk, such as almond, coconut, or soy. Add some agave nectar or honey, if needed. If the watermelon is already very sweet, or if you just don't have a sweet tooth, you can omit the nectar or honey. Drop in 5 to 10 ice cubes. The more ice you add, the thicker the smoothie will become. If you don't want smoothie to get watered down, use ice cubes made from frozen milk instead of frozen water. Close the blender and pulse until everything is smooth. The ice should be all broken up and the ingredients evenly mixed together. If the smoothie is not blending evenly, pause the blender, and use a rubber spatula to scrape any unblended smoothie down the sides and towards the bottom of the blender. Pour the smoothie into one or two tall glasses and serve immediately. You can drink it as is, or garnish it with a swirl of agave nectar or honey. You can also add a small watermelon wedge to the edge of each glass for a fancier touch instead. Cut out enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). You can do this by cutting a watermelon into cubes and then removing the rind. You can also cut a watermelon in half, and then scoop out the flesh using a melon scoop or coffee scoop. Add the watermelon and the strawberries to the blender. You can use fresh or frozen strawberries. If you use frozen strawberries, your smoothie will be thicker and colder than if you just used fresh strawberries. If you choose to use fresh strawberries, be sure to chop off the stems first. Add in the Greek yogurt. Use plain yogurt if you'd like your smoothie to be less sweet, and vanilla yogurt if you'd like it to be more sweet. You can use any fat-percentage of yogurt you want: non-fat, 2%, or full-fat. Pour in the milk. You can use any type of milk, be it cow's, almond, coconut, or soy. An almond-coconut blend is recommended, however. Top it off with some agave nectar or honey, if needed. If the watermelon you are using is already very sweet (and you added in the vanilla yogurt) then you probably do not need the nectar or honey. Finish it off with some ice. If you used frozen strawberries, you probably won't need the full amount of ice cubes—one or two might be plenty! If you used fresh strawberries, however, you might want to add all the ice in. Close the blender, and blend until smooth. Keep blending until the ice is all broken up, and the watermelon, strawberries, yogurt, and milk are all evenly mixed together. You should not see any lumps, clumps, streaks, or swirls. Pour the smoothie into two tall glasses, and serve immediately. If you'd like to get fancy, garnish each glass with a watermelon slice or a strawberry on the rim. Chop up enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). You can do this by cutting and cubing a watermelon. You can also do it by cutting a watermelon in half, and then scooping out the flesh with a melon scoop or coffee scoop. Peel, core, and cube enough cucumber to fill 1 cup (150 grams). Peel the cucumber using a vegetable peeler first, then cut it in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon scoop to carve out the seeds; discard the seeds afterwards. Finish up by chopping up the cucumber. Save any leftover cucumber for another recipe. Add the watermelon, cucumber, and frozen strawberries to a blender. If you absolutely cannot find any frozen strawberries, you can use fresh ones—just be sure to chop off the stems first. You may also have to add more ice in later if you'd like a colder, thicker smoothie. Finely chop the mint leaves and add them into the blender. If you can't get any mint leaves, try basil leaves instead. Both mint and basil blend well with watermelons, cucumbers, and strawberries. Top it off with some ice cubes and water. If you are using fresh strawberries, you might want to add in more ice cubes. For a more flavorful twist, use coconut water instead of plain water. Close the blender, and blend until completely smooth. Keep blending until the ice gets all broken up, and all the ingredients are evenly mixed together. There should not be any large bits and pieces of watermelon, cucumber, or strawberry. Pour the smoothie into one or two tall glasses and serve. If you'd like, you can garnish each with a cucumber slice placed onto the rim, or with a couple of mint or basil leaves.

Cut out enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). Put the watermelon into a blender. Add the fresh mint or basil leaves. Top it off with some agave nectar or honey. Drop in 3 to 4 ice cubes for extra thickness. Close the blender, and blend until smooth. Pour the smoothie into one or two tall glasses and serve. Cut enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). Add the watermelon to the blender and top it off with some milk. Add some agave nectar or honey, if needed. Drop in 5 to 10 ice cubes. Close the blender and pulse until everything is smooth. Pour the smoothie into one or two tall glasses and serve immediately. Cut out enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). Add the watermelon and the strawberries to the blender. Add in the Greek yogurt. Pour in the milk. Top it off with some agave nectar or honey, if needed. Finish it off with some ice. Close the blender, and blend until smooth. Pour the smoothie into two tall glasses, and serve immediately. Chop up enough watermelon to fill 2 cups (304 grams). Peel, core, and cube enough cucumber to fill 1 cup (150 grams). Add the watermelon, cucumber, and frozen strawberries to a blender. Finely chop the mint leaves and add them into the blender. Top it off with some ice cubes and water. Close the blender, and blend until completely smooth. Pour the smoothie into one or two tall glasses and serve.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Moka-Pot

How to Use a Moka Pot

To use a Moka pot, fill the boiler with hot water to the fill line, or just below the steam release valve. Grind 18-20 grams of coffee beans to the consistency of table salt. Once you've finished grinding the coffee, place the grounds into the filter basket, but don't pack them down. Place the filter basket into the boiler and screw the top of the Moka pot onto the boiler base, then place the Moka pot on the stovetop for 5-10 minutes. Use a spoon to stir the coffee in the upper chamber, then serve the coffee right away.

Fill the boiler up with hot water to the fill line. Remove the basket from the Moka pot and pour hot water into the boiler. If there is no fill line, fill up the boiler to just below the steam release valve. Be very careful when handling the Moka pot after you have filled it with hot water. This is because the metal will heat up very fast. Hot water is usually used in Moka pots because not only does this reduce the amount of time that it takes for the coffee to brew, but it also prevents the grounds from overheating and burning. Grind coffee beans to the consistency of table salt. Place 18–20 grams (0.63–0.71 oz) of coffee beans into the grinder and turn it on. The grind that you choose depends on your personal preference. Most grinds for Moka pot coffee fall somewhere between espresso and hand drip coffee. Always grind coffee beans just before you are going to use it. Freshly ground coffee beans make the best coffee. This creates enough coffee grounds for 1 shot of Moka pot coffee. Place the ground coffee into the filter basket. Fill the filter basket loosely and make sure that the coffee grounds are not tightly packed. Make sure the ground coffee sits level in the filter basket. Don't tamp the coffee as you level it in the filter basket. This is because if the coffee is too tightly packed, it will be too difficult for the water to travel through. Assemble the Moka pot. Place the filter basket into the boiler. Then, screw the top of the Moka pot onto the boiler base. Hold the boiler base with a towel if it is too warm to hold while you assemble the Moka pot. Heat the Moka pot on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes. Set the stovetop temperature to medium-low and watch the coffee closely as it brews. As soon as the brew flows into the upper chamber, remove the Moka pot from the stovetop immediately. The warmer the water that you started with, the faster this process will go. It's best to remove the Moka pot from the heat as soon as the coffee rises into the upper chamber. This is because the residual heat will continue to brew the coffee once it has been removed from the stovetop. Adjust the temperature of the stovetop during the brewing process if necessary. If the coffee rises very fast and almost explodes out of the Moka pot, reduce the heat. However, if the coffee only rises in tiny droplets with no consistency, increase the heat. It can take a few attempts to find the correct heat setting that works for your stovetop and Moka pot. Use a spoon to stir the coffee in the upper chamber. Once the Moka pot has been removed from the heat, carefully stir it. This will help to mix the different layers of the coffee to create a smooth flavor. Serve the Moka pot coffee immediately. Moka pot coffee is best served fresh. Be careful when you take a sip, as it will be very hot! You can drink Moka pot coffee with sugar if you prefer. Moka pot coffee can be quite strong, which isn't to everyone's liking. To work around this, Moka pot coffee can be diluted with hot water to create an Americano-style coffee. Don't drink coffee that has been left in the Moka pot. This is because it will taste burnt or scorched as it will continue to heat up in the chamber. Clean the Moka pot using hot water and no detergent. Empty the Moka pot and let it cool down completely before you begin to clean it. Then disassemble the Moka pot and rinse out each part thoroughly using cool water. Dry each part with a tea towel. If you notice an excess of coffee build up, use a dry paper towel to remove this.

Fill the boiler up with hot water to the fill line. Grind coffee beans to the consistency of table salt. Place the ground coffee into the filter basket. Assemble the Moka pot. Heat the Moka pot on the stovetop for 5–10 minutes. Use a spoon to stir the coffee in the upper chamber. Serve the Moka pot coffee immediately. Clean the Moka pot using hot water and no detergent.

https://www.wikihow.health/Prevent-Hyperventilation

How to Prevent Hyperventilation

You can prevent hyperventilating by breathing in slowly through your nose, which can help you get your breathing under control again. As you breathe, focus on using your diaphragm to slowly take air into your belly, which will give your body more oxygen. Try your best to hold your breath in your lungs for about 3 seconds before exhaling, which which will help you relax. If stress is causing you to hyperventilate, you might consider taking up meditation or yoga to relieve your anxiety. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing so you don't feel constrained, which could trigger an attack.

Breathe through your nose. Breathing through your nose is an effective technique to combat hyperventilation because you simply can't move as much air through your nose compared to your mouth. As such, nose breathing reduces your respiratory rate. It may take some getting used to and you may need to cleanse your nasal passages first, but breathing through your nose is more efficient and better filters dust and other particulate material from air compared to mouth breathing. Breathing through your nose will also help eliminate some common abdominal symptoms of hyperventilation syndrome, such as bloating, burping and passing gas. Nose breathing will also help combat dry mouth and bad breath, which are also associated with mouth breathing and chronic hyperventilation. Take deeper "belly breaths. " You're likely taking shallow breaths when you're hyperventilating, which prevents you from getting enough oxygen. Instead, place one hand over your abdomen and the other over your chest. Slowly inhale through your nose and draw the air into your belly. Breathe in for 4 seconds, pause, then exhale slowly for an 8 count. Make sure the hand over you belly is rising while the hand over your chest stays relatively still. Practice taking deep breaths in through your nose and watch your belly push out before your chest expands. You'll notice a relaxing sensation and reduced respiratory rate after a few minutes. Try holding your breath in your lungs a little longer also — aim for about three seconds or so to start with. Loosen your clothing. On the practical side of things, it's difficult to take deep breaths if your clothing is too tight, so loosen your belt and make sure your pants fit comfortably — particularly to make belly breathing easier. Furthermore, keep clothing loose around your chest and neck, including shirts and bras. If you have a history of hyperventilation, then avoid neck ties, scarves and turtlenecks, as they may make you feel constrained and trigger an attack. Tight clothes may contribute to the feeling of suffocation in sensitive (or phobic) individuals, so wearing loose clothing is an important strategy for some. Clothing made of soft fibers (cotton, silk) may also be helpful, as rougher fabrics such as wool can cause skin irritation, discomfort, overheating and agitation in some people. Try relaxation techniques. Since stress and anxiety seem to be the major underlying causes of chronic hyperventilation syndrome, and are well documented to trigger acute episodes, a sensible strategy is to better manage how you react to stress. Stress-relieving practices like meditation, tai chi and yoga are all helpful for promoting relaxation and better emotional health. Yoga, in particular, is not just about putting your body into various poses, but it also incorporates breathing exercises, which is particularly important for combating hyperventilation. In addition, try to deal with the stress in your life by making positive changes and/or train yourself to control anxious thoughts about work, finances, or relationships. Excessive stress/anxiety cause the release of hormones that prepare your body for "fight or flight", which includes altered breathing and heart rates. Getting enough quality sleep is also important for better dealing with stress. A chronic lack of sleep hampers the immune system and often leads to anxiety and depressed feelings. Get some aerobic exercise. Regular (daily) aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, is another method to help you stop hyperventilating because it forces you to take deeper breaths and it can improve breathing efficiency. Regular aerobic exercise also promotes weight loss, improves cardiovascular health, increases fitness and tends to reduce anxiety that contributes to hyperventilation. Aerobic exercise is any sustained movement that increases your heart and breathing rates to the point that carrying on a normal conversation becomes difficult. Other healthy examples of aerobic exercise include swimming, cycling, and jogging. An increased breathing rate from aerobic exercise (characterized by deep breathing to increase blood oxygen levels) should not be confused with hyperventilation, which is characterized by shallow breathing triggered by anxiety and then perpetuated to increase blood carbon dioxide levels. Cut back on caffeine. Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea leaves, soda pop, chocolate, energy drinks, some prescription drugs and over-the-counter weight loss products. Caffeine increases brain activity (which disrupts sleep), can trigger anxiety, and also negatively impacts breathing — it's been linked to hyperventilation and sleep apnea (breathing disruption during sleep) As such, cut down or eliminate your caffeine consumption if you commonly experience bouts of hyperventilation. To reduce the risk or degree of sleep disruption, avoid all products with caffeine after lunchtime. Sleep deprivation leads to anxiety, which can trigger hyperventilation. Some people are slow metabolizers of caffeine, and some are fast metabolizers. Slow metabolizers may not be able to drink it at all, and fast metabolizers might be able to drink it within hours of bedtime Chronic, daily consumption of caffeinated beverages doesn't seem to have as much impact on breathing (because the body adapts to it) compared to occasional use or binge drinking. Fresh brewed coffee tends to be the most concentrated source of caffeine. It can also be found in colas, energy drinks, teas, and chocolate. Consult with your doctor. Although stress and anxiety are thought to be the main underlying causes of hyperventilation, some medical conditions are also causative. As such, see your family physician and get a checkup and physical examination to rule out more serious causes of hyperventilation such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, lung infection, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, chronic pain syndrome and overmedication. Diagnostic tests that your doctor may perform include: taking a blood sample (checking for oxygen and carbon dioxide levels), ventilation / perfusion scan of your lungs, chest x-ray, CT chest scan, ECG / EKG (to check heart function). Prescription drugs that are strongly linked to hyperventilation include isoproterenol (heart medication), seroquel (an antipsychotic), and some anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam and lorazepam. Women are much more likely to experience hyperventilation than men — they have up to a seven times greater risk. See a mental health professional. If your doctor rules out serious disease as the cause of hyperventilation and anxiety or panic attacks are suspected, get a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist to help treat your problem. Psychological counseling / therapy (which includes many different approaches and techniques) can be effective at helping you deal with stress, anxiety, phobias, depression, and even chronic pain. For example, supportive psychotherapy can reassure you that you're getting enough oxygen during an attack. It can also help dissolve an irrational phobia (fear) that triggers a panic attack. Ask your therapist about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) — it helps you control or eliminate negative thoughts, worries and any false beliefs that are stressing you out and disrupting sleep. About 50% of people with a panic disorder have hyperventilation symptoms, whereas about 25% of people with hyperventilation syndrome have a panic disorder. Talk to your doctor about medication. If an underlying psychological disorder can't be properly treated with drugless therapy / counseling and the bouts of hyperventilation are creating increasingly noticeable physical and/or social problems, then medication should be considered as a last resort. Anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, beta-blockers and tricyclic antidepressants can be useful and helpful for some individuals, but they should be taken cautiously — usually just short term — and with the understanding of the numerous side effects that are possible (particularly psychotic behavior). For instance, your doctor may prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), as they're usually the first course of treatment for hyperventilation. This includes medications like escitalopram, citalopram, or sertraline. Short-term use of medications that impact thoughts, emotions and behaviors usually fall within the time frame of a few weeks to less than six months. Most people can be taught to manage hyperventilation syndrome without medication (especially with help of a psychotherapist), while others benefit from short-term use of psychotropic drugs. However, some with chemical imbalances in their brains may need pharmaceutical care long-term (for many years).

Breathe through your nose. Take deeper "belly breaths. Loosen your clothing. Try relaxation techniques. Get some aerobic exercise. Cut back on caffeine. Consult with your doctor. See a mental health professional. Talk to your doctor about medication.

https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Soreness-During-Your-Horse-Riding-Training

How to Avoid Soreness During Your Horse Riding Training

To avoid soreness during your horse-riding training, start by using thin, light reins made of leather to prevent achy hands and fingers. You can also cushion your backside by covering your saddle with a seat saver. When you're riding, remember to hug the horse with your knees, keep your toes pointed slightly outward, and maintain good posture to prevent soreness the next day. Focus on drawing your bellybutton in toward your spine to help strengthen your core and keep your back relaxed as you ride.

Use light reins. Expect your hands to grow numb or sore from having to hold the reins over the course of long rides. If possible, avoid using a thick rein made of rope. Instead, use a thinner rein made of leather, which is usually lighter and less taxing in the long run. Also, wear gloves to prevent blisters. Sit on a “seat saver. ” Soften the blows that your butt has to endure from sitting on a hard saddle. Cover the saddle with a seat saver whose cushioning absorbs most of the shock before it reaches your rear. Store your seat saver somewhere warm and dry after your ride. Keep in mind that some seat savers' material (especially foam) may act like a sponge if it gets wet. This means it will become just as hard as your saddle if temperatures dip below freezing. Adjust your stirrups’ length. If your knees feel strained as you ride, play with the length to find one that helps alleviate the pain. Length is a matter of personal preference, so don't feel obligated to copy a more experienced rider if their preferred length causes you pain. As you shorten and lengthen your stirrups, remember: You want to find a leg position that allows your legs to comfortably exert enough force into the stirrups to raise your butt a little. This prevents you from sitting with all of your body weight on the saddle, which will make your butt sore. Use a saddle whose stirrups swing freely. Whenever you go downhill, let your feet follow gravity. Straighten your legs in a forward direction as you descend. Do this to lessen the amount of pressure that your knees have to bear. Only use loose stirrups to straighten your legs forward. Sticking them out to your sides as if you were doing a split causes your muscles to tense up all over. Wear the right boots. Make sure they are tall enough to cover your ankles, which will keep them supported as you ride. Opt for a heel between 1 and 1 ½ inches to prevent your feet from spilling out of the stirrups. At the same time, avoid boots with heavy treads, which may cause your feet to become stuck in the stirrups, preventing a quick dismount in an emergency. Do not wear the following: Waffle treads Thick treads Hiking boots Winter boots Sneakers Sandals and flip-flops Choose flexible clothing. For upstairs, stick to sweatshirts and T-shirts so your arms and upper torso aren't restricted. In colder weather, opt for layers topped with a vest to keep your arms mobile. Downstairs, favor tights, jeans, and sweatpants. Be sure that they are flexible enough to allow your legs to move freely. Although you want your clothes to allow you freedom of movement, they should still be form-fitting or close to it. Loose clothing may become caught on your equipment or surroundings, which can lead to injury. Don't wear pants that easily become twisted or bunched up as you move in them. Ride as though you’re standing up, not sitting. Imagine that the horse suddenly winks out of existence from underneath you. Ride so that you would immediately land on your feet in a standing position if this were to happen. Ask a spotter to watch you ride and correct your posture as you go. Aim to maintain an unbroken line from your ear, through your shoulder and hip, and all the way down to your heel when viewed from the side. Although this form is considered ideal, the exception would be if you need to adjust your stirrups to alleviate strain in your knees. Hug the horse with your legs. Although the horse's body will force your upper legs to stick out to your sides, resist the urge to follow through with your lower legs. Don't stick your whole leg out to the side. Keep your lower legs close enough to the horse's body to maintain contact. Ask a spotter to watch you as you ride straight toward them. Have them alert you whenever you start to straighten your legs to the side. Exerting pressure downward into the stirrups and out to your sides can lead to ankle and knee pain. Avoid arching your back. Sit up straight to keep a straight line running from ear to shoulder to hip. However, be careful not to overdo it by arching backward. Stay seated on the seat-bones on your butt. Arching your back causes your weight to shift forward, which means you'll be landing on your tender bits instead of the bones in your butt as you bounce in the saddle. Being able to sit up straight without having to think about it is an important reason to strengthen your core both on and off the horse. This will prevent you from tensing up as you try to maintain posture. In the meantime, focus on drawing your bellybutton in toward your spine. Concentrate only on the muscles required for this. This will help keep your back relaxed as you ride. Point your toes slightly outward. Disregard outdated instructions about pointing your toes straight ahead of you. Avoid the unnecessary stress that this places on your joints. Instead, angle your feet so that each is pointing away from the horse by just a smidge. As you do, keep the balls of your feet in the stirrup. Stop when the weight of each foot feels evenly distributed across the entire stirrup. This may be referred to as “pronating” by instructors. Tuck, twist, turn. To start, stand up with your feet placed under your hips. Curl your fingers into loose fists with your thumbs sticking out. Keep your upper arms and elbows tucked to your sides. Raise your forearms to either side of you, with your palms facing up and your thumbs pointing behind you. Then: Bend your knees a little bit while tucking your tailbone inward. Keeping your feet in place, turn your upper torso to one side, twisting from your waist. Stop once your rear arm is pointed directly behind your butt. Twist back to your original position, again using the muscles in your waist. Perform the same movements on your other side for one rep. Balance your core. To begin, stand with your feet placed a hand's length apart. Keeping your upper arms and elbow tucked to your sides, raise your forearms straight out to either side with your palms facing in front of you. Spread your fingers wide to keep the muscles in your hands, arms, and back active (think “jazz hands”). Next: Raise one foot slightly off the ground. Keep your other leg's knee slightly bent to better absorb your body weight. Rotate your raised foot until your toes point inward. Focus on your heel as it directs each movement, not your toes. Lower your foot and repeat the exercise with your other foot. Concentrate on your heels throughout to keep your core muscles engaged. Clap your hands. Get into position by standing back against a wall. Set your feet a hand's length apart. Bend your knees as you do so your entire back makes contact with the wall. Tuck your upper arms and elbows into your side. Raise your forearms straight out to either side. Now: Sweep your forearms in toward each to clap your hands in front of you. As you do, keep your forearms perpendicular to your body. Once your hands have clapped, fold your fingers with your thumbs on top to mimic holding a rein. Bring your forearms back to starting position and repeat.

Use light reins. Sit on a “seat saver. Adjust your stirrups’ length. Use a saddle whose stirrups swing freely. Wear the right boots. Choose flexible clothing. Ride as though you’re standing up, not sitting. Hug the horse with your legs. Avoid arching your back. Point your toes slightly outward. Tuck, twist, turn. Balance your core. Clap your hands.

https://www.wikihow.com/Be-More-Vulnerable-in-Relationships

How to Be More Vulnerable in Relationships

Being vulnerable is an important part of any relationship and will allow you to have a deeper connection with your partner. Try opening up slowly by sharing something you're worried about or telling your partner something a little personal that not many people know. Telling them that you're afraid of being vulnerable and explaining why is a great way to start. For example, you might have been hurt in the past and you're worried about it happening again. If you're not ready to talk to your partner about it, try sharing with a close friend or family member first. Remember that your partner has to make themselves vulnerable too and this is how you build trust with each other.

Make a list of reasons you're afraid to be vulnerable. Think through some of the reasons you're afraid to show your true self in a relationship. Ask yourself what you fear most from being open with someone. You may be trying to avoid getting hurt or trying to avoid hurting the other person in the relationship. Your ego may be preventing you from revealing what you see as weaknesses. Maybe you've had bad experiences opening up to others in the past. Be as honest as possible with yourself as you analyze your fears. It may help to write it down on a piece of paper so that you can more clearly visualize your reasoning. Focus on the positives. There's a lot to gain from being vulnerable with someone, like a deeper sense of connection, more trust, and greater contentment. Focusing on these outcomes will help you get past whatever fears you may have. Find activities that help you stay positive, whether it be exercise, meditation , or journaling. Talk to someone who truly cares about you. Seek out a friend or family member who you feel most comfortable opening up to. Share with them the concerns you have about being vulnerable with others. They may be able to provide a perspective you haven't seen before. This can also serve as a rehearsal for being more open with someone else. Seek professional help. If you're struggling to deal with opening up on your own, don't be afraid to talk to a licensed therapist. They can help you work through your issues, either by simply listening or by giving you advice. Share the list you made about why you're afraid to be vulnerable or any past experiences that led you to feel this way. Start gradually. Pick one thing you want to share with the other person in the relationship and start there. Don't try to share every worry and fear you have at once. This will overwhelm both you and the other person. Try starting with something small, like sharing a worry you have about your career or a concern you have for a family member. Or show the person a hobby you've been working on that not many people know about. For some, it is easiest to start sharing with someone who has shared personal or intimate details with you already. That way, there is more balance in the dynamic. Set boundaries for conversations. Start difficult conversations by stating what you want from the other person. Ask them to simply listen if you just want to vent frustrations. Be clear about whether you want advice. This can help you feel more in control if you're anxious about what you're going to share. Try starting with, "I'd really like to get all this out before you say anything." Or ask, "Can I just vent right now?" Admit your fear of vulnerability. Be honest with the other person in the relationship about your concerns. Talk about any past experiences that have led you to want to hide your feelings. This will allow them to understand why you may hesitate to share your feelings. And they will know that you're trying to improve your communication. After admitting your difficulties, try using a phrase like, "I'm working on it." Request that they point out instances in the future where you could open up more. Reveal a mistake you've made. Tell the other person something you did wrong or are ashamed of. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's likely the other person will be able to relate to it. People are drawn to others who are authentic and down-to-earth, so don't try to hide your imperfections. If you're ready for it, you can reveal something big, like a mistake that ended a past relationship. But even something small can help. Keep a mental log of interactions during the day that could have gone better. Maybe you were rude to a stranger and regret not being more kind. Revealing this shows the other person that you're reflective and conscientious. Admit if you don't understand something. Everyone wants to appear knowledgeable, but pretending like you know everything comes across as arrogant. Ask the other person to explain something to you if you don't get it. This will earn their respect and boost their confidence while also showing that you trust them. You could ask them to explain a complex political issue or something they do at work that you don't understand. Or request that they teach you a new skill, like cooking or playing a sport. Don't be afraid to request feedback and opinions on interactions with others. This can help clarify points that you don't understand, and give you specific areas to focus on next time. Share your feelings while they're happening. Bottling your emotions can lead to anger and frustration. But admitting that something is bothering you can help you address the problem immediately, and the other person will see your attempt at honesty. You don't always have to speak your emotions. You can write them down or express them through music as a way of communicating them to the other person. Reinforce your open behavior. It is likely that the other person will be receptive to you, and you will feel comfortable opening up more. But even if you don't get the reaction you wanted, you still overcame your fear and found the courage to be vulnerable. If you appreciated their response the first time, thank them for being receptive to you. If their response was hurtful, share those feelings with them so they're aware of how their reaction affected you. Verbally expressing emotions helps you overcome them more quickly, so whatever the outcome, you've still done something good for yourself. Be proud of the steps you've taken to be more authentic, and repeat the behavior in this and other relationships. Take note of how the interaction went, and see if your fear was justified based on the experience. Often, your fear will be greater than the experience, itself.

Make a list of reasons you're afraid to be vulnerable. Focus on the positives. Talk to someone who truly cares about you. Seek professional help. Start gradually. Set boundaries for conversations. Admit your fear of vulnerability. Reveal a mistake you've made. Admit if you don't understand something. Share your feelings while they're happening. Reinforce your open behavior.

https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Your-Tongue-Properly

How to Clean Your Tongue Properly

To clean your tongue properly, extend your tongue so that most of it is outside of your mouth, and use a metal or plastic scraper to clean it. Brush the scraper from the back of your tongue to the front, rinsing off residue as it builds up on the scraper. Once you've scraped your tongue, rinse your mouth with mouthwash to get rid of any loose residue. Be sure to clean your tongue once or twice per day with your regular brushing schedule.

Check out your tongue. Look at the different parts of it. It is not a smooth surface, and all those bumps and crevices can harbor bacteria. Half the bacteria in your mouth lives on your tongue. This can form a film over your tongue, and contribute to a variety of health problems. Your tongue should be pink, and stark discolorations should be taken note of and remedied. Be sure to see an oral health professional if you experience any of these things: Strong concern regarding changes in the appearance of your tongue. Tongue coating persists longer than two weeks. If you experience persistent tongue pain. White areas or desquamation on the surface of your tongue. Know how cleaning your tongue helps. When you use a cleaner on your tongue, you do more than just help fight bad breath. You break up the tissue on the tongue, which helps to avoid hairy tongue. You also remove bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to a variety of health issues, and this includes cleaning your tongue. It controls unwanted bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay. It fights bad breath. Improves your sense of taste. You get a better aesthetic when smiling or laughing. Talk to your regular oral hygienist or dentist. They will be able to answer your questions thoroughly. Don't just passively sit there during your dental appointments, ask questions when you get a chance. There is no substitute for the expertise of these individuals. Your regular dental health professionals will also be to advise you on questions specific to your health. Pick a style of tool. There are different types of tongue cleaning tools. Scrapers are the most common. Tongue brushes, while relatively recent, are also relatively common. “Tongue cleaners” are common tools that have a series of soft ridges for pulling across the tongue. Research shows both tongue scraping and tongue brushing to be equally effective in reducing the plaque. Some combination scraper-brushes are also available, enabling you to brush while you scrape. You can also use a toothbrush to clean your tongue. Just brush your tongue as you would your teeth. Determine the material. There are many different materials that tongue cleaning devices are made out of. Metal, plastic, and silicon are common materials. You may find that you prefer one material over another. Give a few different ones a try. Stainless steel and copper are two common metals used. Scrapers made from these metals can also safely get placed in hot water for sterilization. Plastic scrapers tend to much less expensive, but are not as durable, and will need to be regularly replaced. Silicon edges may help to make scraping your tongue more comfortable. Compare brands. Because there are many different companies that produce similar products, it is important to look at the little differences. Contrast pricing, aesthetic and user reviews online, or even look for coupons before you shop. Ask an employee at the store about what brands are most popular. Buy your tongue-cleaning tool. Many grocery stores and pharmacies will sell name brand tongue cleaning tools. You can find a tongue cleaner at Indian groceries or order them easily online. The curved copper ones are simple, highly effective, and last a long time. Or you could ask your dentist or orthodontist for recommendations. Extend your tongue. This is so that you can access the full length. You will want to make sure you clean as much of your tongue as you can. By extending your tongue all the way, you can also help yourself avoid gagging. Scrape or brush your tongue from the back of the tongue to the front. Do this repeatedly. It is said that it should be done first thing every morning before eating or drinking. It is recommended you do this at least twice a day, with your regular brushing. You will get a buildup of residue on the tool. Rinse it off, and continue until you've worked over your whole tongue. Be gentle. Do not break the skin or push too hard. Only go from back to front. Take your time. Rinse your mouth. Use mouthwash and rinse thoroughly to wash away any remaining loose residue, and to freshen your breath. Try swishing the liquids around a bit in order to make sure your tongue is thoroughly rinsed off. Alcohol based mouthwashes can dry your mouth out. Try using a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide for extreme situations. Keep it up. Now that you've got the scraper and mastered its use, give your tongue daily attention. This is important. Making tongue cleaning a regular part of your daily habit.

Check out your tongue. Know how cleaning your tongue helps. Talk to your regular oral hygienist or dentist. Pick a style of tool. Determine the material. Compare brands. Buy your tongue-cleaning tool. Extend your tongue. Scrape or brush your tongue from the back of the tongue to the front. Rinse your mouth. Keep it up.

https://www.wikihow.com/Collect-Shells

How to Collect Shells

To start collecting shells, think about how serious you'd like to get before you get started. If you're just collecting for fun, grab a bucket to store your finds and head to the beach! As you dig, you can use a shovel to get at buried shells, and use a filter to sift through any sand or mud you dig up as well. Finally, look out for live animals in the shells you find, and make sure to either let them be or set them free. If you're interested, you can also do research about the best beaches in your area and the types of shells you might find!

Decide how committed you want to be to shell collecting. If you just want some pretty seashells to bring home from vacation, you may not be as curious to learn the peak hours and locations to find particular shells. However, the more serious shell collectors may have specific shells they seek, in which case they will need to do a little more research. Keep in mind that if you are a casual shell collector on vacation, you may have issues bringing your shells through airport security. Figure out which shells are common in your area. There are resources online to determine this. By knowing which shells are most prevalent near you, you'll know exactly what to keep your eyes peeled for, and it can also give you an idea about how easy or difficult it will be to locate shells. If you're committed to finding great shells, you may even consider traveling to find the best ones. If the shells are sparse where you live, or if you don't live near a beach, you can go to some beaches that are famous for their bounty. Sanibel Island, on Florida's Gulf Coast, is regarded by many as the best shell collecting spot in North America. Figure out where you should be looking. Some beaches may be littered with shells, and a casual jaunt down the beach can result in a gorgeous variety. However, other beaches may be bare, and you'll need to dig a little to find shells. Rocky beaches may contain more shell fragments than intact shells, so you may have to patiently sort through debris to find the shells you seek. In some places, you may even want to snorkel or scuba dive to find the coolest shells. The prime shell spots will vary depending on where you live or travel, so research and explore the beaches near you. Figure out when you should be looking. Just like hunting or fishing, there are prime times when you're more likely to find the shells you're after. When the tide is low, you'll be able to search for shells that may be covered by water during high tide. More beach is exposed, so low tide is a great time for a shell collecting excursion. Tides are caused by gravitational forces between the earth and moon. Tide levels and times depend on where you're located, so it's best to look online or in your local paper for tide charts for your area before you head off to collect shells. Different varieties of shells often wash ashore during big storms, so you can find some gems if you head to the beach right after bad weather. Wear the proper clothing and footwear. If you're going to be wading deep into water, you may want to wear a bathing suit and skip the footwear all together. If you're going shell collecting on rocky terrain, you may want to wear sneakers and comfortable clothing. Keep in mind that sometimes your feet can be as useful as your hands when collecting shells. By digging into wet mud or sand with your toes, you may be able to find shells that are not visible above surface. On that note, be careful so you don't cut yourself on sharp edges. Bring a bucket, a net, a spade, a filter, and other tools you may need. You'll need a bucket to hold all of your new treasures. If you're interested in searching in deeper waters, using a net to scoop up sand will be more effective than digging around with your hands. With a spade or shovel you can dig out shells you find deep in the ground. A filter or screen can be used to sift through sand and mud. Once you know the habitat and the shells you'll be collecting, you can determine which tools to bring along with you. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Nothing ruins a great day collecting shells in the outdoors like a painful, peeling sunburn. Make sure to protect yourself from the glaring sun, especially if you get distracted in your search for shells. A hat or sunglasses can also help shade you from the sun and make it easier to spot shells. Leave shells with living creatures alone. This is considered proper etiquette among shell collectors. There are beautiful shells that are empty or have a dead creature inside, and those are yours for the taking. If there is a living creature inside a shell you've found, give it a chance to live. If it's washed up, put it back in the surf. Clean your shells. Depending on where you've collected them from, they may be covered in dirt or grime, or even animal tissue. Gently washing your shells can make them look beautiful for your display or collection, and can also remove any odor that may linger. You'll need dishwashing liquid soap, warm water, an old toothbrush, some rags, WD-40 or another lubricant, and possibly tweezers to clean your shells up. Scrub your shell with warm water and dish soap using the toothbrush. The brush is great to get into all the ridges and crevices of the shell. You can use the tweezers to pick out any stuck debris or barnacles. Dry your shells with the rags, and use the WD-40 to shine them up. If your shell has animal tissue attached, you may need to boil it for a few minutes before beginning the cleaning process. Boiling it will loosen up the tissue, and you can use the tweezers to pull out the tissue. Learn about your shells. While it's easy to admire shells for their aesthetic beauty, learning about them can give them a whole new layer. Seashells.com provides a thorough shell identification guide, complete with photographs, and you can learn all about the different types of shells you've collected. You can show off your newfound knowledge by creating labels and informational cards for each shell, or just learn about them for fun. Display your shells. There are several great ways to display your new collection. Some collectors fill a clear jar or vase with your treasures, and use it as décor in their home. If you'd rather display your collection methodically with labels, boxes with dividers work excellently. Those can be found at most container stores or craft stores. If you want to keep your shells pristine, keep them away from direct sunlight. Shells react differently to bright light, but many are damaged by too much. The oil from human skin can also cause wear and tear to the shells. Clear display cases are great to show off your shells without constantly handling them.

Decide how committed you want to be to shell collecting. Figure out which shells are common in your area. Figure out where you should be looking. Figure out when you should be looking. Wear the proper clothing and footwear. Bring a bucket, a net, a spade, a filter, and other tools you may need. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Leave shells with living creatures alone. Clean your shells. Learn about your shells. Display your shells.

https://www.wikihow.com/Untangle-a-Wig

How to Untangle a Wig

To untangle a wig, first, soak your wig in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes before wringing it out and placing it on a wig stand. While your wig is still damp, fill a spray bottle with 3 parts water to 1 part conditioner and spray the tips of your wig until the bottom 3 to 5 inches are fully saturated. Using a wig comb, untangle the tips in small sections. When the bottom is tangle-free, keep spraying and combing sections, slowly making your way to the top of the wig. To dry your wig, let it sit for 2 to 3 hours, combing every 30 minutes to help it keep its shape.

Gather materials. The best part about this method is that the materials are easy to find and inexpensive. All you really need is a comb, a spray bottle with water, and some conditioner. Using a wig head can be helpful, but it's not crucial. Gather the following materials: A wig comb or wide-tooth comb A fine-tooth comb (if your wig has bangs) A spray bottle filled ¾ of the way with water Conditioner A wig head and a way to mount it (optional) Mount your wig. Place your wig on your wig head. If possible, mount the wig head onto a camera tri-pod (or another tall object) to make it easy for you to work on it. This is especially helpful if the wig you are combing is very long. If you don't have a wig head (or a tri-pod) simply lay your wig on a table or counter. Prepare your conditioner. Fill your spray bottle about ¾ of the way full with water. Then add conditioner to fill the bottle the rest of the way. You are aiming for roughly 3 parts water to 1 part conditioner. Shake the mixture well. You may also choose to use a leave-in conditioner, or a product designed specifically for untangling wigs. These products do not need to be diluted in water. On synthetic wigs, you can also try using fabric softener. Just like with conditioner, use 1 part fabric softener to 3 parts water. Soak your wig. If your wig is really mangled, you may want to give it a warm water soak. To do this, fill a sink with warm water. Remove your wig from the wig head (if using), and leave it to soak in the water for 10-15 minutes. Carefully wring the excess water from your wig and return it to your wig head. If the wig is very dirty, you can add a squirt of shampoo to the water. If you do this, be sure to rinse the wig with clean water before you begin combing. Saturate the tips of your wig. Take out your spray bottle, and squirt conditioner-water onto the bottom tips of your wig, until the bottom 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) of the wig is fully saturated. If the conditioner begins to separate from the water, give the bottle a shake. Comb out the tips. Using your wig comb (or wide-tooth comb), begin combing out the bottom 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) of the wig. Hold the hair firmly with one hand (just above where you are combing) as you comb with the other hand. If the hair is quite tangled, you may need to do this in small sections, until the entire bottom of the wig is tangle-free. Continue spraying and combing, making your way up the wig. Once the bottom 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) of the wig have been combed through, saturate the next 3-5 inches (7.62-12.7 cm) with conditioner-water, and resume combing. Continue this process until the entire wig has been combed through. Depending on the length of your wig, this process can take a long time (up to an hour). Be careful not to yank on the wig, as this only makes tangles worse. Instead, carefully comb out each tangle. Comb out the bangs and style the wig. If your wig has bangs, use a fine-tooth comb to untangle these, and position them the way that you want them. With the wig wet, carefully position the hair into the overall style you desire. Give the entire wig a final spritz with water. If you have used quite a bit of conditioner (and especially if your wig is not synthetic), you might want to give the whole wig a spritz with clean water. This helps to further dilute the conditioner and reduce greasiness. Let your wig dry for several hours, combing every 30 minutes. Leave your wig on the wig head and give it some time to dry. Every 30 minutes, give the wig a gentle comb-through. In 2-3 hours, your wig should be completely dry. If you're in a hurry, you can use a blow dryer on low heat. Be careful, because it is very easy to damage your wig this way. For best results, allow your wig to air dry.

Gather materials. Mount your wig. Prepare your conditioner. Soak your wig. Saturate the tips of your wig. Comb out the tips. Continue spraying and combing, making your way up the wig. Comb out the bangs and style the wig. Give the entire wig a final spritz with water. Let your wig dry for several hours, combing every 30 minutes.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-an-Interview

How to Prepare for an Interview

The best way to prepare for a job interview is to research the company's mission so you can tell them how you'll help them achieve their goals. You should also practice your answers to common interview questions like "Why do you want this job?" so you will be able to give more accurate and thorough answers. Finally, try to think of a couple questions to ask them, such as about office culture or specifics about what your job responsibilities would be, so you seem more interested.

Research the employer. At the very least, this means checking out the company online and reading any "About Us" or "History of" pages. If you want to be even more educated, read up on their stock price or any appearance of the company name in the news lately. Pay special attention to the company's mission statement and future goals, since you can focus on answering questions in a manner that will address these concerns. Knowing about the industry in general is also a good idea. The more informed you appear, the better the interviewer will think of you. Know who's interviewing you. If at all possible, ask who will be conducting your interview. Knowing who to ask for, what his or her job title is, and how to address him or her will give the interviewer a more positive impression of you. Learn from other employees, if you can. Read any articles that you can find about the company and talk to current employees or others in the industry who know more about the company. Memorize the job description. You do not need to know it word-for-word, but it wouldn't hurt, either. Knowing what a company wants will allow you to pitch yourself as the person who can meet those wants. If there is a job description posted online, make sure you read each requirement and responsibility. Be ready to address each one and to talk about past experiences or current skills that address each point. Practice answering some basic interview questions. An interviewer might throw out a question or two that you will have no way of anticipating, but in general, most questions asked at a job interview are pretty much the same. Write out at least five to ten potential questions you might be asked. Practice giving answers that address your career goals and qualifications. "Tell me about yourself." The interviewer is essentially asking you to provide a professional overview of yourself. Briefly describe your past work experiences, how you got into the field, and any other information that describes your connection to the industry. If you mention anything personal, keep it brief and tailor it to demonstrate your overall character. "What is your biggest weakness?" Give a genuine interest, but phrase it in a way that dampens the effect. Also provide a quick explanation on how you have learned to deal with it. For instance, if you have crippling shyness, you can answer, "I tend to have trouble communicating with people at first, but as a result, I've learned how to observe people more thoroughly so that I know how to best interact with them after the first few encounters." "Where do you see yourself in five years?" This question can be difficult to answer since you need to seem both motivated and stable. If this is a company you plan to work for long-term, make sure that the interviewer knows this, but describe your desire to contribute and advance within the company. If the job is only temporary, say so, but make sure you describe what you aspire to reach after leaving the job and what you hope to have contributed after you go. "Why do you want this job?" This is your chance to show off your knowledge of the job description and the company. Show how the company's values align with your own. If it is a fast-paced company that hopes to advance quickly, express a desire to advance along with it. If it is a company dedicated to a cause, describe your passion for the same cause. Prepare your own questions. At the end of the interview, the interviewer will probably ask you if you have any questions of you own. Never shrug this off, since it could be interpreted as a lack of interest on your part. Ask questions about office culture and questions that clarify what your job responsibilities would be. Also find out how soon you can expect to hear back from them. Prepare a professional outfit. As a general rule, wear clothes that are one step more professional than the position demands. Make sure that all your clothes are washed and ironed for the interview so that you look your best. If the employees wear casual clothes, show up in business casual. If the employees wear business casual clothes, come to the interview in a full suit. If the employees already wear fully professional attire, though, then show up in the same. Do your homework on the school. Regardless of whether you are interviewing for a private school or for a university, knowing about the school's history and expectations is essential. It allows you to demonstrate your interest in the school, and show that you can respect and adhere to what the school values. You should also know exactly what it is that the school can offer you in terms of degrees and opportunities. Find this information out by reading through the school's website and by flipping through any admissions brochures they sent you. Find out where to go and who to ask for. Call the school's main number before going to the interview and ask for directions to the building and office you need to show up at. Also find out the name of the person conducting the interview and how to address that person. This is especially important for college interviews, since college campuses usually have more than one building. Make sure you've mapped out your route well in advance. Review your application materials. If you have already applied to the school, look over the application again to refresh your memory on what you wrote. This is especially important if the application had essays, since you will want to be able to emphasize the vital points of your essay response during the interview. Even if the application had no essay, reviewing the questions that were asked will allow you to understand what the school considers to be valuable information. Practice answering generic questions. The admissions officer conducting the interview may have a few questions that deal specifically with the school or with your application, but he or she will probably resort to a few standard questions, as well. "Why do you want to go to this school?" This is your chance to show off your knowledge of the school. If the school is sports-oriented, emphasize your interest in the sports program while briefly touching on academics. Similarly, if the school is focused on service or on academics, focus your response on those areas. "What do you plan on doing after you graduate?" Most schools will understand if you do not have your entire life mapped out yet, but at the same time, the interviewer will want to see some sense of motivation. If you are undecided about what you want to do, explain your dilemma but describe how you anticipate discovering your passion while at the school and pursuing it after leaving. If you do have an idea of what you want to do, describe it as vividly as possible. Prepare questions of your own. The admissions counselor will probably ask you if you have any of your own questions at the end of the interview. At this point, you should ask about things that cannot be conveyed through the school's promotional materials. If you have questions about the academics, make sure to pose them here. Otherwise, ask about campus life or student resources. Dress to impress. Prepare an outfit that demonstrates your seriousness as a student, even if there is no dress code at the school. For "elite" institutions, prepare a suit or other formal business attire. For more relaxed schools, dress conservatively in business casual clothes. Prepare to disclose your medical history. The agent conducting the interview will want to verify that you are in good health. You will need to describe your physical and mental health, and if you have had any health troubles in the past or currently have any at present, you should describe your overall prognosis and any treatments you are taking to manage the condition. You will need to be absolutely honest about your medical history, since you can get into serious legal trouble if you lie. Gather your financial records. The interviewer will also want to verify that you can afford to take care of a child. You do not need to be especially wealthy, but you do need to demonstrate fiscal responsibility. Prepare banks statements, credit card statements, and loan statements to demonstrate that you are not behind on any payments and that you have a steady history of financial responsibility. Get your home in order. Adoption interviews are often done as part of a home study, which means that the interviewer will come to talk to you at your home. Make sure that your house looks clean and organized. Clear away any clutter and fix any problems that could be potentially hazardous to a child. It also helps to have a specific place set aside for an adopted child to live in, since it demonstrates to your interviewer that you are serious and prepared for a new addition to your family. Practice answering a few basic questions. The interviewer will ask a variety of questions. Some will touch on your qualifications and ability, such as medical or financial questions. You can also expect to be asked about whether or not you have a criminal history. The interviewer may also ask you more personal questions to gauge your fitness as a potential parent. These questions could cover topics like your views on education, discipline, or overall child rearing. You may also be asked to describe your own character, in which case, you should be honest about your faults while emphasizing that your strengths are more than enough to compensate. Keep your appearance clean. You do not need to dress in business attire, but you should great the interviewer in your "Sunday best." Prepare an outfit that makes you look well put-together. Make sure that both you and your clothes are cleaned, and make sure that any family members present are also equally cleaned and prepped. Know who you are dealing with. There are three audience levels you need to concern yourself with here: The interviewer: Usually, a specific journalist will be assigned to your interview. Make sure you know who will be conducting the interview and read his or her past pieces to find out what that interviewer's slant or focus generally is. The media outlet: The tone of an interview usually varies depending on the medium used to deliver it. A blog is one of the most casual, followed by phone interviews, newspaper interviews, and radio interviews. Professional journal interviews and broadcast television interviews tend to be the most formal. The primary audience: The company the reporter works for will have a specific audience. A local news or radio station will ask questions that will concern local viewers, while a national station will ask questions that pertain to a wider audience. A specialized source, like a blog or journal, will focus on issues that affect their readership. Ask for details about the interview before it happens. If the interview is scheduled in advance, gather all possible information about it as you set up the time and date. Find out what material the interviewer plans on asking about as well as the expected length of the interview. Depending on the content of the interview, the journalist may even be willing to provide you with a list of questions he or she plans to ask. The list may not be comprehensive, but it could at least give you a place to start. Set boundaries. If there is information you cannot disclose about a given topic, make sure the reporter knows this ahead of time. He or she may still try to ask about it anyway, but if you firmly explain that you will not answer those questions before the interview, the reporter is less likely to push you for an answer. Prepare a list of possible answers and key talking points. Since press interviews can be about nearly any topic, it is impossible to generalize about the questions you will be asked during the interview. If the reporter does not provide you with a list in advance, prepare yourself by noting the most important aspects of whatever the subject matter is. Anticipate what others might be curious about and prepare your answers based on that. Do a mock interview. Conducting a mock interview is often a good way to calm your anxieties about the real interview. Set aside time in advance for a test run. Ask a trusted associate to practice interviewing with you. Have the associate ask questions you have been informed about or ones that you anticipate and deliver your answers as though you were conducting the actual interview. Dress to impress for in-person interviews. You can wear anything you want during a phone or email interview, of course, but if you are meeting with the reporter in person, you should wear clean clothes that are suited to your position. This is true regardless of whether you will appear in photographs or video.

Research the employer. Know who's interviewing you. Memorize the job description. Practice answering some basic interview questions. Prepare your own questions. Prepare a professional outfit. Do your homework on the school. Find out where to go and who to ask for. Review your application materials. Practice answering generic questions. Prepare questions of your own. Dress to impress. Prepare to disclose your medical history. Gather your financial records. Get your home in order. Practice answering a few basic questions. Keep your appearance clean. Know who you are dealing with. Ask for details about the interview before it happens. Set boundaries. Prepare a list of possible answers and key talking points. Do a mock interview. Dress to impress for in-person interviews.

https://www.wikihow.com/Insure-Valuables-Shipped-by-Mail

How to Insure Valuables Shipped by Mail

You can rest easy when you ship valuable items through the mail using USPS by getting insurance for them. To insure an item for up to $100, use Priority Mail Express ship it, which starts at $22.95. For more valuable items, use Registered Mail to ship them, which allows you to insure items up to $50,000. The fee to insure your item is based on the value of the item. Contact your post office ahead of time to figure out how much it will cost. You could also use First Class Mail Parcel with insurance to ship an item worth less than $5,000. The prices are based on size, shape, and weight, so it's best used with a smaller package.

Utilize Priority Mail Express. Priority Mail Express is a great option if you're looking to send something speedily. Priority Mail Express guarantees delivery in 1-2 days and also insures your item for up to $100. Request Priority Mail Express at your local post office when mailing your item and you will receive a mailing receipt and a confirmation when the package has been delivered. If your item is worth more than $100 dollars, you can purchase additional insurance to cover the remainder of the item's value. Priority Mail Express also gives you the option of making the recipient sign for the package, so you have additional confirmation of receipt. Priority Mail Express begins at $22.95 and can be accessed online or at your local post office. Insure using Registered Mail. Registered Mail is the safest way to send and insure your valuable item. Request Registered Mail at your local post office to receive a proof of mailing and the date and time of each attempted delivery. Registered Mail also allows you to insure your item to up to $50,000. The fee to insure your item is based on the value of the item. To get a better idea of how much your item will cost to insure, call your post office. Combine Registered Mail with First Class Mail Parcel to have your valuable item send more speedily. Utilize First Class Mail Parcel with insurance. If you're looking for a thrifty solution, try using First Class Mail Parcel and adding insurance on top of that. First Class Mail offers delivery times between one and three days and is open to any envelope or package weight up to 13 ounces. While at the post office, ask to add insurance to cover the value of your item. Prices for First Class Mail Parcel are based on size, shape and weight, so this option is best used with a smaller package. Because this is a cheaper option, it is not recommended for items worth more than $5,000 or items with strong sentimental value. Utilize Priority Mail Express. If you're looking to send an important document (like a title or a deed) in a hurry, Priority Mail Express may be your best option. The service provides next day delivery for many locations, official confirmation that the document was sent and notification that the document was delivered. Priority Mail Express gives you the option to track your document's progress either online or by phone. Priority Mail Express also gives you the option to request a copy of the recipient's signature. Prices for Priority Mail Express envelopes are based on the weight of the envelope and the distance the document is expected to travel. This is the most expensive option for insuring and sending a document. Combine Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation Service. This is a great option if you're looking to mail your document quickly but a little more cheaply. Your document will arrive between one and three business days and tracking information is available online or by phone. And using the Signature Confirmation Service guarantees you a copy of the recipient's confirmation signature. Priority Mail starts at $6.45 and additional costs are based on weight and zone. Combine First Class Mail with Certified Mail and a Return Receipt. If you're looking for a good balance of thrifty and speedy, this is it. By sending your mail First Class, you ensure your document will arrive between one and three business days. You will also receive proof that the document was mailed and a receipt that it was delivered along with the recipient's signature. First Class Mail starts at $.34. Add Certified Mail and the Return Receipt for an additional $6.47, or $4.52 if you select an electronic confirmation. Use Global Express Guaranteed Insurance. Global Express allows you to send your package or document anywhere in the world (with a few exceptions.) It covers your item up to $100 and additional insurance can be purchased to cover your item up to $2,499. Your item or document will be covered if it gets lost, damaged or if the document needs to be reconstructed in some way. If you are sending a package, the weight must not exceed 70 pounds. Global Express starts at $59.95 for packages. Use Priority Mail International Insurance. This option allows you to insure your valuables for up to $200 at no additional charge and covers loss, damage or missing contents. Depending on the size of the box and the shipping location, Priority Mail International Insurance will cost you between $0 and $59.95. Insurance is not available for envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes. Check online before shipping, as different countries have different insurance limits. Use Priority Mail Express International Insurance. This option functions similarly to the Priority Mail International Insurance, except with faster delivery. You are covered up to $200 for loss and $100 for document reconstruction and the cost will fall somewhere between $0 and $59.95. Delivers to 180 different countries. The package or envelope should arrive between three and five business days.

Utilize Priority Mail Express. Insure using Registered Mail. Utilize First Class Mail Parcel with insurance. Utilize Priority Mail Express. Combine Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation Service. Combine First Class Mail with Certified Mail and a Return Receipt. Use Global Express Guaranteed Insurance. Use Priority Mail International Insurance. Use Priority Mail Express International Insurance.

https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets

How to Prepare Cauliflower Florets

To prepare cauliflower florets, start by removing the outer leaves of the cauliflower, and use a knife to cut the stem off. Then, place the cauliflower on a cutting board so the stem area is facing up, and slice into the stem to separate the individual florets from the middle of the stem. Wash the florets under cold water and be sure to cut off any blemishes, such as brown marks from florets rubbing together. Cook the cauliflower florets and enjoy.

Purchase a suitable cauliflower. It should be firm, white, free of blemishes or rot, and have compact clusters. The leaves should be fresh, healthy, and green. Remove the outer leaves of the cauliflower. If you want, save the leaves for a vegetable stock, along with the other parts of the cauliflower you would regularly discard. Turn the cauliflower over so that its stem is facing you. Slice it off. Reserve if desired for vegetable stock. Prepare the florets. Hold the cauliflower with one hand. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Hold the knife in your dominant hand. Place it at a 45º angle and slice into the smaller stems around the cauliflower. Use a circular motion. The inner stem can be removed as the florets slice away. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Wash the florets. Place them into a colander and wash under running water. Cut off any blemishes. Cauliflower often has harmless brown marks from rubbing; simply cut these away. Make sure that dirt is washed off or cut away. Assess the florets. Are they the right size for your dish now? In many cases, they will still be too large and you'll need halve and maybe even quarter them, depending on what you're using the florets for. Use as required. Follow some of the methods below for different ways to cook cauliflower. Bring a large pot containing several quarts of water to a boil. If desired, add 1 cup of milk to kettle. This will help keep the cauliflower white. Optional : Add the juice of 1/2 lemon to the water instead of milk. The lemon juice should also help keep the florets whiter. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-10Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-10Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-10Bullet1.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-10Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Place a vegetable rack above the boiling water. Place the vegetable rack high enough above the water so that the water won't boil over onto the florets. Drop the cauliflower onto the vegetable rack and reduce heat to medium. Cover cauliflower with a lid. Steam cauliflower for 4 to 6 minutes, checking after 4 minutes. When a knife pierces the stem of the cauliflower easily, the vegetable is fully cooked. You want the cauliflower to be tender but still slightly crunchy at the core. If you want to steam a cauliflower whole, the process will take about 17 to 20 minutes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-13Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-13Bullet1.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-13Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Season with salt and pepper. Serve! Preheat oven to 400° F (~204° C) and bring 7 to 8 US quarts (7,000 to 8,000 ml) of water to a rolling boil. Parboil one head of cauliflower, cut into florets, in the boiling water for 3 minutes. Parboiling simply means quickly boiling, not fully cooking. Remove from water and strain away all water. Assemble the cauliflower on a baking dish or roasting pan. Into the pan, place: 2 to 3 cloves of coarsely minced garlic {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet1.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Juice from 1/2 lemon {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet2.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Olive oil to coat cauliflower evenly {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet3.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Salt and pepper {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet4.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-17Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Once the oven has reached 400° F, cook the cauliflower in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Take the cauliflower out of the oven and serve. If desired, sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese before serving. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-19Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-19Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-19Bullet1.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-19Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place the florets of 1 large cauliflower into the saucepan. Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender. Drain the liquid from the saucepan and measure it. You want about 1 cup of liquid. For each 1/2 cup of liquid, blend in 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch until the starch is no longer visible. Remove the cauliflower from the saucepan and place the liquid back in. To the liquid, add: 3 tablespoons butter {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet1.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} 3 tablespoons lemon juice {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet2.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} 1 tablespoon grated onion (finely chopped shallots are also fine) {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/26\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet3.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} 1 teaspoon ground turmeric {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet4.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Salt and pepper to taste {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet5.jpg\/v4-460px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet5.jpg\/aid1271311-v4-728px-Prepare-Cauliflower-Florets-Step-24Bullet5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":307,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"486","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>"} Cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened. If desired, add in 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of capers into the liquid. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and garnish with chopped parsley.

Purchase a suitable cauliflower. Remove the outer leaves of the cauliflower. Turn the cauliflower over so that its stem is facing you. Slice it off. Prepare the florets. Wash the florets. Cut off any blemishes. Assess the florets. Use as required. Bring a large pot containing several quarts of water to a boil. Place a vegetable rack above the boiling water. Drop the cauliflower onto the vegetable rack and reduce heat to medium. Steam cauliflower for 4 to 6 minutes, checking after 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 400° F (~204° C) and bring 7 to 8 US quarts (7,000 to 8,000 ml) of water to a rolling boil. Parboil one head of cauliflower, cut into florets, in the boiling water for 3 minutes. Assemble the cauliflower on a baking dish or roasting pan. Once the oven has reached 400° F, cook the cauliflower in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Take the cauliflower out of the oven and serve. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place the florets of 1 large cauliflower into the saucepan. Cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Drain the liquid from the saucepan and measure it. To the liquid, add: Cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened. Pour the sauce over the cauliflower and garnish with chopped parsley.

https://www.wikihow.com/Fast-for-a-Day

How to Fast for a Day

To fast for a day, drink at least 2 liters of water, eat small, healthy meals, and get plenty of sleep the day before to prepare your body. On the day of the fast, keep yourself busy, since inactivity and boredom can lead you to thoughts of eating. Be sure to distract yourself with tasks that aren't physically taxing, like reading, writing, meditating, or watching television. When you break your fast, start slow with half-portions so your body can readjust.

Clarify your purpose in fasting. Ask yourself what you wish to learn from the experience, and use this purpose to set an intention for the day. You may find that you get much more out of the fast if there is a drive behind your discipline. Consider whether you have any goals for spiritual or mental development, or whether you are simply trying to tap into the physical benefits. Meditate on a theme, a question, or a goal. Fast to detoxify your system. Refraining from food for a day can help your body filter out toxins, solid obstructions, and other contaminants that weigh you down. Fast to reach a breakthrough. Perhaps you need to answer a problem, understand a situation, or come up with with an idea or insight. Fasting can put your mind into a simplifying state that makes it easier to frame your problems. Fast in conjunction with deep meditation, yoga, or sensory deprivation to explore the depths of your mind. Transcend the distractions of hunger with discipline and focus. Define the beginning and end of your fast. Many traditional religious fasts only require you to refrain from eating until the sun goes down. If you're fasting for an Islamic rite, for instance, the fast begins about 1 and 1/2-2 hours before sunrise and you can eat after sunset. However, a full 24-hour fast has become a popular way to maintain health and vigor – particularly in yogic circles. The goal of a 24-hour fast is to not eat anything after your evening meal, and to refrain from eating until the next day's evening meal. Avoid fasting purely to lose weight. Fasting can help toxins exit your body, and it can help you digest food more efficiently – especially if you make it a habit. However, fasting will not necessarily help you lose weight. If you fast all day, but then gorge yourself on a large, carbohydrate-heavy meal, your metabolism won't kick into gear until after the meal. You won't actually burn more fat than you would if you weren't fasting. If you are only trying to lose weight, try consuming a very small amount of calories in the morning rather than fasting outright. This morsel will activate your metabolism so that your stomach feeds on stored fats. Consider doing a one-day juice-only fast once a week. With a juice diet, you can supply your body with enough nutrients that you don't have to deplete the sugar stores in your liver and muscles. This way, you'll detox without breaking down muscle tissue. Make fasting a practice. Consider fasting for 24 hours around once a month. Some research suggests that performing a 24-hour fast can improve cardiovascular health and memory. Most evidence of this is still observational or based on animal studies, though, and regular fasting should not be attempted if you have or have had an eating disorder or difficulty regulating your blood sugar. It's possible regular fasting may improve your body's ability to metabolize sugar and decrease your LDL cholesterol, thereby improving your heart health. Always talk to your doctor before starting a regular fasting routine. Drink at least 2 liters (0.5 US gal) of water the day before the fast. Water helps balance the bodily fluids that aid the digestion, absorption, and transportation of nutrients; the circulation of blood; the production of saliva; and the maintenance of body temperature. This doesn't mean that you should chug a ton of water immediately before the fast. All this will do is make you urinate a lot a couple of hours later. Instead, increase your water intake beginning 72 hours before the fast. Juice, milk, tea, Gatorade, and other hydrating drinks will also help you prepare for your fast. Try eating a lot of water-heavy foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. Eat well and nourish your body the day before you fast. Don't overeat! Indeed, try to eat smaller portions than you usually would. If possible, eat primarily fruits and vegetables to balance your system. Foods that are rich in nutrients and full of water will help your body prepare for fasting. Avoid baked goods, especially those that contain a lot of salt and sugar. Avoid eating sugary, highly-processed foods the day before you fast. Your body will not function properly if it's running predominantly on sugar. Furthermore, processed foods may take longer to leave your system, making it more difficult to have a "clean" fast. If you are diabetic, consult with your doctor before consuming a lot of fruit. Get plenty of sleep the night before you fast. Your body won't be running on its usual caloric fuel, and you won't be able to push through tiredness with a burst of food-energy. If you give yourself a baseline of rest, it will be much easier to function throughout the day – and you may get more out of your fast. Focus on your intention. Fix your attention on the themes or questions that you want to answer. Focus on examining yourself, exploring an idea, touching base with your spirituality, or simply losing yourself in a state of channeled discipline. If your intention is to detoxify your system, use this purpose to hold yourself resolute against the supplications of hunger. Stay hydrated, if you are performing a water-only fast. Drink at least half a liter of water every two hours. Water will fill your stomach, restore your energy, and dilute the stomach acids that make you feel hungry. However, don't drink so much water that you feel sick. Some practices, such as traditional Islamic fasting, forbid you from drinking water between sunrise and sundown. In this case, it is incredibly important that you nourish your system with water before and after the fast. Keep yourself busy. Inactivity and boredom can lead you to thoughts of eating. Instead, occupy yourself with something that is engrossing, but not physically taxing. Reading, writing, meditating, slow yoga movements, working on your computer, walking in the woods, watching television, and driving short distances are all good ways to occupy yourself during a fast. Avoid high-energy activities like heavy exercises, going to the gym, lifting heavy weights, or running long distances: serious exertion will burn a lot of calories and make you unnecessarily hungry. Avoid thinking about food. Try not to spend time around food, pictures of food, or food smells. Stay strong. If you have the sudden urge to give up, remind yourself why you're doing this fast. Exercise discipline. Assure yourself that your hunger will not last forever. And besides: if you remain strong now, the rewards may be far greater than if you give in. Towards the end of the fast, you will likely feel strained and exhausted. This is where you'll need to bring out the reserves. Nap, if possible, or let visual media take over your brain. An absorptive action movie or video game can work wonders in this situation. Break your fast at the time you've designated. Take it slow, and be very mindful of how much you eat. Half your portions: it is absolutely imperative that you don't eat as much as you would regularly eat at mealtimes. Your digestive system is on low-power mode, and it isn't able to handle a massive burger right now. Instead, eat light foods like fruits, vegetables, and soup. Water and fruit juices are also important. Remember not to eat and drink too much, too quickly. Have an apple and a glass of water first, and wait ten minutes. Then, have a bowl of soup with a glass of orange juice. Space the process over 30 minutes to an hour. Eating a ton right away can land you in the bathroom for a long time accompanied by considerable pain – and it can even be hazardous to your health. Take it slow.

Clarify your purpose in fasting. Define the beginning and end of your fast. Avoid fasting purely to lose weight. Make fasting a practice. Drink at least 2 liters (0.5 US gal) of water the day before the fast. Eat well and nourish your body the day before you fast. Get plenty of sleep the night before you fast. Focus on your intention. Stay hydrated, if you are performing a water-only fast. Keep yourself busy. Stay strong. Break your fast at the time you've designated.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bottle-Bomb

How to Make a Bottle Bomb

To make a bottle bomb, first put a tablespoon of baking soda into a small piece of paper towel or plastic wrap. Then, pour 1 and ½ inches of vinegar into a bottle. Next, pick up the corners of the paper towel or plastic wrap so the baking soda is cupped inside. Stuff the cupped part into the bottle, leaving the corners you're holding outside the bottle. Finally, go outside before you push the baking soda all the way into the bottle, put the top on, and shake it up. When you feel the bottle's pressure change, throw it up and away from you, then watch it explode as it hits the ground.

Make a square to set the baking soda in. Tear a paper towel in half or tear off a square of plastic wrap, approximately 7 inches by 7 inches. Measure out about a tablespoon of baking soda and place it in the center of the paper towel or plastic wrap. Set aside. Pour the vinegar. Pour about an inch to an inch-and-a-half of vinegar into the bottle. Be careful not to fill it too full or the bomb may explode before you're ready. Place the baking soda square inside the bottle. Pick up the paper towel or plastic wrap by the corners so that the baking soda is cupped inside. Stuff the cupped paper towel or plastic wrap just inside the mouth of the bottle so that the portion with the baking soda is just past the mouth and the corners of the paper towel or plastic wrap are poking out of the top of the bottle. Don't let the paper towel/plastic wrap drop all the way into the bottle. Find a safe place to set off the bomb. You want a place with plenty of open space, away from people, animals, and property. Keep in mind that you'll be throwing the bottle, so there should be enough open space for you to be able to throw the bottle a safe distance away from you. Take the bottle and the bottle cap outside. Bring them to the place where you plan to set off the bomb. Push the paper towel or plastic wrap all the way into the bottle. Screw on the cap and vigorously shake the bottle. As soon as you feel the bottle begin to harden from the internal pressure, throw the bottle up and away from you. The bottle should explode when it hits the ground. Be very careful when shaking the bottle because it could potentially explode in your hands. Take the proper precautions. Open the plastic sandwich bag. Pour about a tablespoon of baking soda into the bag and hold the bag up by one of the upper corners so the baking soda will settle into one of the bottom corners of the bag. Cut the top off of the plastic bag and set aside. Pour the vinegar. Pour about an inch to an inch-and-a-half of vinegar into the bottle. Be careful not to fill it too full or the bomb may explode before you're ready. Place the plastic bag inside the bottle. Pick up the plastic bag, making sure to keep the baking soda gathered in one corner. Stuff the end of the plastic bag containing the baking soda just inside the mouth of the bottle so that the portion with the baking soda is just past the mouth and the corners of the top of the plastic bag are poking out of the top of the bottle. Don't let the plastic bag drop all the way into the bottle. Find a safe place to set off the bomb. You want a place with plenty of open space, away from people, animals, and property. Keep in mind that you'll be throwing the bottle, so there should be enough open space for you to be able to throw the bottle a safe distance away from you. Take it outside. Take the bottle and the bottle cap out to the place where you plan to set it off. Push the plastic bag all the way into the bottle. Screw on the cap and vigorously shake the bottle. As soon as you feel the bottle begin to harden from the internal pressure, throw the bottle up and away from you. The bottle should explode when it hits the ground. Be very careful when shaking the bottle because it could potentially explode in your hands. Take the proper precautions. Poke a hole in a Mentos. Take a single Mentos and poke a hole through the center. You can use a nail, safety pin, pencil, ballpoint pen, or similar to create the hole. If you need help getting the object through the center of the Mentos, you can gently tap it with a hammer to push it through. Be careful not to hurt yourself. You can also try tying the string or floss around the Mentos rather than through it, but be sure it's tied very tightly. Place a string through the Mentos. Run about four inches of string (sewing thread or floss works best) through the hole in the Mentos. Hold the string by the two ends so that the Mentos is suspended in the center. Unscrew the top of the diet soda. Put the Mentos just inside to the mouth of the bottle—don't let it touch the soda—and drape the ends of the string over the lip of the bottle. Screw on the cap. Keeping the ends of the string outside the bottle, screw the cap back on so that the string is held in place by the tightened cap. Cut off the portions of string left dangling outside the cap. Wait for someone to open the soda. When they unscrew the cap, the Mentos will drop into the soda and cause the soda to explode out of the bottle. (Be prepared for a mess.)

Make a square to set the baking soda in. Pour the vinegar. Place the baking soda square inside the bottle. Find a safe place to set off the bomb. Take the bottle and the bottle cap outside. Open the plastic sandwich bag. Pour the vinegar. Place the plastic bag inside the bottle. Find a safe place to set off the bomb. Take it outside. Poke a hole in a Mentos. Place a string through the Mentos. Unscrew the top of the diet soda. Screw on the cap. Wait for someone to open the soda.

https://www.wikihow.fitness/Train-for-a-Tough-Mudder

How to Train for a Tough Mudder

To train for a Tough Mudder, which is a 10- to 12-mile obstacle course and race, spend at least 12 weeks preparing. Each week, spend 2 days running intervals and 2 days doing strength-training exercises like weight-lifting, push-ups, lunges, and pull-ups. If it's possible, find trails in your area for your running days, since that will mimic the course better a track or treadmill. Once a week, do a long trail run, and rest for 2 days.

Start each workout with running. All-terrain running is a major component of a Tough Mudder. You want to start by running at least 2 miles (3.2 km) and work your way up to at least 10. Plan the next 12 weeks according to this regimen: split running with strength-training 4 days per week, do 1 long trail run and rest for 2 days. Schedule your long run and your rest days strategically, so that it does not adversely affect your other plans. If you have signed up for the Tough Mudder with a team, you may want to sync several of your workouts with the teammates. Working out in tandem will help you push yourself harder. Most Tough Mudder teams are comprised of 5 to 10 people. Run trails at least 2 days per week. In fact, the larger the number of trail runs you do per week, the better off you will be on race day. Trail running combines hills for better cardio training and soft earth for better balance. Do interval training. Incorporate hill intervals or stair intervals as the weeks go on. When you run, sprint for 1/4 of a mile and jog to catch your breath. Don't walk between intervals. You will not have the opportunity to walk during a Tough Mudder. You will go from running to obstacles and repeat for 10 miles (16 km). Increase your cardio runs incrementally for 12 weeks. On the 4 days you also do strength training, do lower amounts of cardio. Here is an example running program for a 12-week lead up: Week 1: Do a 1.5-mile treadmill run 2 days and a 2-mile trail run 2 other days. Do a 3-mile trail run. (Include 30 to 40 minutes of bodyweight/strength training 3 times per week after short treadmill or trail runs). Week 2: Do a 2-mile treadmill run 2 days and a 2-mile trail run 2 days. Do a 3.5-mile trail run. (Include 30 to 40 minutes of bodyweight/strength training 3 times per week after short treadmill or trail runs). Week 3: Do a 2-mile treadmill run 2 days and a 3-mile trail run 2 days. Do a 4-mile trail run another day. (Include 30 to 40 minutes of bodyweight/strength training 3 times per week after short treadmill or trail runs). Week 4: Do a 2-mile treadmill run 2 days and a 2-mile run/jog interval 2 days. Do a 5-mile run another day. (Include 30 to 40 minutes of bodyweight/strength training 3 times per week after short treadmill or trail runs). Week 5: Do a 2-mile treadmill run 1 day and a 3-mile run/jog interval 2 days. Do a 5.5-mile all-terrain run on another day. Replace 1 day of strength training/running with plyometrics. Week 6: Do a 1-hour run/jog day, a 50-minute hill interval day and a 6-mile run day. Replace a treadmill run and strength training workout with 1 plyometrics routine and a Tabata interval day (See below for explanation). Week 7: Do a 1-hour run/jog day, a 50-minute hill interval session day, a plyometrics routine day, a Tabata interval day and a 6.5-mile all terrain run. Week 8: Do 65 minutes of run/jog intervals 1 day, 50 minutes of hill intervals another day, a plyometrics day, a Tabata day and a 7-mile all-terrain run. Week 9: Do 2 Tabata training days of at least 50 minutes, do 50-minute hill intervals twice per week and run a 7.5-mile all-terrain trail. Week 10: Continue 50-minutes of Tabata training twice per week, do hill intervals twice per week and do an 8-mile trail run. Week 11: Continue the same as last week, pushing to 8.5 or 9 miles (13.7 or 14.5 km) during your long run, if you choose. Week 12: Do a single 5-mile all-terrain run, a 30-minute treadmill run and a 40-minute Tabata session in the week you prepare for your race. Start your 12-week regimen with bodyweight exercises and simple weight training. Bodyweight exercise means that you will use your own body's weight for resistance. You will do these exercises 3 times per week, every other day. Start with 30 minutes of pushups, pull-ups, burpees, lunges, and squats. Do 20 repetitions of each of these exercises with short rests in between. Do these exercises on the same day as your shorter runs. The run will serve to warm up your muscles. Do upper body weightlifting, like bicep curls, flys, presses and tricep curls after you complete the bodyweight exercises. Add kettle bells, weights and sand bells after 1 to 2 weeks. By week 3, you should be using 7 to 30 lb. (3.1 to 13.6kg) weights to increase your resistance during weightlifting and bodyweight exercises. Be conservative when you use weights. It's better to start with a smaller weight and increase it later than to injure yourself with heavy weights. You can also use a weighted vest during cardio or outside training to increase resistance. Tailor your plan to address your weakest muscles. Add plyometric training during your fifth week of training. Plyometrics are explosive interval exercises that combine jumping, speed and strength training. The following exercises should be performed with 3 sets of 12 reps and a short jogging rest in between. Do box jumps. Start on the ground and jump onto a high bench, platform or wooden box. Do squat jumps. When you get to the lowest point of a squat, jump high in the air. Land upright and squat again immediately. Do power skipping. Cover rough terrain quickly by skipping for 1 minute, just as you did when you were a kid. Do lateral jumps. Set up cones. Jump to the right side and jump back. Repeat. Do pushups. Lower yourself down to the ground, then press your arms against the ground in an explosive motion. You should lift yourself off the ground each time. Do plyometric exercises for 30 to 40 minutes at a time. These exercises are harder on your joints, so take rest days and don't push yourself to injury. Add Tabata intervals at 6 to 7 weeks. Do this exercise for 60-minutes with at least a day's rest between plyometrics and Tabata intervals. You will choose at least 6 exercises to repeat in 4-minute sets. Do the exercise at full intensity for 20 seconds, and then rest for 10 seconds. Repeat this interval 8 times, until you reach 4-minutes. Rest for 1 minute with a walk or jog, and then do another Tabata protocol with a different exercise. Good exercises include sprints, mountain climbers, skater jumps, cycling, pushups, lunges and boxing. Do your body weight exercises outside. Better yet, find a ropes course or outdoor exercise equipment at your local park. A gym environment is too comfortable to imitate a Tough Mudder race. Get some dry wicking fabric for your training. If you only have cotton workout gear, you should get used to wearing tight-fitting workout shorts, shirts or suits. Cotton carries extra weight and will make you chafe. Wear gloves with the tips of the fingers cut off during hard training and race day. It will help you grip while you are in mud and water. Pour a bucket of ice-cold water over yourself and go for a run or do your Tabata intervals each week. The shock will mimic the cold-water obstacles you will experience. Get dirty. Go trail running while it's raining, if you get a chance. It may be your only chance to get used to running in mud. Do hill intervals or Tabata exercises with friends. As you sprint or finish your set, cheer each other on. Look at the racecourse as soon as it is posted. Although there will be some mysteries, you can adjust your routine to train for whatever the course has to offer.

Start each workout with running. Plan the next 12 weeks according to this regimen: Run trails at least 2 days per week. Do interval training. Increase your cardio runs incrementally for 12 weeks. Start your 12-week regimen with bodyweight exercises and simple weight training. Add kettle bells, weights and sand bells after 1 to 2 weeks. Add plyometric training during your fifth week of training. Add Tabata intervals at 6 to 7 weeks. Do your body weight exercises outside. Get some dry wicking fabric for your training. Pour a bucket of ice-cold water over yourself and go for a run or do your Tabata intervals each week. Get dirty. Do hill intervals or Tabata exercises with friends. Look at the racecourse as soon as it is posted.

https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Gay-and-Lesbian-People

How to Understand Gay and Lesbian People

It can be difficult to re-examine long-standing beliefs about sexuality. However, you can have a better understanding of different sexual orientations by learning more about gay and lesbian people. Work on dismissing any stereotypes that you may have about gay and lesbian people so that you can start working on seeing them as the people that they are. Remind yourself that you cannot determine anyone's sexuality based on their appearance, voice, or mannerisms. Try to interact with the LGBT+ community to learn more about the people and the issues they face. You can watch TV shows or read books with gay characters. Another important part of understanding gay and lesbian people is realizing people can't choose their sexuality, as it's an inherent part of who they are. The research of the scientific and mental health communities shows that sexuality is not a choice and that attempts to “convert” someone's sexuality are dangerous and harmful.

Respect their humanity. This is the most important part of understanding gay and lesbian people. They are as complex and unique as anyone else, and they have dreams, goals, and passions that are much more central to their identities than the gender they are attracted to. If you feel you understand straight people, then you are well on your way to understanding gay and lesbian people as well. Dismiss stereotypes. Some gay and lesbian people fit into all the popular stereotypes, some fit into none of them, and most fit into some, but not all. Some straight people “seem gay,” and some gay people “seem straight.” There is no sure-fire way to tell someone's sexual orientation by looking at them, listening to the way they speak, or watching their mannerisms. The more you learn to let go of stereotypes, the easier it will be to begin seeing LGBT people as people. Rein in your ego. Just as you are not attracted to every single member of the opposite sex, gay people are not attracted to every single member of their own sex. You might not be their type. Do not assume a gay person is attracted to you just because they share your gender. They probably aren't. Interact with LGBTQIA people. Studies have shown that people with homophobic beliefs report having less personal interaction with gay and lesbian people. Having LGBT+ people in your life will make it much easier to see them as regular people like you, and not as mysterious aberrations. If this is impossible, you might try reading books or watching television shows and movies with gay characters, or watching documentaries about LGBT+ issues. Learn from other allies. There are lots of organizations whose aim is to increase heterosexuals' acceptance and understanding of LGBTQIA people. Look up your local PFLAG chapter, or spend some time on the websites of GLAAD or the Human Rights Campaign. Investigate what the scientific community has to say. While some individuals may insist that sexual orientation can be changed, virtually all major mental health organizations have released statements asserting that this is not the case, and cautioning against treatments that purport to “convert” LGBT people. Some states have even banned gay “conversion therapy” in response to scientific evidence suggesting such therapy may actually be damaging or abusive. Research objective information about the “ex-gay” movement. Even among the ex-gay community, few believe complete conversion is possible. Many ex-gay organizations have shut down in recent years, and admitted that they could not “cure” gay people. There is no meaningful scientific evidence that people who are not attracted to the opposite sex can be converted to heterosexuality. On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation can have a profoundly damaging impact. Remember being gay isn't a choice. While life has improved greatly for LGBT people in America over the last couple decades, many gay and lesbian people suffer greatly because of their sexual orientation. About 40% of homeless youth are LGBT-identified, and 68% of those reported family rejection as a major factor. LGBT youth are 4 times more likely than heterosexual youth to attempt suicide. They also experience higher levels of bullying, substance abuse, and sexual assault. There are many countries where gay love is illegal, or even punishable by death. Bearing all this in mind, ask yourself, “Why would these people choose to be LGBT?” Understand it’s not all about sex. You don't ask your straight friends about their kinks and fetishes, because it's none of your business and shouldn't affect the way you think of or treat them. Whether or not you “get” what a person does in the bedroom with other consenting adults shouldn't influence whether you feel you understand them as a human being. Sex is a very small part of what being LGBT means to most LGBT people, and you shouldn't fixate on it. Acknowledge the difference between gay love and pedophilia. It is an all-too-common misconception that gay people are a danger to children. Fortunately, this belief is waning; in 1970, a national poll found that 70% of Americans saw gay people as dangerous to youth, while in 1999 only 19% of heterosexual men and 10% of heterosexual women held such beliefs. Gay and lesbian people are people who are attracted to and/or form sexual and/or romantic relationships with adults of their same gender; many child molesters, on the other hand, are not oriented toward a particular gender so much as a particular age. In a 1978 study of 175 men convicted of child molestation, none of them identified as gay. A similar study in 1992 found that only 2 perpetrators of child sexual abuse out of the 269 surveyed were gay. Many studies along these lines have been conducted, and all have failed to find any correlation between being gay and committing child abuse. Learn about different religious attitudes. Many people who harbor homophobic views do so on religious grounds. There are, however, a number of religions and religious sects that are accepting of LGBT+ people. These include the United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalists, Quakers, and Reform and Conservative Judaism. For other groups, such as Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Episcopalians, it is still a matter of debate, with some followers in favor of acceptance, and others against it. Even within faiths such as Catholicism, Islam , and Orthodox Judaism, one can find individual believers who interpret their faith in various ways. Your faith is your business, and you are free to believe what you want. This should not, however, lead you to treat people with disrespect or cruelty. Leave the judging to God. Fake it till you make it. This process does not happen overnight, and even with the best of intentions you may still find yourself uncomfortable with or confused by gay people. This will change with time if you continue to work at it. In the meantime, however, the most important thing is to treat gay and lesbian people with as much respect and dignity as you would do for any other human being. If you do this regularly, you will probably find your understanding of gay and lesbian people evolves naturally and that they are ultimately the same as any ordinary person. Give them their privacy. The decision to come out is a personal one. If you suspect someone you know is gay or lesbian, don't just ask them about it out of nowhere. If this is something they want to talk about with you, they will bring it up themselves. React kindly if someone tells you they are gay. If someone comes out to you , don't say, “Ew, really?”, “Uhhh, ok,” or even, “Yeah, I know.” Coming out can be scary and may make the person feel vulnerable. If someone who is just starting to come out chooses to share this part of themself with you, it is a huge gift of trust. Thank them for confiding in you, and remind them that you care. You might also want to ask, “How long have you known?” or “Has it been hard for you to keep this secret?” if they seem willing to discuss the subject. Often gay people themselves can be confused about everything or are still finding themselves. Don't press any farther than the person lets on. Don't press if they seem uncomfortable, and don't ask any personal questions about their sex life or specific individuals they may or may not find attractive. Understand not all LGBT people want to answer your questions. While it is admirable that you want to learn more, identifying as gay or lesbian doesn't mean that a person wants to hold straight people's hands through the process of learning to understand LGBT people. Just because someone is gay doesn't mean they are responsible for being your guide to LGBT+ issues. Some gay and lesbian people won't mind being a resource for you, but you should not assume this to be the case. If you know a gay person and think they might be open to answering some of your questions, politely ask them. If they say no, back off respectfully. Support them if they are struggling. Life can be hard for LGBT+ people, as they may face discrimination, bullying (even from loved ones such as family members), self-hatred, and confusion. They may even be having suicidal ideation and/or have attempted suicide in the past. If they are having a hard time, offer them compassion and acceptance. They may really need it. Use appropriate language. This should hopefully be obvious, but you should never use gay or other anti-LGBT slurs. It is important for straight allies to the LGBT community to use respectful language when referring to gay and lesbian people. It's true that there are a lot of different words for referring to people in the LGBT community. If you are unsure whether a particular word is incorrect or offensive, or aren't sure what word is appropriate, be safe and don't use it. If someone refers to themselves as a certain term, do not assume you can. It is different for who is saying it and who it is about. Be empathetic. Empathy is the ability to feel with someone, rather than for them; it is the ability to project yourself into the experience of another person. If you are not sure how to respond or treat someone in a given situation, ask yourself, “How would I feel if I were in this person's shoes?” Recognize that your heterosexuality gives you advantages in life that gay and lesbian people do not have, and that bigotry against LGBT people can inflict significant physiological and psychological damage. If you truly empathize with someone, you should not want to cause them any kind of pain.

Respect their humanity. Dismiss stereotypes. Rein in your ego. Interact with LGBTQIA people. Learn from other allies. Investigate what the scientific community has to say. Research objective information about the “ex-gay” movement. Remember being gay isn't a choice. Understand it’s not all about sex. Acknowledge the difference between gay love and pedophilia. Learn about different religious attitudes. Fake it till you make it. Give them their privacy. React kindly if someone tells you they are gay. Understand not all LGBT people want to answer your questions. Support them if they are struggling. Use appropriate language. Be empathetic.

https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-for-a-Baby-Shower

How to Decorate for a Baby Shower

To decorate for a baby shower, start by choosing a theme, like circus animals or a favorite movie. Alternatively, pick a color scheme, such as blue, pink, or all-white. Then, decorate the walls and ceiling with streamers, walls hangings, and mobiles that match what you've chosen. Additionally, cover the table with a pretty cloth, a festive runner, and fun confetti or small candies. You can also make a special place for the mother-to-be by decorating her chair with ribbons or balloons. Finally, put a cute sign over the front door to welcome your guests.

Decide on the location of the shower. Before you begin planning, it is necessary to decide on the location of the shower. Knowing how much space is available and what facilities you have to work with will help you to plan your décor. Showers are often held at the mother-to-be's house, as this makes thing more convenient and comfortable for her (especially if she is heavily pregnant). This leaves you plenty of decorating opportunities, but you may need to discuss your ideas with the mother-to-be and her partner - especially if you plan on doing anything crazy! If you are hosting the baby shower in a restaurant, be aware that some restaurants will put a limit on how far you can go with decorating or rearranging the furniture, so make sure to speak with the restaurant manager before you make plans. Choose a theme. Having a theme for the baby shower can help you to focus your ideas and make your décor look professional and well thought-out. What theme you choose is completely up to you, but here are some ideas: Jungle theme: A jungle or safari theme is popular for baby showers, where the room is decorated in a mixture of greens and yellows and stuffed lions, monkeys and elephants are used to decorate. Movie theme: Pick the mother-to-be's favorite childhood movie and use it as the theme of the party. For example, a "Wizard of Oz" themed party could have a "yellow-brick road" leading to the party room, which could be decorated in green for the Emerald City. You could even present the expecting mother with comfy ruby slippers upon her arrival! Carnival/circus theme: A carnival or circus theme could be decorated with bright colors, have popcorn and candy-floss makers and have games like ring toss and rubber duck races. Pick a color scheme. If a theme seems like too much effort you could simply choose a color scheme for your décor. Staying within a particular color scheme can help to focus your party planning, making it easy to pick the color of decorations, from table clothes and napkins, to flowers and candles, to cakes and confetti. You could go with a classic theme of "It's a boy!" or "It's a girl", where you turn the room into an explosion of pink or blue. Some mothers-to-be will like this traditional approach, while others might prefer something a bit different. If this is the case (or the sex of the baby is unknown) go for a more gender neutral color like yellow or green, or decorate with an even mixture of pink and blue. Going with an all-white theme is another very classy option, perfect for outdoor garden parties or understated restaurants. You could also consider matching the color scheme of the shower with the color scheme in the expected baby's bedroom. Plan your budget. The next thing you have to consider is your budget, as this will dictate (to an extent) how elaborate you can afford to be with your decorations. Make sure to take everything into account - food, drinks, gifts, party favors, balloons, games - the more detailed your budget is, the lower the chance of overspending. When shopping for decorations, make sure to shop around. There can be a huge variation in the price of baby shower decorations, depending on where you buy. Look in party supply stores, dollar stores and online before you make a final decision. Think about where you can save money - borrow any cake stands, candle holders or other tableware from friends and family - maybe your grandmother has an old china tea set you could use for an English tea party theme? Or if you're particularly crafty, you could consider making some of the decorations yourself. You could knit some baby booties, crochet a baby blanket or make a photo collage from pictures of the mother and father-to-be as babies. Even if you're on a tight budget, you can still host an amazing baby shower -- you just need to be a little thrifty by shopping around, making and borrowing! Give yourself time. All of this planning and preparation takes time - so make sure to start getting organized well in advance of the day itself. The last thing you want is to stress yourself out by leaving everything until the last minute. Being disorganized will only lead to stress-shopping, where you will inevitably spend a lot more money than you originally intended. You may also have difficulty finding the things you need at the last minute, which could throw the entire theme of the party off. You should also be sure to leave yourself enough time on the day of the party itself. Get to the location well in advance of the starting time. If you're hosting at the mother-to-be's house, try to make sure she's out of the house or at least stays in another room. Consider the possibility that you may need to vacuum, dust, mop and clean bathrooms (or hire somebody else to do it) before the event, as you don't want the mother-to-be stressing about having a clean house. Start outside. Aside from the room the party is being held in, you should consider decorating the outside of the house (or restaurant, if possible) to mark the location of the baby shower for guests and to get the party atmosphere started from the get-go. Make a cute picket sign that says something like "This Way to Baby Shower!", "Ashley's Baby Shower" or even "It's a Boy/Girl!". Place bunches of colored helium balloons (fitting with the theme of your party) around the sign, or at the front door. Hang door banners above the front door and the door leading to the party. You can get personalized ones with the mother's name (or the baby's, if she has chosen it) at your local gift shop. Place the guestbook and gift table beside the door. Beside the entrance to the party you will need two things - a baby shower guestbook and a table for gifts. The baby shower guestbook (which can be a special store-bought one or just a cute notebook) is an important feature of the party. In it, each guest can write their best wishes for the mother-to-be and her baby, along with any parenting tips or funny anecdotes about their own experiences as mothers. Place the guestbook, along with some nice writing pens, on a small table just inside the door. Leave it propped open so guests can easily see what it's for (or maybe even make a little sign to explain). Cover the table with a nice cloth and decorate it with baby shower confetti, a vase of flowers, a hurricane with floating candles, some baby toys or whatever fits the theme of the party. You will also need a separate, larger table where guests can set their gifts down as soon as they walk in the door. You can decorate this table as you see fit - just make sure there will still be enough room for the gifts. As an alternative to the gift table, you could place a crib or baby stroller beside the door for guests to place their gifts in instead. The crib or stroller could be borrowed from somebody else, or be a gift to the mother-to-be itself. Decorate the walls and ceiling. The walls and ceiling are the next thing you'll need to think about. Things like streamers, wall hangings and mobiles can really transform the look of the room and make the baby shower extra special. Themed baby shower streamers are available from most party supply stores, in a vast array of colors and designs. Alternatively, you could make your own flag garland from scraps of colored or patterned fabric, for a more personal, traditional touch. Another very cute idea is to hang a clothesline from one side of the room to the other and use safety pins or old-fashioned clothes pegs to hang baby clothes such as baby grows, booties, socks and bibs. Another option is to hang mobiles from the ceiling - these can be actual baby mobiles, or paper ones in the shape of flowers, hearts or baby accessories like rattles, baby bottles and pacifiers. For the walls, you can hang more banners or flag garlands, put up framed photographs of the mother and father-to-be as babies, or hang posters related to your theme, such as stills from specific films (for movie themes), or images of baby animals (for jungle themes). Another great idea is to hang swathes of tulle along the walls, from floor to ceiling. This creates a pretty, almost ethereal effect which transforms the entire room. Stringing fairy lights across the tulle will add to this effect even more. Make the table the central focus. The table is the centerpiece of the entire shower, so you should put special effort into making it look good. Make sure the table is large enough to comfortably seat all of the guests and cover it with a nice tablecloth and possibly a table runner in a contrasting color. Sprinkle baby shower confetti over the tablecloth. Lay any pre-prepared cakes and desserts out on the table, buffet style. Use pretty tiered cake stands to display any cakes, scones, muffins or other treats. A layered cupcake stand filled with frosted cupcakes makes a great centerpiece. Aside from the food, you can decorate the table with flowers and votive candles. The flowers can be elaborate arrangements from the florist's or simple but beautiful cuttings from the garden, depending on the theme of the party and the time of year. If you are serving hot food at the party, one cute idea is to place any necessary condiments, such as mustard, mayonnaise or salad dressing, in baby bottles. Just cut the tops of the teats for easier pouring. Make sure you have enough plates, knives, forks, spoons, glasses and napkins. Polish the silverware if necessary.Then you can either formally set the table, or stack everything to one side until needed. Ensure that the mother-to-be's chair is special. As the mother-to-be is the guest of honor, it is important to place her at the head (or center) of the table and to ensure that she is comfortable. Put her in a larger, more comfortable chair -- preferably one that reclines or has a footstool -- and provide her with as many cushions or pillows as she needs. She will really appreciate this, especially if she is heavily pregnant. Decorate the chair by tying ribbons or streamers around the legs and by attaching some helium balloons to the armrests. If you like, you can throw a baby blanket over the back of the chair. One thing that is frequently done at baby showers is to hang or stand an open umbrella above the mother-to-be's chair. Then blue streamers or ribbons are attached to the edges of the umbrella to make "rain". It is a baby "shower" after all! Create the right atmosphere. In addition to the visual effect of the decorations, it's important to create a good atmosphere through sound and smell. Soft, soothing music is usually best for a baby shower. Classical music is always a good option, though certain types of country music can also work. You can even buy or download CD's containing music specifically chosen for baby showers on Amazon. However, you could also match the music to the theme of the shower. For example, you could play the soundtrack from a movie for a movie-themed shower. Or instead of music you could play sound effects, such as animal sounds for a jungle themed part or the sound of waves and seagulls for a beach themed part. You can create pleasant smells by burning scented candles or incense, or using oil-based diffusers or air-fresheners. Again, try to match the scent to theme of the party, whether it's the smell of exotic flowers, the seaside breeze or freshly washed cotton sheets. Make cute party favors. Party favors are small gifts you can send home with your guests to thank them for coming. These gifts can be anything you like, though how fancy/expensive they are will depend on your budget and how many guests will be attending the shower. If you're looking for a more personalized, DIY approach to party favors , you should start collecting mason jars before the shower. Then you can fill each jar with a selection of chocolates (preferably ones that are wrapped in pink or blue foil), wrap a colored ribbon around the lid and attach a label with the guest's name written in calligraphy or cursive script. As an alternative to chocolates, you could fill the mason jars with colored bath salts. This makes a nice gift, but the jars will also look pretty laid out on the table during the shower. Another idea is to get each guest a fancy bar of soap, wrap a ribbon around it and attach a note that says "From our shower to yours". This is a cute play on the word "shower" which is sure to have guests oohing and aahing in appreciation. Decorate with toys. A nice way to add to the baby-centric theme of the party is to decorate the room with toys and other baby accessories. Scatter things like rattles, plastic keys, bottles and sippy cups, pacifiers and teething rings around the room. Not only will these look cute, the mother-to-be will also find them extremely useful once her baby finally arrives. You could also use things like alphabet building blocks, train sets, teddy bears and dolls, which the baby will appreciate once he or she gets a bit older! Buy some disposable cameras. When you're busy hosting a baby shower, organizing games, dealing with gifts and making sure everyone has enough to eat and drink, it can be difficult to find the time to take pictures. Therefore, it's a great idea to buy a bunch of disposable cameras and leave them in strategic locations around the room. At the start of the party, tell the guests to feel free to take as many pictures as they like. This is a great way to ensure that all of the guests feature in the photos, while also saving you the trouble of trying to chase everyone down. As people won't be able to delete photos they don't like from these non-digital cameras, you're also sure to end up with some hilarious results! After the shower, you can collect the cameras and have the pictures developed. Pick the best ones and put them in a photo album. Give the photo album to the mother-to-be as a final gift, then she can treasure the memories from her baby shower forever! Don't forget the diaper cake! A classic feature of most baby showers is the diaper cake - a tiered masterpiece made almost entirely from diapers. It's not edible, but it will certainly come in handy when the baby arrives! You can buy very sophisticated looking diaper cakes online, but these can be quite pricey. It's actually pretty to make a diaper cake yourself - all you need are diapers, rubber bands and some decorative ribbons and bows. See a how-to guide here. Another, similar idea is to create a baby sock bouquet. This is done by rolling up tiny baby socks, attaching a piece of wire and wrapping it in green tissue paper to form a "rose". Like the diaper cake, the baby sock bouquet makes a fun yet functional centerpiece. See a how-to guide here.

Decide on the location of the shower. Choose a theme. Pick a color scheme. Plan your budget. Give yourself time. Start outside. Place the guestbook and gift table beside the door. Decorate the walls and ceiling. Make the table the central focus. Ensure that the mother-to-be's chair is special. Create the right atmosphere. Make cute party favors. Decorate with toys. Buy some disposable cameras. Don't forget the diaper cake!

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vegetable-Biryani

How to Make Vegetable Biryani

To make vegetable biryani, start by sautéing a cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves in a large pan until you can smell the scents. Then, stir in cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, and chopped vegetables, like carrots, potatoes, onions, and cauliflower, and green chili peppers, cooking until the veggies are slightly browned. Next, add cilantro, mint, biryani masala, yogurt, paneer, cooked long grain rice, and cashews to the pan. Cover it and let the biryani steam until the rice is soft and fluffy.

Make a trip to the local Indian store or international market to purchase ingredients you may not find at a regular grocery store. The ingredients you'll likely want to purchase are: Paneer (though you can try to make your own if you're adventurous) Cardamom pods Cloves Cinnamon sticks Biryani mix Cumin seeds Soak 1 1/2 cups of long-grain (preferably basmati) rice for at least half an hour. Soaking rice before you cook it results in a lighter, fluffier final product, and that's very important in a biryani! Though you only have to soak for a minimum of half an hour, feel free to soak it for longer. Some people soak it overnight. Peel your potatoes and carrots. Do this over a sink, table, or garbage can so the peels don't drop everywhere. Always direct the peeler away from your body, and be careful not to cut your fingers during this process. You'll peel: Two medium-sized carrots One russet potato Chop your vegetables. You don't want small pieces, as you often do when chopping vegetables. Chop them into fairly large chunks. The vegetables you're preparing are: 10-12 cauliflower florets Two peeled carrots One peeled potato One medium yellow onion Three or four green chili peppers. Feel free to use fewer if you don't like spicy food. Chop two tablespoons each of mint and cilantro. Roll each bunch of herbs into a tight roll shaped like a pencil and hold it stable with your off-hand. Run your knife through it by chopping down the length of the roll you've made. It doesn't matter if you keep the mint and cilantro separate or not, once you've chopped them, as they'll be added together. It is important that you have equal portions of each herb. Make a ginger garlic paste. You may be able to purchase this in a store (especially an international market), but it's so easy to make, you might as well make it at home. Place about five cloves of garlic and a two-inch thumb of ginger into a blender and begin blending. Add about 1 teaspoon of oil or water — however much it needs to get your mixture to a smooth paste. You can save the leftover paste in the fridge, or freeze it if you want to store it for a longer period of time. Bring water to a boil in a pot. You should use about four cups of water, and salt it to both regulate the temperature, ensuring an even cook, and to add taste to the rice that's cooked in it. Add some oil and whole garam masala to the water. Though you can purchase garam masala powder at the store, to get the best flavor out of your biryani, you should use the actual individual components that go into the powder. Use one cinnamon stick, three or four cardamom pods, and four or five cloves. Add that with 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of vegetable oil in the water. It's important to pack every component of the dish with flavor. You don't want flavorful vegetables mixed in with bland white rice. Drain the soaked rice. Pour it into a colander or strainer to make sure you're not adding too much water to the pot, which might cause it to boil over later. Add the rice to the pot of boiling water. Because you've soaked your rice for at least half an hour, it's going to cook much faster than it normally would. If you soak it for an hour, it could cook through completely in 3-4 minutes, so keep an eye on it. Drain the rice when it’s about ¾ cooked through. You're going to finish cooking it with the vegetables, so remove it from the boiling water early. Test how cooked through it is by spooning some out and chewing it. It should still be toothy when you decide to stop boiling it. Drain the rice in a colander or large strainer. Set it aside. Add whole garam masala to vegetable oil that has been brought up to medium heat in a large, deep, preferably non-stick pan. Use the same garam masala ingredients used when cooking the rice: one cinnamon stick, three or four cardamom pods, and four or five cloves, but don't add the cumin seeds yet. Sauté them until the scents start to come out. Bite the cardamom pods to break them open slightly before adding them to the oil. This helps their flavor get out. Don't let the oil get too hot before adding the garam masala, as it will splatter and could burn you. If you can't find any of the ingredients in this recipe (cardamom pods, for example) at the regular grocery store, try your local Indian grocery. Mexican grocery stores and East Asian grocery stores may also have some of these ingredients. If your town does not have any international grocery stores, you can purchase these spices easily online. If you don't have any deep pans, use a pot with a broad base. It's important that your vegetables have a lot of room to cook. Add ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds. If you add them too early, they may have a burnt taste and smell, so don't add these to the fresh oil in the previous step. Stir it around until the seeds are distributed throughout your pan. Add the ginger-garlic paste you made in the “prep” phase. This paste has a strong taste that some people will want in moderation, while others won't be able to get enough of. Use at least 1 ½ tablespoons of the paste, but add more if you'd like. Stir the paste around until it's been distributed throughout your pan. Add the vegetables you chopped in the “prep” phase. This will include carrots, potatoes, onions, and cauliflower, and green chili peppers. Add salt to taste. Cook them in the ginger garlic paste mixture until they're about ¾ as cooked as you'd like them to be. They should still have a little bite and resistance to them when you bite into them. They'll be slightly browned, but not cooked all the way through. Stir occasionally to make sure the vegetables aren't burning to the pan. Sprinkle in about half of the cilantro and mint leaves your chopped during the “prep” phase. You'll ad the rest of it later, as finishing herbs, so don't dump all of it in there now! Add the store-bought biryani masala. Again, this can be purchased either in an international or Indian market or online. Use the entire packet, and mix it evenly into the vegetables so they are evenly coated with the biryani spice mix. Add about half of the yogurt this recipe calls for — ¼ cup at this time. Just hold onto the rest of the yogurt for a little bit. We'll use it soon! Add the whole packet of paneer. Stir the pan until all of the ingredients have been evenly coated in the biryani mix. Combine the rice and vegetables. Both of these components have been cooked about ¾ of the way, and you want to finish cooking the together. This way, their flavors will start to meld together, and you'll have a more flavorful final dish. Remove half of the vegetables from the pan and set them aside. Spread the remaining vegetables into an even layer at the bottom of the pan. Add the rest of the yogurt (1/4 cup), along with 4 oz of cashew nuts. Stir to combine, and check the seasoning at this point. Add salt if you need to. Add half of the rice in an even layer over the mixture. Add the remaining vegetable over the bed of rice and spread them across the surface Top this layer with the rest of the rice, and spread it out in an even layer Add your finishing herbs. Sprinkle the rest of the chopped cilantro and mint leaves that you set aside earlier onto the top bed of rice. Cover the pot with a lid so it can steam-cook to completion. You'll know it's finished when the rice is light and fluffy and soft without being mushy.

Make a trip to the local Indian store or international market to purchase ingredients you may not find at a regular grocery store. Soak 1 1/2 cups of long-grain (preferably basmati) rice for at least half an hour. Peel your potatoes and carrots. Chop your vegetables. Chop two tablespoons each of mint and cilantro. Make a ginger garlic paste. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add some oil and whole garam masala to the water. Drain the soaked rice. Add the rice to the pot of boiling water. Drain the rice when it’s about ¾ cooked through. Add whole garam masala to vegetable oil that has been brought up to medium heat in a large, deep, preferably non-stick pan. Add ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds. Add the ginger-garlic paste you made in the “prep” phase. Add the vegetables you chopped in the “prep” phase. Sprinkle in about half of the cilantro and mint leaves your chopped during the “prep” phase. Add the store-bought biryani masala. Add about half of the yogurt this recipe calls for — ¼ cup at this time. Add the whole packet of paneer. Combine the rice and vegetables. Add half of the rice in an even layer over the mixture. Add your finishing herbs. Cover the pot with a lid so it can steam-cook to completion.

https://www.wikihow.com/Mold-Clay

How to Mold Clay

To mold clay by hand, knead it by pressing and rolling the lump toward you, picking it up, and repeating the process until it is uniformly pliable and free of air bubbles and debris. Once your clay is ready, press and pull at it with your fingers to form a desired shape. If you prefer to work on a wheel, place a ball of clay in the middle of the wheel, wet your hands to keep the clay slick, and begin to shape a rough form by pushing at the clay. To open the clay, place your fingers in the middle of the lump as it spins and push and pull to shape the opening.

Prepare your clay. Good clay is soft enough to be worked with by hand straight out of the box or bag. However, by kneading the clay you will make it more pliable and remove any air bubbles and debris. This process of kneading and preparing clay is known as wedging. Place a lump of clay on a porous surface, such as concrete or canvas. Using your palms, press and roll the lump toward you. Pick up the clay, set it back down, and again press and roll it toward you. Repeat this process until the lump of clay is uniform in consistency (perhaps 50 times). Use the pinch method. Probably the most ancient and easy way to mold clay is by pinching it with your fingers. Once your clay has been wedged, press and pull at it with your fingers to form it into a desired shape. For instance, to shape a simple bowl using the pinch method: Take a lump of your clay and roll into a ball. Set the ball down on your work surface, pushing it down slightly to hold it in place. Make a small impression in the center of your ball. This will make the opening of the bowl. Pull the clay horizontally away from the center hole to widen the bowl. Pinch the sides of the clay and pull them upwards to form the sides of the bowl. Continue to pinch and pull until the bowl is the desired size and shape. Try coiled construction. Forming objects from coils of clay allows more versatility, but also requires nothing more than your hands. Start with a lump of clay that has been wedged properly. Separate the clay into several smaller lumps of about the same size. Take each lump and roll it into a ball. Using your palms, push down on each ball and roll it back and forth. This process will start to form a long thin coil. Move your palms horizontally and continue rolling each coil to make it longer. Stop when your coils are the desired thickness. They can be thicker or thinner depending on the form you want to make (use smaller coils to make a thinner-walled bowl, for instance). Shape a coil into a desired shape. For instance, to make a round bowl, shape the coil into a circle, and pinch the ends together to close it. Stack coils on top of each other to make the object higher. Use progressively small coils to close off an object (for instance, to make the bottom of a bowl). You can also start with a slab of clay to form the bottom of an object (such as a small flat circle to serve as the bottom of a bowl). Gently press on the coils to join them together and to smooth the sides of your object. Form slabs. You can also form clay objects from flat sheets of clay in various shapes. Fuse the shapes together to make your object. For instance, to make a clay box: Take a lump of wedged clay and roll it into a flat sheet using a rolling pin or similar tool. Use a knife or semi-sharp object to cut slab into the shapes you desire. To make a box, cut the clay sheet into squares or rectangles of the same size. You can also use another object as a guide when cutting shapes. For instance, take a square sheet of paper, lay it on your clay sheet, and cut the clay by tracing around the edges of the paper using a knife. Once you have all of your shapes cut, score them by making many small cuts along their edge. This will create a good surface to fuse them together. Set one scored edge against another. Gently press using your hands or a small tool to join them together and smooth the edge out. Repeat until all of your shapes are joined together to make the object. Use an extruder. An extruder is a tool that can make more uniform coils and/or produce them more quickly. Extruders can be purchased from ceramic supply stores and catalogues. Place a lump of wedged clay inside the extruder. Using a lever, you will then push at the clay to force it through an opening of a desired shape, such as a circle or square. This will form coils or slabs that you can use to shape into various objects. Set up your wheel. Potter's wheels may be either manual or electric. Prepare the wheel before molding your clay by: Setting the right rotation direction (counter-clockwise if you are right-handed, clockwise if you are left-handed). Making sure the splash pan is installed. This will catch any clay that falls or spins off as you shape the clay. Adjusting the height of the wheel so that is comfortable for you to sit at and use. Plugging your wheel into a power source, if applicable. Checking to make sure that your wheel spins properly before using. Prepare your clay. Wedge your clay by setting it on a porous surface and pulling it toward you as you push down. Repeat this process until your clay is pliable and uniform in consistency. Attach your clay to the wheel. Take a lump of clay that has been formed in to a rough ball shape. Place it firmly in the middle of the wheel surface (known as the bat). Center the clay. Using dry hands, tap at the clay to move it to the very center of the bat. Start moving your wheel slowly, and tap at the lump of clay to make sure that it is uniformly in the center, with no large portions sticking out. Wet your hands. Once your clay has been centered, it is ready to be molded. When using a wheel, it is important to work with wet hands. This helps form a slick surface on the clay (known as a slurry or slip) as it turns, making it easier to mold. Keep a bowl of water near your wheel that you can dip your hands into as needed while you mold the clay. Shape a rough form. Start running the wheel at a higher speed. Wrap your hands around the lump and push slightly as it spins. This will shape the clay into the initial form. With a bit of practice, you will learn how to push the clay to get it into the shape you desire. To make a relatively tall object, like a mug, keep the clay close to the center as you push at it. This will force the clay upwards. To make a relatively wide object, like a low bowl, first push the clay slightly forward to help smooth the sides. Then, push downwards as the clay spins to make the form wider. Open the clay. Place your fingers in the middle of your lump as it spins. This will create an initial impression. Push and pull with your fingers, whole hand, or a tool in order to get the opening into the size and shape needed for your object. Keep the opening narrow for a relatively tall object, such as a mug or jug. Pull at the clay to widen the opening for objects such as bowls and plates. Raise the clay. Hold your fingers or another tool against the clay as it spins, working from both the inside and outside of the opening. This will thin the sides of the clay form. Keep working until you reach the desired shape. For tall forms, like jugs or mugs, you may want to pull slightly upwards. Remove the clay from the wheel. Clear away any excess clay from the bat of the wheel. Then slide a stretched out wire or a spatula underneath the bottom of your object. This will separate it from the wheel. Using a spatula or another flat surface, gently lift the object off of the wheel and leave it in a safe place to dry. Mix clays to improve consistency. Ceramic and art suppliers usually stock several kinds of clay. You can mix various kinds of clay together if you find that a certain kind is too difficult to work with. For instance, add coarser clay to clay that is too sticky, or more pliable clay to another variety that is too coarse to work with. Keep your fingertips out of the clay when kneading. It is important to work with your palms when kneading clay. If you push at it with your fingertips, this can create impressions in the clay that can form air pockets as you continue to knead. These air pockets can ruin a form when you try to mold it. Don’t set the wheel speed too high. Start your wheel slowly. This helps to ensure that your clay is well-attached to the bat. As you shape and raise the form, take care not to spin the wheel so fast that it warps the clay. Setting an appropriate speed will also prevent your clay from flying off your wheel, ruining your project. Anchor your arms. If your arms wobble as you shape the clay, the form will become warped or slide off-center. To prevent this from happening, anchor your arms by holding your elbows against your knees as you work. Keep your arms firm as you shape and raise the clay. Keep your hands and the clay wet. If your hands or the clay become too dry while molding it, your form may become misshapen or ruined. The goal is to keep a wet, slick surface as you mold the clay. Make sure to wet your hands before starting to mold the clay, and wet them again any time they start to become dry. Re-wedge your clay if needed. If you are molding clay and something goes wrong, you can start over. However, you must remove the clay from your wheel or work surface and wedge it again. Knead in more clay if you need to alter its consistency (for instance, if it is too wet). Try different tools to raise and shape clay. Your hands and fingers alone are often enough to mold clay into desired forms. However, you may find that various tools make molding easier, or just give you more options. For instance, using a sponge instead of just your fingers to raise clay on a wheel may allow you to make smoother or thinner sides. As you practice, don't be afraid to experiment with all sorts of objects to help mold your clay.

Prepare your clay. Use the pinch method. Try coiled construction. Form slabs. Use an extruder. Set up your wheel. Prepare your clay. Attach your clay to the wheel. Center the clay. Wet your hands. Shape a rough form. Open the clay. Raise the clay. Remove the clay from the wheel. Mix clays to improve consistency. Keep your fingertips out of the clay when kneading. Don’t set the wheel speed too high. Anchor your arms. Keep your hands and the clay wet. Re-wedge your clay if needed. Try different tools to raise and shape clay.

https://www.wikihow.com/Sue-Child-Protective-Services

How to Sue Child Protective Services

Before you sue child protective services, build your case by creating a chronological outline that logs all of your encounters with CPS workers. Because civil rights lawsuits are notoriously complicated, hire a civil rights attorney to help you identify which of your constitutional rights were violated, then calculate the damages. To initiate your lawsuit, file a complaint in the federal district court that has jurisdiction over the CPS agency. Then, have CPS served with the complaint and evaluate their response with your attorney. From here, you'll need to attend a summary judgment hearing to see if the judge denies CPS qualified immunity, so you can take them to trial. If you're able to go to trial, prepare for your deposition with your lawyer beforehand to improve your chances of reaching a settlement.

Create a chronological outline of events. Beginning with your first encounter with CPS, draft an account of each encounter or communication you've had with CPS social workers and other staff members. Write down the names, job titles, and direct contact information of every individual at CPS who contacted you or communicated with you in any way. You also want outlines of any other activities that have anything to do with your children or the reasons CPS became involved with your children. Gather any related documents and other evidence. You should already have been documenting every interaction you had with CPS. All of these records are now evidence you can use in your lawsuit. If you had written documents that you can no longer locate, make a note of them. CPS should have copies as well, and you can request them later. You also want to gather any documents that have anything to do with the care of your children. For example, if you're home schooling your children, gather school schedules, assignments, and curricula and make copies. Consult an attorney. Civil rights lawsuits in federal court are notoriously complicated. If you've decided to sue CPS for violating your constitutional rights, you need an experienced civil rights attorney to represent you. Civil rights attorneys typically offer a free initial consultation, so you can use this opportunity to speak to several attorneys. That can help you choose the best attorney for your case. These lawsuits can drag on for a long time. Pick an attorney who is passionate about your case and who you get along with – you'll be spending a lot of time with them, and discussing some potentially sensitive issues. If you have been brought up on criminal charges of child abuse or neglect, you may already have a criminal defense lawyer. Ask them for a referral to a civil rights attorney who can help you sue CPS. Identify an established right. The first hurdle you'll face is pointing to a specific, established constitutional right that CPS violated while working with you and your children. This is a legal argument. Your attorney will review your documents and notes to determine which of your civil rights have been violated in your situation. This is part of the reason documenting all of your interactions with CPS is so important. Something that seems unfair to you may not necessarily rise to the level of a constitutional violation. However, something you thought insignificant might actually be a big deal. Calculate your damages. You may have heard of parents who sued CPS for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. However, the amount of money must be directly related to the violation of your rights. Your attorney will start with actual damages, if you have any. For example, if you and your spouse have been seeing a counselor as a result of the trauma you experienced from dealing with CPS, that expense may be considered actual damages. Additional damages, known as punitive damages, may be available to you if the actions of the CPS social workers involved in your case were particularly egregious. File a complaint. Typically, complaints are not extremely detailed. However, a complaint in federal court that alleges violations of civil rights requires more information than the typical complaint. If the violations aren't explained correctly, the lawsuit may be thrown out. This is why you need an experienced civil rights attorney. You don't have to prove anything or submit any evidence when you file your complaint. At this point, you're merely making allegations. Your attorney will file your complaint in the federal district court that has jurisdiction over the county where the CPS agency is located. You may have to pay the $400 filing fee, or your attorney may pay it and add the amount to the costs of your lawsuit. Have CPS served with the complaint. Once your complaint is filed, CPS must be notified of the lawsuit so that it has the opportunity to respond. Your attorney typically will have the complaint served on the attorneys of record for CPS. Evaluate the response from CPS. When CPS is served with your complaint, the agency has a limited period of time to file an answer with the court. A copy of that written answer will be delivered to your attorney. Your attorney will go over the response with you. Typically, the answer will deny all of the allegations and raise the defense of qualified immunity. The response from CPS may include a motion for summary judgment. Similar to a motion to dismiss, this motion argues you have failed to state a claim for which the court can provide any legal or monetary relief. Attend the summary judgment hearing. When you sue CPS, the agency will likely raise the defense of qualified immunity. While technically a defense, if the court grants the agency (and its social workers) qualified immunity, you won't be able to sue the agency at all. When CPS argues it is entitled to qualified immunity, the judge must hold a hearing to decide this question before you can move forward with the lawsuit. Until this matter is decided, you won't be able to do any further work or information gathering on your lawsuit. Your attorney and the attorneys for CPS will submit lengthy briefs to the court arguing both sides of the issue. The judge may decide the question after reading these briefs, or they may have a hearing in court. If the judge denies CPS qualified immunity, you still may not be able to move forward to the next stage of litigation. CPS has the right to appeal that decision and argue to an appellate court that the agency is entitled to qualified immunity. Send written questions and requests to CPS. Provided the judge rules that CPS is not entitled to qualified immunity, you will proceed to the discovery phase. You will work with your attorney to create written questions and requests for documents, which must be answered by CPS. You will request CPS's entire case file related to your family, as well as any internal documents, including emails, that are related to the investigation of your family. The documents and answers to questions may reveal additional problems or violations that you didn't know about before. Depose the social workers involved. A deposition is an interview under oath. Since so much of your case relies on the subjective beliefs and interpretations of the social workers involved, these depositions will be crucial. You may or may not need to attend the deposition. Your attorney may want you there, or they may decide that it's better if you're not there. Regardless of whether you attend, your attorney will go over the deposition with you afterward and explain how it affects your case. Prepare for your own deposition. The attorneys for CPS will likely want to depose you as well. Your attorney will meet with you at least once to go over likely questions you'll be asked and explain to you how to respond to deposition questions. Generally, you want to answer the questions directly and honestly, but refrain from rambling or further conversation. For example, if you are asked a yes/no question, your answer would be "yes" or "no," without elaboration. Answer questions from CPS. Just as you sent written questions to CPS, the agency will likely send written questions for you to answer as well. Your attorney will draft the specific answers after consultation with you. Your attorney may object to some of the questions. If they do, they'll explain to you why you don't have to answer those questions. Even though these questions are in writing, they are still considered to be under oath. Answer each question as honestly and accurately as you can. If you don't remember something, don't guess. Participate in pre-trial hearings. Judges typically schedule numerous hearings to make sure the litigation is on track and progressing on schedule. You won't have to attend many of these hearings or meetings personally. Your attorney will update you on what happened. Evaluate any settlement offers. Lawsuits in federal court seldom make it to trial. Discovery can drag on for months, and most litigants prefer settling the case to avoid the uncertainty of trial. The judge may encourage settlement talks or preside over a settlement conference. Any settlement offers from CPS will be communicated to your attorney. Your attorney will present the offer to you and offer their advice. Regardless of what your attorney recommends, the decision of whether to accept or reject the settlement is solely your own.

Create a chronological outline of events. Gather any related documents and other evidence. Consult an attorney. Identify an established right. Calculate your damages. File a complaint. Have CPS served with the complaint. Evaluate the response from CPS. Attend the summary judgment hearing. Send written questions and requests to CPS. Depose the social workers involved. Prepare for your own deposition. Answer questions from CPS. Participate in pre-trial hearings. Evaluate any settlement offers.

https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Turtle

How to Catch a Turtle

To catch a turtle, start by digging a hole that's about 10 inches deep and 10 inches across with steep sides. Then, put some bait in and around the hole, like leafy green vegetables or small insects. Once you've added the bait, wait for the turtle to discover the food and fall into the hole. Check the hole regularly, and remove any turtles from it using your hands, a shovel, or a bucket. Finally, relocate the turtle to a suitable outdoor location.

Locate the turtle. If you are trying to remove one from your pool or pond, then you obviously know where the turtle is already. If you are just looking to catch a turtle in the wild, you can normally find one around smaller ponds that are damp with plenty of hiding spots and rocks. If the water is down slightly, you will probably find the most success on the very edge of the water, if possible. It's best to leave a turtle in its natural habitat instead of taking it home to be your pet. If it seems happy where it lives, just leave it there. If you are concerned about its well being, you may want to consider contacting your local fish and wildlife department about what to do. Dig a hole near the turtle. The hole should be about ten inches deep, and ten inches across, with very steep sides. The shape of the hole does not matter, as long as it's plenty deep and accessible to the turtle. Do not dig the hole more than 11 inches deep. The fall into a hole that deep could severely hurt the turtle. You can also purchase a pre-made trap. There are a wide variety of manufacturers, many of whom are just private citizens who have devised their own unique trap designs. Line the trap with bait. Most turtles enjoy leafy green vegetables and small insects, but you can experiment with a variety of different foods. Place a good amount of bait in the trap, especially if you plan on leaving the trap for a day and coming back later. Different types of turtles eat different things. Turtles are even known to be scavengers, eating the remains of other dead animals, so you can use small pieces of raw meat to catch certain types of turtles. Don't forget to set up bait around the trap as well. Place enough around the trap that the turtle will notice it, but it won't fill it up before it gets to the bait in the trap. A shredded lettuce leaf with the bits scattered all around the trap works well. Wait for a turtle to enter the trap. Let it eat the bait leading up to the trap, allowing it to continue until it falls in the hole or enters the trap. If the turtle ignores or doesn't notice the food, approach quietly behind it, and give it a quick tap on the tail with a small stick. This will, more than likely, startle the turtle, causing it to run forward, right into the hole. If you have other things to do and are tired of waiting for the turtle to enter the trap, consider just leaving the trap for a while. It may take more than one attempt, as other things may eat the bait, but you will eventually catch the turtle. Remove the turtle from the trap. Grip it lightly around the middle, making sure to keep your fingers away from the turtle's limbs. Turtles have large claws that can scratch surprisingly hard and many are powerful biters, so be careful. If you don't want to touch the turtle you can scoop it out of the hole in the ground with a bucket or shovel. If you are using a pre-made trap, you will simply need to pick up the trap to relocate the turtle. Relocate the turtle to a suitable habitat. Before you catch a turtle research what kind of turtles are native to your area. Some turtles are harmless and should simply be relocated nearby. Other turtles are considered invasive species and should be dealt with by your local fish and wildlife department. Identify which type of turtle you have trapped and act accordingly. Assess what kind of turtle you are dealing with before you start. Catching turtles by hand with this method works best when attempting to catch small turtles. If you want to catch a large turtle, you can probably just sneak up on it and grab it by its sides. Beware of snapping turtles! They have long necks that can reach back and snap your fingers! It's best to just let them be. Put your fingers in water where you can see turtles nearby. Wiggle your fingers around slowly. This should draw the attention of turtles, as you are mimicking the movement of insects on the surface of the water. Allow the turtle to get close. However, don't let it get close enough to bite you. You will need to assess when it has gotten close enough to grab with your other hand. Quickly grab the turtle on its side. If you are afraid to pick the turtle with your hands, bring a small container to scoop it up with or you can wear gardening gloves or snow gloves so you won't get scratched or bitten. Enjoy looking at the turtle but don't take it home. While it's great to get an up close look at a wild animal, don't take it out of its natural habitat permanently. Native turtle species populations, like those of many wild animals, are sadly in decline all over the world. We need to help them survive by letting them live in their natural environments.

Locate the turtle. Dig a hole near the turtle. Line the trap with bait. Wait for a turtle to enter the trap. Remove the turtle from the trap. Relocate the turtle to a suitable habitat. Assess what kind of turtle you are dealing with before you start. Put your fingers in water where you can see turtles nearby. Allow the turtle to get close. Quickly grab the turtle on its side. Enjoy looking at the turtle but don't take it home.

https://www.wikihow.life/Kiss-Your-Girlfriend

How to Kiss Your Girlfriend

When you kiss your girlfriend, lean your head close to hers and tilt your head so your noses aren't bumping into one another. As you go in for the kiss, line up the space between your lips with her bottom lip. Keep your lips loose as rather than puckered tight. Once the kiss is finished, gently caress her cheeks and smile. If you two are comfortable with a regular kiss, try a French kiss.

Freshen your breath beforehand. If you have the time, brush your teeth and tongue so your breath smells nice and fresh. If you need to get fresh breath even quicker, use mouthwash, a mint, or a piece of gum instead. Pick something with a spearmint or peppermint flavor since the fresh smell will last longer. Brush and floss your teeth daily so you're less likely to have bad breath throughout the day. Be sure to shower and put on deodorant as well so your whole body smells clean. Apply lip balm so your lips are soft and kissable. Dry and cracked lips may make kissing uncomfortable for you and your girlfriend. Find a moisturizing lip balm or gloss and rub it on your lips thoroughly. Choose one with a refreshing flavor, like mint or citrus, to help your breath smell better as well. Whenever your lips dry out or get chapped, apply the balm so they don't get damaged. Use lip balm for a few days beforehand since it will take a little while for it to be effective on your lips. Avoid putting on lip balm right before you kiss since it could make your lips slippery and the kiss messier. Wait for a quiet time where you’re alone with your girlfriend. While public places are fine for a quick peck, you probably don't want everyone to see you during your first kiss. Wait for a time and place that's more private so you can enjoy an intimate moment together. Some good times to try are at the end of a fun date or just while you're relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Public displays of affection may make your girlfriend uncomfortable as well as the other people around you. Check if she’s making eye contact and leaning in to see if she’s interested. Even if you're ready for a kiss, always see if your girlfriend is ready to take that next step in your relationship. Look if she's leaning in closer toward you, casually touching you on the arm or leg, making deep eye contact with you, or looking directly at your lips. If she's doing any of these, she may be signaling that she wants you to kiss her. If you aren't able to tell from her body language, come right out and ask her for her consent. For example, you can ask something like, “Is it okay if I kiss you?” or “Would you like a kiss?” If you want to kiss and your girlfriend doesn't feel comfortable with it, respect her decision. Move in close to her to break the touch barrier. Whether you're standing or sitting down, move your body closer to hers so you don't have to lean in as far. As you reposition yourself, brush her leg or arm with your hand to show that you're interested in taking things to the next step. You can even reach out and hold her hand if you want to make the moment feel more romantic. If you're too far apart, you'll have to awkwardly lean and the kiss won't feel as intimate. Physical touch is a great way to gauge your girlfriend's interest in kissing as well. If you get closer and she pulls away, she may not be in the mood for a kiss. Make eye contact with each other. Look deeply into your girlfriend's eyes and hold your gaze to connect with each other. As you're looking into her eyes, quickly glance down toward her lips to let her know that you're interested in kissing her. Your girlfriend may do the same to let your know she's interested too. Caress her cheek or hold her hand while you're looking into each other's eyes to build a stronger connection. Lean your body toward her when you feel ready. Once you determine that you both want to kiss, start leaning your body forward closer to hers. Keep your eyes open just in case she leans forward too so you don't hit heads. When you're about 90% of the way to your girlfriend, stop and let her come to you. That way, you're not forcing the kiss on her and she still has the option to say no. Leaning in for the kiss can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments. Take a deep breath beforehand and act confident. No matter how it goes, know that it will be okay. Tilt your head to the side. After you lean in and she comes up to meet you, turn your head at an angle so your noses don't bump into each other. That way, you'll be able to kiss her a lot easier without anyone getting hurt. Most people turn their head to the right, but you can tilt your head either direction. Just make sure your girlfriend tilts her head the opposite way. Kiss her gently on the lips. Put your top lip against your girlfriend's mouth. Her bottom lip should line up with your mouth. Open your mouth slightly and gently press your lips against hers. Lightly squeeze your lips together to complete your kiss. String a few light and slow kisses together to make the moment feel more intimate. Avoid using your tongue or using too much force when you're first starting to kiss so she doesn't feel uncomfortable. It can take a little while to get used to kissing someone, so be open and receptive to your girlfriend. Pull away after a few seconds to leave her wanting more. After a few kisses, slowly lean back so you're slightly separated from your girlfriend. Look her in the eyes and smile to let her know that you enjoyed the kiss. If it seems like you both want to kiss more, catch your breath before leaning back in for another kiss. Tell her something flattering afterward to break any tension. It may feel a little awkward after your kiss since you won't know what to say. Rather than sitting in silence, just give your girlfriend a compliment to make the moment feel even better. Let her know how good you're feeling as well so you can enjoy each other. For example, you can say something like, "You look so pretty tonight," or "I'm so glad I get to spend time with you." Caress her with your hands. As you're kissing, avoid letting your arms hang down limply at your sides. Instead, try running your hands down her back, along her leg, or on her hips. You can also cup her face in your hands, play with hair, or hug her tightly to feel more connected. As you get more comfortable kissing, pull her body closer to yours. Respect your girlfriend's personal space. If she doesn't like being touched in a certain place or pulls away, don't try to force anything. Kiss her face or neck for something more playful. After kissing her lips a few times, pull away and try giving her a kiss on the cheek, nose, or forehead. If you want to make things a little more intimate, kiss your girlfriend's neck a few times. As you're kissing her, keep hugging her tightly so you're close together. Be careful not to kiss or suck on one spot for too long, or else you'll leave a hickey. Use your tongue if you want to make the kiss intimate. As you're kissing her, stick your tongue out slightly so it goes into her mouth. Move the tip of your tongue around to run it around her lips or play with her tongue. As you both get more comfortable, stick your tongue in a little further to kiss her deeper. Using your tongue can make the kiss wet and a little messy. Mix up using tongue with quick regular pecks so you don't spread as much saliva. Only use your tongue if you're comfortable with it. Bite her lip gently to add some passion. As you're going in for a kiss, lightly pinch her bottom lip between your teeth and squeeze gently. Let go of her lip at the end of the kiss so she knows you're ready to keep progressing. Take turns biting each other's lip while you're kissing. Be careful not to close your mouth tightly, or else you'll hurt your girlfriend.

Freshen your breath beforehand. Apply lip balm so your lips are soft and kissable. Wait for a quiet time where you’re alone with your girlfriend. Check if she’s making eye contact and leaning in to see if she’s interested. Move in close to her to break the touch barrier. Make eye contact with each other. Lean your body toward her when you feel ready. Tilt your head to the side. Kiss her gently on the lips. Pull away after a few seconds to leave her wanting more. Tell her something flattering afterward to break any tension. Caress her with your hands. Kiss her face or neck for something more playful. Use your tongue if you want to make the kiss intimate. Bite her lip gently to add some passion.

https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Collies

How to Care for Collies

If you want to care for a collie, you'll need to give it plenty of long walks since they're an active breed. Besides exercise, collies also enjoy learning, so you'll want to take time to train it and even teach it special tricks. Collies are usually gentle dogs, but they don't like being roughly handled, so it's important that you tell kids to be careful when petting it. Additionally, you'll need to brush it every day to keep its long coat from getting knotted. Keep in mind that collies are prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems, so if you get your dog from a breeder, make sure to ask whether the pup's parents had these any of these issues.

Decide whether the collie personality is right for you. The collie is a medium-sized dog that originated in Scotland, where they were used to herd sheep. Their heritage as working dogs means they have a lot of endurance and a lot of energy. This means that only giving a collie a quick walk around the block will leave a collie feeling bored and frustrated. The ideal Collie owner is interested in an interactive relationship with their dog, training the pet to a high level of obedience, and participating in activities such as agility or obedience trials. A collie owner should be active and have the time to give their dog a lot of physical activity every single day. If a collie is not mentally stimulated and given a lot of physical activity it will become bored and neurotic. This could result in bad behavior, such as barking for no reason. Decide if the collie breed is right for your family. Collies do make great family dogs but need to be treated with respect. If you have very small children, you may want to consider a different breed. If a small child is too rough and tumble with a collie, the animal may become fearful and bite out of fear. Be aware of potential health problems. The Collie breed is prone to certain genetic health problems, especially hip dysplasia and eye problems. If getting your dog from a breeder, choose one that screens the parent dogs for these problems. Make sure the breeder breeds from dogs with low hip scores and that passed a screening eye test with a veterinary ophthalmologist. The breeder should be able to produce certificates which prove both the mother and father were screened and are at low risk of passing on diseases such as CEA (Collie eye anomaly) and GPRA (generalized progressive retinal atrophy) which lead to blindness in young dogs. Screening an adult dog is not a guarantee the puppies will definitely be free of disease, but it is a good start. The other side of the coin is that parents that are affected by hip dysplasia or CEA are highly likely to breed pups that are also affected. Choose your breeder carefully. Make sure they are socializing all of their dogs regularly. This will help assure that your puppy becomes a confident well-adjusted adult dog. The breeder should expose the dog to many different people and situations beginning around 3 - 4 weeks of age. The young dogs should meet people of different heights, appearances, and tones of voice. The puppies should not be exclusively reared in a kennel, as this isolates them from the normal sights, sounds, and activities of a regular life. This will make it more difficult for the dog to adjust to family life. Never, ever buy a puppy from a puppy mill. One sign you have come across a bad breeder is that the breeder will not let you see the mother. This is because the mother has been taken away from the puppy far too early and is no longer interacting with the puppy at all. Get your dog vaccinated. Your puppy will need vaccinating against various canine infectious diseases. Your veterinarian will let you know which are important in your area. These could include distemper, parvovirus, canine adenovirus, leptospirosis, infectious canine hepatitis, parainfluenza virus, Lyme disease, and rabies (which is required in most municipalities). Rabies vaccine is given the first time after 12 weeks of age and then repeated every 1 to 3 years. Other vaccines are usually given in three doses 3 - 4 weeks apart, with the final dose given around 16 weeks of age. Veterinarians try to wait until a puppy is a few months old to give vaccinations. When a puppy is born it is given certain immunities from its mother. The puppy should be given the time for these immunities to work before it is given vaccinations. Remember to get your dog its yearly booster injections as well! Get your dog dewormed and protected from parasites. An active dog like a collie is bound to spend a lot of time outdoors. This makes deworming and parasite treatment very important. These medications come in a wide variety of forms and each product has a slightly different spectrum of activity. Ask your vet which are best for your pet. A basic worming regime is against roundworms (monthly) with a quarterly broad spectrum wormer against whipworms and tapeworms. If your collie is regularly eating carcasses then a monthly broad spectrum wormer is best. Treatment against heartworm is also advisable, either as a six-monthly injection, or a monthly spot-on treatment at home. Fleas are unpleasant and can cause skin allergies and infections. Another common parasite are ticks, which also carry unpleasant diseases such as Lyme's disease or tick borne fever. Prevention is better than cure, so this involves using a product effective against fleas and ticks, such as fipronil (Frontline or Effipro) or the Seresto collar. Be careful about what types of drugs your collie is given. Collies are over sensitive to some drugs, of which ivermectin, an anti-parasitic, is the best known. There are now many excellent drugs available that eliminate parasites just as well as ivermectin. Its use should be avoided entirely. Your vet will take care to prescribe accurate doses of the anti-parasite treatments that come from the same family of drugs as ivermectin. When used correctly and within the recommended dose range these are safe. Have your dog fixed. You want to avoid accidental breeding. You should discuss spaying and neutering with your veterinarian. Usually females are operated on from 4 - 6 months of age, and males from around 6 -10 months of age, however your veterinary clinic may differ. Desexing has an additional benefit for female dogs. Rates of mammary cancer in female dogs are much lower in female dogs that have been fixed. To benefit from this lowered risk, the surgery needs to be performed before the bitch's second heat. Give your collie a good quality food. Meat should be the first and second ingredients in any good dog food. Fillers, such as corn, do not give your dog the nutrition it needs to be healthy. An active adult collie that is burning a lot of energy should be fed twice a day. It may be difficult for the dog to consume enough calories in one sitting. Feed your dog the amount recommended on the package. This is simply a base line to start from. You need to keep an eye on your dog's weight to assess whether the amount of food you are feeding it is enough, or too much. You should also become familiar with condition scoring your collie. This is a way of assessing your dog's weight by looking at its physique, not a scale. By comparing its body shape to the ideal, you will have a good idea of what a healthy body shape is for your dog. A dog in good body condition should have a waist line when viewed from above or the side. You should be able to feel its ribs easily, but without the ribs standing out through the skin. Give your dog time to digest its food before exercising it. You need to wait at least 90 minutes after a meal for exercise. If you don't, there is a risk of the dog's stomach flipping over and becoming twisted, which is a life-threatening condition called bloat. Comb or brush your collie every day. Collies have a long soft coat, which can become knotted. This is especially important if the dog is outdoors a lot and gets stuff tangled in its fur. Brushing your dog will also help you decrease the amount of fur released in your home. Be vigilant about brushing during shedding season. Collies shed seasonally and will release a ton of hair once a year, usually the late summer or during heat in female dogs. During this period you will need to be on top of brushing and cleaning up dog hair or it will become a total mess. Comb the dog through daily, and brush out dead fur at least once a week. Check your dog's body on a regular basis. It's best check your dog over after each walk. Look for grass awns that may be lodged in fur around the ears or paws. Also look for ticks that may have attached themselves to your dog. Both of these problems, awns and ticks, can be life threatening for your dog. Give consistent training. Be sure to train your collie dog and work with them everyday. To start with, if your dog can concentrate long enough, do two 10 - 20 minute training sessions per day. Start with the basics of sit and stay and build up to more complex obedience training and tricks. The thing about collies is that they love to learn and will enjoy the one-to-one attention of training throughout their life. Use a positive-reinforcement method of training. Collies respond well to clicker training and also to dog whistles. Learn how to clicker train your dog to unlock the full potential of your collie's abilities. The basic principle of clicker training is that the dog learns to link the sound of the click-clack of the clicker to a reward. You mark the instant a desired behavior happens with a click-clack so the dog understands what action is being rewarded. Teach your dog a variety of skills and tricks. You can use the clicker or a whistle to build up all manner of tricks. To do this, break each trick down into it's constituent parts and teach one step at a time. For example, you might train the dog to fetch a toy and drop it in a bucket. The first step is teaching the dog to hold the desired toy. Then you teach the dog to pick the toy up from the floor and hold the toy. Then you teach the dog to pick up the toy, hold it, and then drop the toy. Then you teach the dog to pick up the toy, hold it, and then drop the toy in a bucket Another great trick with Collies that has been used by shepherds for generations, is to teach them "Left" and "right", "drop" and "come". This unlocks their potential to herd animals together. This is best taught with a whistle. Decide on your key command signals, for example one short blast means "Left", and one long blast means "right,", two short beeps mean "drop" and two long blasts means "come." Teach each signal by teaching one command at a time, and moving on to the next when the first is firmly established. For example, use a clicker to teach "Left" by rewarding the dog with a treat every time it turns its head to the left. Once the dog is regularly turning its head deliberately to the left to earn a reward, add in your cue signal of a short blast on the whistle. Continue to reinforce this with numerous repetitions, then start just giving the whistle signal, followed by a reward for the correct action. Play with your collie. Fetch is a great game to play with your collie, as it feeds into their instinct to chase after things and bring them back. Key to this play is teaching the dog to give you the toy by exchanging it for a low value treat.

Decide whether the collie personality is right for you. Decide if the collie breed is right for your family. Be aware of potential health problems. Choose your breeder carefully. Get your dog vaccinated. Get your dog dewormed and protected from parasites. Be careful about what types of drugs your collie is given. Have your dog fixed. Give your collie a good quality food. Feed your dog the amount recommended on the package. Give your dog time to digest its food before exercising it. Comb or brush your collie every day. Be vigilant about brushing during shedding season. Check your dog's body on a regular basis. Give consistent training. Use a positive-reinforcement method of training. Teach your dog a variety of skills and tricks. Play with your collie.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Constipation

How to Cure Constipation

To cure constipation, start with dietary changes, like drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and gradually increasing your fiber intake by eating more beans, fruits, and vegetables. You'll also want to avoid certain foods, such as milk and high-fat meals. In addition to your diet, you can also work on lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, visiting the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to go, and trying to relax while in the bathroom.

Drink lots of water. Drink at least eight glasses of non-caffeinated fluids a day while you are constipated. Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, and can make it worse if you continue to drink too little water. Once you're back to normal bowel movements — at least once a day, passing them comfortably — you can stop measuring your water intake. Just drink enough fluids that your urine is colorless or pale yellow, and drink throughout the day as you get thirsty. Increase fiber intake, gradually. Dietary fiber is the most significant component of your diet for encouraging healthy bowel movements. Adults should eat 20–35 grams of fiber each day, but gradually work your way up to this amount to avoid gas and bloating. Try getting your fiber from multiple sources for a healthy diet: Bread and grains: 100% bran cereal (9g per ⅓ cup/80 mL), shredded wheat (3.5g per ½ cup/120 mL), oat bran muffin (3g) Beans: 6–10g per ½ cup/120mL cooked, depending on type Fruits: pears (5.5g with skin), raspberries (4g per ½ cup/120 mL), or prunes (3.8g per ½ cup/120 mL stewed) Vegetables: potatoes or sweet potatoes (3–4g, baked in skin), green peas (4g per ½ cup/120 mL cooked), or green vegetables (3g per ½ cup/120 mL cooked). Eat fewer low-fiber foods. Adding fiber to your diet won't help as much if you simply add it to the rest of your diet. Meat, cheese, and processed foods contain little to no fiber, and can lead to dry stools if they make up a large portion of your diet. Eat these in small portions only while you are constipated, and try to replace some of them with fiber foods in your regular diet. Avoid milk. Try doing without milk and other dairy products for a few days, to see if it helps. Many people have trouble digesting lactose, which can give them gas or constipation. Most lactose intolerant people can still enjoy plain probiotic yogurt and hard cheeses. Be aware of foods that may cause constipation. The following foods are usually fine in moderation. If they make up a large portion of your diet, however, they are probably contributing to your constipation: High-fat meats Eggs Rich, sugary desserts Processed foods (typically low in fiber) Consider magnesium supplements. Hard evidence supporting this is thin, but many doctors and patients report that magnesium helps. That is because magnesium citrate supplements are thought to be osmotic laxatives, which means these help relax your bowels and bring water into your intestines.Take no more than 350 mg a day in pill form, or 110 mg for children aged four to eight. Bran contains both magnesium and fiber, making it an excellent choice of food. Magnesium may be dangerous for people with kidney disorders. Be cautious with home remedies. In almost all cases, changes to food and drink are enough to help constipation pass and avoid it in the future. Dietary supplements (besides fiber supplements) and home remedies are rarely necessary, and may be unwise to take without talking to a doctor. The most common home remedies are mineral oil and castor oil. These are effective, but should only be used as a last resort. Overuse can cause vitamin deficiency or damage your intestine, causing further constipation down the road. Do not take these if you are on blood thinners, antibiotics, heart medication, or bone medication. See to your bathroom needs promptly. Visit the toilet as soon as you feel the need for a bowel movement. Delaying the visit worsens constipation. Give yourself time on the toilet. Straining on the toilet can lead to painful complications such as hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Go easy on your digestive system by giving it time to move on its own. Try visiting the toilet 15–45 minutes after breakfast each day. You may not pass a bowel movement daily (even when healthy), but this is a good time to encourage it. Test a different toilet position. One study shows that squatting makes bowel movements easier and faster. For people who cannot feasibly squat over their toilet, try the following: Lean forward with your hands on your thighs. Put your feet on a step stool to bring your knees above your hips. Instead of straining, take a deep breath with your mouth open. Let your stomach expand, then tighten muscles slightly to hold it in place. Relax your sphincter. Repeat this breathing exercise no more than three times. If there's still no bowel movement, get off the toilet or pick up some reading material. Exercise regularly. Exercise can stimulate your bowels, even if it's just a 10 minute walk several times a day. Aerobic exercise such as running or swimming is particularly effective. Wait one hour following a big meal before strenuous exercise (enough to increase your heart rate), or you could slow your digestion. Try stretching or yoga. This is another form of light exercise that can aid digestion. Some people find yoga particularly effective, perhaps because it stretches the abdomen. Talk to a doctor if you are at risk for complications. It's generally a good idea to talk to a doctor before taking a laxative. People in certain circumstances should always do so, to avoid health complications: Pregnant or breastfeeding women Children 6 years old or younger Adults over the age of 65 Anyone taking other medication. (If you are already taking a laxative or mineral oil, wait for at least 24 hours before switching to a different laxative.) Anyone with severe stomach pain, abdominal cramps, nausea, or vomiting should avoid laxatives entirely, and visit a doctor immediately. Start with a bulk-forming laxative. Also called fiber supplements, these have the same effect as an increase in dietary fiber. Unlike other laxatives, these are safe to use daily, but may take two to three days to work. They sometimes cause painful bloating and gas, especially during a severe case of constipation or in people who normally have a low-fiber diet. Minimize this risk by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily, ramping up to the recommended dosage gradually, and avoiding this type of laxative before bed. Some people are allergic to psyllium, found in some bulk-forming laxatives. Consider rectal suppositories. In some cases, glycerol suppositories can be useful to help relieve short-term constipation. To insert the suppository, unwrap it, face the pointed end toward your rectum, and use a finger to push it as far in as possible. Try to keep as still as possible to hold the suppository in place. If inserted correctly, it should start working in around 20 minutes. Many people moisten the suppository with tap water before inserting it. These suppositories are only intended for short-term relief. If you are still constipated after 3 days of use, see your doctor. Use lubricant laxatives for quick relief. These cheap laxatives grease your stool with mineral oil or similar substances to ease passage. They typically take effect within 8 hours, but are only suitable for quick relief. Overuse can lead to vitamin deficiency. If you are taking any other medication, talk to a doctor before taking lubricant laxative. The hastened passage of stool can decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed. Try osmotic agents for general relief. This type of laxative helps your stool absorb more water and pass more easily, taking effect within two or three days. These require a great deal of water to be effective, and to avoid gas and cramps. The elderly, people with diabetes, and people with heart or kidney issues should be monitored regularly for electrolyte imbalance and dehydration while taking this drug. Saline laxatives are one type of osmotic laxative. Use stool softeners for short-term issues. Stool softeners (emollients) such as docusate sodium are usually prescribed after childbirth or surgery, or for patients who need to avoid straining. These have a weak effect, but still require plenty of water and should only be used for a few days. Take a stimulant laxative for severe cases. This is a more powerful laxative that may not be available over-the-counter in all areas. It can provide relief within 6–12 hours by causing muscle contraction in your intestines. This should only be used rarely, as repeated use can damage intestines and make you dependent on the drug for normal bowel movements. Check the label for phenolphthalein, which has been linked to cancer. This type of drug can also cause cramping and diarrhea. Visit a doctor for prescription medicines. If an over the counter laxative does not work within three days, visit a doctor right away. He may suggest the following treatments or tests: A prescription laxative, such as lubiprostone or linaclotide. These may be suitable for longterm use. Enemas can deliver laxatives directly to the location of the problem, or flush out compacted stool. While available over the counter or as home remedies, they are best used sparingly and while following medical advice. If your doctor suspects a more serious problem, they may ask for a blood test, stool sample, X-rays, bowel examination, enema test, or colonoscopy. They may also suggest manual disimpaction for particularly difficult situations.

Drink lots of water. Increase fiber intake, gradually. Eat fewer low-fiber foods. Avoid milk. Be aware of foods that may cause constipation. Consider magnesium supplements. Be cautious with home remedies. See to your bathroom needs promptly. Give yourself time on the toilet. Test a different toilet position. Exercise regularly. Try stretching or yoga. Talk to a doctor if you are at risk for complications. Start with a bulk-forming laxative. Consider rectal suppositories. Use lubricant laxatives for quick relief. Try osmotic agents for general relief. Use stool softeners for short-term issues. Take a stimulant laxative for severe cases. Visit a doctor for prescription medicines.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Better-Grades-in-High-School

How to Get Better Grades in High School

To get better grades in high school, make the most of your class time by paying attention, taking good notes, and participating in class discussions. Be sure to stay on top of your homework assignments so you're always ready for the next day, and create a study schedule so you can prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes without cramming at the last minute. If you're still having trouble, consider starting a study group or enlisting the help of a tutor!

Encourage yourself. It's easy to get down on yourself if you're not doing so great in school. However, the first step to getting better grades is to be optimistic. Acknowledge that there's some room for improvement, but tell yourself you have the power to achieve better grades. Instead of thinking to yourself, “I'm a failure and I'm just not a good student,” tell yourself, “With a little effort, I can and will do better!” You could also try saying your name and "you" instead of "I." Say to yourself, "Sam, you can do this! If you stay focused on your work, you can achieve your goals!" Pumping yourself up like this can be a more powerful motivator. Pay attention and participate in class. Do your assigned reading, and if anything confused you, come up with questions you could ask during class. When your teacher asks a question, raise your hand to offer an answer. Asking and answering questions instead of dozing off will show your teacher that you care about school. You'll improve your participation grade, and they might be more responsive if you ask for extra help. If you're naturally shy, it might be tough to participate in class. Take a breath, relax, and do your best not to worry about what other people think. If it helps you stay on track, try writing down questions you could ask in class in advance. Take clear notes by hand. Try to take notes as thoroughly and legibly as possible. While you want to be thorough, summarize the lecture instead of copying it verbatim. Use abbreviations and key words instead of full sentences so you can keep up with your teacher. Skip lines so it's easier to read your notes later, and try to keep information organized with section headings and bullet points. For instance, if your history teacher was talking about the House of Lancaster, then moves on to the House of York, start a new section in your notes. Use stars, Roman numerals, or any outline system that works for you. Handwriting notes instead of typing will help you absorb information better. After class or during a free period, compare notes with a friend to make sure you didn't miss any key details. Get extra help from your teacher or tutor. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. If a particular lesson makes your head spin, ask your teacher to help you break down the information after class. You could also see if your school offers a peer tutoring program. If all else fails, try talking to your parents about getting a private tutor. Remove all distractions while studying. Find a quiet spot away from your household's hustle and bustle to study or do homework. Put your phone in a drawer or otherwise out of sight so you won't be tempted to check it. Some people focus better when they listen to music. If it helps you sink into your studies, try putting on some classical or instrumental tunes. Take a break after 45 minutes. Your brain can only stay focused for so long. Take 15 minutes to get up, stretch, go to the bathroom, get a snack, or another activity that gives your brain a rest. Try to schedule regular breaks between assignments or sections instead of just getting up in the middle of doing a homework problem. Take notes as you read. Keep your notebook handy when you do your assigned reading. Make a rough outline of the textbook chapter by writing the section heading, summarizing the main ideas, and defining key concepts. You'll be better prepared for class, and you'll appreciate your notes when it's time to study for the big test. Highlighting or underlining as you read isn't a very effective technique. It's one thing to only highlight a section's thesis, or its one major argument. However, coloring a bunch of text throughout the section won't help you retain information. Instead, try flash cards. Studies prove that flash cards are more effective than any other technique of memorizing. Start a study group with friends and classmates. A study group can help you and your friends stay focused and motivate each other. Further, everyone learns and picks up information differently. Someone might get a concept that's giving you trouble, and you might be able to help another student with a tough topic. Ask 3 or 4 classmates to set up a group study time after school, on the weekends, or during a free period. Keep your notes, assignments, and workspace organized. Set yourself up for success by using one notebook or binder per class. When you sit down to work at home, choose a spot where you can stay focused and organized , like a big table or desk, instead of a sofa or bed. Use a planner to organize your time. Write down due dates and test days as soon as they're assigned. In addition to school work, you might have important dates related to clubs, sports, or other activities. Use your planner to help you keep track of all academic and extracurricular responsibilities. If you have a big game the day after a term paper is due, you can break up the assignment into smaller chunks. Work on outlines and drafts in the weeks prior to the due date. If you don't use a planner and lose track of time, trying to prepare for the game and finish your paper in the same week might get overwhelming. Create a study schedule instead of cramming. Cramming increases stress and makes it more difficult for your brain to absorb information. Instead of cramming the night before a big test, study one chapter early in the week then, the next day, review it and study the next. Add and review each piece gradually to build up the entire test unit. Suppose you have 3 tests on Friday. Cramming on Thursday night would set yourself up for failure. Instead, break up the test material into sections, and give yourself plenty of time during the week to study one section at a time. Avoid putting off assignments until the last minute. Like cramming, procrastination only leads to stress. Even if you have a few days to complete an assignment, finish it as soon as possible to keep your workload in check. For instance, your teacher might assign something on Tuesday that's not due until Friday. Putting it off until the night before will give you a homework-free night on Wednesday. However, you also have a test on Friday, so doubling up your workload Thursday night isn't worth it. Eat nutritious meals. Your brain needs lots of energy to stay at peak performance. Make sure it gets the fuel it needs by eating your daily required servings of proteins, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and grains. Breakfast is especially important, so have a bowl of fortified cereal or a cup of Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts before school. Get a good night’s sleep. It's tempting to stay up all night texting your best friend or crush, but a lack of sleep is terrible for your grades. Try to stick to a normal sleep schedule, go to bed early, and aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. If necessary, you could catch some extra shuteye on the weekends, but do your best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Exercise at least a half-hour per day. Physical activity can help students improve their grades. If you don't play a sport or have gym class every day, set aside 30 minutes after school for a walk, jog, or bike ride. Walking and running also help spur creativity. If you're trying to come up with a good essay topic, mull it over while you go for a walk.

Encourage yourself. Pay attention and participate in class. Take clear notes by hand. Get extra help from your teacher or tutor. Remove all distractions while studying. Take a break after 45 minutes. Take notes as you read. Start a study group with friends and classmates. Keep your notes, assignments, and workspace organized. Use a planner to organize your time. Create a study schedule instead of cramming. Avoid putting off assignments until the last minute. Eat nutritious meals. Get a good night’s sleep. Exercise at least a half-hour per day.

https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Mint-in-a-Pot

How to Grow Mint in a Pot

To grow mint in a pot, start by getting a mint seedling from your local nursery or garden store because it is difficult to grow mint from seed. Then, get a pot with holes on the bottom that is at least 12 inches in diameter and some nutrient-rich soil that your plant will thrive in. Plant your mint in the pot and insert several wooden dowels next to the plant to give it support as it grows. After it is planted, place the pot in an east facing window so it gets enough light and keep the soil moist at all times.

Choose peppermint if you want a brighter, strong flavor for tea or general use. Pick spearmint if your garden, patio or windows get a lot of light and heat throughout the year. It is used very commonly in the Southern United States. Plant pineapple mint if you need to plant mint next to other plants. It is one of the less invasive species of mint. Opt for lemon mint if you like a refreshing citrus flavor in lemonade or iced tea. Try apple mint for a more subtle flavor with fresh apple hints. This variety is popular in fresh salads and drinks. Go to your garden supply store to buy a mint seedling. Mint does not germinate from seed too easily, so only the most experienced gardeners should start from seed. Plant directly into potting soil or compost after you bring it home. A garden store will have more varieties of mint; however, you may be able to find mint seedlings and plants at your local farmer's market and supermarket. Take a cutting from a mature mint plant. Ask a friend if you can harvest from an existing mint plant or find one in a local garden. Cut approximately ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) above a stem junction with sharp scissors. Make sure the cutting is at least 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long and remove most of the leaves. Opt to use a mint that is purchased from the fresh food section in your supermarket. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to grow a plant from each cutting, but it is a good way to use leftover mint if you are willing to experiment. Fill a clean glass with water. Place freshly cut sprigs in the glass to grow new roots. Keep it in a warm, sunny place and wait for white roots to grow out of the cut stem. Add water as needed to keep the glass full. Wait until the white roots grow several inches long before planting. They can even extend to the bottom of your pot depth. Shop for a pot that is at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter. A mint plant needs plenty of space to grow. Choose a pot with drainage holes in the bottom. A mint plant thrives in well-drained soil. Purchase a saucer to place below the pot to avoid staining your windowsill or patio. Purchase an additional, much larger, pot if you want to pot mint and other herbs together. You can submerge the whole 12-inch pot in a larger pot, next to other herbs. Keep in mind that many species of mint will still find a way to take over the entire pot through the holes in the bottom of the mint pot. If you want to plant it with other herbs, you will want to separate the herbs later in the season. Purchase gritty compost from a local gardening store. You can also combine potting soil with rich compost. Mint plants need rich and well-drained soil to thrive. Fill the lower third of the pot with compost and potting soil. Set your mint cutting or seedling in the pot. Curl the roots if they are too long for the pot. Fill in the area around the mint with potting soil. Pack the area just enough so that the mint stands on its own. Line a portion of your outdoor garden with plastic if you want to plant your pot in the soil, but want to discourage it from spreading. Then plant the entire pot into the garden soil, allowing the pot to extend five inches above the surface of the soil. If possible, avoid planting it in the garden. Place it on a patio or on a windowsill to avoid spreading the mint plant. Insert several wooden dowels next to the plant to give it support. These can be removed once the plant is thriving. Water the soil so that it sinks down to the roots. Water it whenever it is dry for the first year. It should always have moist soil. If you experience hot weather, you may need to water it several times per day. Keep it in an east-facing location. It does best with six or more hours of sunlight, but also likes to be shaded from hot afternoon sun. If you have very little sunlight in the winter, it may die back. Wait until the mint plant is full and the leaves are large before cutting and using the mint. Once it is doing well, frequent cuttings keep the plant full and the leaves strong in flavor. Cut the top half of the plant with sharp scissors. Cut one cm above a stem junction and below any flower buds. Don't cut more than one-third of the leaves at one time. If you allow your mint plant to flower, it will put the nutrients into flower production and slow down leaf growth. Divide your plant every few years. Cut the soil into fourths, and then plant each section into a new 12-inch pot. It would be best to give them room. If you don't divide it, the plant will suffer and the leaves will not grow steadily.

Choose peppermint if you want a brighter, strong flavor for tea or general use. Pick spearmint if your garden, patio or windows get a lot of light and heat throughout the year. Plant pineapple mint if you need to plant mint next to other plants. Opt for lemon mint if you like a refreshing citrus flavor in lemonade or iced tea. Try apple mint for a more subtle flavor with fresh apple hints. Go to your garden supply store to buy a mint seedling. Take a cutting from a mature mint plant. Opt to use a mint that is purchased from the fresh food section in your supermarket. Fill a clean glass with water. Wait until the white roots grow several inches long before planting. Shop for a pot that is at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter. Choose a pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Purchase an additional, much larger, pot if you want to pot mint and other herbs together. Purchase gritty compost from a local gardening store. Fill the lower third of the pot with compost and potting soil. Set your mint cutting or seedling in the pot. Fill in the area around the mint with potting soil. Line a portion of your outdoor garden with plastic if you want to plant your pot in the soil, but want to discourage it from spreading. Insert several wooden dowels next to the plant to give it support. Water the soil so that it sinks down to the roots. Keep it in an east-facing location. Wait until the mint plant is full and the leaves are large before cutting and using the mint. Cut the top half of the plant with sharp scissors. Divide your plant every few years.

https://www.wikihow.com/Price-Yard-Sale-Items

How to Price Yard Sale Items

To price yard sale items, remember that shoppers are looking for deals, so avoid overpricing for a successful sale. Price lower quality furniture that may be scratched up or made out of less sturdy material at 10 to 30 dollars per item. For furniture that's sturdier, like solid wood dressers, tables, cabinets, or bookshelves, you can charge ⅓ of the original price. If you have some smaller home decor pieces, like candlesticks, pictures, and knickknacks, price them at 3 to 5 dollars each. This is also a good price range for most clothes, toys, and DVDs.

Price books at $1. People don't want to pay more than this for a book at a yard sale, unless it's a beautiful hardcover coffee table book. Display your books spine-out in an attractive box or on a bookshelf that's also for sale. Price DVDs at $5. You may want to consider having a laptop or DVD player handy so people can make sure the DVDs work before they fork over the cash. Display the DVDs in their original cases. Price CDs at $3. Keep in mind that CD sales have gone down, so these aren't the hot commodity they used to be. You could try to sell bundles of CDs by the same artist for a little more if your aim is to sell them off as quickly as possible. If you have cassette tapes, go even lower; these probably won't move for more than $1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-7Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-7Bullet1.jpg\/aid670525-v4-728px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-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>"} Sell records at $2 - $3, unless you have a very rare record that is still in good condition (in which case you may want to consider taking it to a record store to trade it in - you might make more cash that way). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-7Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-7Bullet2.jpg\/aid670525-v4-728px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-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>"} Price games at $5 - $10. Some rare or expensive games might sell for more, but in general your games won't go for more than $10. Make sure your magazines are cheap, especially old ones, $0.50 or $1 are most appropriate Price baby clothes at $1 - $3. People won't expect to pay more for used baby clothes, since they're often inexpensive to begin with. Make sure the clothes are laundered and well presented to make the best sales. If the item is name brand with the tags still on, you can price it a little higher. If you want to sell clothes that have been heavily used or are stained, price them at $0.50 or $0.25, just to move them off of your lawn. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid670525-v4-728px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-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 have a ton of baby clothes to sell, consider selling them by the bag for $5.00 or so. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-1Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-1Bullet2.jpg\/aid670525-v4-728px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-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>"} Price adult clothes at $3 - $5. Old shirts, pants, dresses, and other items shouldn't be priced higher than this, unless they're name brand with the tags still on. You might have more luck selling clothes if you leave out the oldest, rattiest items; don't make people dig too deep to find something worth buying. Price shoes at $5 - $7. Be sure to polish the shoes to remove scuff marks and worn areas before you display them. If you have a pair of very gently used name brand shoes, you could price them a few dollars higher. Old tennis shoes should go for less; you may even want to give them away for free. Display shoes attractively, rather than throwing them all in a box. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/78\/Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/aid670525-v4-728px-Price-Yard-Sale-Items-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Price coats at $10 - $15. Launder the coats and display them neatly on hangers. Coats that look like they're 15 years old will sell for less, but if you have a name brand coat that hasn't been worn much, you can price it a little higher. Price lower quality furniture at $10 - $30. Furniture made with materials that aren't sturdy, or furniture that has been very heavily used and is full of scratches, should be priced cheap so you can move it off the lawn. At these prices, you may be able to sell off your old furniture to students looking to furnish a dorm cheaply. Price sturdy furniture at $50 - $75. A solid wood dresser, table, cabinet, or bookshelf might be one of the higher-priced items in your yard. A good rule of thumb for these items is to charge 1/3 the original price. If you paid $300 for a table you've hardly used, go ahead and charge $100 for it. You can always drop the price if you need to. Price rare antiques at $100 and up. If you've got something truly special, like a Tiffany lamp or a Victorian chaise, price it high. The right buyer will be willing to pay what it's worth. If you don't know the item's value for sure, do some research first or get it appraised. You don't want to undersell your most valuable possessions. Display high value items close to the house, in a special area you can keep an eye on. Price home décor items at $3 - $5. Candlesticks, pictures, knickknacks, and other home décor items should be some the lower-priced items in the sale. Exceptions are made for antiques or items that are rare or expensive, such as high-quality art. Price computer equipment and other electronic equipment at $20 or lower. Even if you bought your juicer at $100, it'll be hard to move it for more than $20; good deals on electronics abound, so you've got to go lower than what savvy shoppers can find online. Price kitchen supplies at $1 - $3. This includes china, flatware, baking supplies, and all other kitchen items. Make sure they've all been carefully cleaned before you put them on display. Price toys at $1 - $3. You could also have a "free" box with some of the least expensive items, so kids who come to the yard sale with their parents can take something home; perhaps their parents will also be more likely to buy something in this case.

Price books at $1. Price DVDs at $5. Price CDs at $3. Price games at $5 - $10. Price baby clothes at $1 - $3. Price adult clothes at $3 - $5. Price shoes at $5 - $7. Price coats at $10 - $15. Price lower quality furniture at $10 - $30. Price sturdy furniture at $50 - $75. Price rare antiques at $100 and up. Price home décor items at $3 - $5. Price computer equipment and other electronic equipment at $20 or lower. Price kitchen supplies at $1 - $3. Price toys at $1 - $3.

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

How to Eat Brioche

To eat brioche for breakfast, cut it into thick slices and spread jam and butter on it, or make French toast by dipping the brioche in a French toast mixture and cooking on each side until golden brown. If you want to eat brioche for lunch or dinner, make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a grilled cheese using 0.5 to 1 inch thick brioche slices. You can even use a brioche bun in place of a hamburger roll!

Eat slices of brioche with your breakfast in the morning. Use a sharp bread knife to cut a loaf of brioche into even slices that are about ⁄ 2 –1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) thick. Place the slices of brioche on a plate and serve them with the rest of your breakfast. If you're eating breakfast alone, only cut as many slices of brioche as you think you will eat. That way you can easily save the rest of the loaf for later. Spread butter or jam over your slices of brioche. Place butter and an open container of jam on the table with your breakfast spread, along with two butter knives for serving. Grab a slice of brioche and use the butter knives to spread butter and jam over one side of the brioche. You can eat your brioche with any kind of jam, like raspberry, grape, and blueberry jam. Toast your slices of brioche to make them crispy and more flavorful. If you don't have a toaster, toast the slices over a stovetop. Just add ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of butter to a large pan and toast the brioche over medium heat until it's golden and crispy. Make brioche french toast with your leftover brioche. Just combine 3 eggs, ⁄ 4 cup (59 mL) of heavy cream, 1.5 tablespoons (22 mL) of sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon and ginger in a large bowl. Dip slices of brioche in the mixture and then cook the slices in a large pan over medium heat for 4 minutes, or until they are golden. When your brioche french toast is finished, serve it with toppings like butter, jam, fresh fruit, and syrup. Try brioche buns with your breakfast if you get tired of slices. Eat the brioche buns plain, or cut them in half with a knife and spread butter and jam over the inside. You can also toast the cut sides of the brioche buns before you eat them. Make a brioche sandwich with your favorite sliced meats and cheeses. Layer a few slices of sandwich meat and cheese between 2 slices of brioche. For extra flavor, spread mustard or mayonnaise on the brioche slices. Eat a brioche peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Spread a fruit jelly or jam over one slice of brioche, and peanut butter over another to make a delicious snack. Try toasting the slices of brioche before you add the jelly and peanut butter if you want your sandwich to be crispy. Make yourself a brioche grilled cheese. Take 2 slices of brioche and spread butter over one side of each of the slices. Layer a few slices of your favorite cheese between the brioche and cook the sandwich in a pan over medium heat. Let it cook until the brioche is crispy and golden and the cheese inside has melted. Try a hamburger on a brioche bun. To make the brioche bun, slice a brioche roll in half using a sharp bread knife. Then, toast the cut sides of the brioche on a grill or stovetop. Sandwich a hamburger and your favorite toppings between the two brioche halves, with the cut sides of the brioche facing in. Store your leftover brioche at room temperature for 3-4 days. To store the brioche, place it in a sealable plastic bag and press out the excess air with your hands. Seal the bag and write the date on it so you can keep track of how old it is. Place the sealed bag in a cool, dry place. Store your brioche in the freezer if you want it to last longer. Thoroughly wrap your brioche in plastic wrap so it's completely covered. Then, place the wrapped brioche in a sealable freezer bag. Press out the excess air with your hands and seal the bag. Label the bag with the date so you know how long your brioche has been in the freezer. Your brioche should last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to have your brioche, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw for at least 4 hours. Avoid storing your brioche in the refrigerator. Storing brioche in the fridge will cause it to go stale faster than if you were to store it at room temperature or in the freezer. If you're going to eat your brioche within 3-4 days, store it at room temperature. If you want to store your brioche for longer, keep it in the freezer.

Eat slices of brioche with your breakfast in the morning. Spread butter or jam over your slices of brioche. Toast your slices of brioche to make them crispy and more flavorful. Make brioche french toast with your leftover brioche. Try brioche buns with your breakfast if you get tired of slices. Make a brioche sandwich with your favorite sliced meats and cheeses. Eat a brioche peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Make yourself a brioche grilled cheese. Try a hamburger on a brioche bun. Store your leftover brioche at room temperature for 3-4 days. Store your brioche in the freezer if you want it to last longer. Avoid storing your brioche in the refrigerator.

https://www.wikihow.health/Treat-Leukemia

How to Treat Leukemia

The right way to treat leukemia will depend on the type of leukemia you have. Once you've been diagnosed by a doctor, they can recommend the right treatment plan for you, which may involve chemotherapy, a type of chemical that kills cancer cells. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend radiation, which uses x-rays to kill cancer cells. Or, they might suggest other forms of treatment, like targeted therapy, biological therapy, or a stem cell transplant.

Take it in the pill form. Chemotherapy is a type of chemical that works to kill the cancer cells. One way to take chemotherapy is an oral pill. While a pill may seem less intimidating, it does have the same chemicals as other types of chemotherapy, and you need to pay close attention to the instructions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. For instance, many chemotherapy pills must be taken on a very regular schedule that you shouldn't change. You will build up a certain level of the drug in your system, which you maintain with a regular schedule. You may take them in rounds to give your healthy cells a chance to thrive. You also must keep them separately from your other pills if you use a pill organizer. The pill form is used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). The oral medication used to treat CML are known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Ask about intravenous chemotherapy. Another type of chemotherapy is injected straight into your veins. This type of chemotherapy is used to treat almost every type of cancer, though your doctor may lean on pills more for more chronic versions. To receive this type of chemotherapy, you must visit a clinic. The chemicals are dripped into your veins through an IV. Each treatment is given over a few hours or days. You may need a cannula inserted in your hand or arm each time you come in, or you may receive a central line or peripherally inserted central catheter, which can be left in over a longer period. Another option for longer-term placement is rubber implanted port. Take chemotherapy intrathecally. This treatment is another type of chemotherapy which is injected into your spinal cord and brain instead of into your blood. This treatment is usually given if cancer has moved to your nervous system, as traditional chemotherapy types may not reach these areas. Generally, you'll need to lay down for a while after this injection, which gives the chemotherapy drugs a chance to move into place. This procedure is relatively rare when compared to other types of chemotherapy. Deal with side effects. Chemotherapy comes with an unfortunate number of side effects because it can destroy or harm healthy cells along with the cancer cells. Mainly, the cells it harms will be in your bone marrow, GI tract, mouth, and hair. Because it destroys these cells, it can cause some significant side effects, which you can deal with through traditional and naturopathic medicine. Some of the major side effects include sexual dysfunction, hair loss, mouth sores, nerve damage, nausea, changes in taste, heart damage or weakness, fatigue, and lowered blood cell counts. You'll need to make certain life changes, like finding food that appeals to you to combat taste changes and learning exercises to help with the tiredness. You may need to take medications to help you combat nausea and lowered white blood cell counts and supplements to help with cardiotoxicity. For hair loss, mouth sores, sexual dysfunction, and nerve damage, you'll need to develop routines with the help of your naturopath and mind-body therapist to deal with the emotional and physical ramifications of these side effects. Oral chemotherapy may also cause hand-foot syndrome, which is where you have pain and swelling in your hands and feet. If you develop this symptom, your doctor may be able to change your dosage to lessen the effect. Understand the stages of a typical leukemia treatment. Leukemia is typically treated in three stages: induction, consolidation, and maintenance. During the induction stage, your doctors will focus on getting the cancer into remission, through chemotherapy or other treatments. Induction can last for one or more months. The consolidation phase will be a little more intense, typically lasting 1-2 months. It will involve more chemotherapy, with a focus on reducing the number of leukemia cells still in the body. If the cancer stays in remission after these two phases, you'll enter stage three: maintenance. This could last for 2-3 years, and may involve taking daily oral medications varied with some more intense treatments. Ask about radiation. This type of therapy uses X-rays or other methods to deliver radiation to your body to help kill the cancer cells. This therapy can be targeted to one particular part of your body, or it can be used across your body. Side effects can vary widely. You may be more tired, have stomach problems, or skin irritation. You may also develop more infections. How severe your side effects are will likely be affected by how long and how often you have this treatment, as well as how much of your body is radiated. Talk about targeted therapy. This treatment is often used together with other treatments. Its benefit is it can specifically target the leukemia cells, which in turn can manage the disease. Targeted therapy is often used to help manage chronic leukemia, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia. Like chemotherapy, targeted therapy can cause some side effects. The primary side effects are fatigue and an increased chance of infections. You may also run a fever, develop a rash, experience headaches, have nausea, or be short of breath. Ask about biological therapy. This type of therapy uses your body's own defenses to fight off leukemia. In theory, your body should recognize cancer cells as being harmful or abnormal and destroy them; however, when you've developed cancer, something has gone wrong. For instance, cancer finds a way to hide from your immune system, or it disables part of the response. Biological therapy tries to make your immune system attack the cancer cells as it should. One type of biological therapy uses a drug or chemical to tell your immune system what to do. Another option is taking some of your immune cells out of your body to teach them in a lab to attack the cells. The immune cells are then put back into your body to destroy cancer cells. A third option is forcing the cancer cells to reveal themselves to your immune system. In other words, if the cancer cells are using certain signals to hide by turning them on or off, the therapy helps change those signals back so that your immune system can recognize the cells. However, most biological therapy is still in clinical trials, so you may need to get on a clinical trial to receive it. Ask your doctor about clinical trials or check with the major research hospitals to see if they have clinical trials in this area. Consider a stem cell transplant. A particularly aggressive form of treatment is stem cell transplant, which is generally given after you've already had chemotherapy and radiation to destroy the affected bone marrow. You'll be given healthy stem cells, sometimes your own and sometimes cells donated from another person. The stem cells can help create new and healthy bone marrow. If your own stem cells are used (autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant), they will be collected and stored before you go through chemotherapy. If another person's stem cells are used (allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant), they must undergo tests to make sure they are a match. Once you have the transplant, you will need time to recover, usually a matter of months, and you will likely have pain in your bones, as well as nerve damage, which can lead to numbness. Other complications include graft versus host disease (GVHD), cardiac disease, infection, and secondary cancers. You can work with a doctor to help control this pain and reduce your risk of developing other complications. Bone marrow transplants, in which you receive healthy bone marrow from another person, are similar to stem cell transplants; however, stem cell transplants are now more common. Look into new treatments. One new treatment that doctors find particularly promising treats a mutation of the FLT3 gene. If you've just been diagnosed, ask your doctor about this treatment and look into other new treatments as well, such as gene therapy. Enroll in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are sometimes used when other types of treatments are not successful at curing cancer. Clinical trials have various criteria patients must meet to participate, such as having a particular type of leukemia or being relatively healthy. Ask your doctor about clinical trials. You can also check with the major teaching hospitals and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Look for the symptoms. One of the main symptoms of leukemia is bleeding or bruising easily, as leukemia affects the blood's ability to form a blood clot. You may also have stomach pain, unexplained fevers, and constant fatigue, as well pain in your joints or bones. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes or enlarged spleen or liver and weight loss. You may notice you are sweating more at night. You may also have infections more often and have petechiae on your skin (small, red spots). See your doctor. If you have a combination of these symptoms, you should see your doctor; however, many of these symptoms can point to other diseases, too, some much less serious. Don't immediately assume you have leukemia if you have a couple of these symptoms. If the doctor suspects you may have leukemia, they will check for physical symptoms, such as feeling your lymph nodes and sometimes your abdomen. The doctor will also likely run a complete blood count to check your blood count levels. If those tests indicate leukemia is likely, the doctor will do other tests, such as biopsies, spinal taps, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and/or ultrasounds. Understand the major types. Myelogenous leukemia and lymphocytic leukemia are the two main forms, which can be either chronic and acute. Therefore, the four main diagnoses are acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Chronic refers to the fact that leukemia isn't as fast-acting as acute. With acute leukemia, the cancer is attacking developing cells, so it is more aggressive. "Myelogenous" and "lymphocytic" denote which type of white blood cells are affected. Expect to work with a team of doctors. Once you're diagnosed with leukemia, you'll likely work with a team of doctors and specialists who will supervise your care, including an oncologist (cancer doctor), a pathologist (specializes in diseased tissue), and a hematologist (blood doctor). You'll also likely have a psychologist, a nutritionist, and a clinical nurse specialist. You may work with a naturopath, who can help you with alternative medicine solutions to side effects like nausea. Be ready for pre-treatment tests. You'll need tests to determine the strength and type of your leukemia, of course, but you'll also need tests to determine your overall health. Because many treatments for leukemia are aggressive, you have to be healthy to withstand them. If you are not healthy enough, your doctor will consider other treatments. You will likely have a blood test to see if your liver and kidney will hold up to the chemotherapy. You will also have scans to determine a starting point for your treatment.

Take it in the pill form. Ask about intravenous chemotherapy. Take chemotherapy intrathecally. Deal with side effects. Understand the stages of a typical leukemia treatment. Ask about radiation. Talk about targeted therapy. Ask about biological therapy. Consider a stem cell transplant. Look into new treatments. Enroll in a clinical trial. Look for the symptoms. See your doctor. Understand the major types. Expect to work with a team of doctors. Be ready for pre-treatment tests.

https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Headstand

How to Do a Headstand

To do a handstand, start by positioning your body like a tabletop on a yoga mat or cushioned pad. Your hands should be palms down with your knees bent. Then, place your elbows on the floor and lace your fingers behind your head. Adjust if necessary to make sure your neck is comfortable so you won't strain your neck. Once you are comfortable, lift your knees to balance on your feet and walk forward, toward your torso. Finally, use your core to lift your feet off the ground and into the air.

Position your cushioned mat. You can use either a yoga mat or a gymnastics mat, but you want a mat that is going to provide some support to your head and neck and necessary cushion for comfort. Lay your mat lengthwise in front of you. If you are a complete beginner to doing headstands, you can place your mat up against the base of a wall and practice your headstand with the support of the wall. Practicing your headstand against a wall will help you figure out the different areas in your body that you need to flex and balance to hold a headstand. Position your body like a table top. Kneel onto your mat. Bring your hands down in front of you onto the mat, so you are resting on your knees and hands. Your should now look like a table top. You hands should be lined up with your shoulders, and your knees should be lined up with your hips. Bend and bring your elbows to rest down on the mat. Lace your fingers and place your head. With your elbows on the mat distanced shoulder-width apart, clasp your hands together and lace your fingers together. Extend your thumbs up toward the ceiling. Your hands and elbows should form a triangle shape that's approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) away from the base of the wall. Tuck your chin downward, and bring the crown of your head down to the mat. Rest the back of your head in your palms, as your crown rests on the mat. Change your head positioning as necessary until you find a comfortable position. You should always aim to rest on your crown, with your hands supporting the back of your head so you don't strain your neck. Lift your knees to balance on your feet. Lift up your knees to straighten out your legs. Your buttocks should be in the air, and your body should look like an upside down 'V'. Bring your feet up the mat. You can use your core muscles to drag your feet up toward the rest of your body, or slowly walk up the mat. As you walk, your buttocks and hips will start to align with your back as you straighten out your core but stay bent at the hips. This movement will lift your shoulders over your ears as your spine aligns straight. Keep your wrists, hands, forearms, and elbows strong and rooted into the mat. You might feel like you are going to fall over like you would in a somersault. However, if you are practicing against a wall, the wall will support you and help you gain control so you can find balance. Lift your legs. Bring your knees close to your armpits. You should be on your tippy toes at this point. Tighten your core and release your toes from the mat. Bring your bent knees into your chest, and use your core muscles to slowly try and raise your knees and extend your legs straight up out of the tuck. If you are practicing on a wall, you can flex your hips to bring your bent knees up, and place your feet on the wall. Come down from the headstand. Hold the headstand for as long as you comfortably can. When you are ready to release the headstand, bend at your knees and bring both of your legs down, back to a tucked position in front of your chest. From here, touch both of your toes back onto your mat, slide your feet back, and transition into a stretch also known as a “child's pose.” Shift your buttocks over the heels of your feet, and extend your arms straight out in front of you while keeping your hands on the floor. Hold this stretch for at least a minute so your body can slowly adjust its blood flow. Consider doing a few neck rolls in different directions to relieve any tension in your neck. Position your cushioned mat. You can use a yoga mat or a gymnastics mat; either way, you want a mat that is going to give your support and cushion while you attempt your headstand. Lay your yoga or gymnastic mat lengthwise in front of you. If you are not confident enough to practice your headstand freely, you can place your mat up against the base of a wall. Anyone who has never attempted a headstand should first practice against a wall. Practicing against a wall will help you find the initial balance and strength needed to hold a free form headstand. Position your body like a table top. Kneel onto your mat. Bring your upper body down to the mat so your hands are out in front of you. Your body should now look like a table, with your knees lined up with your hips and your hands about shoulder-width apart. Bring your elbows down to rest on the mat. Lace your fingers and place your head. With your elbows already on the mat shoulder-width apart, bring your hands together and lace your fingers. Your thumbs should be extended upward, toward the ceiling. Your hands and elbows should look like a little triangle placed approximately 5 inches (12.7 cm) away from the wall. Tuck your chin and bring your head down to the mat. Rest the back of your head in your palms, while the crown of your head should be contacting the floor. Adjust your head positioning until you find comfort and stability. You don't want to put too much strain on your head and neck by having your forehead resting on the mat. Lift your knees to balance on your feet. Tuck your toes, so your toes and maybe even the balls of your feet are making contact with the mat. Lift your knees up from the mat in order to straighten out your legs. Your body should look like an upside down 'V'. Walk your feet up the mat. Use your toes to slowly walk up the mat toward the rest of your body. As you walk, your buttocks will start to lift and align with your back. This will straighten out your spine and lift your shoulders over your ears. Keep your wrists, hands, forearms, and elbows strong and rooted into the mat. You will start to feel less weight from your legs as you walk up toward your body. This is where tight core muscles come in. Your core muscles are going to lift your legs up and hold your body in the headstand position. Lift your legs. When your body is aligned and your legs are feeling lighter, tighten your core muscles and slowly lift one of your legs. As you lift one of your legs, keep the other one near the ground to first find balance. When your one leg is in the air, gently hop your other leg off the ground, trying to straighten out both legs as much as possible. This is going to require a lot of strength from your abdominal core muscles. Use your core to lift up your legs, and use your arms to support and stabilize your body. Check your body alignment by saying your name. If you're aligned, you should be able to say it clearly, how you normally speak. If you can't speak like you normally do, you may not be aligned correctly, and should come out of the headstand. If you are practicing against a wall, place your first lifted leg against the wall. As you find balance, lift your other leg up to meet your extended leg. The wall will give you support as you gain stability. Come down from the headstand. Hold the headstand for as long as what feels comfortable to you. This could mean holding the headstand for a couple seconds or a couple minutes. When you are ready to come down, separate your feet and slowly shift your balance to bring one of your legs back down to the ground. When your foot contacts the floor (or is on the way down), bring your other leg down from the headstand pose and onto the floor. When you completely back on the mat with your head still resting between your hands, straighten out your arms shift your buttocks back to rest on top of your heels. Extend and stretch your upper body to relax and allow the blood in your body to circulate away from your head. In yoga, this is sometimes called a “child's pose.” Try and hold this for about a minute so your body can readjust and relax. Consider doing some soft neck rolls after performing a headstand. This can help prevent stiffness and tension after performing a headstand. If you stand up too quickly after a headstand, you could experience lightheadedness, and even faint.

Position your cushioned mat. Position your body like a table top. Lace your fingers and place your head. Lift your knees to balance on your feet. Bring your feet up the mat. Lift your legs. Come down from the headstand. Position your cushioned mat. Position your body like a table top. Lace your fingers and place your head. Lift your knees to balance on your feet. Walk your feet up the mat. Lift your legs. Come down from the headstand.

https://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-5-Minute-Mile

How to Run a 5 Minute Mile

While running a 5 minute mile can feel out of reach unless you're an elite athlete, there are things you can do to work toward this goal. For example, develop a daily training schedule that includes a weekly long run of 5-6 miles at an 8 minute mile pace. Additionally, include sprint intervals at the 400 and 600 meter distance and running up hills into your weekly schedule. Before you attempt your mile, make sure to stretch your legs, get your heart rate going with some jumping jacks, and envision yourself crossing the finish line!

Develop a training schedule. You'll never beat a five minute mile without a plan and proper schedule. For the best results, you should be training almost every day, incorporating different exercises. Start your week with a distance run, running for at least 40 minutes or about 3 miles, and gradually increasing that as you train. Take the next day to rest or do some other training like yoga or weight lifting. Pick a few days a week to do interval or hill training, followed by another day of rest or cross training. Eat a healthy diet. In order to get your body into the right shape for a 5 minute mile, eating the right diet that will give your body energy is important, and it will help it to recover after training. Get the right proteins through eggs, sweet potatoes, salmon, and chicken. Proteins like salmon contain ingredients like omega-3 essential fatty acids which increase heart health and help performance. Leafy greens like kale contain a wealth of vitamins that keep your body healthy and moving like vitamins A, B6, C, and K. Whole wheat pasta in the right portions will provide you with the carbs you need to maximize muscle glycogen stores. Work on your general fitness. If you want to run a 5 minute mile you need to train your body in other ways than just running to get into shape. Other exercises will not only help you run faster, but will help prevent injury and increase form. Planks are a great way to strengthen your core, lower back, and shoulders; three areas that are important for a fast run. Hold planks for 45 seconds and do 3-5 reps. Kettlebell squats will work your glutes and leg muscles while also strengthening your core. Do 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps. Do some yoga to help you improve flexibility, recover faster, and simply destress. Start distance training. In order to be able to push your body hard enough to complete a mile in 5 minutes, you need to build a solid base of aerobic conditioning. Start conditioning your body beginning with longer runs. Aim for 5 or 6 mile runs that you can complete in an average of eight minutes per mile. Run several days a week to get your body used to running distances, and record run times. As you continue your training, shoot to improve your time to an average of about seven minutes per mile. Perform sprint intervals. At least twice a week you need to start running in intervals to train your body for speed. While distance running with help you with your heart and lungs, it won't necessarily make you faster. 400-meter sprint intervals. Do six intervals of 400-meters, resting for 1 minute between each sprint. Start at a decent pace and increase it with each interval. 600-meter sprint intervals. Now run six to eight intervals at a distance of 600-meters, resting for 1-2 minutes in between each repetition. Alternate these interval sprints and perform them on days you are not going on distance runs. Run hills. Hill running is a great way to build strength and increase your endurance. Look for a hill that will take you several minutes to reach the top of so that you can ensure that you're actually building muscle. Begin your hill climb at a nice jogging pace, especially at the beginning of your training. Once you've run about ¾ the way up the hill, sprint the remaining ¼. Repeat this run at least three times. Walk down the hill at a nice pace to recover from your climb, using this as your resting time. Don't strain your body by doing too many hill climbs a week. Substitute one or two of your sprint intervals for hill climbs. Mark your progress. Not only will marking your progress help you to see how you're improving, but it will also motivate you to keep pushing yourself. You will be able to see areas where you might not be improving as quickly as you want to. Get a runner's watch or use an app on your phone to track your times and mileage. Write down your distances and times in your training schedule after you have completed them. This way, you can easily see your progress as you train. Stretch properly. There's no magic formula for running a mile in 5 minutes, but making sure that you are limbered up and properly stretched out will help to prevent injury and cramping during your run. Stretch your back, quadriceps and adductors, hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes. Make sure that you also stretch after you've completed your run as well. If you have a stretching strap, attach the strap to your foot, lay on the ground, and stretch your hamstrings by pointing your toes. You can also stretch throughout the day by getting up to stretch about once every hour, taking deep breaths, and extending your legs and shoulders for 1 minute on each side. Prepare yourself mentally. Breaking 5 minutes is no easy task, you've trained and trained, and you feel ready. Now it's time to breath, relax, and visualize yourself running a fast mile , hitting that mile marker in 5 minutes. Envision yourself crossing the finish line. Let yourself experience how good it will feel to have accomplished this. By telling yourself that you can achieve a 5 minute mile, you will put yourself in a positive mindset that will energize you. Do a pre-race warmup. Don't go nuts though, you don't want to tire yourself out. A quick warmup, however, will get your heart rate going and awaken your muscles. Do a few quick sprints to get the motion down and into your body. You can also try some jumping jacks to get your heart rate up. Pace yourself. Even though you only have one mile, you want to run a pretty consistent pace for most of the run. Keep a nice long stride throughout your run and remember to breathe. Once you are nearing the end of the mile, you can push yourself. Depending on how much energy you have left, really push yourself to an all-out sprint. Once you've crossed your finish line, cool down by continuing to jog for about a minute or so, slowing your pace until you're at a comfortable walk.

Develop a training schedule. Eat a healthy diet. Work on your general fitness. Start distance training. Perform sprint intervals. Run hills. Mark your progress. Stretch properly. Prepare yourself mentally. Do a pre-race warmup. Pace yourself.

https://www.wikihow.com/Resign-from-a-Job

How to Resign from a Job

To resign from a job, meet with your supervisor in person to explain that you're leaving the company and to ask what you can do to wrap things up. Be clear that you are happy to fulfill your contract, which typically asks for 2 weeks notice to allow time to find replacements. Then, thank your supervisor for the opportunity to work for the company to end on a good note. Follow this conversation up with a brief yet cordial email or letter of resignation.

Evaluate your situation objectively. Resigning a job is not a decision you should make impulsively. Before you notify your boss of your decision to leave, carefully weigh the pros and cons and make sure you're ready to go. If you have a better job offer, consider whether you really want to leave your current employment. If you like your job and the people you work with, but want better pay and more benefits, you may want to sit down with your manager and ask for a raise first. If you had a bad experience, such as a fight with coworkers or a disagreement with management, your impulse may be to throw your hands up in the air and say "I quit!" However, it's better for your professional reputation to work towards finding another position before you leave the one you have, then follow proper protocol to formally resign. Provide proper notice. If you have an employee handbook, check to see how much notice your employer requires. You can also ask someone in your human resources office. The typical notice required is 2 to 4 weeks, but some companies may require a longer period. If you have another job offer, they should be willing to allow you to work out a notice. If not, be sure to notify your current employer as soon as possible and explain why you won't be able to work out the full notice period. Talk to your direct supervisor first. Once you've made your decision to resign, have a sit-down meeting with your direct supervisor and let them know of your intentions face-to-face. This can be an awkward conversation, but try to keep it brief and to the point. If you have an employee handbook, check that as well. There may be a formal resignation procedure laid out. If so, follow that procedure to maintain your professional reputation and stay on good terms with the company. Stay professional, and hold back your emotions. You may be angry or resentful, but this isn't the time to express that. If you keep the conversation as brief as possible, you can reduce the chances you'll blow up. Negotiate your final pay and benefits. When you notify your employer of your pending resignation, either your manager or someone from human resources will be in touch with you about any accrued vacation and other benefits. Check your pay stub before you notify your employer so you know how many hours you're entitled to. Your employee handbook may have additional information on what happens to accrued hours when you resign. You typically have to provide notice before you resign to get any accrued hours paid out. If your supervisor declines your offer to work out a notice and insists that you leave immediately, double-check that this won't impact your ability to get paid out for your accrued hours. Discuss health insurance and retirement benefits, particularly if you haven't yet lined up a new job. Discuss any legal issues. If you signed a non-compete agreement or nondisclosure agreement, make sure those documents won't impact your ability to accept any job offers or do certain types of work. If you plan to violate a non-compete agreement, you may want to consult with an employment attorney. Non-compete agreements are frequently invalidated by courts, but you need a plan in case your former employer sues you. Format your letter as a formal business letter. Using personal or company letterhead, address your letter to your direct manager or supervisor. Include a few paragraphs, but keep it to less than a page. Leave space for a formal closing and signature. Even if you're sending the letter through email, retain the formal business letter format. State that you are resigning and when your resignation is effective. Open your letter with a brief statement that you intend to resign your position, effective on the last day of any required notice. You may want to list your job title, if appropriate, or the name of the company. For example, you might write "I am resigning from my position as Cupcake Connoisseur, effective July 31, 2018." Provide a simple reason for your resignation. You may want to list the real reason you're leaving, or you can use the vague "pursuing a better opportunity." Your resignation letter is not the place to go into detail, to trash your employer, or to make threats or accusations. If the reason for your resignation is a neutral one (you're moving to a different state, for example, or going back to school), go ahead and state it explicitly. It can prevent rumors from spreading. If you have a new job, you don't have to go into detail if you don't want to. If you're going to work for a competitor, it's probably best to keep that information to yourself. Thank your manager and the company for the opportunity. End your resignation letter on a positive note – even if you have few positive feelings for your employer. You might also note any significant accomplishments or lessons you learned along the way. Don't go overboard or say something you don't mean or intend to follow through with. If you had a bad experience and never want to hear from anyone in the company again after you leave, don't say you're looking forward to keeping in touch with them. Edit your letter carefully. Any typos or errors in your resignation letter will reflect poorly on you, and could come back to haunt you. Read through your letter several times for errors. You may also want to get a trusted friend or family member to look it over. Keep your language simple, professional, and unemotional. Avoid making any personal comments (positive or negative) about your manager or coworkers. Make copies of your final letter. Depending on the size and structure of the company you're leaving, you may need to submit your letter to multiple people. You'll also want to keep one copy for your own records. Give the original letter to your direct manager. You may also need to give a copy of the letter to the manager of your department, or to human resources. Maintain good work ethic through your last day. After you've submitted your resignation, you may be tempted to cruise through your last couple of weeks doing as little as possible. However, slacking off because you already have "one foot out the door" will harm your professional reputation. Finish any ongoing projects you have, or draft status reports so whoever takes over from you will know what's going on. Organize all your files and documents, if applicable, so they are easily accessible after you're gone. Prepare your coworkers for your departure. Let your coworkers know about your resignation, and ask them what they need from you to ensure a smooth transition after you've left. Let them know how to find any documents or information on your work projects. If your manager has told you not to alert your coworkers of your resignation until later, follow their instructions. If you have direct contact with clients or customers, explain to them that you are leaving. If you know who is taking over their file when you leave, take the opportunity to introduce them to the person who will be taking care of them. If someone new is being hired to replace you, offer to assist with their training. Provide feedback if requested. You may be asked to complete an exit interview. During this interview you'll be asked for constructive feedback on your experience working for the company. Take this opportunity seriously and use it to help your manager and coworkers improve their work experiences. Be honest and constructive in your exit interview, but stick to the facts and avoid getting emotional or making accusations. Your goal is to leave your employer in a better position, not to trash them on the way out the door. Get a written reference letter from your direct supervisor. If you already have another position lined up, a reference letter may be the last thing on your mind. However, getting a letter now means you won't potentially have to track down your manager later. If you worked closely with another manager or a coworker, you might ask them for reference letters as well. Leave up-to-date contact information with your supervisor. On your last day, make sure your manager or supervisor can get in touch with you if they need anything. You might also want to leave contact information with any coworkers with whom you want to stay in touch. If you have a LinkedIn account, send invitations to managers and coworkers to connect there.

Evaluate your situation objectively. Provide proper notice. Talk to your direct supervisor first. Negotiate your final pay and benefits. Discuss any legal issues. Format your letter as a formal business letter. State that you are resigning and when your resignation is effective. Provide a simple reason for your resignation. Thank your manager and the company for the opportunity. Edit your letter carefully. Make copies of your final letter. Maintain good work ethic through your last day. Prepare your coworkers for your departure. Provide feedback if requested. Get a written reference letter from your direct supervisor. Leave up-to-date contact information with your supervisor.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-CV-Sound-More-Impressive

How to Make Your CV Sound More Impressive

To fill all of the space and make your CV sound more impressive, break it into multiple sections, such as “Education,” “Work Experience,” and “Technical Skills.” In each of these sections, use action words, such as “performed” or “created,” and strong verbs, like “coordinated” and “built,” to tell employers what you've done. Additionally, emphasize the skills you have, such as expertise in excel or experience with public speaking, especially if they're in the job description.

Tailor the resume to the job. One big mistake that people make in resumes and CVs is in not tailoring it to the job. Employers looks for signs that you understand what the position requires in the formatting of the document itself. You should prepare a standard resume for most jobs in business, for example. Universities, labs, and other academic employers will look for a different format, the academic CV. For example, a business resume is often about one page long. It is meant to summarize your skills and qualifications and to introduce you to an employer. An academic CV on the other hand is comprehensive. It is meant to provide all or most of your past education, experience, writing, and professional development. You should also tailor the resume to the job itself. You can do this, firstly, by carefully reading the ad. As you get ready to put together a resume, mark the skills that are mentioned with a pen. Note anything – your qualifications, personal talents, experience – that you can link directly to these needs. An employer should be able to see from the information you give and from your structure that you are a good “fit.” Break the resume into subsections. Resumes and CVs have an expected order. Knowing this order, and following it, reassures an employer that you are competent and are aware of basic communication practices. Usually, the order of a resume is as follows: header and personal information, education and qualifications, work experience, interests and goals, other skills, and references. In the header, make your name slightly larger than the other information. Include below your name your current mailing address, telephone number, and the email address that you most frequently use. Give education and work experience in a reverse chronological order. That is, start with the most recent positions and work backwards. For each job under work experience, employers will expect you to give the company's name and location, your job title, dates (i.e. when you worked there), and three to four short lines describing your duties. The interests section is a chance for you to include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or other community involvement. Use this strategically if you can, particularly if you have outside experience relevant to the job at hand. Skills can include things like languages, proficiency in computer programs, social media skills, or other training specific to the job. As always, an academic CV will be different. Along with the usual header and education, work history will usually focus on teaching, research, and/or editing experience. Depending on the job, employers may also want to see publications, a list of public lectures and presentations, and your grant history. Prioritize key information. How to prioritize depends in part on what sort of job you are applying for. Usually, you will give the most space to your related work experience, then to qualifications. Employers look very closely at these two categories. For example, if you are applying for a job as an accountant, you will want to highlight your education and bachelor's degree in accountancy. In your experience and qualifications sections, focus on your year-long internship with a tax firm and the fact that you have passed the professional certification exam. In an academic CV, the format will again depend on the type of job. If you are applying for a research-oriented position, for example, employers will want to know more about your publications, grant history, and research impact. For a teaching-oriented position, they will want to know about you previous experience – where, what, when, and how successfully you have taught before. Follow the rules of formal English. There is little that annoys a potential employer more than a resume with errors in spelling or grammar. To them, this says that the applicant is unqualified at a very basic level. Some resume readers reject your resume for even the smallest error. Make sure that your resume gets a proper read through at the least, and does not end up in the trash heap for this reason. Spell correctly, for one thing. Use capital letters appropriately. Do not rely entirely on spell-check to catch all of your mistakes, moreover. Use it, but then have a friend read through the resume to make sure that you haven't missed anything. Be clear and concise. Your resume should be lean and give all the necessary information as clearly and concisely as possible. Don't feel that you need to use full sentences. For example, use bullet points and “parallelism” rather than a series of paragraphs to describe job duties: e.g. “Handled purchasing, expediting, and returning – Processed change orders – Prepared weekly field payroll.” Try to avoid confusing language and jargon, as well. You might think that big words or complicated sentences make you seem more serious or smarter. You might actually end up seeming pompous, annoying an employer. It is better to choose simple, to-the-point words when you can. Favor action words. An easy way to make your writing clearer is by using an active voice, e.g. “I created a new website” instead of “The new website was created by me.” This makes you the active agent and gives your writing life. Verbs and action words like prepare, analyze, interpret, obtain, and others will infuse your resume with a sense of motivation. Avoid clichés. In the same vein, there are phrases in the business world that have become clichés. To employers these buzzwords are like white noise and make very little impact. Read through your resume with an eye toward things that seem clichéd, like “dynamic,” “proactive,” or “synergy.” Adopt fresh phrases in place of these in order to describe yourself and your experience. Be honest! Lying on a resume or CV is never a good idea. You may feel as though you don't have enough experience for the job, and be tempted to stretch the truth, to invent a position that never existed, or to exaggerate your education. This will almost certainly backfire. Don't assume that companies “don't check these things anyways.” If anything, employers are more careful than ever in looking into potential hires and their histories. Make the most of your skills, interests, and experience. Think hard about the skills that you have. You may be forgetting or undervaluing them. Even skills that we sometimes take for granted can be valuable in the workplace. Are you computer literate or proficient in certain programs like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, or Excel, for example? Say so in your resume! There are many skills that you have picked up in your education or previous job experience that can be useful, even if they don't seem immediately related to the job you're applying for. Do you have past experience in public speaking? Can you read Spanish? Did your previous job in sales require you to work in a team? These can all be marketable skills. Seek out volunteer opportunities, internships, or work placements. If you have the chance, do an unpaid or paid internship. This will show potential employers that you are actively looking for career opportunities. It also counts as on-the-job experience that you can mention in a resume. To better highlight internships, you might try creating a subsection under your personal info or before your education called “Internships and Work Placements,” or something similar. This formatting will highlight your experience and show an employer that you have more than just a degree. Remember to note your relevant volunteer work, as well. In some sectors like non-profit organizations this kind of work is highly desirable. If you are applying for a job with a women's advocacy charity, for example, include the fact that you volunteered at a local women's shelter. Do a gap year. For new graduates, a gap year can be a way to develop so-called “soft skills” that can also be valuable for employers. While a year working with a non-profit organization in South America or India might seem far removed from a job in business, it shows an employer that you are adaptable, flexible, resilient, and can work with diverse people. Maybe you also learned a new language. Do not underrate an experience like this. It may seem like a small thing, but actually it demonstrates that you have desirable character traits. Highlight academic and work-related honors. Don't forget to make the most out of any special recognitions that you've won, whether it was making the Dean's List, winning first-in-class honors, or being named employee of the month for your sales. These honors can show your motivation, leadership, and how you can be an asset to a company in the future. For an academic CV, awards and honors are even more important, as they show that you have been recognized by peers in your field for excellence. Here you will want to provide the name of the award and granting institution. In some fields it is also usual to include the amount of money, if you received any. Teach and publish early. This advice applies specifically to academics. The best way to improve your academic CV is to have concrete experience – that means teaching courses and publishing articles. These are often what make or break candidates for university and research jobs. You'll therefore want to get started as early as possible on them. Try to get inside the classroom. Some graduate schools give you experience as a teaching assistant or even in teaching your own course. Others do not. Make the most of your opportunities. Talk to your professors and mentors. See whether they will let you give a guest lecture in one of their courses. Talk to your advisor. Advisors can be “gateways” to your first publications. They might be able to recommend you to a journal editor for a book review, or ask you to contribute to a volume that they are editing. Let them know about your desire to publish. At the very least, they can advise you on how to turn your research into your first published article.

Tailor the resume to the job. Break the resume into subsections. Prioritize key information. Follow the rules of formal English. Be clear and concise. Favor action words. Avoid clichés. Be honest! Make the most of your skills, interests, and experience. Seek out volunteer opportunities, internships, or work placements. Do a gap year. Highlight academic and work-related honors. Teach and publish early.

https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Tire-Tread

How to Check Tire Tread

To check your tire tread, put a penny into any tread groove upside down so Abraham Lincoln's head is inside the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, you may need to replace your tire. You can also perform the same test using George Washington's head on a quarter. Alternatively, look for the treadwear indicator bars, which are located at the bottom of the tread grooves throughout your tire Then, check if the bar is flush with the adjacent ribs, which means your tire needs replacing.

Place a penny into any tread groove on your tire. Rotate the penny so Abraham Lincoln’s head is upside down and inside the tread. Determine whether you can see Lincoln’s entire head when the penny is inserted into the tread groove. Your tires are considered safe and legal if a portion of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread. However, if you can see Lincoln's entire head after inserting the penny into the groove, you may need to replace your tire. Repeat steps #1 through #3 in various grooves all over your tire. If Lincoln's head is visible in any groove, the tire may need replacing. Place a quarter into any tread groove on your tire. Rotate the quarter so George Washington’s head is upside down and inside the tread. Determine whether you can see Washington’s entire head when the quarter is inserted into the tread groove. If a portion of Washington's head is always covered by the tread, your tire has more than four thirty-second of an inch of tread depth remaining, which indicates your tires are still in good condition. Repeat steps #1 through #3 in various grooves all over your tire. If Washington's entire head is visible in any groove, you may need to replace the tire. Examine your tire to locate the treadwear indicator bars molded into the tread grooves. These “bars” are located at the bottom of tread grooves in various locations all over your tire, and can help you visibly determine whether your tire tread is low. Check to see whether the treadwear bars are flush with the adjacent ribs. If so, this means your tire tread measures in at two thirty-second of an inch, and the tire should be replaced. Purchase a tire tread depth gauge from any auto parts store. Most models of tread depth gauges cost between $3 and $8 from any auto parts retail store. Place the end of the probe into any tread groove on your tire. Push down on the base of the gauge until the shoulders of the device lie flat against the tread block. Grab the barrel of the gauge and carefully remove the device from the groove without touching the probe. Make note of the tread depth reading. Repeat steps #2 through #5 on various parts of the tire. This allows you to find out whether any grooves in your tire measure higher than two thirty-second of an inch, and whether your tire needs replacing.

Place a penny into any tread groove on your tire. Rotate the penny so Abraham Lincoln’s head is upside down and inside the tread. Determine whether you can see Lincoln’s entire head when the penny is inserted into the tread groove. Repeat steps #1 through #3 in various grooves all over your tire. Place a quarter into any tread groove on your tire. Rotate the quarter so George Washington’s head is upside down and inside the tread. Determine whether you can see Washington’s entire head when the quarter is inserted into the tread groove. Repeat steps #1 through #3 in various grooves all over your tire. Examine your tire to locate the treadwear indicator bars molded into the tread grooves. Check to see whether the treadwear bars are flush with the adjacent ribs. Purchase a tire tread depth gauge from any auto parts store. Place the end of the probe into any tread groove on your tire. Push down on the base of the gauge until the shoulders of the device lie flat against the tread block. Grab the barrel of the gauge and carefully remove the device from the groove without touching the probe. Make note of the tread depth reading. Repeat steps #2 through #5 on various parts of the tire.

https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Knee-High-Socks

How to Wear Knee High Socks

To wear knee high socks, try wearing them with shorts and a tee for a springtime look. Alternatively, pair your socks with a jersey dress for a casual yet flirty outfit. If you'd prefer to dress up your knee-highs, choose a rich, saturated color, like burgundy, and wear it with a cocktail dress. When looking at shoes to wear with your knee-high socks, go with heels for a dressy option, flats for a casual look, or knee-high boots for a bold choice.

Go for dark neutrals if you want a balanced and stylish choice. Choose neutrals such as black, navy, and brown for a versatile sock option. These shades look great with nearly any outfit. Since the neutral is dark in tone, your outfit looks balanced overall, rather than potentially bright or loud. Since your bottom choice is dark, both colored and neutral tops look great. You can also choose a charcoal grey or slate-blue colored sock for a dark, neutral choice. Choose a pair of colored socks for a bold look. If you aren't afraid to have all eyes on you, go for a colored pair of knee-high socks, such as a red, green, or light blue. This is a great way to add a pop of color to a mostly neutral outfit. When wearing colored socks, try to choose tops and bottoms that are neutral in color so your outfit doesn't look too loud. For instance, wear a pair of funky red socks with dark denim shorts and a white T-shirt. Select a pair of novelty socks for a fun, unique look. Choose socks in a tie-dye, polka-dot, or printed pattern, for instance. Try textured socks if you want to add detail to your outfit. If you want a unique knee-high sock option, look for a pair with an interesting pattern, such as sheer or fishnet. These sock choices add a bit of interest to your outfit, and they can look quite classy if styled with dressy pieces. For example, wear a pair of sheer black knee-highs with a black cocktail dress. Pick a pair with stripes at the top for a sporty, tomboy look. If you want a casual, active style, choose a set of athletic black or colored socks with 2 or 3 stripes. These give a slightly sporty edge to your outfit, and they look great with gym shorts and a tank top. Wear these with a pair of cleats and you're all set for soccer practice. For a cute, tomboy outfit, wear athletic socks with a jersey T-shirt dress. Wear a pair of tights underneath for a subtle style. If you are worried that your knee-highs look too risque, you can easily pair your socks with a set of tights. Wear nearly any pair of tights you'd like if you want to cover up a bit more. For example, choose a sheer pair for a dressy look or go with a patterned set of tights for extra detail. Wear your knee-high socks with shorts and a tee for a springtime look. If you want to wear knee-high socks in warm weather, pair them with a denim short for a cute and stylish choice. You can wear a graphic T-shirt, a flirty tunic, or a form-fitting tank top, for instance. This looks great with flats or boots in a neutral color. Pair your socks with a jersey dress for a cute and flirty outfit. If you want an adorable and casual outfit that you can style for any season, go with a cotton dress in a solid color. This is a simple, attractive outfit that looks great for going to school or meeting up for coffee with a cutie. To wear this in the summer, choose a flowy tank or T-shirt dress. For a winter or autumn look, go with a long-sleeved shirt, thermal tights, and a scarf. Go with a cocktail dress if you want to dress up your socks. While knee-high socks aren't appropriate for all formal occasions, give them a dressy touch by wearing them with a stylish cocktail dress. Choose a neutral color for a subtle style, or go for a rich, saturated shade for an elegant look. For instance, choose a burgundy, navy, or emerald colored dress to wear with black knee-high socks and black kitten heels. This looks great for a date night outfit. If you want a more conservative outfit, put on a sheer pair of tights underneath. Throw on a sweater and a skirt for a trendy autumn style. For a flirty but tasteful outfit, wear dark-colored socks with a knit sweater and a solid-colored skirt. Try not to choose a mini-skirt, as this can look skimpy. Instead, go with a skirt that comes to about your knee for a classic look. This looks great for a fall or winter outfit, and you can throw on a pair of tights and slouchy beanie to keep warm. To test the length of your skirt, hold your arm to your side. If your skirt goes past your fingers, it should be an appropriate length. Use your best judgment based on the overall look of your outfit. Put on a denim or leather jacket for a stylish outer layer. Since knee-high socks add another layer to the bottom of the outfit, they look great when you layer other clothing on top too. Choose a denim jacket for a casual, day-to-day option, or go for a leather blazer for an edgy, evening choice. This is a great idea for a fall outfit. For a casual outfit, pair a jersey dress, sheer tights, knee-highs, and denim jacket. For an evening look, wear a denim skirt, black blouse, and leather jacket with your knee-highs. Cover up with a winter jacket when it’s cold outside. If you want to wear your knee-high socks in the winter, be sure to wear another pair of tights underneath. In addition, throw on a parka or trench coat to keep warm while outdoors. Wear your coat with a sweater and skirt or sweater dress, for example. These options look great when wearing knee-high socks in the winter. Don't forget your gloves, scarf, and earmuffs! Go with a pair of heels for a flirty, dressy option. For a more subtle style, choose a low pair of heels. If you are going out for the night, consider wearing a set of pumps for a sexy touch. Heels look great with dresses and skirts in particular. When wearing knee-high socks, pick a heel in a similar color to keep your look balanced. For instance, wear black pumps with black knee-high socks. For a cute, classic look, go with a pair of Mary Jane heels, know for their buckled strap. Wear this with your knee-highs for a night out at the bar or going out on a date, for example. Wear a pair of flats with your socks for a casual style. If you want a shoe to wear when running errands, going to school, or hanging out with your friends, try pairing flats with your socks. You can choose a simple neutral flat or go with a flat with buckles or studs for added interest. Wear flats in the spring, summer, and fall. If you wear them in the winter, you may slip if walking on snow or ice, as flats are not very slip-resistant. Flats look particularly cute with knee-high socks, a patterned skirt, and a neutral top. Try a pair of ankle boots for a versatile choice. Ankle boots look great with knee-high socks for both casual and dressy looks. For instance, wear these with shorts and a tee or with a cocktail dress for a cute, stylish outfit. Ankle boots are a great choice no matter what season. In the winter, you can choose a waterproof or slip resistant option. Wear knee-high socks with a jersey dress and ankle boots with a small heel for a cute and flirty date night outfit. Rock knee-high boots with your knee-high socks for a bold choice. If you want a dramatic statement shoe, try wearing boots that are 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) shorter than the height of your socks. If you'd like, you can scrunch your socks down for a cute touch. This looks great with a stylish dress or skirt, for instance. You can go with a slightly A-line cut for a classic silhouette. Also consider wearing a pair of sheer tights underneath if you want another layer. While wearing knee-high boots is still a bold look, adding another layer keeps your look balanced and toned down.

Go for dark neutrals if you want a balanced and stylish choice. Choose a pair of colored socks for a bold look. Try textured socks if you want to add detail to your outfit. Pick a pair with stripes at the top for a sporty, tomboy look. Wear a pair of tights underneath for a subtle style. Wear your knee-high socks with shorts and a tee for a springtime look. Pair your socks with a jersey dress for a cute and flirty outfit. Go with a cocktail dress if you want to dress up your socks. Throw on a sweater and a skirt for a trendy autumn style. Put on a denim or leather jacket for a stylish outer layer. Cover up with a winter jacket when it’s cold outside. Go with a pair of heels for a flirty, dressy option. Wear a pair of flats with your socks for a casual style. Try a pair of ankle boots for a versatile choice. Rock knee-high boots with your knee-high socks for a bold choice.

https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Spruce-Trees

How to Identify Spruce Trees

To identify spruce trees, first look at the needles. If they're are attached individually to branches, have 4 sides, and roll easily between your fingers, it's a spruce. Then, check the cones, which on spruce trees have smooth, thin scales and are easy to bend. You can also look at the shape of the branches, which will be bushy, full, and upturned if it's a spruce.

Look at the needles of the spruce. Before trying to narrow down the species of spruce tree, first make sure that you are not looking at a fir or pine. Examining the needles of the trees is the easiest way to make the distinction between them. The needles of a spruce tree are attached individually to its branches, as opposed to being in clusters. They also have four sides and roll easily between your fingers. The needles of pine trees grow in clusters, which makes them immediately distinguishable from spruce trees. Like spruce needles, the needles of fir trees also grow individually. However, while spruce tree needles are sharply pointed and easy to roll between your fingers, fir needles are flatter, less pointy, and can't be rolled between your fingers. Examine the cones. The cones of a spruce tree are also a good way to identify the tree. Cones grow from tree branches and contain the seeds of a tree. Spruces, pines, and firs all contain cones, as do other conifers like cedars and hemlock trees. Spruce cones have smooth, thin scales, and are quite flexible and easy to bend. Pine cones have scales that are thick, rough and woody, which makes the cones inflexible. Feel the branches. The needles of spruce trees grow out of small woody pegs from the branches. When the needles fall from the tree, these pegs are left behind, giving the branches a rough feel. The pegs look like little three-dimensional dots along the surface of the branch. The branches of fir and pine trees lack these stalks, and therefore feel smoother than those of spruce trees. Look at the shape of the branches. Spruce trees are bushy and full, and have upturned branches. Fir trees, on the other hand, have downturned branches, making them easily distinguishable. Pine trees also have upturned branches but they have fewer branches which makes them look slightly sparser than spruce trees. Use the region to narrow down the species. Certain kinds of spruce trees are common to certain locations. Note where the tree is located and research the kinds of spruce trees native to the area. Find an illustrated guide of trees in your region to help you identify the species of spruce. The Colorado Spruce is common throughout the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest. The Red Spruce, the Black Spruce, and the Blue Spruce are all common varieties that typically grow in the Northeast. The White Spruce and the Norway Spruce are prevalent both in the Northeast and the Northwest. There are also several varieties of spruce that are native to countries in East Asia, Turkey, and areas of Western Europe. Consider the immediate area. Different spruce species flourish in different conditions. Some spruce trees tend to grow only near water sources or places with rich soil, while others do well even in harsh climates. Take into account the area in which the spruce is growing. The Colorado spruce grows best in environments that have rich, gravelly soil like the areas around rivers or streams. The Black Spruce typically grows in bogs and swamps, which is why it is also referred to as the Bog Spruce. The Red Spruce is often found in cool forests alongside other conifers. The White Spruce tends to grow in moist acidic soil around rivers or streams and often grows around other coniferous hardwood trees. The Norway Spruce can grow in a variety of cooler climates, but flourishes in moist and acidic soils. Ask the nursery to identify a Christmas spruce. If you are trying to identify a Christmas tree, you may not know where the tree came from. If you are trying to identify what kind of spruce your Christmas tree is, ask the nursery you purchased it from. If you didn't purchase it from a store or nursery, you will have to look closely at the tree to identify it. The most common spruces used as Christmas trees are the Colorado Spruce and the White Spruce. Examine the needles. The needles of the spruce differ among the various species of the tree. The color of the needles, their measurements, and even the smell when the needles are crushed can be helpful factors in identifying the tree. The Colorado Spruce has blue or blue-silver needles that are quite sharp and are ¾ to 1 ½ inches long. The Black Spruce has stubby needles that are only about ½ long. The Red Spruce has yellow-green needles around ½ - 1 inch long that give off the scent of orange rind when they are crushed. The White Spruce has bluish-green needles that give off an unpleasant scent of skunk when crushed. The Norway Spruce has dark green needles that are about 1 inch long. Look at the cones. The cones of spruce trees often vary between different species. Particularly pay attention to the measurements and the color of the cones. If the cones of the spruce do not match the descriptions of the most common spruces listed below, use a tree identification guide to help you narrow down the tree specie. The Colorado Spruce has dark brown cones that are around 2-4 inches long. The Black Spruce has roundish dark-purple cones that are ½ to 1 ½ inches long. The cones grow around the top of the tree. The Red Spruce has reddish-brown cones that are around 1 ½ inches long and are rough in texture. The White Spruce has thin cones that are about 1 ¼ to 2 inches in length. Its cones are light brown and very flexible. The Norway Spruce has very large distinctive cones that grow about 4-7 inches and are light brown in color. Look at the bark color. Spruce trees also have subtle variations in bark color among species. Though it may not give you an answer by itself, the bark color is also an additional factor to consider when identifying the tree. The Colorado Spruce has thin bark that forms in small scales. The bark turns from pale grey to brown as the tree ages. The Black Spruce has thin, scaly bark that is dark green-brown in color. The Red Spruce has bark with a reddish hue which is especially visible between the scales of the bark. The White Spruce has ash-brown, sometimes grayish bark. The Norway Spruce has scaly bark that is a gray-brown. Consider the shape of the spruce. For several species of spruce, the shape of the tree is the most obvious distinguishing feature. You can also use the height of the tree to narrow down the specie, but remember that the tree may not be fully grown. In general, spruces grow about 1 ft (0.30 m) a year, so a 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) tall tree is probably around 6-10 years old. The Colorado Spruce has a squat, pyramidal shape. Mature trees grow 70-80 feet tall. The Black Spruce has a narrow shape and often has a stalk-like top, since the branches at the top of the tree are quite short. It grows up to 50-70 feet tall. The Red Spruce grows straight and tall and is conical in shape/ It grows from 60-80 feet tall. The White Spruce has a broad base is often somewhat asymmetrical, especially toward the top of the tree. It grows 60-90 feet tall. The Norway Spruce grows very symmetrically, and often has branches that skim the ground, obscuring the trunk. It typically grows 80-90 feet tall.

Look at the needles of the spruce. Examine the cones. Feel the branches. Look at the shape of the branches. Use the region to narrow down the species. Consider the immediate area. Ask the nursery to identify a Christmas spruce. Examine the needles. Look at the cones. Look at the bark color. Consider the shape of the spruce.

https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Track-of-Your-Personal-Finances

How to Keep Track of Your Personal Finances

It can be really hard to keep track of your personal finances, but you can do it if you're organized. Keep a log where you write down every transaction you make, whether you pay with cash, debit, or credit card. You can use a notebook, a spreadsheet, a computer program, or even a mobile app to keep track of your transactions. Try to write the purchases down as they occur so you don't forget anything. At the end of each month, analyze your spending, and determine if there's something you need to cut back on.

Create a system. The most important part of keeping track of your finances is consistency. Regardless of which way you choose to log your transactions, you have to be able to refer back to them easily and reliably. Be sure to include important information like the date, amount spent or gained, and expense category with each entry. Also be sure to make your recording consistent. For example, you can record transactions as soon as they happen, every time you get home, or even once a week. Expense categories are an easy way to figure out what you spend the most money on. These categories may include things like housing, utilities, household expenses, groceries, health care, pets, personal expenses, and entertainment. These categories will of course vary from person to person and you can be as specific or general as you want with your categories. For example, you may simply want to record expenses as either need or wants. The important thing is that your categorizing is consistent between transactions. Keep a notebook. The absolute simplest way of tracking your finances is to write a record of each transaction in a notebook. By always carrying this notebook, you are able to know exactly where every dollar came from and went. At the end of each period (week or month), you can also transfer the information to a computer spreadsheet so that it is more accessible. You can organize this notebook in several different ways. For simplicity, you may simply choose to use the notebook for spending. Alternately, you can treat it more like a logbook and record both your income and your expenses and how they affect the balance of your checking account. Some people choose to use a notebook to track cash expenses only, combining it with debit and credit card expenses at the end of each month or week. Keep a checkbook. It may be considered old-fashioned, but recording your transactions in a checkbook is still a simple and reliable way of tracking your finances. The recording process involves simply writing down the amount of the transaction, writing a description of the transaction (a good place to write down the category), and then adding or subtracting the amount from account balance. For more information, and a look at balance a checkbook, see how to balance a checkbook Use a computer spreadsheet. By using a simple spreadsheet on a program like Microsoft Excel, you can organize your expenses clearly and even create graphs easily to better understand your spending. They are many specific ways to do this, but a good start might be to create a personal budget. This would be done on a week or monthly basis, and include information like the amount, category, and date for each transaction. To create a personal budget, start by listing your fixed expenses each month (like rent and utilities) as an expense on the first day of each month, along with your expected income for that month. You can then subtract other expenses or add other incomes as necessary throughout the week or month. Analyze your finances at the end of each month. Regardless of which method you choose to keep track of each transaction, you will need also need some way of combining and analyzing your spending at the end of each month. This will allow you to see where your money is going and allow you to make adjustments for next month if needed. Start by totaling your expenses and compare the sum to your income for the month. Obviously, if you're spending more than you're making, you'll have to identify the source of your overspending and try to make a change for next month. To identify where your money is going, you can try totaling your spending by category. That is, you should combine the totals spent in each expense category and compare them either to each other or to your total expenditures. Specifically, you can divide the total of each category by the sum total of all of your expenses for the month to get the percentage of total expenses accounted for by that category. This will allows to you identify areas where you might be overspending. You can also use this information to create a working budget for next month. Select a personal finance app. There are a multitude of personal-finance apps available both for mobile phones and web browsers that offer services to track, tabulate, and analyze your expenses. These apps also offer a range of comprehensiveness, from simply acting as a budget-creation tool to displaying all your assets in one place. In choosing one, keep in mind your financial goals and ability to commit to using the app. You may want to choose a comprehensive app that pulls in all of your financial information from bank accounts, retirement accounts, and other sources. These often also track your bills and remind you to pay them. Award-winning examples include: Mint Personal Capital Pocket Expense Alternately, you may want a simpler app that just keep track of your expenses and/or your income. These apps also connect to bank, but offer a simpler interface and fewer options than the more comprehensive apps. Good examples include: Level Money BillGuard Finally, if you want to use an app to track your finances, but don't feel comfortable handing over your financial information (bank passwords and account numbers), there are also apps that function as manual-input ledgers and analysis tools. Good examples include: Mvelopes You Need a Budget Input your information into the app. If the app you have chosen requires bank information, input your information and wait for the app to sync with your accounts. Alternately, input your own transaction information as you spend money and watch the app work its magic. The apps will guide you during this process. Study the app's analysis. At regular intervals, the apps will supply you with analyses of your spending habits. Be sure to actually read these reports and think about adjusting your spending habits if necessary. Some apps will provide guidance on how to save money in certain areas.

Create a system. Keep a notebook. Keep a checkbook. Use a computer spreadsheet. Analyze your finances at the end of each month. Select a personal finance app. Input your information into the app. Study the app's analysis.

https://www.wikihow.com/Install-a-Dryer-Vent-Hose

How to Install a Dryer Vent Hose

To install a flexible dryer vent hose, start by measuring the distance between your dryer's exhaust port and the outdoor vent hood. Mark this measurement on your vent hose and, using snippers, cut through the marked area. Then, attach the hose to your dryer's exhaust port and vent hood, securing the ends with foil tape or hose clamps.

Find the distance between your vent hood and dryer. Using a tape measure , find the distance between your vent hood's cap extension and the dryer's exhaust vent. Write down the measurement to use later. Put tape around the area of hose you need to cut. Set your vent hose on a smooth surface and extend it if necessary. Then, use a tape measure to find an amount of hose equal to your previous measurement. Mark the area with a small amount of tape. Cut your hose using snippers. Using a pair of tin or aviation snips, cut through the marked area until you've divided your hose into 2 pieces. For safety, make sure to wear thick working gloves while cutting. Attach your hose to the dryer and vent hood. Slip one end of your hose over the dryer's exhaust port. Hold it in place using a dryer tube clamp or a piece of foil tape. Then, slip the other end over the vent hood's cap extension and secure it with a tube clamp or foil tape. To use foil tape, simply wrap the tape around the connecting seams. To use a tube clamp, unscrew the clamp to loosen it. Slip it onto the hose, line it up over the connecting seam, then tighten it back up. Secure the vent hose with pipe straps. Make sure the dryer vent hose is free of kinks and bends. Then, fix it to the wall using screws and pipe straps. For every 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) of hose, use 1 pipe strap. Measure the length between your dryer and vent hood. Run a tape measure between your dryer's exhaust vent and the vent hood. Measure the path as if the hose were already assembled to account for any curves or bends. Record the measurement for later reference. Set your hose on a firm surface. Grab a piece of hose that is not yet assembled, meaning it looks like a sheet instead of a pipe. Then, set it on a flat, sturdy surface like a wooden table. Slightly flatten the hose with your hands to make it easier to manipulate. Mark the area you need to cut. Measure out an amount of hose equal to the measurements you took earlier. Then, mark the spot with a Sharpie or piece of tape. To make cutting easier, create multiple marks around the hose. If you plan on assembling your vent using multiple pieces, mark the length you need for the segment you're preparing. Cut the vent using snippers. Before cutting, put on a pair of thick working gloves to protect yourself from the blade and the pipe's edges. Then, with a set of aviation or tin snips, slowly cut through the marked area on the hose. Press the edges of the hose together. Vent hoses have small seams along the edges so you can easily assemble them. To do so, simply press the seams against each other until they snap together, then secure them by pressing down on the hose. Repeat this for the entire length of the vent piece. Connect your hose pieces together if necessary. Unless you're using a single piece of dryer vent hose, you'll need to assemble everything into one unbroken segment. If you're using elbow pieces, slide the crimped end of one elbow piece into the hose. If you're attaching multiple hose segments together, combine them using an aluminium duct connector. To help hold joint pieces together, wrap foil tape around their connecting seam. Attach the hose to your dryer. Move your dryer out if necessary, then slide the bottom end of the hose, or the lower elbow piece, over your dryer's rear exhaust port. If the connection seems loose, secure the seam with foil tape or a hose clamp. If you're using foil tape, simply cover the connecting seam with the tape. If you're using a tube clamp, loosen up the clamp by unscrewing it. Put it on the hose and make sure it's lined up with the connecting seam, then tighten it. Connect the hose to the vent hood. Take the top of the hose, or the upper elbow piece, and slide it over the vent hood's cap extension. Cover the seam with foil tape or a hose clamp to make sure it doesn't fall out. Hold the vent hose down with pipe straps. When the dryer vent hose is fully attached, make sure all the seams are covered with foil tape. Then, press the dryer vent to the wall and hold it down using pipe straps and simple screws. For safety, use one pipe strap for every 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) of hose. Find a good spot to install the hood. Look around the room where you keep your dryer and search for a spot as close to the dryer's exhaust port as possible. Select a spot made from material that you can cut through, like plaster, wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Remember to check both sides of the wall to make sure there are no obstructions on either end. Drill a .25 in (0.64 cm) hole through the center of the spot. To make sure the spot will actually work, test it by drilling a small,.25 in (0.64 cm) test hole through the material. If the drill makes it from one end of the spot to the other without running into trouble, you've found a good location. If it did not, cover the hole with putty and try again. If you're drilling through stucco or brick veneer, make sure to use a hammer drill fitted with a masonry bit. Make a template on the wall by tracing the vent hood. Once you're set on a location, place the pipe portion of your vent hood over the center of the test hole and trace the outside using a pencil. Make sure to repeat this process on both the inside and outside of your house. Remove stucco and brick veneer coverings using a hammer and chisel. Using the same drill as earlier, create a series of small holes around the vent hood template. Then, stick a cold chisel into each hole and hit the back of the chisel with a hammer, breaking the material. Take out the material and, if you're getting rid of stucco, make sure to remove the wire mesh backing as well. Repeat this until you reveal the wood frame beneath. Cut out vinyl and wood holes using a hole saw. Pick a saw that has a diameter.25 in (0.64 cm) larger than your template, then place it directly over the test hole. Saw slowly, tilting the tool as necessary until you've cut about halfway through the wall. Then, go to the other side and repeat the process. If necessary, remove any insulation from the newly formed hole. Mount the vent hood. If your hood's cap extension is not long enough to fit through the entire hole, attach a piece of dryer vent hose to the back and cover the seal with foil tape. Then, go outside and push the smaller end of the vent hood through the new opening. Press the hood firmly against the wall, then secure all 4 corners with screws. Finally, go back inside and apply caulk around the entire vent hood using a caulking gun. If you're mounting the vent hood on uneven vinyl siding, cover the area with a vinyl surface mounting block first.

Find the distance between your vent hood and dryer. Put tape around the area of hose you need to cut. Cut your hose using snippers. Attach your hose to the dryer and vent hood. Secure the vent hose with pipe straps. Measure the length between your dryer and vent hood. Set your hose on a firm surface. Mark the area you need to cut. Cut the vent using snippers. Press the edges of the hose together. Connect your hose pieces together if necessary. Attach the hose to your dryer. Connect the hose to the vent hood. Hold the vent hose down with pipe straps. Find a good spot to install the hood. Drill a .25 in (0.64 cm) hole through the center of the spot. Make a template on the wall by tracing the vent hood. Remove stucco and brick veneer coverings using a hammer and chisel. Cut out vinyl and wood holes using a hole saw. Mount the vent hood.

https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Crayfish

How to Catch a Crayfish

To catch a crayfish, start by checking your state's Department of Natural Resources website to see if you'll need a license in order to catch crayfish. Then, purchase a professional trap from your local sporting goods store and bait it with bacon or a can of wet cat food. Next, set your trap in a river or brook, since crayfish generally prefer clear, still water. Once you catch a crayfish, make sure to kill it right away using a sharp, sturdy kitchen knife, since it's illegal to transport live crayfish in most states.

Buy a professional trap. If you're new to catching crayfish, a professional trap is your best option. There are a variety of options when it comes to crayfish traps. Choose a trap based on your specific needs. Regardless of the type of trap you're purchasing, make sure the entrance is less than 9.5 centimeters. This is a safety precaution to prevent mammalian animals, like otters, from entering the trap and drowning. Some traps are designed with a crawl-in entrance. These traps are usually meant to be set up and left overnight. If you're planning on catching crayfish while on an extended camping trip, you might want a trap like this. You can leave it in the water overnight and check in the morning to see if you caught anything. If you're going for a one-day trip, get a trap designed for lifting. These traps work somewhat like fishing poles. You lower them into the water, wait until you feel pressure, and then pull the trap upward to check for crayfish. Use a small plastic cup. As crayfish are not particularly big, you may be able to get by with a simple plastic cup. If you're unaccustomed to handling live crayfish, this is not recommended. Crayfish are fast and do bite and claw. It may be hard to secure them in a cup if you lack experience. However, if you've caught crayfish before you may want to save your money and use a cup. You use a cup as a trap manually. You would wait until you see a crayfish and then submerge your cup in the water. Then, you would slowly move the cup forward until the crayfish was behind it. Use a stick to scare the crayfish so it backs into the cup. Then, pull the cup out of the water. Try a net. A net is a slightly less expensive option than a professional trap. It requires less manual effort than a simple cup, so it's a good in-between option. You can try a simple fishnet, which you can buy at most sporting goods stores. Keep in mind a fish net may not be ideal. You can hurt a crayfish if its limbs get caught in a fishing net. Even if you intend to kill the animal for food, you want to minimize its suffering. Find the right bait. Once you've chosen a trap, you'll need bait. If you're using a cup or net, this may not be necessary. Meat is what is most often used to catch a crayfish. It's best to use real meat instead of artificial bait. Fish heads, bacon, and chicken carcasses work well. If you do not want to spend money on real meat, you can use a can of cat food with holes punched into the top. Crayfish are primarily attracted to smell. They may follow the smell of the cat food. How you bait a trap depends heavily on the trap you're using. You would usually place it inside the trap, close to the back. Some crayfish traps may have special sections where you can place the bait. Place your chosen trap in the right area. You need to place your trap in an area where you're likely to find crayfish. Crayfish generally prefer clear, still water. They also prefer a rocky habitat. Look for shallow, still waters. You can also look for eddies with fast streams, as crayfish may flow into your traps. Rivers and brooks are where crayfish are most often found. They tend to congregate in warmer bodies of freshwater. If you live in a colder area, it may be harder to find and catch crayfish. Kill crayfish shortly after trapping them. In many states, it's illegal to transport live crayfish. You also do not want to cause the animals excessive stress. You should kill the crayfish shortly after they enter your traps. If you're going for a daylong fishing trip, you should keep crayfish alive until the end of the day. This minimizes decay. You can keep crayfish in a sealable container. Keep crayfish between layers of moist fabric. You might want to put ice between the layers of fabric, but be sure not to let ice directly touch the crayfish. When you're finished fishing, you can kill the crayfish by stabbing them with a kitchen knife. Stab around the top of the body, where their head joins the abdomen. Wear protective gloves. Some people prefer to simply catch crayfish by hand. You should not do this unless you have experience handling live crustaceans. Always wear protective gloves when catching crayfish by hand. They may nip or claw when frightened. Find crayfish. Crayfish are often found in shallow water. You may find crayfish congregated under a rock. Wade in a flowing, rocky creek and lift up stones and rocks. Look for gatherings of crayfish. Once again, crayfish prefer shallow waters. They're usually found in brooks and rivers. They may, however, show up in fast-moving eddies on occasion. Keep in mind crayfish do most of their moving during the night. It can be very hard to find crayfish during daylight hours. It might be a good idea to bring a flashlight and seek out crayfish during the night. You can find them by shining a flashlight into the water. Move slowly. When you find your crayfish, move slowly. Crayfish easily pick up on vibrations in the water. As you close in on your crayfish, move your hand slowly. Many people feel inclined to grab at the crayfish quickly, but this actually makes you less likely to catch them. Aim for the midsection. When picking up a crayfish by hand, aim for the midsection. Use two fingers. When two fingers are grasping around the hard shell of a crayfish's midsection, it's very difficult for it to fight back. Once you've secured a crayfish, place it in a sealable container. When you're done catching crayfish, kill them as you would when using a trap. Release breeding crayfish. It's unethical to catch and kill a crayfish that is breeding. This can diminish the population. Make sure you throwback any breeding females you catch. Crayfish hold larvae under their tails. A crayfish with a large tail may be a breeding female and should be thrown back into the water. If you're uncertain if you have a male or female, look at the crayfish's front claws. Larger front claws are indicative of a male crayfish. Make sure you have the proper license. Some states may require a license to catch crayfish. You should double check your state's regulations before catching crayfish. You should be able to find this information on your state's Department of Natural Resources website. If you're having trouble finding the answer, try calling a DNR office during office hours to ask for clarification. Seek medical attention in the event of an injury. Crayfish do claw and bite when frightened. You can minimize your risk of injury by wearing gloves. In the event you are nipped by a crayfish, wash the wound in water and soap. Then, seek medical care to make sure you do not need further treatment. While many crayfish bites can be treated at home, it's a good idea to be safe and have it looked at by a doctor.

Buy a professional trap. Use a small plastic cup. Try a net. Find the right bait. Place your chosen trap in the right area. Kill crayfish shortly after trapping them. Wear protective gloves. Find crayfish. Move slowly. Aim for the midsection. Release breeding crayfish. Make sure you have the proper license. Seek medical attention in the event of an injury.

https://www.wikihow.com/Print-Digital-Art

How to Print Digital Art

You can print your beautiful digital art right at home if you want to display or sell it. It's important to export your art in the highest quality to make sure you don't lose any detail. Export it as a JPEG or TIF file in the highest resolution you can. If you're printing it bigger than 13 by 19 inches, increase the DPI to 300. Increasing the resolution can change the color profiles, so make sure the color is right and adjust it before you print it if you need to. Alternatively, use a professional plugin to change the size for you. It's best to use a printer that takes pigment-based ink for the highest quality prints. You should also use acid-free paper that's at least 20 pounds so it looks professional.

Adjust the resolution to 300 dpi for fine art prints. What makes a professional print look professional is the sharpness of the resolution. What resolution you need will depend on what size project you're working on. You can usually print anything up to 13 in (33 cm) by 19 in (48 cm) without adjusting the resolution from the standard 72 dpi. For larger projects or projects that will be displayed, increase the resolution to up to 300 dpi. To resize the image in Sketchbook Pro for Mac, go to “Image,” then choose “Size.” In the menu box that comes up, make sure “Keep Proportions” and “Resample Image” are both checked. Then change the resolution. If you're using Photoshop, go to “Image,” then “Image Size.” Check the “Constrain proportions” and “Resample Image” boxes. At the bottom of the menu, select “Bicubic” from the dropdown menu for measurements. Adjust the color of the print. When you adjust the resolution, it can impact the color and texture of your print. Use the "color" menu to readjust the colors in your print to their original color. If you used custom colors in your original print, note down the numbers that correspond to those colors on Photoshop's color wheel. It will give you a good starting point after you adjust the resolution. Use professional software plugins for large projects. If you're printing your digital art on a poster, banner, or a similarly large project, you might want to use a plug-in to change the size. 2 popular plug-ins for resizing are Perfect Resize and Blow Up. Once you purchase the software online, dialog boxes will pop up to guide you through the installation process. Increase the contrast to brighten colors. How to change the contrast on your art will depend on what software you use. Most photo-editing software will have a slide cursor you can use to change the contrast. Increase the contrast beyond what looks sharpest on the screen. What looks sharp on the screen might not look quite as sharp printed out. Increase the sharpness in Photoshop. On the “Layer” menu in Photoshop, right-click on “Art Layer” and then choose “duplicate layer.” Then select “Filter,” “other,” and “High Pass.” In the “radius” drop-down menu, select 3, and then click “OK.” Go back to the Layer Palette and choose “Soft Light” or “Overlay” from the drop-down menu on the left. Then set the Opacity Slider to between 10 and 70 percent. Adjusting sharpness this way is different from adjusting resolution. A high resolution allows the eye to distinguish between close elements in a photo -- it makes a photograph look clearer. Increasing sharpness in Photoshop will make edges in your work look sharper. Save your artwork as a JPEG or TIF. Saving your art as a JPEG or TIF file gives you the best quality after you've made changes and want to print your artwork. You can change the file type by clicking "save as" and choosing JPEG or TIF from the drop-down menu under "file type." If you're using a JPEG file, only save your art in JPEG form when you're finished with all of your edits. Re-saving a JPEG over and over can decrease the quality of the final product. TIF files won't lose quality over repeated saves, so you can use a TIF file at any point. Use dye-based inks for vibrant colors or sharp text. If you're printing on glossy paper, dye-based ink can work well. It will create vibrant colors and dry more quickly than other inks. However, because dye-based inks aren't waterproof and fade rather quickly -- usually within 5 years. Use pigment-based inks for longevity. Pigment-based inks use pigments that suspended, not dissolved in liquid. This allows them to last longer -- up to 150 years. It's also best to use when printing on matte paper. The colors in pigment-based inks can be less vibrant than dye-based inks. To avoid this, look for inks made by the manufacturer of your printer. Select archival and acid-free paper. When you're printing digital art, the paper is as important as the ink. Paper that is listed as acid-free and 100% cotton or rag is an excellent choice for digital art. The paper package should note if the paper is the right type. Choose a paper finish that shows off your artwork best. Coated paper -- which comes in matte, semi-matte, and glossy finishes -- is best for printing digital art. The coat on the paper prevents the ink from soaking too far in the paper and dulling your colors. A glossy finish will make text hard to read, so if you have any text in your digital art, avoid a glossy paper. A semi-gloss finish will make your art pop without reflecting too much light and making it hard to see. It's the best option for art that will be displayed without glass. Matte paper doesn't reflect any light, so it's the best option if your art will be displayed behind glass. It's also best for a black and white work. Use paper that is heavier than 20 to 24#. 20 to 24# paper is the type of paper used in a copy machine or regular printer. A heavier paper will be necessary to make your prints look more professional. If you're displaying your art as a poster, look for paper that is above 28#. If you're displaying your art in a gallery, look for paper that is around 50#. Create a giclee print for artwork you're selling. A giclee print is a type of print that has a higher quality and longer lifespan than most inkjet prints. If you're selling your artwork, a giclee print will make your work look more professional. There are 3 main criteria a piece must meet to be considered a giclee print: The resolution is at least 300 dpi. This makes the image sharp, clear, and look professional. The print is printed on archival paper. Archival paper will maintain the colors and integrity of the ink for up to 100 years. If you're selling your artwork, you want your customers to be able to keep it for a lifetime. The print is created with pigment-based ink in a larger printer. Pigment-based ink won't fade like dye-based ink will. Most printers that will take pigment-based ink are larger than regular inkjet printers, and they hold up to 12 different color ink cartridges (as opposed to 2 or 3 in inkjet printers). Use a high-quality printer. You can only use pigment-based inks in certain printers. A lot of the brands that make standard inkjet printers – Canon, Epson, HP, and Kodak, for example – all make printers that take pigment-based inks. You can see which models can print using pigment-based ink at https://laserinkjetlabels.com/pages/pigment-based-inkjet-cartridges/. Adjust your printer settings. Once you click "print," a dialog box will come up. Choose your printer from the "printer" drop-down menu, then choose "other options." Under "color management," choose "Photoshop Element manages colors," then your printer in the printer profile under that menu. It will allow the software to adjust the colors according to your printer so they come out looking professional. Use CYMK mode for printing art. When you're preparing your digital artwork, your computer will use RBG mode to create and save the colors. RBG mode tells your screen exactly how to display them. However, when you're ready to print, choose CYMK mode instead. Those colors are designed specifically for color printing. The conversions from RBG to CYMK can make colors that appear bright on screen look slightly dark once printed. If you're going to convert to CYMK mode, consider brightening your colors slightly. Print a test image. Before you print your final piece, consider printing a test image. Make sure your color, resolution, sharpness, and printer settings are where you want them, and then print the image. You'll be able to see how the digital image translates to an actual print and adjust accordingly. The type of paper recommended for digital art prints can be expensive, so you might want to consider printing on regular inkjet paper first. Keep in mind that the colors and sharpness may look slightly different.

Adjust the resolution to 300 dpi for fine art prints. Adjust the color of the print. Use professional software plugins for large projects. Increase the contrast to brighten colors. Increase the sharpness in Photoshop. Save your artwork as a JPEG or TIF. Use dye-based inks for vibrant colors or sharp text. Use pigment-based inks for longevity. Select archival and acid-free paper. Choose a paper finish that shows off your artwork best. Use paper that is heavier than 20 to 24#. Create a giclee print for artwork you're selling. Use a high-quality printer. Adjust your printer settings. Use CYMK mode for printing art. Print a test image.

https://www.wikihow.com/Disinfect-Laundry

How to Disinfect Laundry

To disinfect laundry, start by setting your washer to the highest possible temperature for the items you're washing, using the care labels as a reference. Then, add a normal amount of detergent and fill the bleach dispenser according to the instructions on the bottle of bleach. If you're disinfecting white items, use chlorine bleach, and if you're washing colored garments, use all-fabric bleach. Finally, add your laundry and run the machine on a regular setting.

Set the washer to the highest temperature possible. When you're disinfecting your laundry with bleach, you want to wash at the highest temperature possible. Check your items' care labels to determine how hot the water you wash them in can be, and use that setting on your washing machine. Hot water, measuring 140 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 90 degrees Celsius) is typically only used for white items. Colored items should be washed in cooler water, typically measuring between 86 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 40 degrees Celsius). Delicate items usually should be hand washed or washed in a strictly cold water cycle. Add the usual amount of detergent. Once you've set the proper temperature for the water, fill the cap from your detergent with the recommended amount for the size of your load. Pour the detergent directly into the washer's drum or into the detergent drawer. If you're not sure where the detergent goes in your washing machine, consult the operating instructions. Front-loading washers usually have a detergent drawer, while top-loading washers usually call for pouring the detergent directly into the washer's drum. Fill the bleach dispenser in your machine. Consult the instructions on the bottle of bleach to determine how much you should add for the size of your load. Next, pour the bleach into the bleach dispenser. If your washer doesn't have a bleach dispenser, you can add the bleach directly to the drum. However, you should start the cycle first so water starts to fill the drum before pouring the bleach in. Don't put laundry in a washer with bleach that hasn't been diluted first. Pay attention to the type of bleach that you're using. Chlorine bleach is best for white items, while all-fabric bleach should be used on colored items. Add your laundry and allow the cycle to run. Once you've added the detergent and bleach, place your laundry items in the washer's drum. Close the lid, and allow the cycle to run through as it normally would. When your items are finished washing, dry them according to their care instructions. Combine cold water and bleach. To create a bleach solution to soak your laundry, you need to dilute the bleach with cold water. The amount of bleach that you need depends on how large a load you're soaking. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of bleach for every 1 gallon (3.8 l) of cold water up to 5 gallons (19 l). Make sure to choose the right bleach for your laundry. Only use chlorine bleach for white items. Use an all-fabric bleach for colored items. Make sure that your laundry has already been washed before soaking it in the bleach. Soak the items in the bleach solution for at least 15 minutes. Once you've created the bleach solution, place your laundry in the water. Allow the items to soak in the water for at least 15 minutes. If you're soaking laundry that is especially prone to germs, such as cloth diapers or an ill person's bedding, you should let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Never leave the laundry in the bleach solution for more than 45 minutes. Rinse the items with hot water and wash them in your washer. After your laundry has soaked for the appropriate amount of time, use hot water to rinse them thoroughly. Next, put them in your washer and wash as you normally would with hot water to completely remove the bleach. Be sure to read the care labels on your laundry to verify that they can be washed in hot water. Wash or soak your laundry in hydrogen peroxide and borax. If you don't want to use bleach to disinfect your laundry, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and borax can also do the trick. You can create a solution to add to a load of laundry or soak your items in it to sanitize them. To wash your laundry with a disinfecting hydrogen peroxide and borax solution, mix 4 cups (960 ml) of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup (409 g) of borax along with your usual detergent. Make sure to add the mixture to your washer after there's some water in it, though. To soak your laundry in a disinfecting hydrogen peroxide and borax solution, mix 4 cups (960 ml) of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup (409 g) of borax into a bathtub that's half full with water. Allow the items to soak for 15 to 30 minutes, rinse in hot water, and then run through a cycle in the washer with hot water. Be careful when using hydrogen peroxide on darker colors. Test it on an area of the fabric that won't be visible before using it. Add tea tree or lavender essential oil to your washing machine cycle. Tea tree oil and lavender essential oil are believed to have natural antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. While you're doing a regular load in your washing machine add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil or 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil along with your detergent. Allow the cycle to run as normal, and dry the clothes according to the care label when you're finished washing them. Because tea tree oil and lavender essential oil have fragrances, it's best to use them with unscented detergent.

Set the washer to the highest temperature possible. Add the usual amount of detergent. Fill the bleach dispenser in your machine. Add your laundry and allow the cycle to run. Combine cold water and bleach. Soak the items in the bleach solution for at least 15 minutes. Rinse the items with hot water and wash them in your washer. Wash or soak your laundry in hydrogen peroxide and borax. Add tea tree or lavender essential oil to your washing machine cycle.

https://www.wikihow.com/Pack-Efficiently

How to Pack Efficiently

To pack efficiently, roll up your clothes instead of folding them since they'll take up less space that way. If you need to pack bulky items that you can't roll up, like a winter coat, put them in a compression bag and press out all the air so they're as compact as possible. You can also save room in your bag by stuffing things in the shoes you're packing, like socks, underwear, and jewelry. Additionally, wear your bulkiest clothes and shoes on the day you travel so they're not taking up space in your bag.

Decide what you will realistically need for your trip. Write each item out in a list to help you visualize the contents of your pack. Think about where you're going, how long you'll be gone, and what you need to maintain a comfortable quality of life while you're on your trip. If you're not absolutely sure that you will need something, consider leaving it behind. Unless you're traveling somewhere especially remote, you'll be able to buy most non-essential or emergency items while you're on your trip. Consider the absolute essentials. Identification, medication, money, food. How will you get around, how will you survive, and what will you need in an emergency? Think about what, if any, identification you will need: a passport, a driver's license, a work visa, a backcountry permit, a return ticket? Make sure that all documents are current, and that they aren't going to expire while you're on your trip. Think about any medical or dietary requirements that you can't live without. Do you need contact solution? An inhaler? Dietary supplements? Birth control? If there's anything health-related that you won't be able to easily find on your trip, be sure to bring it. Think about how you'll pay for goods, services, hotels, travel. If you won't have access to a bank, bring plenty of cash. If you're traveling abroad, be sure to change plenty of currency in the airport. Think about what you'll eat, and how you'll eat it. If you're backpacking into the wilderness, you'll need to carry enough food to survive until you return, and you'll need a way to cook or prepare it. If you're traveling in a populated area, you probably won't go hungry--but make sure that you don't have any allergies to common ingredients of the local cuisine. Think about which toiletries you will need. Consider buying travel-sized versions of anything you need; you can find travel toiletries in drugstores and travel-supply stores. Bring dental hygiene goods, as needed: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, retainer. Bring optical necessities: glasses, contact solution, extra contacts, eye drops. Bring deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, chapstick--what ever you will realistically use. Be aware that most airlines follow the 3-1-1 rule. The bottles containing the liquids must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, they must all fit within one, 1 quart transparent plastic bag, and the total volume of liquids contained in the bag must not exceed 1 quart. Keep in mind that if you're traveling to an urban, populated area, you will probably be able to find most toiletries in stores near where you're staying. The most important things to pack are those for which you have a personal prescription: contacts, retainers, medications. Consider what you'll be wearing. How many changes of clothes will you need? What sort of weather conditions will you face? Which activities do you need to prepare for? Consider how long you'll be gone and how many times you'll need to change clothes. Consider whether you'll have the opportunity to wash your clothes; consider whether you're willing to wear any items multiple days in a row. Make sure to bring appropriate footwear. If you'll be walking a lot, bring sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots. If you're going to be going out in a city, bring lightweight "night out" shoes. If you're going to be somewhere hot, or near the beach, consider wearing sandals. The more functions or situations that any given pair of shoes can meet, the better. If you're going on a business trip, or to a wedding, and you need to look presentable, be sure to bring a mixture of formal and casual clothes. If you're going to a resort by the sea, be sure to bring a swimsuit to take into the water. Consider the weather. Run a web search to find the forecast for where you're going, and exercise your best judgment. If it will be raining, bring rain gear. If it will be cold, bring warm clothes. If it will be warm, bring lightweight, breathable clothing. If the weather conditions will be mixed, bring a mix of clothing so that you're prepared for any situation. Think about the gear that you'll need. If you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, bring the equipment that you'll need to safely conduct your adventures. If you'll be working remotely, be sure to bring your laptop or tablet, a charger, and any relevant documents. Only bring what you absolutely need: gear can be heavy and space-intensive. Consider whether you can rent gear where you're going. Perhaps you already have your own scuba gear, but it's heavy and unwieldy and you're only going to be scuba diving for one day of a week-long trip. Look for scuba rentals near where you want to dive, and search for tour companies that might be able to provide you scuba gear for the day. Gear can be expensive; shiny gadgets like laptops, tablets, and phones may catch the attention of opportunistic thieves. You don't want to bring your laptop on a trip, only to have it stolen--so carefully consider whether you truly need something before you bring it with you. The danger of thievery is highly dependent upon where and how you will be traveling. If you're going to be staying in five-star hotels and renting a car to get around, you probably don't need to worry much. If you'll be busing your way between grimy hostels, you may want to leave the laptop at home unless it's absolutely necessary. If you're staying in hostels and other shared rooms, consider bringing a combination lock to secure your gear. Most hostels offer closets and lockers in which you can store personal items. Think about what you'll need to entertain yourself. Do you want to read a book in your spare time? Listen to music on your iPod? Play games on your PSP during the plane flight? Be judicious with your entertainment, and bring only what you actually need--unread books are just needless weight. Be honest with yourself. How much are you actually going to read on this trip? How much have you wound up reading on similar trips in the past? You don't want to fill your pack with a stack of books, but only read one of them. Consider bringing a Kindle or Nook, or saving e-books onto another gadget, to bring a lot of reading material without filling up your luggage. As with other gear: be careful when traveling expensive electronics. Laptops, iPods, tablets, and game consoles can be magnets for opportunistic thieves and pickpockets. If you bring anything that you don't want to be stolen, keep it secure and avoid whipping it out in public. Pare down your list. When you've finished your list, consider the contents with a critical eye: which items are really essential for your trip, and which items are you bringing "just in case"? Cross off any non-essential items, and leave them behind. Think about past trips, and what you did and didn't need. Perhaps you brought four pairs of shoes last time, but you only wore one of them. Perhaps you brought two books, but just wound up reading the local newspapers. Keep in mind that you may be able to buy many things at local shops, if you're traveling to a populated area. This applies especially to toiletries and clothes. If you're not absolutely sure that you will use something, consider leaving it behind and planning to buy a local version in the case of an emergency. Only pack as much as you can carry. If you're going to be lugging a backpack around from hostel to hostel for two weeks, you don't want to pack more than you comfortably carry. Weigh the pack before you leave--you can use a luggage scale, or weigh yourself and the bag together. If it's more than 20 or 30 pounds, consider what, if anything, you can leave behind. Walk around with your pack and make sure that it's comfortable. Only bring carry-on luggage. If you can limit yourself to one carry-on bag and eliminate the need to check in any luggage, you will save yourself a world of time and hassle. It may sound daunting - but seasoned travelers swear that one small bag provides easily enough space for the travel essentials, you just need to cut-down on any non-essential items. Limiting yourself to carry-on luggage makes the process of traveling much easier - you will get in and out of the airport a lot faster, and enjoy the convenience of having all of your travel essentials directly on hand throughout your flight. You will also avoid the risk of incurring charges on overweight check-in bags, particularly on smaller local airlines. Packing a single small bag also has its advantages once you reach your destination. You will be a lot more flexible when it comes to moving from place to place, making it easier to take advantage of any opportunities or adventures that come your way. You will also appear as less of an easy target to pick-pockets and con artists. Bear in mind that many airlines impose a weight limit upon carry-on luggage--often to the order of 20-30 pounds. Before you try to fly, visit the website of your airline and find the carry-on limits. If you will be flying with multiple airlines, make sure to check the requirements for all of them. Pack as many outfits as you think you need, then subtract one. It's easy to pack more clothes than you will end up wearing, so pack fewer outfits than you think you'll need. Think about how many days you'll be away, and which activities you plan on doing while you're there. Consider what the weather will be like. If the weather has consistently been at 90 degrees for the last month, odds are you won't need more than one sweater. You'll probably end up wearing some items more than once, so think about clothes that you can mix and match. For example: for every one pair of shorts you bring, pack two or more shirts that will go with them, as you won't need to change your shorts everyday. Pack clothes that can be adapted to suit the situation. Men: try packing versatile pants, along with a light button-down shirt that can be worn out at night as well as on day trips. Women: try packing a simple dress that can be worn casually with flat sandals and a sun hat throughout the day, or dressed up with heels, a belt and some jewelry at night. Find out whether there is a laundromat near your accommodation - if there's one within easy reach, you will be able to wash your clothes, thus increasing the number of times you can wear them! Remember that it's not the end of the world if you end up needing to buy a couple of cheap t-shirts or a rain jacket while you're away - and chances are you won't need to. When travelling light, always pack for the best case scenario, not the worst case. Pack one exciting, versatile accessory. This is a great way to keep your wardrobe fashionable while packing light. Make sure that it will go with as many of your planned outfits as possible and that it serves a definite purpose. A large, decorative scarf can serve as a funky accessory to wear around your neck, can be worn in place of a cardigan if draped around your arms and shoulder, can turn into a make-shift sarong at the beach, can be worn as a head-scarf to protect your head from the sun, or can serve as a belt if worn around your waist! Avoid bringing more than two pairs of shoes. Shoes are the heaviest, bulkiest items that you will need to bring with you while travelling, so try to limit yourself to the absolute minimum. This can be a difficult choice to make for those who love having the perfect shoe for every occasion, but try to think about what's really necessary. If you're going on an action-packed sports holiday, you're hardly going to need a pair of dress shoes. A light-weight pair of flats or sneakers will carry you through any situations (restaurants, bars, museums, etc.) where you need to dress up slightly more formally. If you're going on a business trip, pack appropriate shoes for any meetings you have to take, along with comfier, more casual pair to wear while travelling or during down time. Don't pack your running shoes unless you are absolutely sure that you will be exercising while you're away. If you're going on a relaxing, indulgent holiday to a sunny destination, will you really get up at 7 am every morning for a 5 mile (8.0 km) run? Unless the answer is a resounding "yes", your running shoes are taking up valuable space. Leave whatever you can buy at your destination at home. Did you know that they have supermarkets in Europe? And pharmacies? And fashionable clothes stores? As mentioned earlier, unless you are travelling somewhere extremely remote, it's unlikely that there are many items you won't be able to find wherever you go. So unless you're particularly picky about the type of hair conditioner or shaving gel you need to use, leave these items at home and just pick them up when you get there. Buying as you go may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it will help you to significantly cut down on weight and free up some extra space in your bag. It's all about priorities! Remember that many large brands are universal - you should be able to find Gillette shaving cream, Colgate toothpaste and Pantene conditioner no matter where you are in world--or at least something comparable. You can also see this trip as a chance to try something new. If the worst comes to the worst and you can't find a particular product, ask yourself how the locals manage to live without it. Do they have some kind of alternative? Or is just an unnecessary comfort? Travelling light may require some sacrifices! Consider it an adventure. Arrange the contents of your bag to fit tightly and compactly. If space is more of a concern than weight, you will need to compress each travel item into its most compact form. Roll or bundle clothes; put smaller objects inside of larger objects; fit things together so that minimal space is left in between. Many airlines and buses limit the size of carry-on bags, so you may need to pack tight to make sure that your carry-on fits the requirements. Avoid folding and stacking clothes. Folded clothes take up a lot of space and are more prone to becoming wrinkled during transit. Try to roll, bundle, or compress your clothes into their most compact form so they take up less room. Put large, heavy and solid items--books, laptops, shoes, blow-driers--at the bottom of your bag. Heavy things are more secure at the bottom, and thus less likely to move around during travel. Clothes may get wrinkled when they're trapped beneath heavy objects. As a matter of convenience, you may find it easier to find small objects if they aren't trapped beneath large objects. Place fragile or easily-wrinkled items on top. Item like suits, pressed shirts, or easily-creased dresses should be laid out flat at the top of your suitcase, in a protective garment bag, if possible. Remove them from the bag and hang them up as soon as you reach your destination. If you're bringing a heavy jacket, consider wearing it while you're in transit. You can put books, devices, food, and other small items into the pockets to free further space within your luggage. If it's hot, don't worry--you can always take your jacket off once you've gotten situated into a seat. If you're especially pressed for space, consider wearing several layers of clothing to free up room in your bag. Roll your clothes. If you roll your clothes tightly, they can take up less space than folded clothes, although perhaps more space than bundled clothing. You will need to exercise your own judgment regarding the most efficient way to roll each item. Bear in mind that rolling clothes—especially if you fold them first—may leave them wrinkled when you unpack. Do not try to roll suits, pressed shirts, and easy-to-wrinkle items. Put socks inside matching socks, and consider putting socks inside shoes. Roll the socks into a ball, or leave them flat inside one another. You can stuff rolled socks in between other items to fill space. Roll shirts as tight as possible. Fold the sleeves of shirts in toward the center, then roll from the bottom of the shirt up toward the neck. This applies to short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve shirts, and jackets. Use your best judgment. Fold pants in half so that one leg sits flat atop the other, then roll from the bottom of the pants up to the waist. These will be the bulkiest items no matter how you roll them, so plan space accordingly. Fold underwear, then roll it as tightly as it will go. Stuff it in between other rolled items, wherever it will fit. Pack layers rather than bulky single items. If you are at all unsure about the weather conditions at your destination, consider packing layers rather than bulky "just-in-case" items like rain jackets or jeans. That way, you can layer up or down depending on whether it's hot or cold. For example, you can pack a combination of long-sleeved and and short-sleeved t-shirts which you can wear individually or layer up if it's cold. Consider packing long-sleeved button-down shirts, and rolling the sleeves up or down as needed. Instead of bringing bulky jeans, try packing some light-weight but cozy leggings which you can wear underneath dresses and skirts. If you're going somewhere warm, tropical, and beachy, consider wearing your swimsuit as underwear, or wearing your swim trunks as shorts. You'll "wash" them when you go in the water, and you'll always be prepared for a dip! Learn to bundle. Bundling is known as an efficient packing method that makes excellent use of space and prevents clothes from becoming seriously wrinkled. You will need to wrap several items of clothing tightly around a central object such as an organizer pouch (filled with more items - of course) to form a cylindrical shaped bundle. You can pack several of these bundles into a relatively small space, making for economical packing. When using the bundling method, place the most wrinkle-resistant items like jeans and jackets on the inside of the bundle, and more delicate, wrinkle-prone items like linen trousers and fine knits on the outside. Wrap each item individually, rather than all at once, making sure the fabric is pulled taut enough that it doesn't wrinkle, but not so tight that it stretches the material. Once you have reached the bottom of your pile of clothing, place the bundle into your bag or suitcase and pack tightly or secure tightly with the bags tie-down straps. If the bundle is not secured properly before travelling, it may unravel, causing your clothes to crease. Use compression bags. Compression bags are a great way to fit bulkier items, like ski gear or heavy winter coats, into a limited space. Compression packing bags work by removing all of the air from the bag, pushing the items within into their most compact form. Many brands offer their own version of the compression packing bag, including Spacepak bags from Flight 001 and Space bags from Ziploc. Use the space inside shoes for extra storage. Don't forget about all the empty space inside your shoes that you can use for storing smaller items like socks, underwear, jewelry or anything else you can think of. When packing efficiently it is important that you use up any and all available space. Once the shoes have been packed, place them at the bottom of your bag or along the edges of your suitcase. If your shoes are a dirty and you don't want them touching your clothes, wrap each shoe tightly in a plastic bag before you place it into your bag. Consider wearing your dirtiest shoes--say, your hiking boots--when you're in transit so you don't need to store them amid your other things.

Decide what you will realistically need for your trip. Consider the absolute essentials. Think about which toiletries you will need. Consider what you'll be wearing. Think about the gear that you'll need. Think about what you'll need to entertain yourself. Pare down your list. Only pack as much as you can carry. Only bring carry-on luggage. Pack as many outfits as you think you need, then subtract one. Pack one exciting, versatile accessory. Avoid bringing more than two pairs of shoes. Leave whatever you can buy at your destination at home. Arrange the contents of your bag to fit tightly and compactly. If you're bringing a heavy jacket, consider wearing it while you're in transit. Roll your clothes. Pack layers rather than bulky single items. Learn to bundle. Use compression bags. Use the space inside shoes for extra storage.

https://www.wikihow.com/Deodorize-Shoes

How to Deodorize Shoes

If you want to deodorize shoes, all you need are some common household items. Putting a tablespoon of baking soda into shoes can absorb odor quickly. If you don't have baking soda, try crumpling newspapers, spritzing them with aromatics, and placing them into the shoes for a few days. Alternatively, you can also try leaving a tablespoon of kitty litter or dry coffee grounds in your shoes overnight to neutralize shoe odor. If the odor is persistent, however, you might want to try replacing the insoles instead.

Sprinkle baking soda inside. This classic fix is famous for a reason — it works. Sprinkling about a tablespoon of baking soda inside a smelly pair of shoes will help absorb the odor and draw out moisture that makes it easier for bacteria to thrive. For best results, add the baking soda when you take the shoes off at night and shake it out before you put them on in the morning. You may want to avoid this for leather shoes — the baking soda can dry them out. Stuff the shoes with newspaper. Instead of tossing yesterday's newspaper in the trash, recycle it with this odor-removal trick. Pack smelly shoes with bunched-up newspaper, then leave them in a dry spot to sit for several days. The newspaper will gradually absorb the odor and moisture from inside the shoes, leaving them fresh and new. You can also try sprinkling the newspaper with your favorite sweet-smelling perfume or aromatic. A few drops of vanilla extract can work especially well. Try kitty litter. While it may not seem like the first thing you'd want in your shoes, kitty litter is designed specifically to neutralize odors, so it's actually a great choice. Spreading a tablespoon or two of (clean) kitty litter inside each shoe before you go to bed should greatly cut down on odor. Don't forget to shake your shoes into the trash in the morning! Try coffee grounds. If you're a coffee addict, make use of the leftover grounds you produce every day to fight shoe odor. Sprinkling a handful of dry grounds inside each shoe and letting them sit for a few hours is an excellent way to eliminate bad smells. Using dry grounds is crucial here — wet grounds will leave your shoes damp (which can make them smell worse before they dry out) and can stain the fabric of lighter-colored shoes. Coffee grounds also work well as a general-purpose odor remover. Try setting an uncovered bowl of dry grounds in the fridge. The results should be similar to what you'd get with baking soda. Rub with white vinegar. Swabbing the inside of each shoe with a rag or paper towel dampened with white vinegar is a great way to remove foot odors. Let the shoes dry completely before wearing them again — otherwise, you'll just replace the odor with the smell of vinegar. Stuff with crumpled up newspaper to help remove excess moisture if you use too much vinegar. Alternatively, try using vinegar along with the baking soda method above to create a fizzing foam that fills the shoe and removes odors. Stick to white vinegar here. Other varieties, like apple cider vinegar and balsamic, can stain your shoes. Swab with rubbing alcohol. Alcohol is a powerful disinfectant — it's great at killing a wide range of bacteria and other microorganisms. This makes it perfect for removing odor-causing bacteria from a pair of shoes. Soak a cotton swab or Q-tip in rubbing alcohol (also called isopropyl alcohol) and scrub the insides of your shoes. Be thorough, hitting every corner of the inside fabric and re-soaking your swab as needed. Use dryer sheets. These disposable laundry accessories are a cheap, convenient way to fight foot odor. Stuff one sheet in each shoe at the end of the day to remove odors overnight. For best results, be sure to use scented dryer sheets — unscented ones may absorb some of the bad odor, but they won't leave your shoes smelling as fresh. Freeze your shoes. According to some cleaning resources, this odd trick will leave your shoes smelling fresh once they come to room temperature. Leaving your shoes in the freezer overnight allegedly kills the bacteria that cause shoes to smell bad. Note, however, that some sources dispute this method.You may want to pair it with one of the other tricks above to be safe if you need good-smelling shoes. Run the shoes through the washer. When your clothes smell bad, you (hopefully) wash them, so why not use the same method for your shoes? For best results, remove the soles and laces from the shoes, then put all the pieces in a pillowcase or laundry bag to keep them together. Wash on warm or hot with your standard detergent. Repeat the wash cycle for especially-smelly shoes. If you can, let the shoes air dry in the sun. Not only will this expose them to plenty of fresh air so that they can "air out" — the sun also acts as a natural disinfectant for odor-causing bacteria. Note that this is not a good choice for shoes that can be damaged by water (like leather shoes). Use a disinfectant treatment. Shoes that have been exposed to sweat, moisture, and foot odor for years can have bacteria and fungi living deep within their fabric. To kill these organisms, a strong disinfecting soak may be necessary. This method uses bleach, so it's not a good choice for dark-colored shoes. You also won't want to use it for moisture-sensitive materials like leather. Follow the steps below: Soak the shoes in rubbing alcohol. Let it saturate the outside and inside fabric completely for about five minutes. Let the shoes air dry in the sun. If the weather isn't being cooperative, use a dryer set to low. Mix equal parts bleach and water. Put this mixture in a spray bottle and mist the inside and outside of each shoe carefully. Pull out the tongue, sole, and laces to make sure the spray gets everywhere. If you have an anti-fungal spray, use this like the bleach mixture. Otherwise, let the shoes air dry again before wearing. Get a new pair of insoles. If your shoes smell especially bad, you can try replacing parts of them to eliminate the source of the odor. A new set of insoles it probably the most effective thing you can buy. Insoles are sold as accessories at most of the same places where you might buy shoes and are usually fairly cheap. They can also feel great — many are made to provide extra comfort and support to people who spend lots of time walking or standing. Carefully microwave to kill bacteria. Heat is a great way to kill bacteria — this is one of the reasons why meat is usually cooked before eating. You can heat your shoes in the microwave to kill bacteria, but if you do, you need to be cautious. Heating for too long can damage your shoes or the microwave itself. As with some of the methods above, this is not a good method for shoes made out of leather or water-sensitive materials. It should also not be used for shoes with metal pieces. Follow the steps below: Soak a rag in water. Rub the inside and outside of the shoe so that the material is damp all the way through, but not soaking wet. Put the shoes in the microwave. Remove the rotating plate if your microwave has one. Heat the shoes on high for 30 seconds. Stop and carefully check their temperature with the back of your hand. If they aren't hot, heat for another 30 seconds. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the shoes are quite hot. Use a set of tongs to remove them and let them air dry. Treat your feet. A great way to get rid of smelly shoes is to fight the odor at its source — your feet. Keeping your feet as clean, dry, and odor-free as possible will make it much harder for your shoes to get smelly in the first place. One way to keep your feet fresh is to use talcum powder. Sprinkling a little on your feet and in your socks once you start sweating will help absorb moisture and prevent the bacteria that cause odors from forming. See our article on foot odor for more ideas.

Sprinkle baking soda inside. Stuff the shoes with newspaper. Try kitty litter. Try coffee grounds. Rub with white vinegar. Swab with rubbing alcohol. Use dryer sheets. Freeze your shoes. Run the shoes through the washer. Use a disinfectant treatment. Get a new pair of insoles. Carefully microwave to kill bacteria. Treat your feet.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Clear-Skin-in-a-Day

How to Get Clear Skin in a Day

Getting clear and healthy skin usually takes more than a day, but there are some things you can try to improve the look and feel of your skin quickly. You can open up your pores to help clear your skin by holding your face over a pot of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water before bed, which will remove any dirt and oil on your face so you don't break out overnight. After you wash your face, apply a pimple cream to all of your pimples to help them dry out and fade. If you don't have pimple cream, try applying lemon juice to your pimples using a q-tip instead.

Use a clay mask. Some believe a clay mask can help penetrate the skin, removing oil and bacteria. This can help clear your skin fast, leaving your face with a fresher look. To make a clay mask, you will need cocoa powder, kaolin powder clay, and distilled water. You may be able to get these ingredients fast at a local health food store. Kaolin clay can be hard to find, so you may have to order it online. Place the one tablespoon of clay and and one tablespoon of cocoa powder in a bowl and blend well. Add a tablespoon of water and blend into a paste. Use your fingers to apply a thin layer of the paste onto your face. Use your fingers to push the mask around your face in upward motions. Avoid getting too close to the eyes and lips. Keep the mask on for 15 minutes. Once the mask is slightly dry, wash it off of your face and pat your face dry with a clean, dry towel. Try aloe vera gel. Gel containing 50% aloe vera has been shown to make over-the-counter skin products more effective. These studies were conducted over the course of 8 weeks, so this will not necessarily clear your skin in a day. However, some advocates of home remedies and holistic medicine feel dabbing aloe vera gel on problems spots can cure acne fast. It's recommended you dab the gel on acne and blemishes, let it sit for an hour, and then wash it off. Wash with over-the-counter acne products. When it comes to clearing skin, over-the-counter options can help. While they do not promise clear skin in a day, they are effective for many people who want clear skin. It's a good idea to wash with over-the-counter products when you're trying masks and creams, as this can potentially make more natural approaches work faster, which can speed up the skin clearing process. Go for products containing benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient. You should also try products containing sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. Be careful with over-the-counter products if you're tying to clear your skin in a day. Side effects of these products may include things like redness and scaling. It may be a good idea to only use over-the-counter products you've tried before in conjunction with other treatments. Rub garlic onto problem areas. Empirical research does indicate garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic and also has anti-fungal properties. Some believe this means garlic could fight off bacteria in the skin, which may cause acne and blemishes. Try slicing a garlic clove in two and then rubbing it into your pimples. Let the juice sit for 5 minutes and then wash off in lukewarm water. You can repeat this process as needed to clear skin. As with any natural remedy, there is no guarantee this will work. If your skin feels itchy or irritated after your first attempt, you may want to stop trying with this method. You do not want to do anything that may cause your skin problems to get worse. Cleanse your face with cucumber. There is some research that suggests cucumber contains chemicals and vitamins that help with healthy skin. Some believe this makes cucumber a fast-acting acne cure. There are several ways you can use cucumber to attempt to clear skin fast. You can grate some cucumber and apply it to the problem area. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then remove. You can slice a cucumber and place it in clear water. Let it soak for an hour, allowing nutrients to seep into the water. Then, strain the solution. Use the water to wash your face. You can also make a face mask. Grate a cucumber and mix with a cup of oatmeal. Mix in some plain yogurt until you form a paste. Apply the mask to your face, let sit for 30 minutes, and then wash off with lukewarm water. Apply honey to problem areas. Some believe honey has certain properties that promote healing of the skin. However, studies conducted were largely inconclusive, showing little evidence that honey helps heal skin issues. However, anecdotal evidence indicates honey has cleared skin fast for some. If you want to try to clear your skin in a day, wash your face with honey instead of a regular cleanser. See if you notice a difference. Use steam. Steam treatments may help skin clear faster, as it forces out dirt, dust, and oil without making pimples and blemishes worse. Place your face over a pot of boiling water for 2 or 3 minutes and see if you notice your skin clearing. Be careful not to lean in too close over the water, as this may burn your skin. Spot treat problem areas with a drying lotion. Pick up a drying lotion at your local drugstore or supermarket. Look for something with antibacterial properties, and something that includes sulfur and salicylic acid. Use a q-tip to apply the lotion to any pimples and blemishes. Apply lemon juice and leave on overnight. Many believe lemon has antibacterial properties that can help clear acne fast. Squeeze some juice out of a fresh lemon. Then, dab a q-tip in the juice and dab onto problem areas. Leave on overnight and see if your skin has cleared up. Strive to get high quality sleep. Making sure you have high quality sleep may improve the appearance of skin the next day. Try to make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. You can start by powering down electronics, as the blue screen from phones and laptops have a stimulating effect on the brain. You should also have some kind of relaxing ritual, like reading, that you engage in before bed to help you wind down for rest. Wash your face before bed. If you want your skin to clear up fast, make a habit of washing it each night before bed. Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water to wash your face before bed at night. Wash gently, as excessive scrubbing can cause skin irritation. Use a moisturizer with SPF. If you want your skin to stay clear, you should take steps to protect it. Sun can damage skin, making it more susceptible to blemishes and acne. You should use a daily moisturizer that contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun. Eat a healthy diet. Your diet may have an impact on your skin. In the longterm, eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. The connection between diet and skin is still unclear, but research does suggest a better diet may promote younger, healthier looking skin. Avoid exposure to irritants. Strong soaps, certain laundry detergents, and other substances that have contact with your skin can cause irritation. If you notice your skin reacts poorly to a certain substance, cease use immediately. Manage stress. If you're prone to breakouts, managing stress can help prevent skin problems. Stress can make your skin much more sensitive, triggering breakouts and irritation. Things like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation can help with stress management. You can find guided yoga and meditation routines online, or look for a class in your area. Regular exercise can help reduce stress. Try going for a brisk walk each morning to clear your head.

Use a clay mask. Try aloe vera gel. Wash with over-the-counter acne products. Rub garlic onto problem areas. Cleanse your face with cucumber. Apply honey to problem areas. Use steam. Spot treat problem areas with a drying lotion. Apply lemon juice and leave on overnight. Strive to get high quality sleep. Wash your face before bed. Use a moisturizer with SPF. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid exposure to irritants. Manage stress.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Boyfriend-Kiss-You

How to Make Your Boyfriend Kiss You

To make your boyfriend kiss you, make up an excuse to be alone with him, since he may be nervous about kissing in front of others. For example, invite him over to watch a movie at your place. When you're alone, stay close to him by holding his hand or touching his arm, which will tell him you're interested in getting intimate. If your boyfriend is shy, give him a reason to get close to you, like telling him that you want to get a better look at his eye color. Or cuddle up close to him to show you like physical contact. Then, find ways to make him focus on your lips, like biting your lip while looking at him, which will encourage him to kiss you.

Brush your teeth and tongue well before you meet up with him (very important! ). It also can't hurt at all to floss thoroughly. There's nothing worse than kissing someone with bad breath, or someone who still has leftovers stuck between her teeth. Get him alone. Your guy may want to kiss you, but may be nervous to do so in front of other people. The only prompting he may need to kiss you is to be alone with you. If you are with a group of friends or at a party, make up an excuse that leads to the two of you being by yourselves. Walk up to him, touch his arm, and tell him you want to speak with him. Or, grab his hand and ask him to come with you--he's your boyfriend after all! Stay close to him when you two are alone. If you're not that close to him or you keep something in between you two, he may think you don't want to kiss. Do something romantic. You don't have to lay out a candlelit dinner to make a moment feel romantic. Anything that involves physical contact is good. If you can cause a bit of sexual tension, even better. Invite him over to watch a movie or show. Let him sit down on the couch first--you could even make up an excuse to go make popcorn so that he settles in first. When you come back, slide in right next to him, leaving no room for him to chicken out and move away. Chances are, he will put his arm around you--a stepping stone on the path to kissing. Have a picnic somewhere secluded. When you two are picnicking, cuddle up close to him and hold out a strawberry or grape, suggesting with your actions that you want to feed it to him. Move your eyes from his eyes to his lips, and back up. When you feed it to him, let your fingertips lightly brush his lips. Create a clever ruse to get him close to you. If your guy is shy, he's probably looking for a subtle way to get close to your face, so give him a reason to do so. Come up with a clever reason for the two of you to get close to each other. When he leans in, give him your best 'smoldering-temptress-wanting-to-be-kissed' look. Your ruse may create the moment he has been looking for to kiss you. Tell him that you want to get a better look at his eye color, or that you think there is something in your eye and you'd really appreciate him looking. You could also pretend that there is a crumb on his face--lean in when you 'wipe' it off and look up into his eyes. Break the touch barrier if you haven’t already. Touch his elbow, hold hands, brush his hair out of his face or gently put a hand on his knee. Tearing down this barrier will help the both of you get past some of the hang-ups that you may have about physical contact. Once you've broken the touch barrier keep on breaking it. When you laugh, place your hand on his arm. When you walk, grab his hand and hold it. Hopefully he will meet you halfway and begin grabbing your hand too. Cuddle up with him. Cuddling lets him know that you like physical contact, and that you are really comfortable with him. It is one of the biggest clues you can give him--and cuddling often leads to kissing. While you are cuddling, lean your head against his shoulder. Entwine your fingers with his and lean back contentedly. All of these physical clues will tell your guy, “I love being close to you, now kiss me you silly boy!” Work on your pucker. Getting your guy's full attention on your lips will make the idea of kissing you unavoidable. Do everything you can to keep his attention on your lips. A classic approach is to bite your lip gently while looking at him. Apply lip balm to your lips (and let him watch you do it.) Just keep in mind that lip gloss can be sticky, and thus make your kiss sticky. Use a lip balm or chapstick if you want to avoid a sticky situation. Run an ice cube over your lips if it's hot out. Not only will this look seductive, it will also give your lips a shiny look similar to balm. Lick your lips as if you're eating something juicy. If you are eating watermelon, ice cream, or something that is drip prone, let a little get on your lips and then slowly lick it off. Just be careful to avoid looking like a slob when trying this--you are going for temptress, not 'girl in serious need of a napkin.' Flirt with your eyes. Eye contact is a big part of clueing your guy in on the fact that you want to be kissed. Look him in the eyes and smile gently. Smile with your eyes. Glance from his eyes to his lips a couple times, perhaps adding a flirtatious batting of your eyelashes. Here is another way to flirt with your eyes: when you two are looking at each other, especially when your faces are close together, hold eye contact for a moment, then drop your eyes bashfully. Look down for a moment, and then glance back up. Give him some serious clues when you are saying goodbye. If you are hoping for a good night kiss, this is particularly important. When you are saying goodbye, hug him close and kiss him on the cheek. After kissing him on the cheek, look into his eyes. Even if he doesn't kiss you right then, you will have shown him that you are perfectly fine with kissing and physical contact. When hugging him, you could place your head on his chest so that he holds you closer. If you do this, make sure to have some irresistible perfume on--he won't be able to help but notice how delicious you smell. Flirt with your words. Just because he is your boyfriend already doesn't mean you should stop flirting. Flirting keeps a relationship light and healthy--plus it will show him that you're still very into him. Play coy and tease him (but not too much.) You could even tease him about not kissing you (which is a pretty direct way of saying 'I want you to kiss me!') Send him flirty text messages when you guys aren't together. Flirtatious, funny texts are a great way to be cute with him even when you're not around him. Just keep in mind that you don't want to overload him with texts--that can be a turn off. Make him feel confident. Guys like to feel like they are the big, strong men in girls' lives--so make your guy feel that way. Even if you don't necessarily need him to open a tightly-lidded jar, it's a nice confidence boost for him when you say something like 'ooh! Look at those muscles!' This is, of course, another form of flirting, but it is the kind that will boost his confidence--hopefully giving him the confidence to then lean in and kiss you! Be direct and ask him to kiss you. Being direct has its ups and downs. The ups are, you will most likely get results immediately, and it will show your guy how confident you are--which is very sexy. The downside is that the results you get immediately might not be the ones you want. He may still need some time to overcome his shyness, or he might not be as into it as you thought. No matter what, you will get results--and you are taking the pressure off him by telling him exactly what you want. You can make your request sexy and still direct. When you are hugging goodbye, lean in close so that your lips brush his ear and whisper something like “Kiss me” or “I want to kiss you.” Chances are, your words, and that little brush of your lips, will be enough to make him lose any shyness he might have and go right in for the kiss.

Brush your teeth and tongue well before you meet up with him (very important! Get him alone. Do something romantic. Create a clever ruse to get him close to you. Break the touch barrier if you haven’t already. Cuddle up with him. Work on your pucker. Flirt with your eyes. Give him some serious clues when you are saying goodbye. Flirt with your words. Make him feel confident. Be direct and ask him to kiss you.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-a-Mosquito-Bite

How to Get Rid of a Mosquito Bite

If you have a mosquito bite that you need to get rid of, wash the bite with soap and cold water as soon as possible. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the bite to help alleviate any itching. For a more natural remedy, soak the bite in water and Epsom salt or cover it with a paste made from baking soda. If the mosquito bite is painful or swollen, hold an ice pack on top of the area for about 10 minutes.

Wash the bite with soap and cold water as soon as possible. Washing your mosquito bite will clean the surrounding skin and reduce the chance of an infection. Apply calamine lotion or a Hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream to the bite. Both of these treatments can reduce itching. Calamine lotion is an antipruritic with zinc oxide and ferric oxide that is used to treat itching. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone has a small amount of steroid that helps relieve itching and is also widely used. Hold an ice pack over the bite. Icing the mosquito bite will help reduce pain and swelling. Hold the ice pack on your bite for 10 minutes at a time. Rub witch hazel on the bite. With its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel is a plant that has been commonly used as a home remedy for centuries. Soak the bite in water and Epsom salts. Epsom salts are made of magnesium and sulfate and offer a go-to remedy for many health ailments in addition to relaxing the mind. Magnesium helps regulate the activity of numerous enzymes, as well as raising serotonin levels in the brain. There are several ways to relieve mosquito bites with Epsom salts: Take an Epsom salt bath. Fill a bathtub with cold or room temperature water and Epsom salts as directed on the package. Soak in the bath for 30 minutes to an hour. Create an Epsom salt compress by mixing Epsom salts with water to make a thin paste. Apply the paste to mosquito bites. Then, cover the paste with a cool, damp washcloth. Repeat as necessary. Reduce swelling with tulsi or stinging nettle. Both tulsi and stinging nettle may be able to help curb inflammation in your body. Tulsi is a kind of basil that may also work as a natural antihistamine. Heat a couple sprigs of basil leaves up under some steam and apply gently to the hives. Some people recommend taking freeze-dried stinging nettle, which is known for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Cover the bite with a baking soda paste. Baking soda can help relieve irritation and itchiness. To make a baking soda paste, mix 3 teaspoons (15 mL) of baking soda with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of water. Apply the paste to your bite several times a day. Use essential oils. Although they're not proven to be effective, essential oils may help soothe your skin, treat inflammation, and may even reduce the size of the bite. Be aware of which essential oils work well with your skin (and skin type), as lavender oil, for example, may work wonders in treating mosquito bites but might also attract bees. Tea tree oil is a great dermatological medicine. Not only does it help treat dandruff , athlete's foot, and acne, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory, itch-reliever, and it contains properties that help ward off infection. Like tea tree oil, lavender oil can help treat swelling, reduce inflammation, and relieve the itching sensation associated with mosquito bites. Lavender oil, also like tea tree oil, may ward off other mosquitoes. Unlike tea tree oil, it may also attract bees. Use the peel of a banana. Peel a banana and save the banana for later (you could eat it to keep your mind off of the bite). Then, clean the bite with soap and water. Once the bite is clean, hold the inside of the banana peel on the bite for 5-10 minutes, rubbing the peel onto the skin occasionally. The banana peel may relieve any itchiness. Use meat tenderizer powder. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of water and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of meat tenderizer powder to make a paste. Apply the paste to the bite several times a day. Meat tenderizer powder, which contains papain or bromelain, may help by reducing the itching sensation. The enzymes that tenderize meat, papain or bromelain, can also be found in several natural ingredients : bromelain can be found in the juice and stem of pineapples, while papain can be found in papaya and mountain papaya. If you don't have meat tenderizer handy, but you are equipped with papaya or pineapple, cut out a piece of the meat of either fruit and apply to skin in a pinch. Use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may be an itch-reliever for mosquito bites because of its acidity, although this has not been proven. Be careful using apple cider vinegar, as it may irritate your bite and prevent it from healing. There are two ways to apply the cider vinegar to the bite to relieve the itch: In a liquid solution : Mix equal parts warm water and apple cider vinegar. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply to bites. Hold for a minute or two and let dry. Reapply as necessary. In a paste : Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and cornflour. Apply paste to bites and allow to dry. Wash off with warm water. Eliminate standing water around your home so that mosquitoes have nowhere to lay eggs. Unclog your gutters, change the water in wading pools or birdbaths and store containers upside down so that they don't collect water. Also, don't leave tires laying around in your yard. Repair holes or openings in your windows or door screens. That way, mosquitoes won't be as likely to enter your home. Use an insect repellant. Get a repellant that contains DEET, Picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Citronella candles may also offer some protection from mosquitoes. Wear protective clothing when you go outdoors. Put on long sleeves, long pants and socks. Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap with a fold-out neck flap. Wear mosquito net over your face. You can also drape infant seats and strollers with mosquito net to protect children from bites. Look for clothes that are treated with permethrin to help keep mosquitoes away. Make an ambient mosquito repellent. For an ambient mosquito repellent that's similar to a mosquito lamp or candle, gather together an empty container with a lid, an unused dish sponge, and one or any combination of the following essential oils: lavender, pennyroyal, eucalyptus, citronella, peppermint, or lemongrass. Saturate the sponge in one or any combination of the essential oils. Place the sponge in the container, close it, and let it stand for 24 hours. Use the ambient repellent by opening the lid of the can and letting the essential oils waft out from the can. Make a mosquito spray with natural oils and vinegar. This is a very basic recipe that you can expand and elaborate on. This recipe calls for eucalyptus oil, but feel free to use any combination of oils listed above. Keep in mind that this recipe has not been proven to repel mosquitoes. Into a spray bottle, mix together: 1/2 cup witch hazel. 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. 30-50 drops of essential oils. Choose any combination of citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, cajeput, eucalyptus, cedar, catnip, lavender, or mint. Shake ingredients together and spray over uncovered portions of your body. Avoid getting repellent in eyes or mouth. Avoid getting any on your clothing or it could stain. Make a mosquito repellent from dried or fresh herbs. This recipe uses boiled herbs and witch hazel as a base. It may help repel mosquitos, although it hasn't been proven to be effective. Bring 1 cup of water to boil and add to it 3-4 tablespoons of any combination of dried peppermint, spearmint, citronella, lemongrass, catnip, lavender, or cloves. Cover pot. After two minutes, remove pot from the element and, leaving the cover on, let rest until lukewarm. Strain water into 1/2 cup witch hazel (or rubbing alcohol) and store in a spray bottle in your refrigerator. Use on skin as needed.

Wash the bite with soap and cold water as soon as possible. Apply calamine lotion or a Hydrocortisone (anti-itch) cream to the bite. Hold an ice pack over the bite. Rub witch hazel on the bite. Soak the bite in water and Epsom salts. Reduce swelling with tulsi or stinging nettle. Cover the bite with a baking soda paste. Use essential oils. Use the peel of a banana. Use meat tenderizer powder. Use apple cider vinegar. Eliminate standing water around your home so that mosquitoes have nowhere to lay eggs. Repair holes or openings in your windows or door screens. Use an insect repellant. Wear protective clothing when you go outdoors. Make an ambient mosquito repellent. Make a mosquito spray with natural oils and vinegar. Make a mosquito repellent from dried or fresh herbs.

https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Veterinary-Technician

How to Become a Veterinary Technician

To become a veterinary technician, develop good communication skills so you can engage with vets and pet owners. You'll also want to work on being comfortable around animals since you'll be working with them a lot. To gain important skills for the job, try to take math and science courses in high school, which will prepare you for important activities like calculating doses of medication. Then, apply to an accredited veterinary technician's program to get the training you'll need for the job.

Identify skills that will help you in your career. Though there is always room for improvement and you can go on to develop the qualities necessary for being a veterinary technician, if you already possess the qualities you need to excel at the job, then you have an advantage. Here are some qualities that you should posses: Strong communication and interpersonal skills. You will need to be clear and efficient in the way you communicate with others. Knowing how to delegate and take direction are also essential skills. On the job, you will spend a lot of time communicating with your supervisor, animal owners (who can sometimes be quite upset), and coworkers. You may also counsel pet owners on how to train and take care of their pets, so you'll need to be able to communicate clearly while putting people at ease. Compassion. You will probably be dealing with some sick pets and their worried owners, and you'll need to have empathy for them. This includes being understanding and forgiving the pet owner if they becomes angry, yells at you or treats you rudely due to stress about their pet. Attention to detail. You have to be extremely precise when you record information, administer medication to pets, and perform diagnostic tests. Dexterity. You'll have to handle animals of various sizes, medical instruments, and laboratory equipment with great care. You'll also perform a variety of tasks that require you to be extremely dexterous, such as giving anesthesia to animals, taking x-rays, and doing dental work. Problem-solving skills. You'll need to have enough knowledge and the ability to think outside the box to identify injuries and illnesses and to know how to properly treat your patients. Decide if you can stay emotionally strong when working with animals. Though it's great if you love cuddling cute kittens, that's not what this job will look like. To be a veterinary technician, you'll have to be able to handle the unpleasant side of the job, which can include getting bitten, scratched, or otherwise injured by pets. Remember that many of these cuddly creatures want to see you just as badly as you wanted to see the dentist when you were a little kid. You should love animals, but not so much that you would not be able to act calm and professional when you have to euthanize seriously ill animals. You should also be strong enough to not get too upset when you see animals who have been abused, which will happen. Remember that most animals act differently when they are sick or stressed, so you are likely to see lots of animals acting “mean.” You will need to remain calm and patient with the animals even if they are not doing what you want them to do. Look into veterinary technician training programs. Some programs may require you to have some college-level course experience in certain relevant classes, such as chemistry, biology, microbiology, or even the humanities, before you can apply. If this is true of the program where you want to enroll, then you should look in to taking these courses at a local community college. Courses involving math or science can be crucial for your training because veterinary technicians frequently determine dosages, measure out medication and alert pet owners to any side effects or drug interactions. If you haven't taken college-level courses in those subjects, the school may require you to complete those first. You can also take courses in math, biology, and other sciences in high school to get ahead of the game. Another option to enrolling in a veterinary technician program is to enter a U.S. university that offers a bachelor's degree in veterinary technology. This is the gold standard of vet tech programs and many employers prefer to hire people who have completed one of these programs. You can also volunteer in a setting that involves animals, such as an animal shelter, if you want to decide whether this profession is right for you. Enroll in a veterinary technician training program. Veterinary technician education ranges from short-term certification programs to two-year associate degrees to four-year degrees in veterinary technology. Whatever program you enroll in, make sure that it is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). As of 2013, there are 217 of these programs. There are eight schools that offer distance learning programs accredited by the AVMA. These programs meet the same accreditation standards as traditional programs. If you enroll in a distance learning program, you'll also need to complete hands-on training at a local veterinary facility. You can also decide to be a veterinary technologist, which is a more advanced degree. You'll typically have to get 4 years of training, and then you can look for work at a private oncology practice, a high-volume ER, or at a specialty surgery center. Get hands-on training in a veterinary clinic. Similar to an internship, hands-on training in a veterinary hospital is a requirement in veterinary technician training programs. It's called the clinical component or preceptorship, and during this time the student acts as an apprentice to the veterinarian, assisting in everything from taking temperatures to drawing blood to participating in procedures such as dental cleanings. This is a crucial component of the program, and it can help you really see what it would be like to work with animals full-time. Take the certification exam. After you've completed your academic studies and the clinical component, you'll need to take a credentialing exam. Every state requires a certification exam that includes written, oral and hands-on components, and many states use the National Veterinary Technical Exam. Look into your state's requirements to see what is necessary for becoming a veterinary technologist in the place where you want to work. Here are some other things to keep in mind as you get certified: In some locations, you may be required to take the VTNE and a state jurisprudence (law) exam that shows what you are qualified to do. If you are a technologist who wants to work in a research facility, then the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) provides three different levels of certification. You can be certified to be an Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT), a Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), or a Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). Though you don't have to be certified in additional fields, if this is the path you want to take, you can also develop a level of expertise in skills like health and welfare, husbandry, and facility administration and management after working in a laboratory animal facility and pass the additional AALAS exams. Find a job at a veterinary facility. After you graduate, seek part-time or full-time employment at a veterinary clinic. You can search your local wanted ads, contact veterinary facilities directly or use your college's career placement office. The school may already know of veterinary hospitals who hire recent graduates. Whether you completed a certification or degree program, the school may be willing to recommend you for a position, and can advise you on how to become a veterinary technician at the type of facility you'd like to work. Most veterinary technicians work in private clinical practices, while aiding a licensed veterinarian. In the US, starting pay ranges from $12 to $15 depending on the type of practice and your location. Develop your skills on the job. As you begin the daily grind, you will have to encounter a variety of situations that involve caring for and treating animals. As you become more comfortable in your field, you will become even more skilled at the work you do. Here are some things you will have to do on the job: Observe the condition and behavior of the animals Performing the first physical exam Assisting in surgery Gather and record the animals' case histories Prepare the animals and medical instruments for surgery Take and develop x-rays Perform tests in the lab, such as blood counts and urinalyses Give anesthesia to animals and monitor their responses Provide emergency first aid and nursing care to recovering or hurt animals Euthanize seriously ill animals Get used to the long hours. Veterinary technicians often have to work long hours, nights, and an erratic or overwhelming schedule. Some animal clinics operate 24 hours a day, and they need people to be staffed during all hours of the night. Though you may be able to have a more flexible schedule as you gain experience and authority, be prepared to work a lot. Most of your shifts will be 8 to 10 hours long. You may also need to be on call 1 or more days of the week in case of an emergency surgery to serve as a surgical nurse or anesthetist. You should also maintain the strength you'll need to lift and restrain heavy animals, as well as the endurance necessary for standing on your feet for long stretches of time. Consider a specialty. If you think you've found your passion within your field, then you can take your knowledge to the next level by specializing in a clinical area of interest such as clinical pathology, surgery, dentistry, anesthetics, emergency and critical care, behavior, zoo keeping, avian medicine, or nutrition. This does take extra effort and training, but it will be worth it. To specialize in critical care and emergency veterinary medicine, for example, you'll need to get certified through the Academy of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Technicians. For this certification, you'll need a general veterinary technician certification, 3 years of experience working in emergency and critical care medicine and 25 hours continuing education in veterinary emergency and critical care. Advance in your career in other ways. You don't have to stop at specialization. If you've been excelling as a veterinary technician or technologist for a while, then you can get a promotion and become a supervisor to junior technicians. If you really love your job, you can even become a veterinarian. Vet school is extremely competitive, and having the background and work experience of a veterinary technician will give you a huge edge in the application process.

Identify skills that will help you in your career. Decide if you can stay emotionally strong when working with animals. Look into veterinary technician training programs. Enroll in a veterinary technician training program. Get hands-on training in a veterinary clinic. Take the certification exam. Find a job at a veterinary facility. Develop your skills on the job. Get used to the long hours. Consider a specialty. Advance in your career in other ways.

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

How to Make Earplugs

To make earplugs using cotton balls, start by washing your hands with antibacterial soap so you don't spread germs to your earplugs and get an infection. Then, break off a dime-sized piece of a cotton ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Next, secure the end of the plastic wrap by tying a rubber band around it. Finally, repeat the process to make a second earplug. Make sure you replace your homemade earplugs once a week so you don't get an infection.

Purchase a custom molded earplug kit. Custom molded earplug kits are available that allow you to create your own set of custom molded earplugs at home. These custom molded earplugs can be much more effective and comfortable than other types of earplugs. You can purchase custom molded earplug kits online and in some stores. Separate the materials. The custom molded earplug kit should come with two different types of materials. These materials should be two different colors and packaged separately within the kit. Take each of the materials and break each piece into two equal sized pieces. Mix the different color materials together. Next, you will need to mix the different color materials to create the earplug material. Take one piece of each color of the foam materials. Squeeze and knead the foam materials together for a few minutes so that they combine to create one uniform color. Press the foam into your ears. After the materials are well-combined, press one piece of the earplug material into each of your ears. Press the material into your ear enough to block the sound, similar to how you would wear other types of earplugs. The plugs should feel comfortable and not too tight or loose. Leave the earplugs in for 10 minutes. Allow the plugs to stay in your ears for 10 minutes. During this time, the earplug materials will dry and keep their shape. When you remove them from your ears, you will have your own pair of custom molded earplugs. Wad up some toilet paper. Get two clean, dry pieces of toilet paper and wad them up so that they look like two small balls. The wads should be big enough to fill your ear canal, but not so big that they will not fit inside of your ear canal. Keep in mind that you should only use toilet paper earplugs if you have no other option. Do not use toilet paper earplugs on a regular basis because pieces of the toilet paper may stick in your ears and cause an infection. Only use toilet paper earplugs as a short-term fix, such as when you are at a concert. Do not sleep with toilet paper earplugs in your ears. Moisten the toilet paper wads. Hold each of your wads of toilet paper under a low stream of water for a few seconds to moisten it throughout. Then squeeze out all of the excess water so that the wads just feel damp. If the wads shrink from the water, you may need to add a little more toilet paper to each wad. Wetting the toilet paper is important because dry toilet paper will not block noise as well. Dry toilet paper fibers may also stick in your ears and this can cause an infection. Put the toilet paper wads into your ears. Stick the toilet paper wads into your ear canals to see if they fit. If the wads do not fit or if the fit is uncomfortable, then you may need to adjust them by adding or removing some of the toilet paper. Make sure that you reshape the wads before you try to put them into your ear canals again. Dispose of the toilet paper earplugs when you remove them. Do not reuse the toilet paper earplugs at all or you may develop an ear infection. Throw them away right after you take them out of your ears. If you need another pair of earplugs, use two new, clean pieces of toilet paper. Purchase a bag of cotton balls. These come in multiple sizes, but you can generally get a bag of 100 cotton balls for less than $5.00. You can find them in the health care section of your grocery store or local pharmacy. Choose regular size cotton balls rather than jumbo size ones. You can purchase sterile or non-sterile cotton balls since the cotton balls will just be wrapped in plastic anyways. Wash your hands. It is important to make sure you are handling the cotton balls with clean hands as this will reduce the chance of infection in the ear canal. Use an antibacterial soap and wash with warm water. Dry with a clean hand towel. Break off a small, dime-sized piece of a cotton ball. Roll the cotton ball piece into a round ball. The ball should fit comfortably inside of your ear canal. Wrap the cotton ball in a protective plastic wrap. Use a plastic wrap that is flexible and not sticky, such as some plain plastic wrap. Cut the plastic wrap into a piece large enough so it can wrap around the cotton ball, but so it leaves a little tail. Wrapping the cotton in plastic wrap will prevent harmful fibers from getting into your sensitive ear canal and reduce the possibility of infection or injury from the cotton ball. Wrap the plastic wrap so it tightly covers the ball, but not so it crushes it into a flat shape. If you use scissors to cut the plastic wrap, make sure they are clean. You can wash them in an antibacterial soap or dish soap with a clean sponge. Test the fit of the ear plug. Gently insert the wrapped cotton ball into your ear canal to assess its fit. Just pay attention to how comfortable it feels inside of your ear. The ear plug should feel snug, but not like it is cramming into your ear canal or stretching it out. If it feels loose, then you will need to adjust the size as well. You can add additional material from the cotton ball to the ear plug or you can take out part of the cotton if it is too large. Be sure not to cram the ear plug too far into the ear; this could cause damage to the ear canal. The ear plug should rest just at the entrance to the ear canal, not beyond it. Tie the end of the plastic wrap. After you have tested the ear plug and have adjusted its size so it fits correctly, take a small rubber band and wind it around the tail of the plastic wrap. Make sure it is tightly closed around the wrap. Take your pair of scissors and snip off the small tail of the plastic wrap. Be sure to leave a little bit hanging out of your ear so that it will be easy for you to remove the earplug. Test out your ear plugs. If you plan to use your ear plugs during the day, try wearing them in a busy cafe or restaurant. This will let you know how effective the earplugs are at reducing noise. If you plan to sleep in the ear plugs, take a nap to test them out. If you sleep on your side, you might need to adjust the size of the plug for the ear that you keep pressed to the pillow. Replace the earplugs on a weekly basis. Because the material of the ear plugs is cotton, it will not hold up against a thorough cleaning. You should replace the cotton ball ear plugs every five to seven days to prevent bacteria from ear wax or oil building up in your ear canal. This could lead to a painful infection. Store your ear plugs in a sanitary container, such as a clean plastic sandwich bag.

Purchase a custom molded earplug kit. Separate the materials. Mix the different color materials together. Press the foam into your ears. Leave the earplugs in for 10 minutes. Wad up some toilet paper. Moisten the toilet paper wads. Put the toilet paper wads into your ears. Dispose of the toilet paper earplugs when you remove them. Purchase a bag of cotton balls. Wash your hands. Break off a small, dime-sized piece of a cotton ball. Wrap the cotton ball in a protective plastic wrap. Test the fit of the ear plug. Tie the end of the plastic wrap. Test out your ear plugs. Replace the earplugs on a weekly basis.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Tourist-Visa-for-Australia

How to Get a Tourist Visa for Australia

If you want to travel to Australia, you'll need to get a tourist visa first. An Electronic Travel Authority Visa, or ETA, allows you to travel in Australia as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or to conduct certain kinds of business. If you don't plan on staying for longer than 3 months, are in good health, and have a clean criminal background, then you can apply online through the ETA website. The application is relatively brief and should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to have a passport prior to filling out the application since you'll need your passport number, the issue date, and the expiration date. Typically, you'll get an email from the Australian Department of Home Affairs within 24 hours to tell you if your application has been approved.

Review the ETA visa criteria to make sure it meets your needs. An ETA allows you to travel to Australia as a tourist, to visit family or friends, or to conduct certain business activities. As a business visitor, you can do things like negotiate contracts, make business inquiries, or take part in a conference or seminar (although you can't get paid for your contribution to any conference or seminar). The ETA is a multiple-entry visa, which means you can enter and leave Australia as often as you want during the 12 months your ETA is valid. However, you can't stay for more than 3 months at a time. You also can't extend an ETA if it expires while you're in Australia. If you plan to stay in Australia for more than 3 months, you'll have to apply for a different type of visa. You can't include family on an ETA application. Each person who is traveling must have their own ETA. Determine whether you're eligible for an ETA visa. Citizens of most European, Asian, and North American countries can travel to Australia with an ETA visa. You must also have a clean criminal record and be in relatively good health. You can confirm you have an eligible passport at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#Eligibility. If you have been convicted of a crime and served more than 12 months in prison, you are not eligible for an ETA. You may be eligible for a visitor's visa. You will need to provide information about your criminal background. To meet Australia's health requirement for an ETA, you must certify that you are not a threat to public health and you don't have an illness or condition that would place a significant demand on healthcare or community services in Australia during your stay. Apply online through the ETA website. If you are a citizen of Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, or the United States, you can apply for the ETA passport online. In other countries, you can apply through a travel agent or at an airline service provider. Travel agents and airline service providers may charge their own fees, which vary widely. Go to https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas to complete your application online. An ETA is free, although you will have to pay a service charge of AUD 20 to submit your application online. The ETA application is relatively brief and shouldn't take you longer than 10 or 15 minutes to fill out. Have your passport with you, because you'll have to provide your passport number, the date it was issued, and the date it expires. Remain outside Australia if you were outside Australia when you applied. You can apply for an ETA outside Australia or at immigration clearance within Australia. If you applied from outside of Australia, you cannot enter Australia until your visa is granted. If you apply from immigration clearance, you will have to remain in immigration clearance (or in the airport) until your visa is granted. Depending on how long it takes the Department of Home Affairs to make a decision on your application, these could be less than ideal circumstances. Generally, it's best to apply for an ETA before you travel. Get a decision on your application. You will receive an email from the Australian Department of Home Affairs when a decision is made. Typically, you'll find out within 24 hours if your visa has been granted. Save the email and keep it with you for the duration of your stay in Australia. In some situations, you may get a decision in less than an hour. However, it may take several days if the Department of Home Affairs needs additional documents to verify your information, or if you don't fill out the form correctly. If you applied online and your ETA isn't granted, the service charge will be refunded. Review what travel the eVisitor visa covers. You can use the eVisitor visa if you're traveling to Australia as a tourist, to visit friends or family, to study or train, or to conduct business activities. The visa is valid for 12 months and you can enter and leave Australia as often as you want during that time. However, you can only stay in Australia for 3 months at a time. As a business visitor, you can't work for an Australian company or sell goods and services to the public while on an eVisitor visa. You can't extend an eVisitor visa if it expires while you're in Australia. If you intend to stay in Australia for more than 3 months, you'll need a different type of visa. You also can't include family members on your eVisitor visa, even if they're included on your passport. Everyone traveling to Australia must have a separate visa. Meet the criteria for eligibility. The eVisitor visa is only available for citizens of European countries. You must have a valid passport – non-citizen passports or other travel documents are not eligible. While British citizens are eligible, those with British National Overseas, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person, or British Subject passports are not. In addition to having an eligible passport, you also must have a clean criminal record and not present a public health hazard to the people of Australia. If you have a criminal conviction in any country, apply for a visitor's visa instead. Create an account on the ImmiAccount website to apply online. Go to https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Then click the button that says "Create ImmiAccount." This account allows you to access online services provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. You must have a valid email address to use the ImmiAccount website. You can create your own username and password. Make sure your password is secure since your visa application contains private identification information. Complete your application. Log into ImmiAccount and select "New Application." From there, click on the eVisitor application from the list of choices. Once you read and agree to the terms and conditions, you can begin your application. You have the option to save your application and finish it later. It's a good idea to save periodically so you don't have to worry about losing information if something happens. Attach all required documents. Your application will tell you what documents are needed to support the information you provided. If you don't have digital copies already, you can scan paper documents to include with your application. The website accepts most common file formats, including.doc,.docx,.txt, and.pdf. If you upload PDFs , make sure they're not encrypted. You can submit up to 60 documents if necessary to support your application. Most documents can have a file size of up to 5MB. Identity documents can have a file size of up to 500KB each. Submit your application. Once you've completed your application, its status will read "Ready to submit." Review your application carefully to make sure there aren't any typos or errors and you didn't leave anything out. Then click on "Submit Application." There are no fees to apply for an eVisitor visa, either online or using a paper application. You can use your ImmiAccount to check the status of your application, as well as update your application if any of the information you provided changes while you're waiting for a decision. Provide biometrics if required. The Australian Department of Home Affairs will contact you if you need to provide biometrics for your visa application. Go to an Australian Visa Application Center (AVAC) or an Australian Biometrics Collection Center (ABCC) in your home country to have your photo taken and your fingerprints collected. To find the nearest AVAC or ABCC, go to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/offices-and-locations/offices-outside-australia and select the name of your home country from the drop-down menu. Wait for a decision on your application. You will get a written notification from the Australian Department of Home Affairs when your application has been evaluated. In most cases, decisions are made on eVisitor visa applications within 2 working days. You may have to wait longer if the Department needs more information or documents from you, or if your identity is difficult to verify. If your eVisitor visa was not granted, you'll receive a notification explaining why. That notification will give you instructions on how you can get a review of that decision. Choose a visitor's visa if you are not eligible for an eVisitor or ETA visa. Even if you are not eligible for an ETA or eVisitor visa, you may still be able to visit Australia. The regular visitor's visa is more expensive than either the ETA or the eVisitor and takes longer to process. For example, if you have a past criminal conviction, you are not eligible for an ETA or eVisitor visa, even if you have an eligible passport. However, you could still apply for a visitor's visa. You still would not be eligible for a visitor's visa if you have a substantial criminal history, have been convicted of escaping immigration detention, of convicted of committing a separate crime while in immigration detention. Applicants for visitor's visas must meet the basic health requirements, take a medical exam, and have their own medical insurance to cover them for the duration of their trip to Australia. Gather the required documents. You will need documents to verify your identity as well as documents to support your claim that you are a genuine temporary visitor. These documents could include bank statements showing that you have enough money to stay and leave Australia, a letter from your employer, or proof that you own a home or other major assets in your home country. You also must provide character documents, such as a police report or military service record. If you are going to visit friends or family in Australia, they can write a letter explaining how long you'll be staying and if you'll be staying with them. This can help support your claim that you are a temporary visitor. However, you don't need a sponsor to get a visitor's visa for Australia. Create an ImmiAccount if you want to apply online. Go to https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login and scroll down to create an account. From your ImmiAccount, you can complete and submit your visa application digitally. You can attach digital copies of your supporting documents to your application. If you have paper documents, you can either scan them and attach them digitally or make arrangements to take them to the nearest Australian embassy or consulate. Complete Form 1419 if you want to submit a paper application. If you don't have consistent internet access, you can fill out a paper application and submit it to the nearest Australian Visa Office. Your application must be filled out in English, either typed or written in block letters with a blue or black pen. You can download a copy of the visa application at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1419.pdf. Submit your application and supporting documents. Once you've completed your application, submit it to the Australian Department of Home Affairs along with your supporting documents and application fee. As of 2019, a visitor's visa costs AUD 140. You can pay your fees online using a major credit card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY. If you're mailing in a paper application, you must pay your fees through ImmiAccount before you submit your application. Your application will not be processed until your fees are received. If you want to submit a paper application, you can do so either through the mail or in person at the Australian Visa Office nearest you. To get an address and contact information for the office in your country, go to https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/contact-us/offices-and-locations/offices-outside-australia and select the name of your country from the drop-down menu. Complete your health examination if necessary. Not all visitor's visa applicants need a health examination. However, you may need one depending on the country you're applying from, how long you plan to stay in Australia, and what you plan to do there. If a health examination is required, you'll get a HAP ID that you must use when you arrange your examination. If you apply online, you can check your health assessment on ImmiAccount to determine if you need a health examination. If you do, there will be a health examinations link under your health assessment. If you apply with a paper application, your case officer will contact you with information on how to complete your medical exams. Wait for a decision on your application. About 90% of all visitor's visa applications are processed within 27 days, with the majority taking about 19 days. You will receive a written notification from the Australian Department of Home Affairs when a decision has been made on your application. If your application is approved, the notice will include your visa grant number, visa conditions, and the date your visa starts. Keep a copy of your decision with you at all times while you're visiting Australia. If your application is denied, the notice will explain the reason for the denial and give you instructions on how to appeal that decision if you have the right to do so.

Review the ETA visa criteria to make sure it meets your needs. Determine whether you're eligible for an ETA visa. Apply online through the ETA website. Remain outside Australia if you were outside Australia when you applied. Get a decision on your application. Review what travel the eVisitor visa covers. Meet the criteria for eligibility. Create an account on the ImmiAccount website to apply online. Complete your application. Attach all required documents. Submit your application. Provide biometrics if required. Wait for a decision on your application. Choose a visitor's visa if you are not eligible for an eVisitor or ETA visa. Gather the required documents. Create an ImmiAccount if you want to apply online. Complete Form 1419 if you want to submit a paper application. Submit your application and supporting documents. Complete your health examination if necessary. Wait for a decision on your application.

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Conversation-With-Your-Boyfriend

How to Make Conversation With Your Boyfriend

To make conversation with your boyfriend, focus on what he likes doing, things you've experienced during the day, or common interests you both have. For example, ask him about his hobbies, such as band practice or gardening. Ask him how things are going with his friends, since showing interest in the people he cares about also lets him know you care about him. If you both have common interests, like a band or reading, talk to him about them. For example, you could say, “I really like their new record. What's your favorite album they've made?”. When you're trying to make conversations about your day more exciting, ask him to tell you 2 interesting things that happened. Then, talk to him about how these things made him feel. Try sharing a news story you heard that had an impact on you, whether it made you sad or happy.

Ask your boyfriend about his hobbies. If your boyfriend is in a band, for instance, show interest in it by asking him about how band practice went after it ends. If he enjoys gardening, ask him what plants he is growing this season and check with him intermittently about the garden's growth. Other subjects your boyfriend might be interested in include football, skateboarding, automobiles, surfing, exercise and fitness or electronics, among others. Ask him how his friends are. For example, you could ask, "What's new with Mike?" or “Did Carlos ever get that guitar amplifier he was talking about?” Showing interest in the people your boyfriend cares about indirectly shows interest in him, too. Don't be afraid to ask about your boyfriend's friends' problems. For instance, if one of his friends recently ended a relationship, you could ask, “So, how is Cynthia handling the breakup?” Next time you're with his friends, refer to some of the amusing or interesting stories he shared about them. Talk about your shared interests. If you and your boyfriend are both passionate about a certain band, you could say, “I love this new record. Have you heard it?” or “What is your favorite song from that new album?” If you're both passionate about literature, you could make conversation with your boyfriend about a book you're reading, or talk to him about joining a book club. You might also be able to engage in conversation with your boyfriend by talking about a shared political ideology or religious belief, or a love of cooking, motorcycles, or something else entirely. Find out what your boyfriend is passionate about. Ask your boyfriend, “What is the one thing you could never live without?” or “What do you want to do with your life?” Broad questions like these can kick-start a great conversation and help you understand what drives your boyfriend. Follow up on these questions by asking why he is so passionate about the thing that drives him. Prompt him to think deeper about where his passions come from. For instance, you might ask, "Do you think this has to do with your upbringing?" Ask your boyfriend to tell you two interesting things about his day. Sometimes people get into regular schedules that seem uninteresting to them, but could be interesting to you, and vice versa. Asking for at least two interesting things will inspire your boyfriend to step back and look more closely at his day. Additionally, ask your boyfriend how he felt about the two interesting things. If it's not obvious to you why the two things your boyfriend named are interesting, ask him why he found them interesting. If he has trouble naming two interesting things, help him out by asking, “Where did you eat lunch? What did you have?” Share a news story that made an emotional impact on you. If you've recently heard a very happy or very sad news story, share it with your boyfriend. For instance, if a mine collapsed and the miners were miraculously rescued, share it with your boyfriend. You could say, “Did you hear the good news about the miners? I'm really thankful they have been rescued.” Encourage your boyfriend to discuss other recent developments in current events by asking him, "What events did you see in your newsfeed today?" Ask your boyfriend how a memorable family member is doing. For instance, if his aunt is known to say or do outrageous things, ask, “So, how is our dear Aunt Linda?” Keep the conversation going by comparing how your boyfriend's mom and your mom, for instance, are getting on. Even if your boyfriend hasn't seen his family in a while, you could bring them up anyway. Reminiscing about funny family-related memories is a great way to bond. Choose a private, quiet setting for serious conversations. A noisy bar or party might be fine for casual, lighthearted conversation, but you should talk about more intimate matters in a different setting. The best time will vary depending on the preferences of you and your boyfriend, but a quiet room at home in the evening is probably best. If you don't want to have discussions at home, you could meet with him in a private cafe booth or a library study room. Avoid discussing serious topics online or via text messages. It's too easy to have a misunderstanding when you can't see each other's facial experiences or hear the tone of voice. There's no “right” time to have a more serious conversation. In some relationships, you won't have serious conversations for several months, while in others, you will have serious conversations after a few years. Discuss where you’ll both be in 5 years. This gives you and your boyfriend the chance to imagine your short-term future plans together. If your boyfriend is struggling to imagine that far ahead, share your vision for where you want to be 5 years on. Offer your advice for how he can best achieve his dreams. Guiding your boyfriend through a conversation about how he can achieve his ambitions will strengthen your relationship and make him realize that you are a great source of wisdom. Ask your boyfriend what baby names he likes if you're in a serious relationship. This is a simple way to get him to discuss having kids. Choose a handful of both boy and girl names. For instance, you might ask him, “Do you like the name Ophelia?” or “If we had a son, what would his name be?” You could also ask follow-up questions like who you could name as the child's godparents. Start a conversation about marriage by being direct about it. Talking about marriage shouldn't be awkward, so use a direct approach to break the ice. Ask your boyfriend if he'd like to get married some day, then ask follow-up questions about why he would or would not be interested in marriage. Ask additional questions about where he would like to get married, whether he would like to move to a new place after getting married, and so on. Dive deeper with questions about who his best man would be and how many people he would like to invite to the wedding. Don’t pressure your boyfriend into talking about things he doesn’t want to discuss. Sometimes even a simple question like “What have you been doing today?” can seem exhausting or irritating. If your boyfriend indicates that he doesn't want to talk about a specific topic or doesn't want to talk in general, don't prod him. Conversations with your boyfriend should, as much as possible, be pleasant and not forced.

Ask your boyfriend about his hobbies. Ask him how his friends are. Talk about your shared interests. Find out what your boyfriend is passionate about. Ask your boyfriend to tell you two interesting things about his day. Share a news story that made an emotional impact on you. Ask your boyfriend how a memorable family member is doing. Choose a private, quiet setting for serious conversations. Discuss where you’ll both be in 5 years. Ask your boyfriend what baby names he likes if you're in a serious relationship. Start a conversation about marriage by being direct about it. Don’t pressure your boyfriend into talking about things he doesn’t want to discuss.

https://www.wikihow.com/Save-a-Dying-Betta-Fish

How to Save a Dying Betta Fish

To save a dying betta fish, the first thing you should do is thoroughly clean and disinfect your betta's tank, which is usually enough to save a sick fish. To disinfect the tank, empty it completely, and throw away any live plants. Then, mix 1 part bleach and 9 parts water, spray it on the inside of the tank, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing the tank multiple times. Finally, replace the gravel inside the tank with new gravel, and disinfect any tank decorations with the bleach solution.

Keep a first aid kit. Pet stores often will not carry Betta fish medication, meaning that you will need to order it online. If you do this after your Betta fish gets sick it will likely be too late. Complete first aid kits are available online. However, you can try to save money by ordering the necessary supplies separately. Basic medications include: Bettazing or Bettamax, Kanamycin, Tetracycline, Amplicillin, Jungle Fungus Eliminator, Maracin 1, and Maracyn 2. Prevent illness. Most Betta fish ailments are caused by improper feeding and cleaning. These will be examined in greater detail later. However, a few things to always keep in mind include: Clean the tank regularly. To keep it clean, do not overcrowd with too many fish, add aquarium salt to water, and disinfect the tank. To limit the spread of disease from one fish to another, immediately remove dead fish, quarantine new fish for two weeks before introducing them to a tank, and wash your hands after handling fish. Do not overfeed fish or allow food to rot in tank. Know how to recognize the first signs of illness. The most obvious way to tell that a Betta fish is sick is to observe whether or not it wants to eat. If it is not eating or appears unexcited at the sight of food, it is likely sick. Other signs of illness include a less vibrant color or strange discolorations. Others signs that your betta fish is sick include: rubbing against items in the tank as if to scratch itself; swollen, protruded eyes; raised scales that protrude out toward you; lethargy; and a fin that is clumped together rather than spread out. Begin with water and food. Most fish illnesses can be addressed by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tank. With all of these conditions, try this approach first, and then move on to medications if you don't see improvement. Keep track of the symptoms in case you need to consult an aquatic veterinarian to treat your fish. Immediately remove a sick fish from a tank. Treat a fungal infection. A fish that has a fungal infection will be paler than usual, will not be active, and will have clumped together fins. Most noticeable will be the white, cotton-like patches on its body. Eliminate a fungal infection by cleaning the tank and treating fresh water with fungus eliminator. Repeat every three days until visible signs of fungus have disappeared. Treat the water with BettaZing or Bettamax to dissolve any remnants of the fungus. Fungal infections are typically the result of a tank that has not been properly treated with salt and Aquarisol. Fungal infections are highly infectious, so this disorder should be treated rapidly. Quarantine infected fish. Treat tail or fin rot. In this case, your Betta fish's fins and/or tail will turn black or red along the edges. The fin will appear to be dissolving and getting shorter. You might see holes or tears in the fin. Clean the tank once every three days. Add either Ampicillin or Tetracycline into the water to treat it. Repeat until your fish's fin ceases to show signs that is still losing tissue. Put some fungus eliminator in the water to facilitate recovery. The tail will repair itself over time, but might not obtain its original luster. If not treated, this condition can progress to the point where it begins to eat away at your fish's body. Ultimately, it will be fatal. Treat swim bladder disorder. If the belly of the fish is enlarged, the fish might have some blockage that needs to be corrected. You might notice an absence of excrement in the tank. The fish might have trouble swimming upright, swimming instead on its side or even upside down. This is a sign of overfeeding. The condition can easily be treated by reducing how much you feed your Betta fish. Treat ich. Your fish will have white dots all over its body and will lack appetite. It will also try to scratch itself against items in the tank. It is highly contagious and is the most common cause for fish fatalities. To treat ich, you should raise the temperature of the tank to somewhere between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit over 48 hours. Add formalin or malachite green to the water. Treat Velvet. Fish with Velvet will hold their fins against their body, lose color, refuse to eat, and scratch against the gravel of the tank. It is treatable, but can be hard to spot. To verify that your fish has Velvet, shine a flashlight on it and check for a light gold or rusty film over its skin. Treat Velvet by cleaning the tank and treating the new water with BettaZing. Velvet should not occur if you have been treating your tank properly with salt and water conditioner. If your fish contract Velvet you should reconsider how you care for the tank. Treat pop-eye. If one of your fish's eyes is budging out, then it has pop-eye. Unfortunately, pop-eye is not caused by a single condition. Sometimes it is treatable, but other times it is not. If several fish exhibit signs of pop-eye, the water condition is likely at fault. Test the water and replace 30% of the water daily for 4 to 5 days. If one of the fish has pop-eye, it might be a bacterial infection. Remove the fish to a separate tank and treat with Maracyn or Maracyn II until it shows signs of improvement. Occasionally pop-eye is the result of a serious, untreatable medical condition. If your fish does not respond to treatment it is possible that nothing can be done for it. Check for dropsy. In cases of dropsy, your fish's stomach will begin to swell. When it swells, it will cause the scales to project out like a pinecone. It is not a specific illness, but a sign that your fish can no longer regulate fluids. It will be fatal. If caught early, dropsy can be cured by aquarium salt baths and medicines. However, since it is hard to see what kind of medicine to use (the wrong one can make it worse), this is hard. Vets can help. If the betta is severely affected, euthanizing it is an option. Dropsy is not contagious, but it could be an indication that your water parameters are off. Check them and consider replacing your water. Consult an aquatic veterinary specialist. An aquatic veterinarian is one that specializes in treating fish. They are not as common as vets who treat cats, dogs and other household pets. Get a larger tank. A tank size of 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) at minimum is recommended for a single betta fish. If you have more than one fish, you should get a bigger tank to accommodate all of the fish. If you have a larger tank, you may not need to change the water as frequently. Toxins will build up more quickly and in higher concentration in a smaller tank. Test the tank’s water. Having a good pH balance will help restrict the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate, which will in turn keep your betta healthy. An ideal pH is 7. Treat the water with a dechlorinator. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to put this into the water. Test your water for ammonia using a test kit. You will either use a dip-stick test or gather a water sample to test the water. Your ammonia level should read 0, since you just used a dechlorinator. Measure the ammonia level once per day until you start seeing ammonia levels. This will tell you how long you can go before changing the tank's water. Change and condition the water. Twice a week, you should change the water in the tank to make sure that you don't have dangerous levels of ammonia, nitrate and nitrite building up. You can use distilled, bottled or tap water, but each kind of water needs to be treated before it goes in the tank in order to restore the proper balance of nutrients in the water. Change 25%-50% of the water in the tank twice a week. This means you add 25% new water and keep 75% of the old water (or 50% new and 50% old). Use aquatic water conditioners, available at your pet store for $5-$10, to adjust pH levels in the water. Use them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Add 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt and 1 drop per gallon of a fungus preventative like Aquarisol. Do not use table salt in place of aquarium salt. Table salt may have additives like iodine and calcium silicate, which can be harmful to fish. Cycle your tank. Cycling your tank means that you build up good bacteria in the tank so that your fish can flourish. This bacteria will help keep ammonia levels low by breaking down fish waste into nitrite and then into nitrate. Start with a fresh tank with no fish in it to cycle the tank. Add an ammonia source to start the process of generating the good bacteria in nitrate. You can either add fish food or an ammonia solution to the tank. Use a test kit to test the water for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels. Your ammonia level will initially read 0. Test the water every day and the ammonia level will start to show trace amounts. The ammonia level will then drop as the nitrite level starts to show up. Then the nitrite level will decrease and the nitrate level will go up. Add a few flakes of fish food every day to keep the ammonia levels generating, which generate nitrite and nitrate levels in turn. Be patient. Cycling a tank properly can take 4-6 weeks to introduce the proper levels into the tank. The improved water quality will keep your fish healthy and sustain longer lives. Regulate the tank water’s temperature. The tank's temperature should be between 75 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a 25 watt heater to keep the temperature constant. This heater is available at your pet store or online for $10-15. Keep a thermometer in the tank and check it periodically to make sure the temperature is constant. Keep the tank in a warm area of the room. The tank should maintain an even temperature. Keeping it by a window can risk exposure to colder temperatures that can be damaging to the betta. Use a filter in the tank. Place a filter in the tank to help clear the water of impurities. The filter should not cause the water to stir too much, as bettas don't like turbulent water. Filters are available at the pet store for $30-$150, depending on the size of your tank. Try an air stone that connects to a small pump if you don't want to get a filter. Air stones are available at your pet store for $5-$10. Buy a filter that is the correct size for your tank. Put aquarium salt in the tank. Aquarium salt is derived from evaporated sea water and can be used in fish tanks to reduce nitrite in the water and promote healthy gill functions. It can also help increase electrolytes, which improve a fish's overall health. Add 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt for every 5 gallons of water. Add aquarium salt to new fish tanks, when you are changing the water, and when you are trying to figure out a fish's health problems. Do not use table salt in place of aquarium salt. Table salt may have additives like iodine and calcium silicate, which can be harmful to fish. Empty the tank. If your fish needs to be isolated, you will also need to disinfect your tank to prevent the transfer of any health problems to other fish. You also should disinfect your tank before putting your fish back into it. Pour out water and remove all objects from the tank. Throw away any live plants. These cannot be disinfected, so it is best to start with new plants if you use live plants or just use fake plants from the stores. Remove the gravel. If you have natural gravel at the bottom of your tank, remove all of this and bake it on a cookie sheet at 450 °F (232 °C) for one hour. Cool the gravel completely. Do not bake gravel if it is coated with any material, as this will melt. In this case, it is probably best to throw it away and start with fresh gravel. Make a bleach and water solution. Use 1 part bleach to 9 parts fresh tap water and put it in a clean spray bottle. Use regular household bleach with no added detergents. Be careful to never add bleach when fish are in the tank, as this will kill fish. Spray your bleach solution on the inside of the tank. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the tank multiple times. You need to make sure that all of the bleach residue is rinsed out of the tank so it will not contaminate the water after you put the fish back in. Rinse several times, and then rinse it once more for good measure. Wipe the tank dry with a paper towel. Put any other tank items (filter, plastic plants, etc. ) in the bleach solution in a bucket or bowl. Let them sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse them multiple times before putting them back in the tank. Feed bettas appropriate food. Purchase pellets that are made from fishmeal or shrimp meal. Occasionally supplement with a piece of blanched pea once per week or fruit flies with wings attached. Do not overfeed your betta. A betta's stomach is about the size of its eyeball, so feed it about that amount twice per day. That translates to approximately 2 or 3 pellets per feeding. Let pellets soak in water 10 minutes before feeding. This will prevent them from swelling up inside your fish's stomach. If your fish has a rounded belly, you may be feeding it too much. If its belly looks a little caved in, then you might not be feeding it enough. Clean leftover food out of the tank. Uneaten food becomes toxic in the water, contributing to the growth of bacteria and ammonia levels. Bacteria in the tank will in turn start attacking your fish. Make your fish fast once a week. If your fish seems to have trouble digesting food or seems constipated, you can give it a rest by not feeding it once a week. This will not harm the fish and will allow the fish to work through some of the food already in its system. Isolate your fish. If your fish has a contagious condition, it will need to be removed from the tank so that any illness does not infect other fish. Prepare a holding tank for your fish by putting fresh, conditioned water into the tank. Remove your fish from the original tank and put it in the new tank. If your fish is experiencing stress because of a new fish or environmental change in its tank, you might find that it feels better after being isolated. Disinfect after handling your fish. Many disorders that fish have can be highly contagious. Anything that touched the fish or the water, including your hands, the fishnet, a spoon, etc., will need to be disinfected before it should come in contact with another fish. Use antibacterial soap to wash your hands. Disinfect any other item that has come in contact with the fish or the water in the tank using a bleach solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water. Soak items for 10 minutes in the bleach solution and rinse very thoroughly. Rinse again for good measure. Never add bleach to the fish tank when fish are in it, as this can kill fish. Administer medication to your fish. Once you have positively identified your fish's ailment, you can administer a common fish medication to your fish. Give the medication intended for the ailment, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to give your fish the entire course of medication as recommended by the medicine's manufacturer. Use good judgment when giving medications to your fish. Don't try out several medications guessing at the right one. If you are unsure, you might consider consulting an aquatic veterinarian.

Keep a first aid kit. Prevent illness. Know how to recognize the first signs of illness. Begin with water and food. Treat a fungal infection. Treat tail or fin rot. Treat swim bladder disorder. Treat ich. Treat Velvet. Treat pop-eye. Check for dropsy. Consult an aquatic veterinary specialist. Get a larger tank. Test the tank’s water. Change and condition the water. Cycle your tank. Regulate the tank water’s temperature. Use a filter in the tank. Put aquarium salt in the tank. Empty the tank. Throw away any live plants. Remove the gravel. Make a bleach and water solution. Rinse the tank multiple times. Put any other tank items (filter, plastic plants, etc. Feed bettas appropriate food. Do not overfeed your betta. Clean leftover food out of the tank. Make your fish fast once a week. Isolate your fish. Disinfect after handling your fish. Administer medication to your fish.

https://www.wikihow.com/Euthanize-a-Sick-Hamster

How to Euthanize a Sick Hamster

It can be hard to see your hamster suffer when it's sick, but if it no longer seems to enjoy life, it may be time to euthanize your pet. While this decision is never easy, you can work with your veterinarian to decide when the time is right and how to give your pet a peaceful passing. If your hamster no longer wants to play and instead spends most of its time hunched over in a corner of its cage, then it's likely very ill. Not eating or drinking for as little as 24 hours can be very serious for a hamster, so this is another sign that it's not doing well. Your veterinarian can't decide to euthanize your pet, but they can help you decide if your hamster's behavior will improve or if it's suffering. Once you make the decision to euthanize, you can schedule an appointment with your vet and discuss cremation or burial options.

Observe your hamster's behavior. Emotions can make it very difficult to decide whether to euthanize a pet, even when the pet is very sick. To make the decision process a little easier, look objectively at your hamster's behavior. For example, watch how he walks—if his back is arched or he is unsteady on his feet, he could be feeling extremely sick. Hamsters love to run and play. If your hamster stays hunched over in a corner of his cage, he is very uncomfortable and likely very sick. Make a list of several activities your hamster loves to do (e.g., run in his hamster wheel, gnaw on chew toys, etc.). If he no longer does those things, his quality of life has worsened, making euthanasia a reasonable option. Track his good days and bad days in a journal. When he starts having more bad days and good days, it is time to start considering euthanasia. Monitor how much your hamster eats and drinks. When your hamster becomes so sick that he is no longer eating or drinking, he is letting you know that he is feeling pretty miserable. Not eating or drinking for as little as 24 hours can be very serious in hamsters. Talk to your veterinarian about euthanizing your hamster if it has been at least one day since your hamster ate or drank anything. Take your hamster to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian cannot make the decision to euthanize for you, but he or she can guide you through the decision process. One way your veterinarian can do this is to accurately diagnose your hamster. When you know the details of your hamster's sickness, and his prognosis, you can make a clearer decision on whether to euthanize him. Geriatric diseases in hamsters (e.g. liver failure, kidney failure, cancer) are those that occur after 18 months of age. They have no cure and can worsen a hamster's quality of life. Euthanasia is a reasonable option for hamsters with geriatric diseases. If your hamster has a geriatric disease, keep him as comfortable as possible until life has become too unbearable to him. This includes keeping him in a quiet area and handling him as little as possible. Discuss treatment options, if any, with your veterinarian. Be aware that your hamster could be so sick that he would not be able to tolerate intense veterinary care. Do not let your hamster suffer through treatment if it will not bring him better quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian. You will probably have a lot of questions and concerns about euthanasia. During your appointment, discuss your hamster's sickness and the possibility of euthanasia. Ask your veterinarian questions about the euthanasia process, as well as options for cremating or burying your hamster. Consider asking your veterinarian if he or she thinks euthanasia is right for your hamster. No matter how your veterinarian answers, remember that only you can make the decision to euthanize your hamster. Ask your veterinarian if he or she performs at-home euthanasia. Be mindful that not all veterinarians will do this. If you have children, discuss the best way to tell them about euthanasia. Children do not always understand end-of-life issues, so you will have to be careful about explaining how ending a pet's life can be humane. Ask your veterinarian about local pet loss support groups. Ask as many questions as you can think of, and express any concerns you may have. Although euthanasia is a difficult topic, your veterinarian understands this difficulty and can help you talk things through. Decide if euthanizing is best for you or for your hamster. As if the euthanasia decision was not difficult enough, you should know whether you are considering your hamster's wellbeing or your own. You may feel unsure, or maybe even a little guilty, but your hamster's wellbeing should come first. If you are delaying the decision, ask yourself if it's because you are not ready to let your hamster go. Be aware that delaying your decision could be prolonging your hamster's suffering. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. When you make the appointment, indicate what time of day and what day of the week will work for you. To be sensitive to a pet owner's needs, veterinarians will typically schedule a euthanasia at the end of the day, when there are no other appointments. The day of the week will also be important. You may want to schedule the euthanasia for the end of the week, when you will have the weekend to process what happened and start the grieving process. If you know the euthanasia will be hard for you, bring someone with you to the appointment. Check with them before making the appointment to make sure they will be available. Decide to bury or cremate your hamster. Check with your local health department about home burials for pets. Local laws may not allow pet owners to bury their pets in their yards. If you live in an apartment, or in the heart of a city, it is unlikely that you will be able to bury your hamster. Your veterinarian can recommend professional pet burial or crematory services. Contact them before your appointment so those arrangements can already be in place. Your veterinarian may also work with a pet burial or cremation service. Spend extra time with your hamster. Your hamster may be very sick, but he will probably appreciate you spending time with him in his final days. Although you may feel sad, or maybe even guilty about having him euthanized, do your best to remain calm around him. He could pick up on whatever you are feeling, so stay as positive as possible. Allow your veterinarian to euthanize your hamster. No matter how much you have prepared yourself for putting your hamster to sleep, the actual act of having your hamster euthanized may be difficult for you. Your veterinarian will make sure the euthanasia will be quick, painless, and peaceful for your hamster. Your veterinarian will most likely administer a lethal injection into your hamster's belly and your hamster will pass away as a result. Your veterinarian will check your hamster for a pulse to ensure that he has passed away. It is your decision whether you want to be in the room for the euthanasia. Some pet owners cannot stand the thought of seeing their pet euthanized, and others want to be close to their beloved pet until the very end. It is also your choice in how to say goodbye to your hamster. You may want to say a few things to him before and after he has passed on. It is up to you. Give yourself time to grieve. Although small in size, your hamster probably meant a lot to you. Acknowledge your grief and give yourself time to process the loss. There's no timetable for grieving—it may take you a few days, maybe longer. Consider writing your feelings down if you're having trouble processing your thoughts. Contact local pet loss support groups. Pet loss support groups help pet owners manage the grief of losing a pet. Many veterinary schools have pet loss hotlines that you can contact. Your veterinarian, or even other pet owners, can recommend some local pet loss support groups that you can contact. The staff at your local humane society may also be able to recommend pet loss support groups. Encourage your children to express their feelings. Children can have a hard time dealing with the death of a pet. If you have children, encourage them to talk about how they feel about your hamster's death. Do not buy another pet for your children to make them feel better. Give them time to express how they feel about your hamster's death before bringing a new pet into the home. Decide when to get another pet. You may be the type of person who does not grieve for long over the loss of a pet. Or, you might need a long time before you are ready to even think about getting another hamster (or another type of pet). Do not feel the need to rush into buying another pet. Remember that a new pet is not a replacement for your hamster. You will know when the time is right for you to get another pet.

Observe your hamster's behavior. Monitor how much your hamster eats and drinks. Take your hamster to your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian. Decide if euthanizing is best for you or for your hamster. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Decide to bury or cremate your hamster. Spend extra time with your hamster. Allow your veterinarian to euthanize your hamster. Give yourself time to grieve. Contact local pet loss support groups. Encourage your children to express their feelings. Decide when to get another pet.

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

How to Be Secure

What makes you feel secure can vary greatly depending on who you are, but recognizing your strengths and taking care of yourself are a good place to start. Avoid comparing yourself to others, since we all have individual talents and abilities that should be celebrated. Focus on your strengths and positive characteristics, like being hard-working, caring, or reliable, since being confident in your own abilities will help you feel more secure. You should also take good care of yourself by wearing clothes you feel comfortable in and maintaining good personal hygiene, which will help you feel better in your own skin. Try to focus on the small, positive things you experience on a daily basis, such as the sunrise or someone being kind to you, which will help you see that you're part of a larger society and are not alone.

Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of observing your thoughts and feelings to cultivate an active awareness of yourself and your surroundings in the present moment. Research suggests that practicing mindfulness can help you feel more secure with yourself and your relationships with others, which in turn can help you feel more overall satisfaction over time. Try to breathe consciously. Take a slow inhalation while you count to five, hold your breath for five seconds, and exhale slowly for five seconds. Focus on the present moment. Any time your mind starts to wander, return your attention to the way your body feels and the sensory information around you. Cultivating mindfulness takes a lot of practice and patience. Work at it every day, and over time you will feel happier, more secure, and more at peace. Try reaching out to others. Seeking emotional support from people you love and trust can create a tremendous sense of security. Try making amends with a friend you've had a falling out with to restore that connection in your life, or practice asking for help/advice from the people closest to you for a renewed sense of community. Reaching out to friends and rekindling an old friendship can help remind you that there are people in your life who love and care about you. Having a heart-to-heart conversation with someone close to you can help strengthen your relationship with that person. Be sure to emphasize that you love and support your friend/partner/family member, and ask them to emphasize the same to you. Have your emotional needs met. Everyone has emotional needs that we strive to satisfy through romantic relationships, friendships, and familial relationships. Each type of bond offers a different kind of comfort, security, and acceptance. If you're feeling emotionally insecure, it could be that one or more of the primary relationships in your life are not meeting your emotional needs. Take an honest look at the relationships in your life. Do you ever feel unloved or uncared for in those relationships? Do you feel secure with the people around you, or are you always a little insecure? If you think one of the relationships in your life is causing you a sense of insecurity, try talking to that friend/lover/family member about the way you feel. Decide what it is that person could do differently, and have an honest but loving conversation about your needs and how they can be better met. Learn to trust. Many people feel emotionally insecure due to a lack of trust. This may be because of past relationships or friendships that ended badly, or it could simply be a deep-seated fear of abandonment. Whatever your reason for feeling mistrustful, you need to recognize that you cannot go through life without trusting others. Just because something may have ended badly once (or even multiple times), it does not mean that every relationship or friendship will end the same way. Ask yourself whether your mistrust of others stems from not trusting yourself. Many people unconsciously project their fears and negative emotions on other people. Is it possible that you don't trust your partner because you yourself have doubts? Often times the heart of your mistrusting another person is a lack of trust in yourself to make wise decisions. If you want to be friends or lovers with someone, you'll need to decide whether you're willing to take the risk that you might get hurt. Believe in yourself and trust that you'll know what to do if such a situation arises. Stop comparing yourself to others. One of the most damaging things you can do to your sense of self-esteem is to compare yourself to others. This is true of physical comparisons, like looking at your body in comparison to actors/actresses/models in the media. But it's also true of intellectual comparisons, creative comparisons, and career comparisons. Find your own style, and recognize your own beauty. You're a unique and wonderful individual, and comparing your life/body/career to others does a great disservice to yourself. Remember that you are ultimately responsible for your own happiness, in that personal satisfaction and self-love have to come from within. Be kind to yourself, and try to respect yourself for who you are right now, not who you aspire to be in the future. Identify and adjust negative core beliefs. Everyone has a set of core beliefs that define our sense of self within the larger context of the world. Many of these core beliefs develop early in life, but some develop (or can be adjusted) later in life. Your negative core beliefs are built from your negative life experiences, biased/unreasonable expectations, and negative self-evaluations. Ask yourself whether your life experiences have led you to believe there is something "wrong" with you, then question what you are basing your sense of "normal" on. Can you link a specific person, place, or event with any negative beliefs you hold about yourself? If so, why do you think that belief is an absolute truth based on the opinion of one person or the occasion of one negative event? Ask yourself honestly, "Would I ever say the things I think about myself to someone else about their body, career, or lifestyle choices?" If you wouldn't say something hurtful to others, why say it to yourself? Examine the evidence of your negative self-beliefs. What are those beliefs actually based on, and has anything remotely positive ever come out of holding on to those beliefs? Create new opportunities for safe, healthy, and positive experiences that you have not previously had. Approach situations that you've previously avoided (so long as they are safe) and see challenges through to the end instead of abandoning your aspirations. Do nice things for yourself that are safe, fun, and make you feel good about yourself. Try being more assertive with the people in your life. Don't be bossy, but let your voice and your thoughts/opinions be heard. Recognize and celebrate your strengths. In the chaos of day-to-day life, it can be very easy to forget how talented, strong, and interesting you are as an individual. If you suffer from a low self-esteem, it is probably even more difficult to remember your strengths. Take a few minutes each day to practice self-awareness of your personal strengths, and try journaling to see how your self-esteem changes as you take more time to celebrate yourself. Make a list of your strengths. Then make another list of your achievements. Make a third list of qualities/characteristics you admire in others that are also present (to any degree) in yourself. Read through these lists on a regular basis, and try writing a new set of lists every few weeks. Keep your old lists and compare them after a few months to see if anything has changed. Ask a close friend, family member, or romantic partner to make a written list of your best attributes. Ask them to write about why they care about you, what makes you the unique person that you are, and what you do better than anyone else. Keep this list with you at all times (in your wallet or purse, perhaps) and read through it whenever you feel bad about yourself. Take good care of yourself. If you're feeling insecure about yourself, perhaps you haven't taken much time lately to care for your needs. Everyone has emotional and physical needs, and if those needs aren't met, we tend to feel pretty bad. Take good care of yourself on a day-to-day basis, and odds are you'll feel significantly better in your skin. Spend some time each day on your personal hygiene. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth each day, shower or bathe, style your hair, shave, and trim your nails. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Make sure you are getting enough vitamins and nutrients, and avoid junk food. Get more exercise. Find ways to get a little bit of exercise every day, like walking or riding your bike on your errands instead of driving. In addition to your day-to-day walking or bicycle riding, aim for a more vigorous cardio workout three times each week. Dress in clothing that makes you feel good about your body. Whether you feel more comfortable in slim, form-fitting clothes or baggier, looser clothes, figure out what you're most comfortable and confident in and try to wear those confidence clothes as often as possible. Make sure you get enough sleep. Depending on your age, most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Develop SMART goals. A good way to feel more secure and confident with yourself is by accomplishing your goals. Many people feel troubled when they cannot achieve their goals, but instead of beating yourself up, consider whether your goals are achievable or even measurable. Experts tend to agree that developing S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Results-focused, and Time-bound) can help you make meaningful goals that will give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Specific - be clear and simple in defining what, precisely, it is that you want to do. Measurable - create goals that have some metric of measurement. The only way you'll ever know that you're making real progress towards your goal is if you have a way of measuring that progress. Achievable - your goals should challenge you a little bit, but should ultimately be something you can realistically accomplish. Results-focused - the way you measure your progress should be by your outcomes, not just your activities. Don't measure progress by simply working at your goal. Measure progress by how much you've accomplished on the way to meeting your ultimate goal. Take stock in the "little" victories along the way. Time-bound - give yourself a realistic timeframe. Don't expect results overnight, but don't give yourself a year to get around to putting in some effort. Decide what a reasonable, realistic date of completion should be and hold yourself to that deadline. Forgive yourself and others. Odds are if you've lived any time in this world, you've hurt someone, and someone else has hurt you. These offenses may be intentional or accidental, but many people have a hard time letting these incidents go from their memory. However, playing a scenario you regret over and over in your mind will never undo what's been done. It will only torture you and make you feel worse about yourself and others. Remember that mistakes offer you an occasion to grow. You may have hurt others or been hurt, but the important thing is that you learned from your mistakes, and others who hurt you have also learned from their own errors. Instead of dwelling on things you wish you'd done differently, acknowledge what you would like to do differently now. The present moment is the only time you can change, because the past cannot be altered and the future does not yet exist. Focus in this moment on how you can be the best version of yourself, and find ways to make that version of yourself a reality. Find things to be grateful for. Take some time each day to reflect on the people and circumstances that have made your life what it is today. Obviously not everyone/everything has been good all the time, but chances are you've had some pretty amazing events in your life, and you've probably met a lot of inspiring, loving people. Try to remember that you would not be who you are today if others had not shown you love, and if you hadn't been born into the circumstances you were given. No one's life is perfect all the time. In fact, many people struggle their whole lives. No matter how difficult your life might be, try to remember that there are others who have it worse, and those people probably admire your life. Be grateful for the people who have shown you love and taught you how to love. Think about how sad and lonely life could be if not for the love others have shown you, at least at some point in your life. Try to appreciate the little things in life. Watch the sun rise or set each day, and take stock of the fact that you've lived to see another day - there are a lot of people who cannot say the same thing about this present day. Define what you hope to achieve. What does financial security mean to you? If it simply means being rich, you may not have a realistic dream. However, if it means paying off your loans, saving for your kid's college fund, or saving for retirement, then you have a realistic end goal that you can work towards. Having a clear idea of what you want to save up for and why can help keep you motivated and on-track. Once you have a well-defined financial goal, you can talk to a financial planner to help you find ways to invest or save your money. Assess your current situation. If you want to feel financially secure, you need to first evaluate your current financial situation to determine what (if anything) needs to change. This starts with examining your finances, including your savings and your expenses. Take note of your income, as well as your savings (if any). Track your daily, weekly, and monthly expenses. Carry a small notebook in your pocket or purse and write down every single expense. That includes things you buy, bills you pay, and the dates/times those expenses were incurred. You should also make a note of how you were feeling when you made any purchases. Examine your spending patterns. Do you tend to buy things for yourself when you're feeling sad or stressed out? Are there any purchases that you made on a whim when you didn't really need that item, or could have found it cheaper somewhere else? Make sure you are not spending more than you earn. This will quickly put you in debt, and it will be hard to recover your finances once you're in the red. Find ways to reduce expenses. You don't need to deprive yourself of every single thing that makes you happy, but you also need to set limits and boundaries for yourself. Don't go on shopping sprees whenever you feel like it, and don't make useless purchases that you don't really need. Cut back on expenses. Some expenses, like rent, utilities, and groceries, are unavoidable. But even with these essential expenses, you can find ways to spend less by shopping smart and avoiding unnecessary expenditures. Any time you go grocery shopping, bring a shopping list and stick to it. Whenever possible, buy items that are on sale, generic/off-brand, or in bulk. This can save a lot of money and will give you the same essential product, but at a fraction of the price. Try to buy things second-hand whenever possible. Compare prices before you buy. If you look around at advertisements, both online and in the newspaper, chances are you'll be able to find the exact same product at a lower cost somewhere else. Prepare meals at home. Avoid eating out as much as possible, and bring a bagged lunch and thermos of coffee to work everyday. This will help save a lot of money, and you can apply that money to other expenses or to a savings account. Seek out free or low-cost entertainment. You can find a lot of movies online for free or for relatively low costs (through legal streaming websites), or visit the library and borrow books, CDs, and movies for free. Adjust your thermostat during the day when you're not home, and at night when you're asleep. Try to only run your heat or air conditioner the most when you're at home and awake. (However, if you have any pets at home, remember that they need a comfortable temperature during the day and night, even if you're not home.) Don't buy things on credit, or with a credit card. Save up until you can afford your purchases and you'll avoid a lot of stress (and debt) in the process. Increase your income. If you're working part time, try getting a second part-time job, or finding one full-time job. Even if you're working full-time, you can still find odd jobs to make a little extra cash on the side. And if you're getting by with your bills on your current job, your side job can be devoted to your savings account! Look at the help wanted section in newspapers or on job listing websites. Find easy side jobs that won't interfere with your work schedule. Odds are you'll be able to find listings for dog walkers, babysitters, or even freelance work on the side. Start a savings account. It's okay if it takes you a while to save up money. It takes a lot of planning and hard work for most people, but the reward of financial security is well worth it. A good way to start saving is by opening a savings account. You can start out small - say, by setting aside $20 every month or every paycheck. Over time, that weekly or monthly deposit adds up to a pretty substantial savings. Many financial institutions let you set up an automatic transfer so that a portion of your paycheck is automatically deposited into your savings account. Some banks offer a "Keep the Change" (or similar) program, in which small debit/checking purchases are rounded up to the nearest dollar and the change is deposited into your savings account. This is a quick and easy way to build up your savings without even really noticing it. Try to avoid dipping into your savings unless it's an absolute emergency. If you can put off any purchases until after you receive your next paycheck, hold off and leave your savings untouched.

Practice mindfulness. Try reaching out to others. Have your emotional needs met. Learn to trust. Stop comparing yourself to others. Identify and adjust negative core beliefs. Recognize and celebrate your strengths. Take good care of yourself. Develop SMART goals. Forgive yourself and others. Find things to be grateful for. Define what you hope to achieve. Assess your current situation. Cut back on expenses. Increase your income. Start a savings account.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Macaw-from-Feather-Picking-or-Chewing

How to Stop a Macaw from Feather Picking or Chewing

If your macaw is chewing or picking at its feathers, take it to the vet to find out if there's an underlying physical cause. For example, the vet may test your bird for hypothyroidism, beak and feather disease, or some other illness or injury that might cause the behavior. Additionally, ask your vet to look for signs of skin irritation, which could be caused by mites or a skin infection. If your vet rules out a physical cause, look for psychological factors. For instance, your macaw may be bored, anxious, or stressed out by something in its environment.

Get a complete physical examination. Take your macaw to an avian veterinarian for a complete physical checkup. Get blood tests done and test for hypothyroidism, psittacine beak and feather disease. Ask the vet to analyze a dropping sample to test for intestinal parasites, like giardia. Although feather picking is often the result of psychological distress, it's important to rule out any underlying health conditions. Check for skin irritants and lesions. Your macaw's feather picking or chewing behavior could be caused by itchy or sore skin. Itchy skin could be the result of mites, bacterial infection, or a fungus. Ask your veterinarian to examine your macaw for possible causes of itchy skin, such as the bacterial infection Staphylococcus or a fungus like Mucor. If your macaw has a mite infection, it will have dandruff on its feathers. Your veterinarian may take a damaged feather and examine it for mites. See if your macaw is trying to soothe a disease or injury. If the feather picking looks like an attempt to heal or soothe an injured or diseased part of its body, ask your veterinarian to examine it for internal diseases. The feather picking could be a way of coping with illness. Liver disease, giardia, chlamydophila infection, and even fractures have been associated with feather picking and chewing. Assess psychological reasons for feather picking. Psychological factors such as anxiety, sexual frustration, and boredom may be causing your macaw to pick at its feathers. If the feather picking doesn't appear to have a medical cause, observe your bird to see whether it may be experiencing psychological distress. Separation anxiety is a frequent cause of feather picking in parrots. Be mindful of how much you travel or otherwise leave your macaw alone. Consider whether it has experienced anxiety because of a change in the location of its cage or because of a change in your own routine. Reduce boredom by playing with your macaw. In the wild, macaws fly together and receive plenty of psychological stimulation from their environment. Try to mimic this experience by offering your macaw plenty of toys and by spending time with it. You could try giving your macaw mop heads to play with. Place some mop heads in the cage and see if your macaw will pick at them instead of its feathers. Consider whether it has a stimulating environment and toys to play with. Use anti-depressant medications to reduce anxiety. Since feather picking is often a result of anxiety and distress, anti-depressants can be effective. Although the dosing of anti-depressant medications for feather picking is often difficult to figure out, some drugs have shown promise. Ask your avian veterinarian about appropriate anti-depressants: Clomipramine has been effective in up to 70% of birds with feather picking behavior. Haloperidol has been used for both feather picking and self-mutilating birds. Try behavior modification to reduce separation anxiety. If your macaw's feather picking appears to be related to separation anxiety, get it used to the idea of being alone. Give it toys to play with while you are out of the house, mimic your presence with recordings, and leave it alone for progressively longer periods of time. You can start by leaving your bird alone for 10 minutes at a time and then move up in increments of 15 minutes or so each time you leave. Create a video recording of yourself on your computer or smartphone and then play it on your television when you leave. If your macaw is bored or has separation anxiety, you could try turning on the television while you are out of the room. Remember to turn it off at night so it gets plenty of sleep. Reduce sexual stimulation. Feather picking can be a symptom of sexual frustration in parrots. Reduce sexual stimulation by taking any mirrors out of the cage or room, as well as by not petting your macaw. If such environmental changes don't work, ask your veterinarian about hormonal therapy with the drug lupron. Whereas wild macaws have the opportunity to mate at almost any time of day and often pair up with long term partners, pet macaws typically have little opportunity to mate. Remember to offer your macaw lots of opportunities for non-sexual activity, such as playing with toys and watching television. Increase the cage size to reduce boredom. Since your macaw's feather picking and chewing could be caused by boredom, give it a bigger cage. With more space and perhaps a few more places to perch and play, your macaw may find some entertainment beyond feather picking. The minimum cage size for a small macaw is 34'' wide by 36'' tall and 24'' deep. The bar spacing should be ¾'' to 1''. For a large macaw, the minimum size is 36'' wide, 48'' deep and 60'' tall. The bar spacing should be 1'' to 1.5''. Choose a sturdy cage, since macaws are one of the stronger birds. Use a vest or collar to block feather picking. If the feather picking is quite severe, put an Elizabethan collar or a vest on your parrot. Keep the vest or collar on them until you have finished behavioral modification techniques. A collar should only be used as a last resort. It will keep your macaw from picking at itself, but won't actually stop the itch, making your macaw uncomfortable and frustrated. A vest is a great option because your macaw will still be able to eat with the vest on, but won't be able to pick at its chest. A vest can be used to cover a macaw's chest. You can use an old cloth baby diaper. Serve a healthy daily diet. Feed your macaw organic whole grains, which should be soaked for 24 hours and then cooked. You could give them amaranth, quinoa, and millet. Serve whole legumes, which should be soaked for ten to twenty-four hours and then cooked. Fresh fruits and vegetables should also be included, such as fennel, mustard greens, broccoli, radish, beet root, okra, apple, mango, and papaya. Pellets can also be included in their daily diet. In addition, you may include alfalfa, kelp, and small amounts of ginger and garlic in their diet. Avoid certain foods to keep from triggering a reaction. Never give your macaw refined sugar, white flour, dairy, salt, fried foods, dried fruit with sulphur dioxide, preservatives, dyes, or foods with artificial flavoring. In addition, you should avoid serving nightshades, such as potatoes and tomatoes. Some grains should be avoided, including: Rye. Barley. Oats. Wheat. Spelt. Kamut. Food allergies may also be a problem for your parrot. Soy, corn, peanuts, rice, and wheat are common food allergens.

Get a complete physical examination. Check for skin irritants and lesions. See if your macaw is trying to soothe a disease or injury. Assess psychological reasons for feather picking. Reduce boredom by playing with your macaw. Use anti-depressant medications to reduce anxiety. Try behavior modification to reduce separation anxiety. Reduce sexual stimulation. Increase the cage size to reduce boredom. Use a vest or collar to block feather picking. Serve a healthy daily diet. Avoid certain foods to keep from triggering a reaction.

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

How to Make Crayons

You can make crayons by chopping equal parts beeswax and soap into fine pieces that will melt quickly. Then, place the soap and beeswax into a microwave safe container, and microwave the contents until they're completely melted, stirring every minute to ensure that it doesn't foam. Once the mixture is melted, add a few drops of liquid food coloring to create your personalized colors. Make sure you spray your molds with non-stick spray before you pour the wax into the mold. Let the the wax harden for 2 days before removing them from the mold!

Gather your supplies. Making crayons with carnauba wax will yield a smooth, hard crayon. You can add a little beeswax to get a more traditional crayon. Carnauba wax is also known as palm wax and can be purchased online. You will need about 8-10 grams per crayon. In addition to the wax, you will also need a colorant of some kind. You can use earth pigments, chalk, or cosmetics to color your crayons. Earth pigments and cosmetic pigments can be purchased online. If you are using chalk, simply choose your colors and grind the chalk into a fine powder. Make sure you have an old saucepan to melt the wax in. Find a mold for your crayons, such as a silicone ice stick tray. Your mold should make a crayon about.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. If your crayon is too thin, it may break. Get 2-3 disposable cups per color of crayon, and have a few extra set aside. Keep some disposable stirring sticks next to the cups. Make sure you have as many sticks as you do cups. Measure out your colorants. Decide how many colors you plan on making, and measure out 2-3 grams of each pigment. Put the pigment into disposable cups before you melt the wax to make the mixing process easier. Use one pigment per disposable cup. The only limit to the number of colors you can make is the amount of pigment and wax you have. The amount of pigment you use will determine how vibrant the crayon color is. Make sure you measure out all colors of pigment before you start. Carnauba wax will harden quickly once it is removed from the heat, so prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Melt the wax. Place all the carnauba wax into a saucepan and melt it over low heat. Once the wax is completely melted, reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. If you decide to add any beeswax to your crayons, wait until the carnauba is completely melted. Grating the beeswax before adding it will aid in the melting process. For a more traditional crayon, aim for a ratio of 90% carnauba and 10% beeswax. Pour the wax. Add a few tablespoons of wax into one of the cups and place the saucepan back onto the heat. Working quickly, stir the wax in the cup to mix the colorant. It does not take long for carnauba wax to harden, so it may help to have two people for this project. Have one person pour the wax, and one person immediately mix the pigment and the wax together. For a fun addition, try adding a few drops of essential oils to your wax as you mix the pigment in. Find scents that match the colors. For example, use orange oil for an orange crayon, or rose oil in pink or red. Mold the crayons. As soon as the wax takes on the color of the pigment, begin pouring it into your molds. Silicone ice stick trays work well for a standard crayon shape. Set the molds aside and let the crayons harden for at least 2 hours at room temperature. Repeat the process. Work through each color by pouring a few tablespoons of melted wax into the cups one at a time. Quickly mix the wax and the colors together and pour it into your molds. If you have any difficulty with the wax hardening before you can get it set in a mold, flake the wax off and set it aside. Carnauba wax is easy to remelt. Try mixing some of your colored waxes together to create interesting new colors. Gather your supplies. You can buy beeswax online or at craft stores, usually in 1 lb blocks. Use a plain white bar of soap for this project. You will need equal amounts of beeswax and soap. To make your crayons you will need the following: 1 part beeswax 1 part soap Liquid food dye A microwave safe container, or double boiler A cheese grater A knife A mold, such as a silicone ice stick tray or muffin pan Non-stick spray or shortening Prepare the soap and the beeswax. Chop the beeswax into manageable pieces to help it melt faster. Use a cheese grater to grate the soap. Melt the soap and beeswax together. Place the chopped beeswax and the grated soap into a microwave safe container. Put the container in the microwave and melt the soap and wax together. Heat the mixture in one minute intervals and watch it closely. Make sure the mixture doesn't foam. Foam will add air bubbles to your crayons. You can also melt the soap and wax in a double boiler. Get a medium sized stock pot and fill it with water. Put the pot onto a burner over high heat and bring the water to a boil. Put the soap and beeswax into a smaller saucepan and place it on top of the pot of boiling water. Stir constantly and make sure the mixture does not foam over. If you do get air bubbles, let the mixture sit for a few minutes. Gently stir to remove any bubbles. Add color. Once you have melted the beeswax and the soap, you can add your liquid food color. The more color you add, the more vibrant your crayons will be. If you want to make multiple colors, divide the hot wax and soap mixture into equal parts. Add different colors to each portion. Mold your crayons. Spray your molds with non-stick spray or grease them lightly with shortening. You can use silicone trays, muffin pans, or even make your own molds out of foil paper or clay. Pour the wax mixture into your molds and let them harden. It could take a few days for the crayons to set completely. Gather your supplies. If you have concerns that your children may try to eat crayons, try making them from food grade ingredients. These crayons use a blend of carnauba wax and tallow for the base. Use powdered herbs and veggies, and spices to make your colors. Use turmeric for yellow, beetroot powder for pink, and chlorella for green. Once you get the hang of making the crayons, experiment with different combinations to make new colors. You can buy tallow online or in the grocery store, or you can make your own. If you can't find tallow, you can substitute cacao butter, just make sure it is food grade. Melt the wax and tallow. Add 1 oz of carnauba wax and 1.5 oz of tallow to a double boiler and melt. If you don't have a double boiler, you can melt the waxes together in a stainless steel bowl over a pot of boiling water. Mix in your pigments. When the wax and tallow are melted completely, add in your pigments. Keep the mixture on a low heat as you whisk in your colors. To make pink, use 5 teaspoons of beetroot powder. To make yellow, use 1.25 teaspoons of turmeric. To make orange, use 1.25 teaspoons of ground annatto. Use 1.25 teaspoons of chlorella powder to make a deep green. Pour the colored wax into a mold. Use a silicone ice stick mold to form your crayons. You can also use a mold with fun shapes, such as stars or gingerbread men. You may find that some of the mixtures leave a small amount of sludge at the bottom of the pan. This is the result of the powders settling. Discard this part of the mixture. Adding it to your crayon will make the crayons gritty and uneven. Let the crayons set completely before using them. Carnauba wax hardens quickly, so the crayons should only take a few hours to set.

Gather your supplies. Measure out your colorants. Melt the wax. Pour the wax. Mold the crayons. Repeat the process. Gather your supplies. Prepare the soap and the beeswax. Melt the soap and beeswax together. Add color. Mold your crayons. Gather your supplies. Melt the wax and tallow. Mix in your pigments. Pour the colored wax into a mold.

https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Bissell-Proheat-Pet

How to Use a Bissell Proheat Pet

To use a Bissell Proheat Pet, start by lifting the handle on the water compartment at the front of the cleaner and bringing it to a sink. Then, pull the lever on the back of the container and lift the top section out so you can pour hot water into the container. Next, remove the plastic solution container on the back of the cleaner and fill it with a mix of solution and hot water. Once you've placed both containers back on the cleaner, set the dial on the front to "floor cleaning," choose an intensity, and plug in the machine.

Pretreat your carpet with a spray-on pet stain remover. This is best for discolored areas, heavy traffic areas or noticeable pet stains or smells. Leave it to sit while you prep the machine. Lift the handle from the water compartment at the front of the Proheat cleaner. Pull up and take the container to your sink. Pull the plastic lever on the back of the container and lift the top section out. You will see a hole in the bottom part where the hot water will go. Fill with very hot water and replace the top portion of the container. Make sure the plastic lever snaps shut. Replace the plastic container on the front of the machine and release the handle. Remove the plastic solution container from the back of the carpet cleaner. Take the container to the sink. Pour in the solution or a mix of solution and hot water, according to the directions on the back of the cleaning solution bottle. Pay attention to the fill line. Replace it on the back of the machine. Set the dial on the front of the machine to “floor cleaning” rather than “tools. ” Any time you use an attachment, you need to change this setting. Use the dial at the top of the machine to set the intensity of your cleaning, such as “rinse,” “normal cleaning,” or “heavy cleaning. ” Remove all the furniture from the carpet you are about to clean. Plug in the machine and start at the area furthest away from you. Starting at the edges and working toward the door will ensure you don't tread on the newly cleaned carpet as it dries. Go to the first section of the carpet. You will work in small areas, cleaning several feet at a time. Turn on the power button and the heater button. The heater button helps the carpet dry faster. Step on the small lever on the bottom left edge so that the cleaner reclines and you can push it. Identify the trigger on the handle. When you pull the trigger, cleaning solution is released. Depress the trigger and push the cleaner forward as far as you can comfortably reach. Keep the trigger pressed down and bring the cleaner back toward you. This is referred to as a “wet pass.” Let the trigger go and make several “dry passes” when the cleaner and water are not being used. Repeat until no more water is being pulled up. Repeat until the area of the carpet is cleaned. Switch the dial to “tools” to use the attachments to clean smaller areas. You will use the same general instructions with the brush as you would with the floor cleaner. Make a wet pass with the trigger depressed and then make several dry passes. Remember to change the dial to “floor cleaner” before you use the upright function again. Allow the carpet to dry completely before replacing furniture and walking on it. Pay close attention to the dirty water in the front container on your Bissell cleaner. When it fills up, you will need to change it. Consider moving it to linoleum to reduce the chance that you will spill the dirty water on the carpet. Turn the cleaner off. Lift the handle and remove the water basin. Pour the dirty water into the sink. Refill the water basin with hot water. Check that you have enough solution to continue. You will change the water tank more frequently than the solution tank. You will need to change the water several times for larger cleaning jobs.

Pretreat your carpet with a spray-on pet stain remover. Lift the handle from the water compartment at the front of the Proheat cleaner. Pull the plastic lever on the back of the container and lift the top section out. Remove the plastic solution container from the back of the carpet cleaner. Set the dial on the front of the machine to “floor cleaning” rather than “tools. Use the dial at the top of the machine to set the intensity of your cleaning, such as “rinse,” “normal cleaning,” or “heavy cleaning. Remove all the furniture from the carpet you are about to clean. Plug in the machine and start at the area furthest away from you. Go to the first section of the carpet. Step on the small lever on the bottom left edge so that the cleaner reclines and you can push it. Depress the trigger and push the cleaner forward as far as you can comfortably reach. Let the trigger go and make several “dry passes” when the cleaner and water are not being used. Repeat until the area of the carpet is cleaned. Switch the dial to “tools” to use the attachments to clean smaller areas. Allow the carpet to dry completely before replacing furniture and walking on it. Pay close attention to the dirty water in the front container on your Bissell cleaner. Turn the cleaner off. Refill the water basin with hot water.

https://www.wikihow.com/Write-in-Gallifreyan

How to Write in Gallifreyan

To learn how to write in Circular Galifreyan, start by finding a Gallifreyan alphabet chart online to use as a reference. Then, practice writing the consonant-symbols and diacritic marks. Next, practice drawing Gallifreyan vowels as freestanding circles, or by attaching them to preceding consonants. Once you've learned the alphabet, work on writing words, making sure to place the first letter symbol at the bottom of the circle. Afterwards, write the following letter symbols around the circle counterclockwise until the word is complete.

Understand the basic set-up. Instead of being character/letter based like English, circular Gallifreyan is based, as the name implies, on circles. The symbols that make up letters are collected into words by larger word-circles. Many word-circles are collected together in even larger sentence-circles. The Gallifreyan alphabet was created by a fan of Dr. Who named Loren Sherman. He created this way of writing so he could transform English words to mimic the artistic representations of the Doctor's native language, Gallifreyan. It is not used by the show and is not a real language. Look for an alphabet chart online. There are many online resources that you can print out so you have your own Gallifreyan writing references. You might also find the official Sherman site for circular Gallifreyan useful, as there are Gallifreyan guides for writing words, math, and music. These resources can be found at Sherman's Planet. The general guide to writing Gallifreyan has three different charts and a brief explanation of numbers. One chart displays consonants, one vowels, and the third punctuation marks. If a printer is unavailable and you cannot print these resources, you might keep them open in a tab on your computer or open them in the browser on your phone. This way, you'll be able to compare your practice words to the Gallifreyan symbol references. Understand the four consonant-symbols and five diacritic marks. A diacritic is a mark used to add meaning, stress, or emphasis to a letter. In Circular Gallifreyan, there are four basic symbols used to represent consonants. These symbols can be written alone, or you can add one diacritic mark or another to modify the base meaning of the symbol and change it into another consonant. With the four consonant-symbols and five diacritics, there are a total of 24 consonants in Gallifreyan, which is slightly larger than English's 21 consonant alphabet. The reason Gallifreyan has more consonant-symbols is because Gallifreyan use a graphed alphabet instead of one based on characters/letters. Because of this, Gallifreyan has special symbols for the letter combinations: TH, SH, CH, NG, and QU. Circular Gallifreyan does not make use of the letter C. If you are trying to write an English word with the letter C, use the consonant the C most sounds like. For example, in the word 'cake' in Circular Gallifreyan would be spelled 'kake.' The word 'office' would be spelled 'offise.' The four base consonant-symbols, without any diacritic marks, represent B, J, T, and TH. By adding the appropriate Gallifreyan diacritic mark, for example a pair of dots, you will transform these four base consonant-symbols into every other consonant. Memorize the four consonant-symbols. It will take some time before you have memorized the shape of and become comfortable with drawing the consonant-symbols. You should take some time practicing drawing each consonant-symbol and so that you're comfortable using them when it's time to write your first practice word. To improve memorization, you may want to try to draw the consonant reference chart from memory. The consonant B is shaped like a full circle with a small gap at the bottom. By adding a diacritic mark to the B-symbol, you can change it into the letters CH, D, F, G, and H. The consonant J is shaped like a full circle placed on the inside of larger sentence circles. By adding a diacritic mark to the J-symbol, you can change it into the letters K, L, M, N, and P. The consonant T is shaped like an open horseshoe oriented with its open side facing the perimeter of its word-circle. By adding a diacritic mark to the T-symbol, you can change it into the letters SH, R, S, V, and W. The consonant TH is shaped like a full circle with a horizontal line through the middle. By adding a diacritic mark to the TH-symbol, you can change it into the letters Y, Z, NG, QU, and X. Memorize the five diacritic marks. Each base consonant-symbol can be modified by a diacritic mark to transform it into different letters. Each consonant- symbol may only ever have one diacritic mark modifying it. A short description of the five diacritics and the letters they create follows: The first diacritic is represented by two dots. These can be applied to the base consonant-symbols to make the consonants CH, K, SH, and Y. The second diacritic is represented by three dots. These can be applied to the base consonant-symbols to make the consonants D, L, R, and Z. The third diacritic is represented by three vertical lines. These can be applied to the base consonant-symbols to make the consonants F, M, S, and NG. The fourth diacritic is a single vertical line. This can be applied to the base consonant-symbols to make the consonants G, N, V, and QU. The fifth and last diacritic is represented by two vertical lines. These can be applied to the base consonant-symbols to make the consonants H, P, W, and X. Familiarize yourself with Gallifreyan vowels. Gallifreyan uses the same vowels as the English alphabet: A, E, I, O, and U. These vowels are depicted as small circles that either float freely, sit within, or sit on the perimeter of a consonant-symbol. The vowel A is a small circle that should be placed below, but not touching, the perimeter of the symbol it modifies. The vowel E is a small circle that should be placed in the center of the symbol it is modifying. The vowel I is a small circle that should be placed so that it is in the center of the symbol it modifies. However, the letter I will also need a line coming off some point of its perimeter pointing inward at the center of its word-circle. The vowel O is a small circle that should be placed on the topmost part of the perimeter of the symbol it modifies. The vowel U is a small circle that should be placed at the center of the symbol it is modifying. It should also have a line coming off some point on its perimeter extending outward, away from the middle of its word-circle. Attach vowels to consonants as you like. Vowels in Gallifreyan can be represented as either a freestanding circles or they can be attached to preceding consonants. Just like many people have different kinds of handwriting, there are many different ways you can create intricate patterns with Gallifreyan writing that's unique to you. By connecting vowels to preceding consonants, you gain the benefit of more consistency with your Gallifreyan symbols, which will likely make your writing easier to read. Freestanding vowels may be more confusing to read at first, but can allow for more intricate patterns. Generally, freestanding vowels only occur when a word begins with a vowel. In this case you will orient your vowel with regard to the perimeter of the larger circle that contains all the letters together into one word. The letter A will float just outside the word-circle; E, I, and U will rest on the perimeter of the word-circle; O will float just inside the word-circle. Shorter words will have less vowels. You may be able to make these look more aesthetically pleasing by keeping the vowels freestanding. Freestanding vowels can also make some words easier to read. Follow a circular pattern when writing. Each word should begin with a circle that is about the same size around as a normal cup. Once you improve your Gallifreyan, you can adjust the size of these word-circles, but for now, a cup sized circle will give you room to make mistakes. This circle will contain all of the letter-symbols that form your word. Your first letter-symbol will occupy the very bottom of the circle. The following letter-symbols should be written around the circle counterclockwise until the word is complete. Complicated words might require larger word-circles. Try to arrange your letter-symbols to be evenly spaced throughout your word-circle. This will create better balance in the overall appearance of your word-circles. Remember the stylistic rules of reading and writing Gallifreyan. You should write out words with the same spelling you would normally use in English, except for a few consonant pairs where one Gallifreyan symbol will represent two letters. Other irregularities you'll need to keep in mind include: A reading order that starts at the bottom and moves counterclockwise. So, in the example of a sentence-circle, your first word will be at the bottom of the sentence-circle, and the next word-circle will be counterclockwise, and so on. In a word-circle containing letter-symbols, the first letter will be the bottom-most symbol, and the next letter will be counterclockwise, and so on. Interlocking letters and words together. By interlocking letters and words together you'll make your Gallifreyan writing look most authentic. In particular, the symbols used for the consonants R, S, SH, T, V, and W can be extended throughout word-circles and sentence-circles to connect letters of the same word or words of the same sentence. The use of double circles for doubled letters. You can use double circles to indicate double consonants or vowels. For example, the word bookcase would use a doubled circle for the O. You may want to keep your double circles separate for shorter words though, like bee, took, and foot. Writing out both doubled consonants in shorter words will give them a more intricate appearance. Indicate sentences with large, doubled circles. Sentences behave similarly to words in Gallifreyan. Just as letter-symbols are gathered into medium-sized word-circles, words are gathered together in large, doubled sentence-circles. In every sentence-circle, the bottom word-circle will represent the first word in the sentence. Moving counterclockwise, the next word-circle indicates the next word, and so on. Two circles will make up the perimeter of your sentence-circle. These two circles should be drawn differently. The outer circle should be mostly smooth arcs with maybe one or two inward curving sides. The inner circle should have random inward divots to give your Gallifreyan a more intricate appearance. The inner and outer parts of the sentence-circles are used for the purpose of conveying punctuation and connection. The inner circle is where you'll add your punctuation marks to a sentence. The outer circle, though mostly circular, should follow the divots created by the inner circle in some places. This will create one or more inward curves in which you can nest other connected sentence-circles. Circular Gallifreyan makes use of standard English punctuation. For example, the periods you put on the divotted, inner sentence-circle will always occur after the last word-circle. Punctuation should always immediately precede or follow word-circles. Use a punctuation chart. To write Gallifreyan effortlessly, you'll have to spend some time memorizing the symbols it uses. Until then, you may want to print up a punctuation chart or copy one freehand onto a blank sheet of paper. There many resources online, and downloaded versions are available at Sherman's Planet. Create a period by drawing an open circle on the inner ring of your sentence-circle. Create a question by drawing two closed floating close to, but not touching, the inside of the inner ring of your sentence-circle. Create an exclamation mark by drawing three dots floating close to, but not touching, the inside of the inner ring of your sentence-circle. Create quotations by drawing a single line oriented away from the center of the sentence-circle. Create apostrophes by drawing two lines oriented away from the center of the sentence-circle. Create a hyphen by drawing three lines oriented away from the center of the sentence-circle. Create a comma by drawing a filled in circle or solid dot on the inner ring of your sentence-circle. Create a semicolon by drawing a single closed dot floating close to, but not touching, the inner ring of your sentence-circle. Create a colon with a double circle (a circle inside of a circle) on the inner ring of your sentence-circle. Connect your sentence-circles like a Timelord. Timelords have a very fluid idea of time, and this concept is a central to Gallifreyan culture. In the Doctor Who universe, some events are more probable than others, but for most events, there are many possible outcomes. You can emulate this in your writing by connecting your sentences together so that each sentence has multiple branches. This will represent multiple possibilities each of your sentences. For example, you might want to explore different aspects of a central idea. To do so, you could write that idea in a sentence-circle and branch off from it to the right in different chains. These chains would represent the explored aspects of the idea. Gather some circular objects. A sturdy compass will likely be the most versatile tool you can use to draw circles of various sizes. However, you might find it more convenient to trace circular household items, like the bottom of a bottle/glass, circular lids, large coins, mason jars, etc. Your circular objects don't have to be perfect. You might want to try your own oblong variation of Gallifreyan that uses an oval shape as the base. You could also rotate between several different circular shapes when drawing your word-circles. For example, your first word could be bordered by a circle, the second by a fat oval, and the third by a tall oval. Use a sharp pencil and a quality eraser. If you're still getting used to drawing the symbols of the Gallifreyan alphabet, you should probably write in pencil so you can erase any mistakes. Once you are finished writing your message, you can always go over your pencil in pen to give it a professional look. While writing in Gallifreyan, you may want your computer or cell phone browser open to the alphabet and punctuation pages online. You could also print out the alphabet and punctuation forms, or copy them onto a blank sheet freehand. Sherman's Planet, being the home of circular Gallifreyan, has many resources you could use. Try your hand writing “doctor” in Gallifreyan. First draw your word-circle using a compass, lid, or some other round object. All the letter-symbols for the word “doctor” will be around or in this word-circle. The first letter begins at the bottom of the circle. On your alphabet chart, the first letter, D, should look like a loop with a gap at the bottom. First draw a loop inside your word-circle at its bottom. Then you can erase a small portion at the base of the loop/word-circle to create the gap. Next you'll need to add a diacritic mark to change the letter from B to D. D's are represented by three dots floating inside, but not touching, your loop. On your chart, you may notice that the base symbol for the letter D looks something like a horseshoe with flat lines coming off its tips to the left and right. These flat lines should not be drawn when you write this symbol. The flat lines represent the larger word-circle inside which you're drawing your letter. Draw an O. Moving counterclockwise within your word-circle, attach an open circle to the upper right hand portion of your loop. If you think about your loop as you would the face of a clock, you should attach your O-symbol at about two o'clock position. Remember, vowels are usually attached to preceding consonants. When thinking about the placement of a vowel, imagine the dotted grid that represents the placement of the vowel as shown in your vowel chart. Then imagine the base symbol for the consonant you will write. Overlay the vowel with the consonant so the circles match. This will show you approximately where on the consonant you should attach your vowel. Your letter-symbols should always move around your word-circle in a counterclockwise fashion. As the outside of your word-circle becomes crowded, spiral inward toward the center of your word-circle. Create the letter C. Though in this case you're going to use a K. Remember, Gallifreyan doesn't use the letter C, so whenever you need to write an English C you should substitute a K or an S depending on the sound the C makes. Continuing to move counterclockwise along your word-circle, draw a floating circle to the right of your loop. This circle should be close to but not touching your word-circle. Then add two solid dots to the inside of your floating circle and add two filled in dots inside it. This free floating circle with two solid dots inside represents K. The dots inside your K can be arranged in any way you please. However, you might find that by orienting your diacritic marks, in this case the solid dots, in the direction of the next letter, you may have an easier time reading your Gallifreyan. At this point you should have a large circle with a small gap at the bottom. Springing up from both sides of the gap is a loop. On the upper right hand part of the loop is an open circle. Counterclockwise (to the right) to the loop is a circle with two solid dots in it. These symbols represent the letters “doc”. Take a bite out of your word-circle to make the letter T. Continuing to move counterclockwise, draw and inward curving semi-circle in the upper right hand portion of your word-circle. If you think of your word-circle like the face of a clock, this would be the 2 o'clock position. Then erase the outer boundary of your word-circle that runs between the ends of your semi-circle. Make sure the mouth of your T symbol is wide so that it isn't confused for another letter. The letter B is shaped similarly except it has a narrower gap at its base. Form the letter O again. This vowel is again preceded by a consonant, so you should attach it to T-symbol. Continue with the counterclockwise reading style by placing an open circle (representing the letter O) along the upper left portion of the inward curving semi-circle (representing the letter T). Create the last letter, R. Take a bite out of your word-circle by drawing an inward curving semi-circle in the upper left hand portion of your word-circle. Along the outside of this semi-circle, place three solid dots to make an R. This completes the word “doctor!” Be careful when drawing the letter R. It can sometimes be confused for a wide mouthed letter B.

Understand the basic set-up. Look for an alphabet chart online. Understand the four consonant-symbols and five diacritic marks. Memorize the four consonant-symbols. Memorize the five diacritic marks. Familiarize yourself with Gallifreyan vowels. Attach vowels to consonants as you like. Follow a circular pattern when writing. Remember the stylistic rules of reading and writing Gallifreyan. Indicate sentences with large, doubled circles. Use a punctuation chart. Connect your sentence-circles like a Timelord. Gather some circular objects. Use a sharp pencil and a quality eraser. Try your hand writing “doctor” in Gallifreyan. Draw an O. Create the letter C. Take a bite out of your word-circle to make the letter T. Form the letter O again. Create the last letter, R.

https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Contour-Makeup

How to Apply Contour Makeup

Before you apply contour makeup, apply a foundation the same color as your skin all over your face. Choose a foundation or concealer that's a few shades lighter than your normal skin tone and apply it anywhere the sun would naturally hit, like the center of your forehead and the apples of your cheeks. Next, choose a darker shade and apply in the shape of a 3 to the top of your forehead, down to the hollows of your cheeks, and along your jawline. Blend your contour very well with a soft brush.

Start with foundation the color of your skin. Using a foundation the same (or close) color as your skin evens your skin tone and provides a base you can build upon when you contour using your lightest and darkest shades. Contouring your face without first applying foundation is much more difficult, since skin tends to be uneven in color. Your face could end up looking patchy instead of smooth and contoured. Use a foundation composed of the same material as the other products you'll be using; for example, use all cream products or all powder products, rather than mixing the two. Mixing textures can result in a caked-on look. The only exception is your finishing layer of powder, which you, either way, to help your look last longer. If you're having trouble figuring out what color to get, try matching your foundation to the skin on your neck. Your neck skin tends to be a bit paler than your face, and matching your foundation to your neck will ensure your face doesn't end up looking darker when you're finished doing your makeup. Get foundation a few shades lighter than your skin. Facial contouring consists of highlighting places you want to stand out, and shading places you want to recede. For your highlighting product, you need a foundation that's about two shades paler than your base foundation. Don't go much lighter than two shades, or your makeup won't look natural. You can use a lighter concealer or eye shadow in place of foundation. Choose a foundation a few shades darker than your skin. The darker tone will be used to shade the parts of your face that you want to draw attention away from. You'll be creating strategic shadows that make your cheekbones appear sharper and your chin more narrow. Don't go darker than two shades below your normal skin tone, or your makeup won't look natural. Bronzer, darker eye shadow or darker concealer work as well as foundation. Just remember to make sure all your products are either cream or powder; don't mix the two. Get a good blending brush. Since your face will be wearing several different shades, it's important to get a good blending brush. If the different colors aren't well-blended your makeup will look unnatural. You want a big, bushy foundation brush or blending brush, rather than a smaller brush. Go for one with natural bristles to leave the softest-looking finish. If you don't have a brush, the next best tool to use is your fingers. The warmth from your fingers will help the makeup blend smoothly. This is especially useful when you're working with the cream foundation. It is better to pull your hair away from your face. Contouring makeup reaches up to your hairline at the top of your forehead, past your temples and down the sides of your face. Pull your hair away from your face so you'll be able to see what you're doing without it getting in the way. Prep your face. When you contour your face, you want to start with a completely blank canvas. Remove all your makeup, wash your face, and pat it dry with a towel. Exfoliate if necessary to remove dead skin, then apply moisturizer. Let your moisturizer soak in for several minutes before you apply your makeup. Prepping is essential if you want a smooth, flawless finish. You don't want to go to the trouble of contouring your face, only to have your makeup smudge or look dirty. Apply foundation in your regular skin tone. Use your fingers or a foundation brush to apply a light layer of your normal foundation all over your face, stretching all the way to the top of your forehead and below your chin. Use a blending brush or your fingers to blend your foundation under your chin and around your neck so there won't be a line separating your face from your neck. You may want to apply concealer at this stage as well. Focus on under-eye circles and any blemishes. Apply the lighter foundation. Take the foundation that's a few shades lighter than your normal skin tone. Use your finger or a clean foundation brush to apply a 1/2- inch to 1-inch stroke of foundation to the places on your face where the sun would naturally hit. To help you figure out where the sun would hit, stand in a well-lit room with overhead lighting and look at where it hits your face. Here's where you want to apply light foundation: In the center of your forehead. Along the top of your brow lines. Along the bridge of your nose. On the apples of your cheeks (to find them, smile). On your cupid's bow (the section between the tip of your nose and the top of your lip). In the center of your chin. Apply the dark foundation. Apply your contour in the shape of a 3, starting from your forehead, coming in just under your cheekbones and going down towards your chin. These are the places your face would naturally be shadowed from the sun. Here's where you want to apply the dark foundation: Right below your hairline at the top of your forehead. On the right and left sides of your forehead, near your hairline on either side. Along the right and left sides of your nose. In the hollows of your cheeks (to find them, suck your cheeks in). Along your jawline on both sides, from your ears to the tip of your chin. Blend your makeup well. Use your fingers or the foundation brush to blend the colors for a natural finish. Take care not to spread the colors around too much; you want them to stay in the general area where you placed them. Make sure the edges are blended well so that there are no sharp divisions between the lighter and darker foundation. Consider adding highlighter. If you want the light areas to stand out even more, add a highlighter product to enhance the look. Cream highlighter is slightly shimmery, so it catches the light more than regular foundation. Apply it in the exact same places where you applied the lighter foundation. Consider applying blush. If you feel your face looks a little wan without some pink color, apply a small amount of blush to the apples of your cheeks. Be sure to blend the blush well with the other products on your face. Consider using a matte setting powder. Setting powder is helpful to use when your products are cream-based. It helps to keep everything in place and gives the look a smooth finish. Use a clean powder brush to add a light coating of setting powder over your entire face. Add shimmer for a night out. If you're going out on the town, you may want to add some shimmer and shine. Choose a shimmery, translucent face powder an apply a light layer to your face, focusing on the highlighted areas. Apply a bit to your neck and chest as well. Save your eye and lip makeup for last. Make sure everything is completely blended and set before you start applying eye and lip makeup. Contouring is a bold look, so you may want to choose either heavy eye makeup or a bright lip, but not both. Finished.

Start with foundation the color of your skin. Get foundation a few shades lighter than your skin. Choose a foundation a few shades darker than your skin. Get a good blending brush. It is better to pull your hair away from your face. Prep your face. Apply foundation in your regular skin tone. Apply the lighter foundation. Apply the dark foundation. Blend your makeup well. Consider adding highlighter. Consider applying blush. Consider using a matte setting powder. Add shimmer for a night out. Save your eye and lip makeup for last. Finished.

https://www.wikihow.com/Stand-up-to-Your-Mother-in-a-Respectful-Manner

How to Stand up to Your Mother in a Respectful Manner

If you want to have a solid relationship with your mother, you'll need to learn to stand up to her in a respectful manner. Simply agree to disagree about matters that you can't see eye to eye on rather than fight about them. You can even thank her for her advice, but let her know that you've decided to do what you feel is best. For example, if she's pressuring you into starting a family, simply tell her "Thanks for your advice, Mom, but children don't fit into my life plan right now." If tensions continue to rise, tell her that you're aware of her opinion and simply walk away so you both have time to calm down. In cases when you wind up arguing, avoid insulting your mom and don't let her insult you either.

Hold your tongue. Do not say rude things that are unnecessary, whether they are true or false. Saying things that will further agitate a situation will do nothing to improve your relationship with your mother. Agree to disagree. No matter what, Mom will always think she knows what's best for her baby, and you will always be her baby. Tell her that she is entitled to her opinion, but that you feel differently. Include a statement like "Thank you for your advice, Mom, but I have decided that having children does not fit into my life plan." Expressing your opinion in a calm fashion will make her feel like you aren't attacking her.ship with your Mother. Be appreciative of the things your Mom (or parents) do for you. They took the time to raise you and provide for you. Be sure to thank them when they do something nice for you. This will let your Mom know that you appreciate her. Do not share your entire world with Mom. If you know that she sorely objects to the amount of money you spend on your car, do not bring it up in conversation. Understand that she will likely never understand your view on certain subjects and avoid them in conversation. This does not pertain to subjects that must be discussed, like children, spouses, abuse or other serious family matters. If you decide to keep certain matters private from your Mom, stick to it. Even if she needles you to discuss a private subject, politely tell her that you do not want to talk about it. If you stick to your guns, she may be frustrated at first but soon learn that her meddling is to no avail. Take your space when you need it. If you know your Mom needs a few days to recover from an argument, don't pressure her to talk about it too soon. Doing so may cause tensions to continue to rise. Know when to step away from a conversation that could turn toxic. If you sense that tensions are rising, say that you are aware of her opinion and simply walk away. Be sure to physically separate yourself from tension; take a walk, a bike ride, or go into your room and listen to music. Take deep breaths to calm yourself. Don't let your mother insult you, even in an argument. It is not okay for someone to say cruel things to you, even if she is your mother. Certain boundaries should never be permeated. Show your mother the same respect and refrain from insulting her or cussing at her. If you feel like counseling services, conversations with your mother, or other methods of learning to get along better are no longer working, try to find alternative living situations as soon as possible. This can be either temporary or permanent. Keep in mind that if you leave home, you may not be permitted to move back in at a later stage. Try the silent treatment. After an argument, go into a private place. Continue with your daily life but just refrain from talking to your mother. Keep it up. Do not cave in or let her win. Let her come to you. She will. When she finally gives in, welcome her with open arms. She'll be happy you're interacting with her again, and peace will reign.

Hold your tongue. Agree to disagree. Be appreciative of the things your Mom (or parents) do for you. Do not share your entire world with Mom. If you decide to keep certain matters private from your Mom, stick to it. Take your space when you need it. Know when to step away from a conversation that could turn toxic. Don't let your mother insult you, even in an argument. If you feel like counseling services, conversations with your mother, or other methods of learning to get along better are no longer working, try to find alternative living situations as soon as possible. Try the silent treatment.

https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Dragon-Fruit

How to Cut Dragon Fruit

To cut dragon fruit, lay the fruit on a cutting board and slice the fruit lengthwise from the stem with a sharp knife. Once it's halved, you can separate the two sides to see the white fruit inside, and use a spoon to scoop the fruit out of the skin. Then, use your knife to chop the fruit into bite-sized pieces. You can eat dragon fruit raw, put it in a fruit salad, or blend it into a smoothie for added flavor.

Slice the dragon fruit in half. Place the fruit on a cutting board and get a sharp knife. Leaving the skin intact, cut the fruit lengthwise. A single cut down from the stem separates the fruit into 2 halves, revealing the edible white fruit inside. Use a spoon to separate the fruit from the skin. Slide the spoon between the pink skin and the white fruit. Lift the spoon to remove the fruit. The edible part comes away from the skin very easily, so doing this shouldn't require a lot of effort. Another variety of dragon fruit is red inside instead of white. It's still safe to eat, but not as common as the white variety. Chop the fruit into cubes. Place the 2 halves of the fruit on the cutting board, discarding the skin. The black seeds in the white fruit are edible, so there is no need to remove them. All you have to do is roughly chop the fruit into a manageable size and eat it. You can eat the fruit raw or, for added flavor, try incorporating it into a smoothie or fruit salad. Peel the skin off the dragon fruit. Locate the top part of the fruit, which is the woody stem. The skin pieces should open around it. To peel the skin, grab the pieces at the opening and peel them off like you would with a banana, leaving only the white, edible core. You can also quarter the fruit before peeling off the skin. Either way works as well as the other. Cut the fruit into 4 quarters. Place the fruit on your cutting board and find your knife. First, cut the fruit in half vertically. Turn the halves so they're flat on the cutting board. Cut horizontally across each one to separate the dragon fruit into 4 pieces. Chop the fruit into bite-size pieces. Take each section of the fruit and reduce it further. It's best to chop them into small cubes. The pieces don't have to be even, but cubes look nice and are easy to eat with a fork or toss into a blender. Check for a bright pink skin on the fruit. The bright pink skin is the most noticeable sign of a dragon fruit ready to be eaten. The ends of the skin will have some green on them, but you shouldn't see many dark black spots. A dragon fruit with a couple of blemishes is still okay, but avoid any that covered with them. If you're uncertain about a dragon fruit with dark spots, touch the fruit to feel its consistency. If it isn't mushy, it is most likely still good to eat. Some varieties of dragon fruit have bright yellow skin instead of pink. A green-skinned dragon fruit isn't ripe, so don't cut it yet. Poke the dragon fruit to assess its ripeness. A ripe dragon fruit has a stem that bends without breaking when you touch it. If you poke the fruit, it should feel a little spongy, like a kiwi. A dragon fruit that is mushy instead of spongy will taste as gross as it feels. A dragon fruit that feels hard or solid to the touch hasn't ripened yet. Leave an unripened dragon fruit on the counter for a few days. An unripened dragon fruit is green-colored or feels hard to the touch. These fruits are still safe, so put them out in the open in your kitchen until they ripen. Test them every day by feeling for the soft, spongy skin.

Slice the dragon fruit in half. Use a spoon to separate the fruit from the skin. Chop the fruit into cubes. Peel the skin off the dragon fruit. Cut the fruit into 4 quarters. Chop the fruit into bite-size pieces. Check for a bright pink skin on the fruit. Poke the dragon fruit to assess its ripeness. Leave an unripened dragon fruit on the counter for a few days.

https://www.wikihow.com/Ride-a-Horse-for-the-First-Time

How to Ride a Horse for the First Time

To ride a horse for the first time, you'll need to wear long pants, like old jeans, to protect your legs from friction and heeled boots to grip the stirrups. If you don't have your own helmet or riding gloves, you should be able to borrow them from your instructor. When you arrive for your first lesson, you'll first walk your horse to get comfortable with each other. Then, mount your horse by stepping on a mounting block, putting your left foot in the stirrup, and swinging your right leg over the saddle. Once you're comfortable in the saddle, listen to your instructor, who will guide you through the motions and make sure you're safe.

Use the internet to find a good barn. Most barns with lesson programs know that the internet is the best way for them to get the word out about what they can offer. Check out local barns' websites to see pictures of their facilities and animals. Get ready to be excited about all the cute ponies! Be sure to also read user reviews to find out about other riders' experiences at the barn. Choose a barn with a longstanding lesson program for your first ride. This will help you avoid any injuries or bad experiences as you get started with this new sport. Visit the barn before your lesson to talk to your instructor. Once you've picked your spot, drive over and take a peek. This will help you get comfortable with the barn and the riding arenas. Call ahead to schedule a meeting with your instructor so you can chat about both of your expectations for the lesson. Your instructor may also tell you which horse they're planning to have you ride. Ask if the instructor would be willing to introduce you to the horse so you can start getting to know each other. Ask the instructor if you can borrow necessary gear. During your in-person meeting or the phone call you use to schedule your lesson, ask about equipment. Riding gear is extremely expensive, and you don't want to buy it unless you've fully committed to the sport. Most barns will have helmets available for lesson-ers, and they may also keep pairs of boots and half-chaps. If your barn doesn't have helmets available, ask if they can put you in touch with a rider who'd be willing to let you borrow theirs. The helmet is the only necessary piece of equipment you'll need for your first lesson, so if you can find one, you're set. Avoid buying gear until you've ridden for at least two months. Sign release forms and make a payment. Most barns will require you (or, if you're under 18, your parent or guardian) to sign release forms legally protecting them in case you're injured. Don't be alarmed by this form, as its standard procedure and doesn't mean the barn thinks you're in danger! Make a payment for the lesson when you sign these forms to help you and the barn keep your records straight. Wear long pants to protect your legs. It's important to protect your legs from friction when you ride. If it's a hot day, you may be tempted to wear shorts or capris, but resist the urge! Stick with beat-up jeans that you don't mind getting dirty. Wear old boots with a heel. When you ride, you put your feet in stirrups. A heel of no less than one inch (2.54 cm) will keep your feet from sliding in and out of the stirrups. This will help you keep your balance, which is especially important for your first ride. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Just like any other sport, horseback riding will make you sweaty and thirsty. You'll probably be riding outside if the weather is warm and dry. Make sure you're hydrated and protected from the sun before you ride. Bring a water bottle along and ask your instructor if they'd be willing to keep it safe for you while you ride. If you get thirsty during the lesson, politely ask your instructor if they can grab your water bottle for you to take a quick water break. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your lesson begins. Before you ride, your instructor or a groom will need to groom and tack up your horse. It's important for you to be there for this so you can get to know your horse and learn how to care for them yourself. This prep work generally takes about 15-20 minutes for experienced riders, so a half hour will give you some wiggle room. Lead your horse to the riding ring. Be sure the horse's reins are not lifted over their head. Stand on the left side of the horse and take both reins securely in your hands to form a lead line. Your right hand should be close to the horse's chin, and your left hand should hold the rest of the reins to keep you and the horse from tripping over them. Walk forward and gently pull on the reins to get the horse to walk forward. Never look back at your horse if they're not moving. Instead, cluck your tongue and say “walk on!” You can tug on the reins if they're still resisting. Never loop the reins around your hands. If the horse spooks and pulls, you could get hurt. Mount up using a mounting block. Mounting blocks are large step stools that can be used to make mounting easier. Lead your horse up to the mounting block so the steps are located on its left side. Put the reins over the horse's head and keep them in your left hand. Walk up the steps, and put your left foot in the left stirrup. Put your weight on this foot as you gently swing your right leg over the saddle. Avoid slamming your body weight down in the saddle. While experienced lesson horses may be used to this, it still isn't comfortable for them. Keep your weight in your legs until you're ready to slowly ease your bottom down into the saddle. Close your fingers around the reins. Your fingers should be tight enough around the reins that they won't slip through your fingers if the horse moves or pulls its head. Be careful not to jerk on the reins or lift your hands up sharply, as this may hurt your horse's mouth. Don't use the reins to keep your balance. This will also hurt your horse's mouth, and you'll lose your balance quickly if your horse moves or drops their head. Keep your balance by using your heels and seat. Your stirrups should sit right under the balls of your feet, which are located at the front of your feet's arches. This will help you automatically push your heels down, which will make you put your weight into your bottom and legs. This position will keep you balanced and secure in the saddle. Avoid positioning your heels upwards and toes down in the stirrups as this will be a cue for your horse to go faster when you might not want him to. Your stirrups should be long enough to create a natural bend in your knee. You shouldn't be reaching for the stirrups with your feet, but they also shouldn't be so short that they make your legs feel folded-up or cramped. Listen closely to your instructor to keep you and the horse safe. During this first lesson, pay careful attention to your instructor. They're going to teach you several basic body and voice commands that can be used to get the horse to move forward, stop, turn, walk, and maybe trot. Your instructor will also help you position your body to feel comfortable and safe in the saddle. Be patient with this basic lesson, as it's a building-block for anything that comes next. If you're ever feeling nervous or scared, tell your instructor right away. Don't try to tough it out. Horses are sensitive animals, and they'll respond to your emotions. Cool down your horse for 10-15 minutes. While your horse probably didn't get very winded or sweaty during your lesson, it's a good idea to get in the habit of cooling down by walking them slowly around the riding ring. This will allow the horse's warm muscles to cool slowly, preventing stiffness and injury. It will also give you time to take a breath and relax with your horse. You'll know when your horse is cooled down by resting your hand on their neck. If it doesn't feel much warmer than the air temperature, you're ready to go. Dismount on the left side of your horse. Once you're completely finished with your lesson, stop in the middle of the ring. Put your left hand on the reins, and swing your right leg over the saddle to dismount. Pull the horse's reins over their head to lead them safely back to the barn. Give your horse a treat. It's important to thank your horse for their hard work. You can give your horse a carrot, a piece of apple, a sugar cube, or a horse treat that the barn provides. In order to feed them the treat, put it in the middle of your hand and bring your hand up to their mouth. Keep your palm flat and your fingers together. You don't want the horse to mistake your pinky for a second carrot! Shadow your instructor to learn how to care for the horse. Since this is your first ride, you won't know exactly what to do, even if you read up about grooming and tacking online. Don't be embarrassed! Your instructor or the barn groom will be happy to let you observe and participate safely to learn what you're supposed to do for the next time. Secure the horse in cross-ties. Your instructor will halter your horse by standing on the horse's left side, putting the horse's nose through the halter, and gently pulling the top of the halter over their ears. Halters have small metal squares located on each side of the horse's face. Most barns have wide aisles with long lead lines, or cross-ties, hanging down on either side that can be attached to the halter's metal squares to let you safely groom and tack up. When your horse is in cross-ties, always walk around the front, rather than the back of the horse. This will keep you from being kicked. If you need to brush out your horse's tail, always speak softly and slowly move your hand along their body to their hindquarters to let them know you are there and to prevent them from being startled. You also shouldn't stand directly in front of the horse, as they can't see you there. Stand slightly to the side of their face to get in their line of vision. Groom your horse before and after you ride. Horses love rolling around in their stalls and paddocks to itch themselves. Your itchy horse may be covered in dirt and hay. Cleaning this off before you ride will help your horse be more comfortable while you ride. It's also important to clean off sweat marks and dirt once you're done with your lesson. Grooming can be scary for first-time riders. Tell your instructor any time you're nervous. Picking feet can be especially difficult for beginners, so ask your instructor to show you how to do this before you do it yourself. If your horse is especially dirty or sweaty, you may need to hose off, sponge, or bathe your horse. This probably won't be necessary unless it's a very hot summer day, and you usually only need to bathe after you ride. Tack up your horse using English or Western gear. Because this is your first time and properly secured gear is really important for safety, your instructor or the groom will tack up your horse for this lesson. No matter which style you're riding, there are several basic pieces of gear required for tacking up. Watch closely so you're ready to do it yourself next time. Remove the tack after your lesson. Once you're finished riding, your tack can be removed in the same order it was put on the horse. Put your tack to the side once you've taken it off. Lots of barns have hooks and stands for this. You can also gently lean it against the barn wall. Clean your tack to make it last longer. When you clean dirt, grass, and other grime off tack, you'll not only make it nice for the next rider, you'll also prevent the leather tack from cracking or breaking. Use a dampened sponge and some saddle soap to wipe down any leather. Run a different wet cloth or toothbrush over the bit to remove any gunk or debris. Use a soft, dry cloth to completely dry the leather once it's clean.

Use the internet to find a good barn. Visit the barn before your lesson to talk to your instructor. Ask the instructor if you can borrow necessary gear. Sign release forms and make a payment. Wear long pants to protect your legs. Wear old boots with a heel. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your lesson begins. Lead your horse to the riding ring. Mount up using a mounting block. Close your fingers around the reins. Keep your balance by using your heels and seat. Listen closely to your instructor to keep you and the horse safe. Cool down your horse for 10-15 minutes. Dismount on the left side of your horse. Give your horse a treat. Shadow your instructor to learn how to care for the horse. Secure the horse in cross-ties. Groom your horse before and after you ride. Tack up your horse using English or Western gear. Remove the tack after your lesson. Clean your tack to make it last longer.

https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Married-in-Oklahoma

How to Get Married in Oklahoma

Getting married in Oklahoma is easy and can take as little as 1 day. First, you and your partner will need to bring your ID to the county court clerk's office and fill out an application for a marriage license. If you've been married previously, make sure to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree. Once you fill out the application, you'll need to pay $50 in cash to get your license. Unless you're under 18, Oklahoma does not have a waiting period for marriage licenses, so you'll receive yours right away. After you get your license, you'll have 10 days to officiate your union.

Determine if you are eligible to marry in Oklahoma. Before you can get your marriage license and married in Oklahoma, figure out if you are eligible to marry under the state's laws, which can vary by county. This will ensure that you don't encounter any problems or delays in getting your license. Neither you nor your partner may be married to another person when you apply for your license. If you are widowed or divorced, you must provide proof of your former spouse's death or of your divorce. You must be 18 years of age or older to get married in Oklahoma without parental consent. Sixteen and seventeen year olds may apply for a marriage license when accompanied by a parent or guardian. No one under the age of 16 may marry in Oklahoma. Same sex marriage is legal in every state as of 2015. Oklahoma prohibits marriage between family members who are related wholly or partly by blood or adoption. This law also prohibits marriage between cousins. Only persons considered “of sufficient mental capacity”, or possessing the ability to understand what he is doing, may marry in Oklahoma. For questions on specific laws in the county in which you will marry, contact a local county court Clerk. You can find a comprehensive list of Oklahoma County Court Clerks and phone numbers at http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/oklahoma/index.shtml. Gather proper documentation and payment to apply for your marriage license. When you arrive at the County Court Clerk's office, you'll need to have proper documentation and identification to apply for your marriage license. This will help ensure that there aren't delays in getting your license or married. You must fill out and submit the application for a marriage license in Oklahoma, which you can get at any County Court Clerk's office. Do not sign the application until you file the application at the County Court Clerk to help ensure that it is legally binding. You will need one of the following forms of ID: driver's license, military ID, passport, or a state certified birth certificate with a raised seal. If you were previously married, you must bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or a copy of your deceased spouse's death certificate. Oklahoma doesn't require blood testing to receive a marriage license. Have any documentation that is not in English translated by a certified translator. Secure the license fees. In addition to your documentation and identification, you'll need to secure the right fees to pay for your marriage license. You have the option to reduce the general fee by taking a premarital counseling class. Marriage license fees in Oklahoma are $50 but you can reduce this fee to $5 by completing at least four hours of premarital counseling. The Oklahoma Marriage Initiative can help you find a premarital course if you are interested. Note that you may only pay the license fees with cash. Figure out the appropriate County Clerk. County Registrars are the authorities that issue marriage licenses to couples in Oklahoma. Call ahead of your wedding date to confirm hours of operation, verify requirements, and any other questions you may have. For a complete list of County Court Clerks in Oklahoma, consult the website http://usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/oklahoma/index.shtml#counties. Some Country Clerks have websites with information on specific laws in their county of jurisdiction. In the event that there is no website for your specific County Registrar, you can call the number listed to verify information. Obtain your Oklahoma marriage license from a County Clerk. You must purchase your license at a County Registrar before you can get married in Oklahoma. Make sure to have all of the proper documentation and fees prepare before you arrive at the County Clerk to avoid delays. Both parties applying for a marriage license must appear at the County Clerk's office. Sign your application at the County Clerk's office so that it is legally binding. Oklahoma does not have a waiting period for marriage licenses if you are 18 years of age or over. There is a 72 hour waiting period for persons who are between 16-17 years of age to receive a marriage license. An Oklahoma marriage license is valid for 10 days after the County Court Clerk issues it. The marriage may only be executed within the state of Oklahoma. Decide on a location. Before you can begin planning the actual ceremony, you and your fiancé(e) should decide on a location for your Oklahoma wedding. From Oklahoma City to Tulsa and the Tatanka Ranch to Chisholm Springs, there are many places in Oklahoma perfectly suited for a wedding. Knowing the location will also help you apply for your marriage license in a timely manner. Consider indoor and outdoor locations. Oklahoma offers a wide variety of state parks and historic sites that can host your wedding. You may also want to think about a destination wedding at one of Oklahoma's many famous sites such as Will Rogers Theater, Chisholm Springs, or Tatanka Ranch. Send guests save the date cards. Six to eight months before your actual wedding, and before you send formal invitations, send your guests “save the date” cards for your wedding. This will allow guests to schedule time and save money for travel and gifts if need be. Your save the date card doesn't have to be formal as the invitation. It should just let people know the date and location of your wedding. If you have engagement photos or simply a picture of you and your fiancé(e) that you like, you can use this on the card. Send save the date only to the people who you want to attend. Even if some people already know and have said they will come, make sure to send them save the date cards as well. Hire a wedding planner. If you can afford it or just want some extra help, consider hiring a wedding planner. She can help you coordinate the various elements of planning your wedding from venues to photographers. She may also help decrease stress on your wedding day. The costs of hiring a wedding planner varies greatly according to how they bill, where they are located, and the types of services you want. A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 15% of your total wedding budget for a wedding planner. Some wedding planners may have special deals with several venues that you like to help control the costs. There are many ways to find a wedding planner in Oklahoma. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions. You may also want to search for a wedding planner yourself. Generally, the easiest way is to search for a wedding planner is online. Some wedding related websites offer search engines for wedding planners by location that can help you find several different options. You can also use local wedding magazines, blogs, and city guides to help you find a wedding planner in your location. Find and book a venue for the ceremony. Finding the perfect venue for your wedding ceremony can be one of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding. If you're not using a local wedding planner to help you, there are many factors to consider when looking for and booking a ceremony venue. Think about the type of ceremony you want. Do you want a religious ceremony in a church? Do you want something simple such as at the justice of the peace? Or maybe you want an outdoor ceremony at the beach.. Having a basic idea of what type of ceremony you want can help narrow down potential venues. Consider how many guests you have. You'll need to make sure that your venue can accommodate all of your guests comfortably and within local zoning and fire laws. Figure out how much work you are willing or want to do with a location. For example, if you want to get married in a barn, it may require cleaning not only before but also after your ceremony. By contrast, a reception hall, which may not feel as intimate, may provide staff to do the “dirty work” for you. There are many ways to find a venue in Oklahoma. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions. You may also want to search for a wedding planner yourself. Generally, the easiest way is to search for a venue is online. Some wedding related websites offer search engines for wedding planners by location that can help you find several different options. You can also use local wedding magazines, blogs, and city guides to help you find a venue in your location. Select an officiant. Who you choose to officiate your wedding can have a significant impact on your wedding, including setting the tone for the day. Select an officiant for your wedding who works with the type of ceremony you want and with you and your fiancé(e)'s personalities. Your ceremony may help set the type of officiant you select. For example, if you choose a religious ceremony, you will likely want your officiant to reflect your beliefs. If you are not having a religious ceremony, you could have a judge, justice of the peace, or friend who is an ordained minister officiate your ceremony. Any person who is a licensed or ordained minister, clergyman, or pastor of any recognized religion may perform a wedding ceremony in Oklahoma. The officiant must also be at least 18 years of age. Your officiant must sign the license and return to the issuing County Court Clerk or judge. Locate and arrange a reception venue. Just as your officiant can set the tone for the ceremony, your reception site will set the stage for your celebration. If you're not using a local wedding planner, there are many factors to consider when arranging your reception venue from number of guests to the atmosphere you want to create. Think about the type of reception you want and style of your wedding. Do you prefer something formal with a band? Or maybe you want something romantic or hip with a DJ? Knowing the atmosphere you want to create at your reception will help you more effectively locate and book your venue. Depending on where your ceremony is, you may want you reception to be at the same place. Some locations, such as hotels, will offer package deals for hosting a ceremony and reception, especially if you've chosen a destination wedding. Make sure your venue can accommodate all of your guests comfortably and within local zoning and fire laws. Find out if the venue is full service, which may help decrease stress and how much you have to arrange, including a caterer. There are many ways to find a reception venue in Oklahoma. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions. You may also want to search for a wedding planner yourself. One of the easiest ways is to search for a reception venue is online. Some wedding related websites offer search engines for wedding planners by location that can help you find several different options. You can also use local wedding magazines, blogs, and city guides to help you find a venue in your location. Find and book caterer. Food at your wedding will comprise the largest aspect of your reception costs, so you'll want to find a caterer that provides you the highest quality food for the best price. If you can, meeting with several different caterers can help you find the right one for you and your wedding. If you've hired a wedding planner, she can help you find the right caterer and may have special arrangements with specific caterers. Your reception venue may include the cost of food and service in its price. Often, booking the reception venue with an on-site caterer can spare you time and stress. You'll want to ask potential caterers lots of questions including if they specialize in any types of food and whether they provide tables, chairs, linens and utensils. Schedule a tasting to ensure that the food meets your standards. There are many ways to find a licensed caterer in Oklahoma. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions. You may also want to search for a caterer yourself. You can look online or consult wedding magazines, blogs, and city guides to help you find the right caterer. Choose a wedding cake designer and design. You can either use your caterer or hire a separate wedding cake designer to make the cake for your big day. Choose a design that reflects the style of your wedding and taste that you and your guests will enjoy. You can get many different types of cakes from simple sheet cakes to more elaborate tiered designs. The benefit of having a tiered design is that you can have different flavors to reflect the different tastes of you and your guests. Meet with several different cake designers and test several flavors of cakes and frostings to find the best one for your wedding. Depending on if you cake designer is in the same city as your wedding, arrange for shipping of the cake on your wedding day. There are many ways to find a wedding cake designer in Oklahoma. You can ask friends, family, or colleagues for suggestions. You may also want to search for a caterer yourself. You can look online or consult wedding magazines, blogs, and city guides to help you find the right caterer. Send the formal wedding invitations. When you've made all of the arrangements for your wedding, you're ready to send invitations for your wedding in Oklahoma Make sure to include all of the information on your various locations in Oklahoma so that your guests will know where to go. Send the formal wedding invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding. If you're having a destination wedding in Oklahoma, consider sending them three months or more in advance to give your guests time to schedule vacation and travel. Make sure to include a deadline for RSVPs of two to three weeks so that your respective venues can have a final head count and accommodate for it. If your guests aren't from Oklahoma, you may want to include a list of local hotels, inns, or B&Bs where your guests can stay. Confirm any reservations and take care of last minute details in Oklahoma. As the date of your wedding approaches, make sure to confirm all of your reservations with Oklahoma businesses. You'll also want to take care of last minute details within the state, including getting your marriage license if you haven't done so already.

Determine if you are eligible to marry in Oklahoma. Gather proper documentation and payment to apply for your marriage license. Secure the license fees. Figure out the appropriate County Clerk. Obtain your Oklahoma marriage license from a County Clerk. Decide on a location. Send guests save the date cards. Hire a wedding planner. Find and book a venue for the ceremony. Select an officiant. Locate and arrange a reception venue. Find and book caterer. Choose a wedding cake designer and design. Send the formal wedding invitations. Confirm any reservations and take care of last minute details in Oklahoma.

https://www.wikihow.com/Love-Your-Spouse-Again

How to Love Your Spouse Again

The most fulfilling way to love your spouse again is to stop criticizing, and instead be kind, affectionate, and attentive. Do fun, new things together as if you just started dating. Extend forgiveness to your spouse and ask for their forgiveness in return.

Stop criticizing. Instead of verbally criticizing your spouse, which is telling them exactly what you don't like about them, replace it with feedback—sharing how their actions make you feel, whether anxious, embarrassed, uncared for, and so on. When someone knows precisely why their behavior is a problem—and they can relate to it since they probably have the same emotions—you are much more likely to get a civil response. Make sure you share your feedback with a respectful demeanor, keeping sarcasm and anger out of your voice. You may want to practice forgiveness before each time you share feedback. You should also take a mental step back from the relationship and determine that while your spouse isn't 100% what you want, they are mostly good, which allows you to accept them unconditionally, in spite of the little things that irritate you. When you sense a critical thought coming to your mind, arrest the thought and redirect it toward acceptance of your spouse as whole. Look for the good. In order to help stop criticizing your spouse, you have to start looking for the good. Develop a positive reinforcement mindset—whenever you think of something negative about them, replace it with something you admire about them, and reward yourself for the effort. Rewards are proven to help us develop new habits and keep them. Reward yourself with something small, like a bit of chocolate, an episode of a show you like, or even a mini-break from a monotonous task. Be affectionate. Physical affection is one of the clearest forms of communicating love and care. Studies show that even just a teacher giving a supportive tap on the back can compel students to volunteer twice as often. A massage from someone you love is likely to quell depression and even ease pain. Physical and verbal affection can communicate what your words don't, helping to save a marriage. Do simple touches like a pat on the should when they do a good job, a small kiss on the forehead, or touch fingers. Simple compliments communicate affection as well, like telling your wife she made a good dinner or sharing how happy something your husband did made you. Pay attention to the other person. Giving your spouse undivided attention is important for communicating value to them. If you or your spouse regularly watches TV while the other talks, or looks around the room or flips through the mail, or engages in any number of distractions while the other talks, then you aren't really paying attention to them. Instead, focus on the other person's eyes when they are talking. Focus on them when you realize they are sharing something with you. Thank them when say supportive or complimentary things, as this shows that you heard them. Show up with a gift of an item they recently mentioned wanting to have. Listen to your spouse. Going along with paying attention is listening well. Active listening means that you wait until the other person is done talking and then give feedback—not necessarily trying to solve the problem. Share what they are saying by offering a story of an experience you had that was similar. Make eye contact when they talk, or ask them to make eye contact with you when you talk. Recognize things that are new about your spouse. If you have been married for a long time, chances are that both of you have changed over the years, especially if you have children. Take some time to get to know them again. Ask them questions about their likes and dislikes. If they aren't sure of what they like anymore, offer to take them somewhere like a restaurant to help them figure it out. Make an effort to provide the things that you discover they like in gifts, at home, or on outings. Be kind. Be intentional about being kind to each other. This may mean that you take stock of your interactions by recording them and playing them to back listen to how much you bicker. You can do things like making lists of what annoys you about each person and then write down how you usually respond. Determine to respond differently each time the other person does these 10 things. You can also be kind by serving the other person, such as cooking for them, assisting them with a project, or surprising them with things you know they like. Choose not to be rude, critical, or other negative things. Ask for what you need. If you change your behavior without informing your spouse, you may find yourself full of expectations of change without the other person knowing why you are disappointed. Tell them your determination to change your marriage, and ask them for what you need as a husband or wife. If you normally ignore your desires in an effort to put others first, try reversing this habit and expressing what you want before others do. Act like you are starting to date for the first time. In effort to get to know your spouse if you have been together for a long time, you could try pretending like you're in a new relationship. Start going on dates and asking basic questions. You might be surprised to learn that their favorite color has changed or that their favorite food hasn't been spaghetti for years now. If you still have kids that need a babysitter, don't be afraid to hire one. You may want to set up a weekly dating routine so that you are sure to date your spouse in the midst of a busy life. Do new things together. As part of your new dating plan, try new things. Go places you and your spouse have never been, especially a place one of you has always wanted to go. Try new activities in your town, or trips to other cities or countries. Creating new rituals with a romantic basis can cultivate feelings of love. You can use the strategy of doing new things to surprise your spouse with something they've always wanted to do. Reminisce together. Think about the time when you were dating, when you didn't have any criticisms of each other and accepted each other unconditionally. Talk about your first date, your favorite dates, how pretty your wedding was, and think about all the times you held hands and did fun things together. Connecting your memories with how you felt can help you feel those emotions again. Do things together you haven’t for a long time. When you were remembering the early days of your relationship, you might have thought about things you used to do together but stopped because life got busy. Re-create your first date, or meet with friends you haven't seen together in a long time. Doing things that you used to do when you felt strong emotion for your spouse can remind you what it felt like and help you feel it again. Write down things that make you angry. You may have lost love for your spouse because of something they did that made you deeply angry. They only way to resume loving your spouse after feeling such anger is to forgive them. Start by writing down the thing(s) they have done that make you angry. This might be something big, like an affair or betrayal, or a bunch of small things, like ignoring you, lying to you, etc. Writing them down helps you to see your thoughts and organize them so that you don't have to think about them anymore. Write down hurts that you have. The same things that make you angry probably have also hurt you, but you can get hurt without getting angry. Write another list with all the things you can think of that your spouse has done (or not done) that has hurt your feelings. You can tell it is something that has hurt you if it creates an emotional response when you think of it. Again, these things might be big, like cheating on you, or they can be a bunch of small things, like forgetting an anniversary, not helping you around the house, etc. Extend forgiveness. Now that you have your lists, it is time to let go of your anger, hurt, and pain by extending forgiveness to your spouse. This is usually an ongoing process (and can involve many tears), so you may want to enlist the help of a trusted loved one or counselor/therapist to help you through your list. There can be a lot of reasons why you have a hard time forgiving, and studying them can help you let go of anger. Ask your spouse to write down the same things for you. Chances are that your spouse has a lot of negativity built up towards you, just as you have towards them. Ask your spouse to write down the things you have done to hurt and anger them. You don't have to ask them to forgive you at this point, just have them look at the things in your marriage that are causing them harm. Ask for forgiveness. Repent to your spouse for the things on their list, and ask them to forgive you. Repentance means that you choose to walk in the opposite direction, so you are agreeing to stop doing the things that have hurt and angered your spouse. This does not mean that you will be able to suddenly cease behaviors that you have been doing for years, and neither will your spouse. You should both have grace for each other through this process.

Stop criticizing. Look for the good. Be affectionate. Pay attention to the other person. Listen to your spouse. Recognize things that are new about your spouse. Be kind. Ask for what you need. Act like you are starting to date for the first time. Do new things together. Reminisce together. Do things together you haven’t for a long time. Write down things that make you angry. Write down hurts that you have. Extend forgiveness. Ask your spouse to write down the same things for you. Ask for forgiveness.